Chapter 366: To the Valen Family

Allan, feeling sorry for Oliver and Pablo, who had to attend court early the next day, said, “You two should head back. We’ll discuss this matter tomorrow. Win or lose, we’re family—let’s not let this cause any hard feelings.”

Pablo, burdened with guilt, sighed. “I’ll be entering the palace soon to teach the Crown Prince. I was hoping for a few quiet days before that, but instead, I keep getting caught up in these endless troubles. I feel truly ashamed.”

Allan gave a reassuring nod. “With a family this big, how could there not be the occasional conflict? It’s nothing too serious, and we’re already close to resolving it. Once William gets married, everything will settle down.”

“Him?” Pablo shot William a glare, his voice dripping with disdain. “I doubt he’ll ever amount to anything in this lifetime.”

“He’s still your son. If he turns out useless, the fault lies with you as his father. He’s not young anymore. Now that he’s preparing for marriage, he should also start looking for a proper position. He was trained in martial arts—it’s time he got some real experience in the military.”

Margaret’s face changed upon hearing this. She quickly interjected, “Father, sending him to the military might not be the best idea.”

“And why not?” Pablo’s irritation flared as he turned to her, eyes sharp.

Margaret hesitated before carefully replying, “I’m only worried that people will accuse you of favoritism.”

“Favoritism? Nonsense!” Pablo scoffed. “If he joins the military, he’ll have to start from the bottom, just like Oliver. Only with real battle achievements can he earn a promotion. Do you think Oliver was made a general the moment he enlisted?”

Margaret inwardly scoffed. That was pure luck—Oliver happened to enlist just as war broke out, and with the right people looking out for him, he secured military merit effortlessly. But now, in an era of peace, William would be stuck in endless training with no foreseeable advancement.

She knew better than to argue now. If Pablo truly insisted, she would handle it when the time came. For now, it was more important to find William another opportunity—if he kept drifting aimlessly like this, who knew when he’d finally get a chance to prove himself?

Back in their quarters, Isolde and Oliver exchanged looks, both finding the night’s events absurd.

“She really thought ruining my reputation was the best way to get back at me? How foolish,” Oliver muttered.

“Reckless,” Isolde said simply.

“It just proves she was raised poorly. I’ve seen many women in my life, but never one so utterly shameless.”

Isolde smirked. “Oh? And just how many women have you seen?”

Oliver faltered, then muttered, “Not that many. But still, if someone had done something this outrageous before, I would’ve heard about it.”

Isolde chuckled. “Well, at least all this drama led to something useful—Rosemary finally made it clear that the so-called concubinage was just a farce. Now you don’t have to be bothered by it anymore.”

“That’s true.” Oliver, satisfied, pulled his wife into his arms and fell asleep.

The Next Morning

The couple rose early. Oliver left for court, while Isolde dressed carefully, stepping out with Hattie and Hazel just as the sun peeked over the horizon.

At the Valen estate, Jonathan was also preparing for court. His wife, having woken early, knew Isolde would be visiting today and had the servants prepare a lavish breakfast.

Just as the meal was ready, a servant came in to announce, “Madam, Lady Isolde has arrived.”

“Invite her in,” Rosemary said before turning to another maid. “Has Sadie woken up?”

“Yes, Madam, she’s in the apothecary.”

“Tell her to come. Let her check Isolde’s pulse while she’s here.”

“Yes, Madam.” The maid hurried off.

Isolde was led into the side hall, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the sumptuous breakfast spread. She grinned. “You’re too good to me. You knew I’d come on an empty stomach, so you prepared all this?”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” Rosemary snorted. “I’d be eating the same amount whether you were here or not.”

Isolde laughed. “Then I should come over every morning to steal a meal.”

“Please don’t—I can’t afford to host you daily.” Rosemary gave her a sidelong glance. “Let me guess—you wouldn’t come this early for anything serious. You’re here to watch the show, aren’t you?”

Isolde sipped her coffee, unfazed. “How’s she doing? Still being stubborn?”

“No idea. She was sent over last night and placed in the guest quarters. I haven’t spoken to her yet,” Rosemary said coolly. Then, waving over a servant, she ordered, “Go ask Cristina—does she still insist on being Oliver’s concubine?”

The servant bowed. “Yes, Madam.”

Isolde raised an eyebrow but didn’t ask further, content to sip her coffee.

A moment later, Sadie entered. Isolde immediately stood, beaming. “Greetings to my future sister-in-law.”

Sadie, unfazed, even seemed pleased. “You’re here early. Have a seat.”

Isolde couldn’t help but think Sadie had an impressively thick skin.

“Mother, did Father take it?” Sadie asked.

“He did. Would he dare refuse after you personally gave the order?” Rosemary replied.

Isolde smiled. “You’re thoughtful—Clark is lucky to have you.”

“I made too much. Do you want some?”

“Of course.” Isolde didn’t hesitate. “You’re so considerate of me, I’m truly flattered.”

Sadie shot her a look. “I’m not thinking of you. I’m thinking of Clark. If you go back and see what he has, he’d definitely give it all to you. He’s too generous, and he dotes on you. I had to prepare extra just to make sure he gets his share.”

Isolde burst into laughter. “So I owe it all to Clark.”

Sadie pulled out a wrist cushion. “Put your hand here.”

Obediently, Isolde placed her wrist on the cushion, watching Sadie as she examined her pulse.

Sadie always had an air of quiet grace. At least when she was being Sadie. As she concentrated, her long lashes cast delicate shadows over her face. She was exactly the type Clark would like—gentle, composed, with an almost ethereal beauty.

No wonder Clark blushed every time he saw her.

After a moment, Sadie withdrew her hand. “You’ve got a bit of internal heat. I’ll prescribe some herbal medicine—boil and drink it for three days.”

“In this cold weather? I thought I was perfectly calm,” Isolde joked.

“You’re far from calm.” Sadie finished writing the prescription and glanced at her. “Something’s bothering you. What’s on your mind?”

“Nothing at all. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been,” Isolde replied. She hesitated, then admitted, “Maybe it’s because I’m too happy. I can’t shake the feeling that fate won’t allow it. That something bad is bound to happen.”

“Ugh. You’re impossible,” Rosemary scoffed.

Sadie, however, was thoughtful. “It’s not uncommon. When someone who has suffered greatly finally finds happiness, they become afraid of losing it. Hard times leave no space for doubt—you can only fight to survive. But the moment you have something to lose, fear creeps in.”

Isolde shivered slightly. Something to lose. That thought alone was terrifying.