Chapter 305: Morning Court

Ashley slowly straightened her back, watching Oliver walk away. Compared to the title of consort, those people would have been more useful to her. What a pity.

She stepped outside, walking gracefully, as if already a noble consort in the palace. Her steps were steady, her demeanor regal. Combined with her naturally dignified and elegant features, she commanded respect. The servants of Marquis Eldermere’s estate were awestruck, quickly stepping forward to pay their respects.

Ashley looked down at the servants with a commanding gaze. For the first time, she felt the honor of being the King’s consort. A smile spread across her lips. It was a good start; at least, she had taken the first step.

Standing by the lake in the cold wind, she wondered what her next step should be. After entering the palace, the King would undoubtedly question the source of the letters and why she hadn't submitted them earlier. Perhaps she could use this to her advantage, subtly implying that Isolde was untrustworthy—the reason she had refrained from handing the letters over. She could explain that, after spending time at Marquis Eldermere’s estate, she had secretly observed Oliver and found him reliable. This would help Oliver rise in rank and build a foundation for future teamwork. She always believed Oliver possessed great ambition; a man with ambition would never settle for an ordinary life. He should strive for more.

However, she frowned slightly. The decree appointing her consort was issued at night; people outside likely hadn't heard the news yet. If, during the morning court session, the King hadn't ordered an investigation into those individuals, and officials jointly proposed her elevation to consort, it would arouse the King's suspicion. There was no remaining strategy to employ. After much deliberation, her unease gradually faded. The rebellious officials would probably be jailed before dawn tomorrow.

Oliver climbed over the wall to find Isolde. Finding the nanny absent, he quietly slipped into her room. Isolde was highly alert. Sensing an intruder, she lashed out with her whip. Oliver caught it in his iron grip and whispered, “It’s me!”

Isolde took a closer look and frowned. “Why are you sneaking around like this?”

Oliver replied, “Just a few words, then I’ll leave. I don’t want to alarm anyone.”

Isolde chuckled. “You worry too much about the nanny.”

“It’s not about worrying,” Oliver said. “It’s tradition. We should follow it. It’s our first time getting married, so we might as well listen to the elders.”

“Then why are you still here?” Isolde scolded jokingly.

“Shh, keep your voice down!” Oliver pulled her to sit beside him. “I came to tell you something. The King has issued a decree, promoting Ashley to consort. However, neither the King nor the Queen Mother plans to punish those people.”

“They’re not going to punish them?” Isolde asked in surprise. “Why not?”

“It’s complicated…” Oliver relayed the Queen Mother’s words, adding, “But she gave two reasons for sparing them. The second reason was for me.”

“For you?” Isolde was even more surprised. “What connection do you have with these traitors? Besides, you were the one who gathered the evidence and presented it to the King. If the Queen Mother neither executes them nor removes them from their positions, won’t they resent you?”

“That’s exactly what I can’t figure out. The Queen Mother told me to stay in the Imperial Study after court tomorrow. I suppose I’ll find out then.”

Isolde nodded. “Alright, I’ll be visiting my maternal grandparents’ home tomorrow. After you leave the palace, come find me there; no need for all this sneaking around.” Isolde knew Oliver was only being cautious because he worried about the nanny’s gossip. To him, the nanny represented palace etiquette and strict traditions.

Oliver smiled in embarrassment. “Alright!”

Isolde watched him. His eyes were clear and strikingly beautiful. She had seen countless beauties, yet none could compare to his eyes. They were perfectly shaped, reflecting the light in a way that revealed brief flashes of emotion. It felt as if his very soul resided in them. The faint scent of sage lingered around him, shifting with his movements. As the candlelight flickered, his eyes shimmered like stars. Isolde found herself momentarily lost in his gaze. Oliver was also looking at her.

After some time of proper care, her skin had become much fairer compared to when she had just returned from Zloimond. But it wasn’t a dull or sickly pale; her skin was smooth, healthy, and full of life. When she opened her eyes wide, her eyebrows would lift slightly, making her look lively and strong.

The two looked at each other, both secretly counting the days left until their wedding. They both laughed.

“Isolde, I’ve never looked forward to something this much in my life,” Oliver said softly.

“Me too!” Isolde replied softly.

They both laughed again, their smiles filled with happiness and sweetness. Oliver left reluctantly. Though palace affairs tomorrow would be unpredictable, there was still something to look forward to. He and Isolde had agreed to meet at Sharp’s estate.

The next morning, court officials entered the hall one by one for the imperial meeting. Outside the hall, the sky was clear, without a single cloud. Under the sunlight, the grand palace shimmered in golden splendor.

However, the King did not attend court today. Instead, the Queen Dowager arrived. Seated on the imperial throne, the Queen Dowager looked down at the bowing officials and said, “You may all rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” the ministers replied as they stood in order.

The Queen Dowager continued, “The King is unwell today. As his mother, I am concerned for his health, so I have come to preside over today’s court session on his behalf.”

Hearing her words, the officials felt a chill in their hearts. Whenever the Queen Dowager referred to herself in this manner, she was invoking her authority as the former queen of the late King—the very woman who had once ruled the court in his stead.

“Proceed with your reports!”

After discussing the major affairs of the court, Deangelo, Grand Master to the Crown Prince, stepped forward. “Your Majesty, I have a matter to present!”

The Queen Mother looked at him. “Mr. Nicholson, please speak.”

Deangelo spoke firmly, “Your Majesty, our Eryndral Empire values tradition and respect. Our ancestors taught us to rule with kindness and loyalty. Since His Majesty became King, he has been fair in rewards and punishments, kind to the people, and respectful to the Queen Dowager, following the old ways. Now, Ashley, the granddaughter of the well-known scholar Finnian Charlie from Zloimond, has personally killed the traitor King Kamari. His Majesty has already rewarded her by making her a concubine. However, I believe this title is insufficient. It is said that a good ruler treats the people like a loyal child treats their parents. If His Majesty wants to win the trust of the people and his ministers, he must reward great achievements properly. Killing a rebel king is no less important than the victories of Grand Marshal Isolde or Great Marshal Oliver. Also, Ashley’s grandfather is respected in Zloimond, and giving her a higher title would help strengthen Zloimond’s loyalty to the empire. Therefore, I ask that Ashley be promoted to imperial consort, to show the generosity and honor of the royal family!”

For a matter like this, the other ministers had no objections. Whether Ashley was a concubine or an imperial consort was simply an issue of the inner palace. However, bringing it up in morning court felt like interfering in the King’s personal affairs. Because of this, the other ministers remained silent.

Seamus stepped forward and said, “I think Mr. Nicholson is right!”

“I agree!” declared the Marshal.

“I agree!” echoed other officials.

One after another, eight or nine officials stepped forward, leaving the other ministers shocked. Something unusual was happening today. Matters of the King’s household typically required only one person to bring them up. However, with so many officials stepping forward, it was clear they were pressuring the Queen Mother to grant Ashley the title of consort.