Chapter 432: Who Goes to the Snake Den

Isolde stared at Ruben in surprise. “How did you know that?”

Penny had a son, but she never talked about it. Isolde had heard it from other nannies.

Ruben quietly gazed at the bowl of ravioli, then slowly picked up one piece. He didn’t eat more, just one, and then fell into long silence. Pushing the ravioli aside, Ruben looked at Isolde, his eyes dark. “Tell me more about this Penny.”

Isolde said, “I don’t know much about Penny’s past. When I was sent to Belleview Manor, it was Penny and her son who brought me there. I was raised by several nannies, but I was closest to Penny and Estella. Penny doesn’t talk much and is strict with me. When I was younger, I didn’t like her much because she always scolded me with a stern face. But as I grew older, I understood her intentions, and I miss them both.”

“Didn’t she ever marry? Has she always been at the manor?” Ruben asked.

“She’s always been at the manor, still is, actually. I’ve heard she has a son, but she never mentions it. One time, I found baby clothes and toys in her closet. When I asked her, she said they were for her niece’s child. She seemed upset when I asked.”

Isolde searched her memory for any hints about Penny’s child but found nothing—after all, no one ever talked about it. She couldn’t help but wonder. Was Ruben her lover? Was the child his? Had he abandoned her?

Carefully, she asked, “How did you meet Penny?”

Ruben glanced at her coldly. “Why were you sent to the manor? Aren’t you the legitimate daughter of the Langley family? Why would your mother let you go?”

“My mother died when I was born,” Isolde replied softly.

Ruben paused for a moment, then seemed to recall something. “I’ve heard about this. Your mother died, but your father was still alive. Why would he send you to the manor?”

Isolde answered nonchalantly, “My father didn’t want to be reminded of her, so he sent me away.”

“You’re the reminder,” Ruben said harshly, but there was an underlying sadness in his voice. A newborn child sent so far away, without parents by her side—how pitiful. No wonder she cared so much about her grandmother.

Ruben continued, “Did Penny ever talk about her past? Did she ever say why she didn’t marry that good-for-nothing from the Langley family?”

“I don’t know. She never talks about herself,” Isolde replied honestly.

Ruben pressed further, “Where is Belleview Manor?”

“Windermount,” Isolde replied cautiously. “Are you planning to find Penny in Windermount?”

Ruben turned his head slightly. “I… I have no face to see her.”

Isolde stayed silent but thought to herself. He must have feelings for Penny. Whether the child was his or not, there was clearly some connection.

After a moment, she said, “If you let me go into the snake den, I’ll speak well of you to Penny.”

“Who needs you to speak well? I never intended to see her, and I’ll never see her again,” Ruben said coldly.

Isolde was at a loss. “Then let me go to the snake den.”

“If you want to die, I can’t stop you,” Ruben sneered. “Call your husband in. You both can go together.”

“He didn’t come up the mountain,” Isolde replied quickly. “I’ll go alone.”

If it was dangerous to capture the Crimson Serpent, she couldn’t risk Oliver’s life.

Just as she finished speaking, she heard footsteps approaching. Turning, she saw Oliver surrounded by a mass of snakes. He looked a bit disheveled, as the snakes were starting to pile up around his legs.

Isolde stood up, concerned. “How did you get up here?”

Oliver moved past the snakes and quickly looked at Ruben. “I couldn’t leave you alone, so I followed you.”

Ruben snorted, “You think following me will keep her safe? Oliver, the only reason I didn’t kill you last time was out of respect for the work you’ve done for the empire.”

Oliver gave a small bow. “Thank you for sparing my life. I heard you say we could go into the snake den. Thank you for that as well.”

Ruben sneered, “No need to thank me. I’ve already agreed, but don’t expect me to help. Your lives are in your own hands.”

Isolde sighed with relief. “Thank you, senior.”

Ruben looked at her. “What are you thanking me for? You might both end up dead in that snake den tonight. Thank me when you get out alive.”

Isolde, who had spent some time with him, realized he wasn’t as heartless as people claimed. He was actually quite warm-hearted, though something had clearly happened in his past. He lived alone on Venton Mount and seemed to have a deep grudge against men.

“Follow the snakes; they’ll take you to the den,” Ruben said, then whistled sharply. The sound had a strange, almost eerie quality to it.

The snakes began to retreat in large numbers, and Oliver took Isolde’s hand, following them out.

Ruben shouted, “Wait.”

Isolde whipped around and glared at him. “What? Are you going to back out?”

Ruben threw a glowing pearl from his sleeve. “It’s dark outside. How are you going to find your way?”

Oliver caught the pearl and looked at Ruben with gratitude. “Thank you.”

Ruben waved his hand impatiently. “Go. Go already.”

Isolde gave him one last look. “I don’t know what happened between you and Penny, but I know you’re a good man. When I return to Windermount, I’ll tell Penny the truth.”

“No need,” Ruben replied.

“Please,” Isolde added. “If I don’t make it back, please go to Windermount and tell Penny. Tell her I promised to take care of her in her old age, but I couldn’t fulfill that promise. If there’s a next life, I’ll repay her kindness.”

Ruben raised an eyebrow. “Kindness?”

“She treated me like a daughter,” Isolde said, turning to the cave.

With the pearl lighting the way, they walked hand in hand, the path ahead lined with a sea of snakes. It was a chilling sight.

After about 15 minutes of walking, the snakes stopped. They paused for a moment before slithering off in different directions.

Ahead of them was an icy expanse. Isolde couldn’t see the snake den. But Oliver, knowing the path, motioned for Isolde to step back, then with one punch shattered the ice. The ground caved in with a loud crash, revealing a large pit around three yards wide.

Isolde held the pearl close, her heart racing as the cold from the pit seeped up, sending a chill through her body.

This was it. The snake den.

The pit was teeming with all sorts of poisonous snakes, none of which had gone into hibernation. The snakes piled up, their heads visible, flicking their tongues. The venomous eyes glared, more terrifying than the ones Isolde had seen at the Bourbon family’s estate. The air stank of death. Isolde struggled to breathe, the scent almost making her gag.

Oliver glanced at her. “Stay here and watch. I’ll go in.”

Isolde immediately protested. “No, I’ll go.”

Oliver gripped her arm firmly. “You’re not in charge here. I’m going in. Stay here and watch. Once I bring the Crimson Serpent out, you’re to pin its head down. Don’t let it bite you.”

Isolde nodded, but fear gnawed at her as she watched him descend into the depths of the serpent’s lair.