Chapter 417: The People Have Arrived

No one could sleep after that. Clark and Isolde exchanged information from their dreams. Aside from the shared vision of the jujube tree, everything else was different. Clark mentioned that he first saw his father riding a horse, followed by his mother combing her hair. Then, they both saw themselves under the jujube tree. Regardless of the details, the fact that they both dreamt of their parents under the same tree seemed to convey a clear message to them.

The next day, Isolde secretly sent Anthony back to Argentum to consult a fortune teller about finding a suitable burial spot, keeping this from Natasha. Garrett would need to take Natasha away for a couple of days during the burial; after all, Natasha couldn't travel far and certainly wouldn't make it to the gravesite.

As for the Langley family, the previous night's meeting concluded with an agreement: if Isolde sold the land for one million, they could manage to raise that amount. Lawson thought one million was fair, considering Prunella had paid 2.6 million for it years ago. Selling to family members would allow Isolde to show filial respect.

Before the authorities and Riley arrived, Danny came to invite Isolde and the others to discuss matters. Isolde, Oliver, and Clark went, but Isolde was again refused entry to the church; the discussion was to take place in the courtyard.

The wind picked up, followed by a light drizzle, making the air feel cold. Although chairs had been set up, no umbrellas were provided. However, they were seated under the porch, protected from the rain. Seeing this, Isolde coldly remarked, “If you want to talk, then everyone should come out here. Why should we stand in the rain while you stay inside?”

“Lawson is elderly and cannot stand the rain,” Jaime replied.

“If that’s the case, then there’s no need to talk,” Oliver said coolly, pulling Isolde away.

“Wait,” Lawson raised his hand to stop them, standing and instructing those around him, “Move the chairs outside.”

“Lawson, it’s cold, and getting wet isn’t ideal,” Jaime said, concerned.

“It doesn’t matter. Let’s handle the business first,” Lawson said indifferently, walking out with his pipe.

Jaime reluctantly had the chairs moved outside. Lawson sat down and looked at Oliver and Isolde. “Please, have a seat.”

The rest of the family slowly gathered around, including Vance and Gage. The cold weather made them huddle together for warmth. Lawson motioned for Gage to speak.

Gage stepped forward and looked at Isolde. “We’ve discussed it, and since you want to sell the land, we’ll buy it for one million.”

Isolde didn’t hesitate, saying firmly, “Ten million. Not a penny less.”

“It was a barren plot, yes, but it’s not anymore. Now everyone knows it’s a treasure. With a First-Rank Duke and a Marquise in the family, I could sell it for a hundred million if I wanted to. Do you believe me?”

“You’re selling the Langley family’s ancestral land. Isn’t that equivalent to selling our ancestors’ graves? This is an outrageous betrayal! For a hundred million, you’d sell out your own family’s legacy! Do you have no shame? We shouldn’t even be offering you this one million, but out of respect for family ties, we’re willing to give you that,” Gage sneered, his voice full of scorn.

Isolde smiled coldly. “My father’s gone. What shame is there left? It’s you who are disrespecting him. The Langley family’s ancestral graves no longer matter to you, so why should I feel guilty about it? If you really think this land isn’t worth ten million, fine, I’ll find another buyer.”

“Thirty million. I’ll buy it.”

A loud voice rang out from the church entrance, and a man dressed in a fox fur coat strode in. He was small but sharp-eyed, flanked by two servants.

Gage immediately recognized him and hurriedly bowed. “Ah, Skylar, you’re here. Please, don’t make things more complicated. It’s all my niece’s mistake.”

The newcomer was Skylar Pitts, a wealthy merchant in Zrork City. Gage had worked with him a few times and considered them to be on friendly terms.

Skylar didn’t acknowledge him but walked straight up to Oliver, bowing. “Oliver, I heard you were in Zrork City and wanted to visit, but I didn’t want to disturb you while you were handling family matters. After you invited me last night, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to come.”

Skylar was one of the prominent figures Oliver had invited for today’s meeting.

Oliver quickly returned the bow. “Skylar, you’re too kind. Thank you for coming all the way here today.”

Skylar, ever the straightforward man, smiled warmly. “No need to thank me. We’ve all heard about the Langley family’s recent events. We didn’t want to interfere because it’s your family matter, but now that you’ve called us to discuss it, let’s have a proper talk.”

He then stepped forward to greet Isolde. “Your Highness, I bow before you.”

Isolde returned the bow and said, “Mr. Pitts, no need for formalities.”

The way she addressed him as “Mr. Pitts” made Skylar feel much more at ease.

After Skylar’s arrival, more merchants and two elderly scholars followed, both from Zrork City’s academy, where they taught moral philosophy and classical texts. The Langley family seemed especially eager about their arrival, knowing the scholars would never approve of selling the ancestral grave.

Next, Zrork City’s governor, Hassan Compton, arrived. It was his first time meddling in a matter like this, but given the significance of the people involved—the Princess of Filial Devotion, the Duke of Blackmoor, and a general—he was careful and respectful.

Lastly, Riley arrived, invited personally by Hattie and Hazel, along with two imperial soldiers.

Skylar, ever the direct person, looked around. “What? We’re discussing things out here in this wind and drizzle? Isn’t it cold?”

“Well, that’s strange. Isn’t Isolde part of the Langley family? Can’t women enter the Langley family church? I didn’t see any signs saying otherwise,” Skylar remarked.

Lawson, seeing how many people were standing outside in the rain, realized it was inappropriate. He said, “You’re right. This isn’t presentable. Let’s move to a side room.”

The church had side rooms, and one of them, often used for banquets after weddings, was furnished with tables and chairs.