Chapter 398: Insatiable Ambition
Ashley stood up, smoothing her expression before bowing respectfully to the Queen Mother. Just now, as I was listening, I heard Your Majesty refute the Queen Grandmother’s argument by bringing up how you once took control of the court. In principle, that’s not wrong. However, I believe decisions should be made according to the times. Back then, when the late King passed away, the Prince Regent was unfortunate, and His Majesty had only just ascended the throne. The court was unstable, the royal family vast yet divided, and enemies lurked in the shadows. Under such circumstances, Your Majesty stepping forward to stabilize the situation was both the best and the only option. I can only imagine the struggles and resistance you must have faced.
“But today, things are different. The marquisate has always passed from father to son, never to a daughter. Geoffrey has no biological son, but Clark was formally adopted—he mourned Geoffrey as a son, donned mourning garb, and even accompanied his remains back home. Since he fulfilled the duties of a son, he should also inherit the rights of one. Even if Clark were not an option, there are still other male heirs within the Langley family who could rightfully inherit the title. But if the marquisate were passed to the princess instead, the rest of the Langley clan would certainly object. If things spiral out of control, the consequences could be difficult to contain.”
“Difficult to contain?” The King’s brow furrowed. “If I issue an imperial decree, who would dare challenge it?”
Ashley pressed forward. “Your Majesty, open rebellion may not occur, but unrest is inevitable. While the marquisate belonged to Geoffrey, to the family, it represents their collective honor. They may not dare defy you openly, but Geoffrey had brothers, cousins—men who followed his lead. And now, you ask them to pledge allegiance to a niece? They will never accept it. Even if they do not voice their discontent, they could make things difficult for Isolde in secret. What is meant as Your Majesty’s favor may, in the end, become her greatest burden.”
In truth, Ashley had simply rephrased Catherine’s earlier argument. She hadn’t anticipated the King would ask for her opinion, so she had no prior understanding of the matter. Forced to improvise, she merely reiterated what she had heard.
The King fell into deep thought for a moment before nodding. “You make a valid point. I have made my decision.”
Ashley exhaled in relief, a sense of triumph swelling in her chest. She hadn’t expected her words to carry such weight with the King. That was truly beyond her wildest expectations. Her eyes flickered to Isolde, who kept her head lowered, silent and seemingly dissatisfied. Ashley’s satisfaction only grew.
But Catherine was far less pleased. She cast a disapproving glance at Ashley and said coolly, “What you said wasn’t wrong, but even if His Majesty asked for your opinion, you should have known better than to speak so freely.”
Ashley assumed Catherine was simply displeased that she had stolen credit for her argument. After all, the reasoning she presented had originally come from Catherine herself. Not wanting to offend her, Ashley quickly adopted a humble tone. “Forgive me, Your Majesty. I merely found your words so reasonable that I dared to elaborate upon them.”
The Queen Mother spoke slowly. “Since the King has decided, let this matter rest. Ashley, Isolde—you may leave.”
Ashley rose and bowed. “Yes, I take my leave.” She was confident that after her display today, the King would undoubtedly summon her tonight. She needed to return early to prepare. Isolde also stood and curtsied. “Your Majesty, I take my leave.”
Once the two of them had left, Thelma remarked indifferently, “Let her wait.”
The King smirked. “I was thinking the same.”
Catherine blinked in surprise. She had assumed that Ashley’s display of obedience would win her the King’s favor. Confused, she asked, “Why?”
“She just entered the palace, and she’s already speaking so much. Do you think that’s a good sign?” the King countered.
Catherine scoffed. “Exactly! I found her completely lacking in decorum. Did she really think the King was sincerely asking for her opinion? She rattled on endlessly, and it was nothing but a rehash of my words—about the family having other male heirs, that a daughter shouldn’t inherit. That was all me.”
The King chuckled. “Mother, that Duke title must go to Isolde.”
Catherine looked at him in shock. “Why? I thought you said the court opposed it?”
The King turned to Thelma, his eyes twinkling. “I said we’d discuss it later. And now, well, who else but you to make the case?”
Catherine let out a short laugh. “So you came here today just to set Thelma up?”
The King sighed. “Mother, the court is in desperate need of talent. If someone is truly capable, does it matter whether they are male or female? Isolde is capable—more than capable. In three to five years, she and Oliver will be crucial in safeguarding my empire. I must plan ahead. Many of our esteemed generals—Pablo, Jonathan, Harrison—are getting older. Even Garrett is no longer the man he used to be. While he still holds power and influence, now is the time to bolster Oliver and Isolde’s standing. Otherwise, the military will continue to stagnate. The older generals have become too cautious, too afraid of risk. Just look at how they handled the Zloimond campaign—they have their positions and reputations to protect and fear the backlash of failure. A general who is afraid to take risks is as good as a soldier who has lost an arm. I need fresh blood, warriors unafraid to act.”
Thelma gave a slight nod, a glimmer of approval in her expression. Catherine, though not entirely grasping the depth of his reasoning, still nodded in agreement. “If this is what the King has decided, I will support you.”
Meanwhile, outside, Ashley and Isolde walked together in silence. Ashley, leading the way, suddenly paused and turned back to look at Isolde.
Ashley chuckled. “Then I must apologize. I didn’t realize you cared so much about the Duke title. I assumed, given that you’re already the Princess of Filial Devotion, you wouldn’t be greedy for more.” Her tone grew lighter, but her words were barbed. “You know, people should learn to be content. Once greed takes hold, it only leads to disaster. My advice? Be satisfied with what you have. The insatiable heart devours itself.”