Chapter 353: Back to the Manor

“Ninthy?” Garrett raised an eyebrow at Reed. “Oliver is your brother-in-law. How does that make him ‘Ninthy’?”

The older cousins exchanged glances and smirked silently. Isolde felt her eyelid twitch—this could only mean trouble. She glanced at Oliver, who was focused on his drink, as if trying hard to hide something. Narrowing her eyes, she wondered what exactly these men had been talking about all afternoon while drinking and chatting.

“Yeah, why Ninthy?” Natasha asked curiously.

Alex chuckled. “Grandmother, we were just talking with Oliver about his family, and it turns out that among his kin, he ranks ninth. So we started calling him Ninthy.”

“Oh, is that so? Well, why not? It’s not like we call anyone in this family by their actual names anyway.”

Oliver lowered his head even further. Poor Natasha and her innocent logic—he was truly sorry.

The lively dinner continued with laughter, drinks, and merriment. Afterward, it was time to head to the Governor’s Manor; this was the final stop of their homecoming visit. Stuffed from the feast, the couple climbed into the carriage, both feeling like they might burst.

“God, I really hope the Master didn’t prepare another banquet,” Isolde groaned.

“Even if he did, I’m not eating,” Oliver declared. He had devoured several lamb chops and two bowls of lamb soup—he was beyond full.

Isolde suddenly remembered the earlier conversation and draped an arm over Oliver’s shoulder. “So, Ninthy, you sure had a lot to drink tonight.”

Oliver shot her a glare. “What ‘Ninthy’? That’s nonsense.”

“Right? What ‘Ninthy’ indeed? I wouldn’t know. Why don’t you enlighten me?”

“Didn’t I already explain? I’m the ninth in my family,” Oliver said.

“Oh, is that so? Well, that makes sense. Because if we were talking about last night’s events, the most you’d qualify for is ‘Eighthy,’ not ‘Ninthy’,” Isolde quipped coolly.

Oliver’s face darkened. “What kind of nonsense is that? How could this title have anything to do with last night? And if we’re being precise, eight times is eight times. I wouldn’t exaggerate it to nine.”

Isolde didn’t believe a word. Ninth in line? Douglas only had one son—Oliver. And Douglas was the Valois family’s eldest son, meaning everyone else in the hierarchy was younger than Oliver. Even if the ranking were true, Oliver would be ‘Master Oliver,’ not ‘Ninthy’!

Watching his self-righteous expression, Isolde sneered. “Fine. Tomorrow, I’ll ask Alex myself. Let’s see what Ninthy really means.”

Chapter 359: Back to the Manor

“Why not? Can’t I ask about family rankings?” she countered.

Oliver hesitated before muttering, “What’s there to ask…”

“You just married me, and you’re already lying? Of course, I’m going to ask.”

Oliver looked increasingly distressed. After a long pause, he admitted, “I didn’t mean to hide it! They cornered me for half an hour, badgering me until I finally gave in! There were plenty of topics to discuss, yet somehow, they were obsessed with the wedding night! I don’t get it either.”

Isolde burst into laughter. “Even so, you shouldn’t have told them!”

“Next time, I’m not talking to them,” Oliver grumbled. He was still sulking—how could five men gang up on one? And to pry into his private affairs, no less! Outrageous.

Looking at him now, Isolde realized that back when they weren’t close, she had assumed he was cold and unapproachable, indifferent to everyone. He was always proper, following every etiquette despite being ostracized and mocked.

But now, she understood—he wasn’t cold; he just didn’t know how to interact with people. Well then, as someone with a wealth of social experience, she’d have to teach him properly.

Upon arriving at the Governor’s Manor, Isolde let out a relieved sigh. The moment they stepped inside, she dragged Oliver straight to the heated reclining couch in the warm chamber and collapsed onto it. “Doug, I’m stuffed. No late-night snacks tonight.”

“You still want to eat?” Doug puffed on his pipe as he entered, glancing at them sideways. “Sit up straight—where’s your ladylike composure?”

Oliver straightened and bowed. “Doug.”

Doug nodded. “Sit.”

Oliver remained at ease in Doug’s presence, utterly unrestrained. Isolde sat cross-legged, eyeing Doug’s pipe. “Since when did you start smoking?”

“Testing it for the Queen Mother. It’s a new blend—strong stuff.”

“The Queen Mother smokes pipes?” Isolde gaped.

“Mm.” Doug exhaled a plume of smoke. “Big habit of hers.”

“Doug, you must know her well. Tell me about her,” Isolde urged.

“Bold of you. Who gave you permission to pry into her affairs?” Doug shot her a look. “If you don’t learn to keep your mouth shut, you’ll bring trouble upon yourself.”

“I know things about her too. Why don’t you ask me?” Oliver interjected.

“You? And how much do you know?” Isolde challenged.

“A lot. What do you want to know? I’ll tell you later.”

Chapter 353: Back to the Manor

“Good.” Isolde leaned back lazily. “Ugh, I’m exhausted.”

Doug frowned. “Did you have Sadie check your pulse?”

“I’m fine.” Isolde propped her head up with a hand.

Doug turned to Oliver. “Take her to the Bourbon family tomorrow. Have Sadie examine her.”

“Got it.”

“We’re going out tomorrow,” Isolde sat up, eyes gleaming. “Doug, why don’t you come with us?”

“What for?” Doug asked.

“We just want to bring you along. Old folks shouldn’t be cooped up at home all the time.”

Doug rolled his eyes. “Old? Me? And cooped up? I’m barely in Argentum as it is.”

“You should travel less and start training some successors,” Isolde advised.

“I already trained Oliver. Then you went and snatched him away.”

Oliver, catching the shift in topic, asked, “What’s your plan for Camren?”

“Still investigating. I’ll act when there’s solid evidence,” Doug replied.

“Want me to—”

Doug cut him off. “Aren’t you supposed to take her out tomorrow? Leave it to Blade.”

Isolde, lying on the couch, listened to them discuss official matters. Drowsiness crept up on her, and soon, she drifted off to sleep. By the time she woke up, she was in a moving carriage, nestled in Oliver’s arms.

“Are we back at the manor?”

“You’re awake? Not yet. Go back to sleep,” Oliver murmured.

“I can’t—I still need to see Heidi.”

“It’s past the hour of the Boar,” Oliver said. “She’s probably already asleep.”

Isolde blinked. “That late? Did I sleep that long? Heidi summoned me last night, and I didn’t go. Do you think she’ll be upset?”

“She won’t,” Oliver assured her gently. “And even if she is, who cares? Now sleep—I’ll wake you when we arrive.”

Isolde, lulled by the warmth of his embrace and the gentle rocking of the carriage, closed her eyes once more and dozed off.

At the Valen Manor, Heidi sat at her dressing table. The hour of the Boar had just passed. Allan was still in the study.

“Lady Heidi, isn’t Lady Isolde acting a little too high and mighty? She ignored the summons last night, and now she’s not coming tonight either,” her maid, Liana, grumbled as she helped remove Heidi’s jewelry.

Heidi’s expression remained indifferent. “It’s nothing new. Don’t dwell on it.”

“But, Lady Heidi, you are of higher status. She’s just the younger generation—how can she treat you so lightly? I’d say she’s still holding a grudge from yesterday. She probably thinks you were trying to make things difficult for her.”