Chapter 299 Further Cooperation

When Isolde left the palace, Oliver was waiting outside. Seeing her emerge, he glanced around to ensure no one was watching, then pulled her into his carriage.

“Why so sneaky?” Isolde asked, puzzled.

“We’re not married yet. If people see us together, they’ll gossip about you,” Oliver said, sighing.

“Are you afraid of gossip?” Isolde asked.

“Not for myself, but I don’t want people talking about you,” Oliver replied, taking her hand and rubbing it gently. “Are you cold?”

Isolde smiled warmly. “No, I’m not cold.” In truth, your hand is colder, especially the metallic one.

Oliver looked at her face, now free of worry. Her eyes were clear, as if she had finally resolved something. He couldn’t help but ask, “What did the Queen Mother say to you?”

“She told me everything I wanted to know,” Isolde said, leaning her head on his shoulder. They had a life-and-death bond, and now, it finally felt real. Before, even with their approaching wedding, she had always felt a sense of unreality. How could such a man belong to her? Previously, no matter how much the King rewarded her—whether as a County Princess, a Princess, or even a Marshal—she always doubted herself. But now, understanding what she needed to do and why she had been chosen, she realized it wasn’t because of her beauty but because of her abilities. Since the Queen Mother had affirmed her capabilities, what reason did she have to belittle herself?

Seeing her happy smile, Oliver, though still curious, felt relieved.

“Alright, get out of the carriage and go back. Esme is waiting outside. If we take too long, she’ll start overthinking,” Oliver said, gently urging her to leave.

Isolde lifted the curtain and saw Esme standing nervously outside. She got out of the carriage, and Esme quickly pulled her into their own.

“There’s no need to be so nervous. We were just talking,” Isolde said with a laugh.

“The palace is full of important people. We don’t want anyone seeing you and spreading rumors,” Esme replied.

“Since when did you become so cautious?” Isolde asked as she settled into the carriage. “I remember when you first came to me, you were so decisive and bold.”

Esme gave her a gentle look. “It’s because I care more now.”

Isolde was taken aback, looking at her soft expression.

“You’re such a fool,” Esme said with a laugh.

Isolde hugged her arm, using her laughter to hide the emotions stirring in her heart. “I’ll listen to you, Esme.” Caring—the word sounded so sweet.

After Oliver returned to the Valen residence, he sent for Ashley. Ashley had known he would compromise. She understood people’s hearts. No matter how aloof Oliver appeared, he was like everyone else. How could he not think about his future? His aloofness was just a facade. This was an era of power and ambition. Oliver could become a great hero if he seized the opportunity. And she could definitely help him.

She tucked the items she had prepared into her sleeve and smiled coldly. “Oliver, how could I let you off so easily?”

Ashley entered the Ningser Pavilion. Without Isolde here, everything felt so much better.

“Mr. Valois,” Ashley curtsied, greeting him with humility.

Oliver looked at her with a faint smile. “An imperial concubine bowing to me? That’s too much.” Though he said this, he didn’t return the gesture.

Ashley smiled. “I have a request for you, so it’s only right to show respect. As for being a concubine… isn’t that thanks to your favor?”

Oliver shook his head. “No need for formalities. Let’s get straight to the point.”

“Alright,” Ashley sat down. The table was empty. “Where’s the iron box?”

“Why the rush? Let’s discuss the terms first. What exactly do you want me to do?” Oliver asked.

Oliver’s caution reassured Ashley.

She said, “My demands are simple. After you open the lock, go to the King and arrange for me to enter the palace earlier. How you do it, what you say, is up to you. But don’t damage my reputation.”

“That’s it?” Oliver looked at her.

Ashley met his gaze and smiled. “Anything more, and you might not be able to do it. Once I’m in the palace, whether I live or die is my fate. It will have nothing to do with you.”

Oliver thought for a moment, then said, “If that’s the case, I agree. But you can’t ask about the contents of the iron box.”

“Understood. I won’t take credit for you!” Ashley smiled meaningfully.

Oliver glanced outside and said, “Follow me. The box is kept in a secret place. We can’t let outsiders see it.”

Ashley stood up. “Alright.”

Oliver led her into the bedroom. Since he was only staying temporarily, the room was simply furnished. He walked to the south wall, where a landscape painting hung. Oliver removed the painting and used a dagger to hook something on the wall, revealing a hidden mechanism. He pulled a wire, and a compartment opened in the wall. Reaching inside, he pulled out the iron box.

Ashley’s eyes flickered. This was the box. She had seen Kamari put the contents inside. It contained letters exchanged between him and the conspiring ministers. She had read them all.

The box was completely black. It was made of mystic iron and was shockingly thick. Even a mystic iron sword could not cut it open. The lock was specially designed, with hidden latches. He had to find the latches first to open it, and it didn’t use a key. The lock itself was just a decoy to divert attention.

Oliver placed the box on the table and pushed it toward Ashley.

Ashley looked at him and said, “This box isn’t easy to open. Even the person who made it would need at least half an hour.”

“That’s fine. I’ll stay here with you for as long as it takes,” Oliver said, his eyes fixed on her.

“Alright. I’ll need a dagger, oil, a thick wire, an ordinary key—any key will do—and a lump of clay,” Ashley said.

“Got it,” Oliver picked up the box and walked out, instructing Hazel to fetch the items Ashley had requested.

When Oliver returned, Ashley smiled faintly. “Afraid I’ll steal it? This lock isn’t easy to open. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have had to compromise with me.”

Oliver replied, “It’s better to be cautious.”

“In your eyes, I’m a despicable person, aren’t I? If you don’t trust me, why bother collaborating?” Ashley said coldly.

“Collaboration is based on mutual benefit, not trust.”

Ashley smirked. “If you care about your future, you should know better than to offend me. I went from being a traitor in Zloimond to a palace concubine. That shows my capabilities.”

Oliver remained silent, simply holding the box and sitting to the side. Ashley looked at his handsome features. Even just sitting there quietly, he exuded an air of nobility, with a hint of kingly demeanor. Her heart stirred, and she slowly stood up. She pulled out her hairpin, her skirt fluttering as she walked over.

Her appearance was upright and dignified, but when her long hair fell, it added to her charm. Her eyes were filled with flirtation. She stepped closer to Oliver, leaning forward and placing her hands on the armrests of his chair. Her hair, scented with rose petals, fell around them, its fragrance overpowering the sage fragrance on Oliver. She smiled coyly. “Mr. Valois, our collaboration could go even further…