Chapter 298: Art of Shrinking Bones

Isolde finally understood. The mention of the nation and the world referred to the Battle of Blackmere.

In the Battle of Blackmere, the Eryndral Empire suffered a crushing defeat, losing nearly 100,000 soldiers. Forced to negotiate peace, the Empire ceded ten states to the Thalvinar. William, arrogant and ambitious, had ignored Isolde's advice, and his overconfidence led him to leave her behind—she was pregnant and unfit for battle. The devastating defeat cast a dark shadow over the land. After the army's return to Argentum, the King, instead of imprisoning anyone, ordered an investigation into the defeat, which eventually led to Isolde being accused of treason. But that was five years later. Would she even live to see that day?

Queen Mother, sensing Isolde's understanding, said, “You and Oliver need to achieve great deeds. Do you understand?”

Isolde nodded. “Understood!”

She and Oliver needed to accomplish great things, to earn everyone's trust, so that five years later, they could lead the army.

“You are destined for great things,” the Queen Mother continued. “Trivial matters of the inner chambers shouldn't hold you back. Be decisive. I will support you, but your actions must be above reproach. Don't give anyone reason to criticize you. I can protect you, but any blemish on your reputation will be a stumbling block for a general. Even the smallest flaw, exploited by someone with ill intentions, can become a major obstacle.”

Isolde felt a surge of passion and determination. “I… understand!”

Queen Mother nodded, her expression remaining stern. “Keep these words to yourself. Don't breathe a word to the King. Last time, when you requested to go to Zloimond, your words were inappropriate, and the King became suspicious. I trust the King, but there are things he shouldn't know. It could affect his judgment and his ability to implement national policies.”

“I know!” Isolde said.

Queen Mother continued, “It's hard to conquer a kingdom, but harder still to maintain it. Especially in the game of great powers, one wrong step can lead to national destruction. Sometimes, we must resort to certain methods. Don't question too much. There are many things you won't understand, and even if you do, you must still do what needs to be done. Remember the painful lessons of the past. You must not let the people of the Eryndral Empire suffer such panic and tragedy again. I promised the late King that I would protect every inch of this land, and I will not break that promise, no matter the cost. So, if you make a mistake and ruin my plans, I will not spare you.”

Isolde felt a chill. “I understand.”

Queen Mother’s expression softened slightly. “Earlier, having you come to my private chambers in front of all those noblewomen was to boost your authority. I hope it will reduce some of the trouble for you. You, my dear, have good ancestral luck, but your fate is not favorable. You easily attract petty people and trouble. But it’s precisely such people who are destined for great things.”

Isolde, deeply shocked, tried to hide it. She only asked about Oliver.

“As for Oliver, the Grand King will guide him. In your past life, he wasn't supposed to die, but he sacrificed himself to save you. That's why you have this fate in this life. A life-and-death bond is not something to be taken lightly. Don't doubt each other, no matter what happens. Do you understand?”

“Yes, I will remember!” Isolde nodded.

“One more thing. The reason you two were able to come back to life is that you borrowed the fortune and blessings of the Eryndral Empire. If the Eryndral Empire thrives, you will thrive. So, protecting the Eryndral Empire is protecting your own lives. You must dedicate your entire lives to this task.”

“Yes!” Even if it weren't tied to their fate, as a general, she would still do her utmost to protect the nation.

Queen Mother was very satisfied. “Alright, you may go.”

Isolde stood, curtsied, and left.

After Isolde left, Rosemary emerged from behind a screen.

“That was quite the mix of kindness and authority. You really had the little girl convinced,” Rosemary said with a smile.

“Wasn't it the truth? I expended a great deal of effort to bring them back to life.”

“But you didn’t borrow any of the Eryndral Empire’s fortune. Saying that their lives depend on the Eryndral Empire’s prosperity is quite nonsense,” Rosemary said, sitting where Isolde had been.

Queen Mother looked at her. “Rosemary, didn't you see how disastrous the Battle of Blackmere was? Do you want to see it happen again?”

Rosemary shuddered. “Of course not. It was truly tragic!”

“Isolde is truly capable—loyal and brave. Her fate with Oliver is written in the stars. But how did things go so wrong in their past life? I still can’t figure it out. Fortunately, there was an opportunity to set things right and start over. Otherwise, I would have no face to meet the late King. This is our only chance. If we miss it, the outcome is set. So, you must keep a close eye on them. Don't let anything go wrong between them.”

“I understand,” Rosemary replied. She looked at Queen Mother. “Managing a nation has really worn you out. It seems governing a country is no easy task.”

“Is there anything in this world that’s easy? The King is already wise, but the other nations are strong and ambitious. The Eryndral Empire’s recent prosperity hasn’t gone unnoticed. Everyone wants a piece of it. And with the Eryndral Empire’s central location, conquering it would make it easier to pursue even greater ambitions.”

“But isn’t it too risky to place all our hopes on Isolde?” Rosemary worried.

“There’s also Oliver,” Queen Mother reminded her. “Behind Isolde are Garrett and Geoffrey. Behind Oliver is Pablo. Pablo and Harrison both trained under Garrett. By uniting these two, we bring together the strength of these families. This force is not to be underestimated.”

Rosemary nodded in admiration. “That’s a brilliant plan.”

“Of course,” Queen Mother said with pride.

Rosemary stood, then turned back. “Wait, if you’ve already arranged everything so well, what are you going to do? The Grand King brought you back from Mystic Mountain to oversee things. Now that you’ve handed everything over to the two of them, what about you?”

Queen Mother leisurely pulled a thin blanket over her legs, leaned back, and closed her eyes. “You may leave now. I’m tired.”

“Tired of what? Your illness is fake. You’re just using it as an excuse to be lazy,” Rosemary said.

“I’ve talked too much. My mouth is tired.”

Rosemary snorted. “You’re just lazy. You’ve been getting lazier these past few years.”

Queen Mother, seemingly out of nowhere, produced a rope and tossed it on the ground. The rope was scarred and ugly, but the moment Rosemary saw it, she backed away. “Alright, I was wrong. You rest!”

“Elisa!” Queen Mother called.

Aveline remained in the palace for a while longer before leaving. As she exited the hall, she saw Rosemary tied to a locust tree. She smiled and said, “Practicing the art of shrinking bones again?”

“Of course. What else would I be doing?” Rosemary replied, her expression displeased.

“Practicing several times a month. You’re truly diligent!” Aveline took Theodric’s hand and smiled. “Don’t learn from Rosemary, understand? You must be careful with your words in front of Grandmother.”

“I understand!” Theodric said timidly, glancing at the bound Rosemary. How pitiful.