Chapter 348: Open Your Mind

The maid hesitated. “Then what should be done?”

Margaret let out a tired sigh. “What else can be done? Do you expect me to go to her estate and teach her how to behave? I’ve said everything that needed to be said. If she refuses to learn, then her fate is her own doing.”

She rubbed her temples before lifting her head slightly, her eyes flashing with a cold glint. “But if she really does get sent back in disgrace, the Felton family won’t have an easy time either.”

“Don’t worry,” the maid reassured her. “The Langley family wouldn’t dare.”

Margaret gave a cold smile. “The Langley family might not dare—but the Felton family is another matter.”

The maid poured her some coffee and offered a few words of comfort. The matter was left to rest for now.

Meanwhile, word of the commotion had already reached Ashley. She listened with a thoughtful expression. “Arthur… I truly want to meet him.”

Back at the Valen estate, despite the household’s turmoil, the newlyweds remained blissfully unbothered. Both being warriors, Oliver and Isolde found the barracks to be the most natural place for them. After visiting the injured Zloimond soldiers, they distributed wedding sweets and even used Isolde’s private funds to arrange a special meal for the troops. Only after a hearty feast did they return home.

By the time they reached the estate, night had already fallen. Since they had informed the household they wouldn’t be dining at home, no one had waited for them.

As soon as they stepped into Ningser Pavilion, one of Heidi’s maids arrived. “Lady Isolde, Lady Heidi requests your presence.”

Isolde nodded. “Understood. Tell her I need to freshen up first—I’ll come after I bathe.”

“Yes, my lady.” The maid bowed and departed.

Esme personally poured a cup of coffee and said, “I wonder what Lady Heidi wants.”

Isolde handed the coffee to Oliver first. He lifted the cup and brought it to her lips. She took a few quick sips before pushing it toward him. “Your turn.”

Then, she turned to Esme. “It’s probably about her misunderstanding me earlier.”

“Heidi is actually quite reasonable. I had expected her to be difficult to get along with,” Hattie remarked as she entered, carrying hot water for Oliver and Isolde to wash their faces before bathing.

“She does seem fair-minded.” Isolde recalled Heidi’s actions earlier. It was clear she truly cared about the Valen family’s reputation. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have called Isolde aside in private.

In her past life, Isolde hadn’t interacted much with Heidi, so she didn’t know her temperament well. She turned to Oliver. “How has she treated you in the past?”

“She’s… never been particularly kind toward me. But every time I come home, she ensures I receive a share of any gifts given out.”

“That’s fair, at least.”

“Allan is fair, so she follows his lead,” Oliver said simply.

“As long as she doesn’t cause trouble, that’s already a blessing,” Isolde mused.

Oliver watched her. “You’ve had a long day.”

“Long, but wonderful,” Isolde smiled.

“For me too,” Oliver said.

Esme chuckled. “We’re still here, you know. Save the sweet words for when you’re alone at night.”

“Can’t we celebrate a little?” Isolde grinned at her. “Are you happy too, Esme?”

“Of course. I’ve been hoping for this marriage to go smoothly since the engagement. I was so worried something would go wrong. Now that it’s done, I feel like a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”

“I feel the same!” Hattie chimed in from the side.

Isolde adjusted her expression, wanting to say something heartfelt, but Esme gave her a playful glare. “Enough with the sentimental talk. Go bathe and rest early. Tomorrow is your return visit to your natal families—three households in one day, plenty of trouble ahead.”

Isolde stuck out her tongue and looked at Oliver. Oliver responded with a soft smile, his gaze full of warmth.

After a long soak in the hot bath, the chill of the night melted away. The firewalls radiated warmth, and a small chimney vent released gentle heat into the room, making it comfortably cozy.

Noelle entered with a jug of warmed wine. “Esme said you must be exhausted from the military visit. A bit of warm wine will help you relax and sleep better.”

“Perfect. Noelle, you may all retire for the night. No need to stand watch.” Isolde waved her off.

“Yes, my lady. I’ll just finish preparing the bed.” Noelle turned down the sheets, only to find a small pouch tucked among them. Opening it, she caught a metallic, iron-tinged scent.

“Lady Isolde, what is this? Does it need to be kept?”

Isolde glanced over and immediately recognized it—it was the blood pouch Sadie had given her. She quickly said, “No, it’s useless now. Get rid of it—don’t let anyone else see it.”

“What is it?” Oliver asked, looking over. “Let me see.”

Noelle handed it to him. He took a sniff and frowned. “It’s blood. Whose?”

His expression darkened. “Whose blood is this?”

“Not mine, obviously,” Isolde said with a teasing smile.

“Then whose? And why was there a pouch of blood in our bed?” Oliver’s voice was edged with confusion.

Isolde waved Noelle off. “Take it outside and bury it.”

“Understood, my lady.” Noelle took the pouch and left.

Oliver’s sharp gaze locked onto Isolde. “If it’s not yours, then whose is it?”

Isolde leaned in, whispering playfully in his ear, “Sadie gave it to me. She thought our wedding night would be… unsuccessful. She was afraid the housemaids would inspect the bedding for signs of consummation and wanted me to have a backup.”

Oliver’s eyes narrowed. “She doubted me that much?”

Isolde, still drying her hair, laughed. “Of course. Who would dare underestimate you? By the way, how’s your waist? Still sore? Will you be able to… stand tonight? Or do you need me to take the lead?”

Before she could finish, she was suddenly swept into his arms and tossed onto the soft bed. In the next instant, his silhouette loomed over her, his lips brushing against her ear as he murmured, “With an enemy this brazen, how could I not rise to the occasion?”

Isolde shrank back, surrendering with a smile. “We have to face three families tomorrow. Let’s make it quick tonight.”

“Apologies, but ‘quick’ is outside my expertise. Tonight is perfect for a long battle,” Oliver teased.

Isolde stifled her laughter and caught his hand. “Fine, I surrender. But first, let’s drink. Esme and Noelle went through the trouble of preparing the wine—surely we shouldn’t waste their efforts. Besides, from last night until now, we haven’t had a proper conversation.”

Oliver sat up and pulled her along, holding her close. “You’re right. Last night, I planned to stay sober so we could talk, but… well, that didn’t happen. I have so many things I’ve wanted to say to you.”

Isolde smirked internally. What deep thoughts could this usually silent man possibly have?

Still, seeing the earnest light in his eyes, she decided to humor him. “Alright, I want to hear your heart.”