Chapter 438: The Best Course of Action
Pablo wore a heavy expression, and Allan seemed displeased as well. It seemed that father and son had clashed verbally earlier. Isolde and Oliver exchanged a glance. Pablo was always respectful and dutiful; how could he have clashed with Allan?
As Oliver pondered how to approach the situation, Isolde sweetly took out two delicate wooden boxes from her sleeve and handed them over, saying, “This one is for Grandfather, and this one is for Father. It’s just a small token from Isolde to honor both of you.”
Oliver was taken aback. She had prepared gifts?
Allan opened his box to find a translucent jade pendant inside, intricately carved with a pine tree. The craftsmanship was exquisite. Allan’s face lit up with delight. As a scholar, he had a deep appreciation for fine crafts. The value of the jade was one thing, but the carving was far superior to anything even the finest palace craftsmen could produce.
“A wonderful gift, truly wonderful,” Allan said, repeatedly admiring the pendant.
Pablo also opened his box, revealing a finger ring. It wasn’t made of jade or gold, and it had no engraving. It was an adjustable ring, loosely fitted with an opening that could tighten or loosen at will.
“What is this?” Pablo asked, intrigued.
Isolde smiled as she took out a dagger and carefully placed the ring against the blade. With a swift motion, the ring’s edge was nicked, revealing a hidden feature.
Pablo’s eyes widened with excitement. “It’s so sturdy! It’s not made of mystic iron, is it? What material is this?”
Isolde shook her head. “I don’t know. I just happened upon it and thought it would make a good gift for you.”
With a smile, Isolde slid the ring onto her thumb and adjusted the mechanism. Suddenly, a long, thin needle shot out from the ring.
Pablo’s eyes sparkled with approval. “This is a fine piece of work. As a warrior, one can never have enough protection, especially on the battlefield. If a weapon is lost, this ring could very well save a life.”
The two men exchanged a glance, both smiling slightly. Any prior tension between them seemed to vanish.
Isolde hadn’t forgotten Heidi. She turned and said, “Heidi, I haven’t forgotten your gift. I’ll bring it to you shortly.”
Heidi smiled and said, “Thank you, Isolde.”
Oliver, seeing the atmosphere finally settle, seized the moment to ask, “Grandfather, Father, what were you discussing earlier?”
“Yes,” Pablo inquired, “Doug must have told you about the border town incident in Fragoland. What’s your opinion on it?”
Oliver replied, “I don’t believe it was bandits. It’s more likely a test by Thalvinar.”
Allan waved his hand dismissively. “You warriors always make mountains out of molehills. Thalvinar wouldn’t dare attack now. The Eryndral Empire and Thalviar signed a peace treaty. Provoking one another would only harm both countries and escalate the conflict.”
Pablo, with a serious expression, said, “Father, this is no small matter. I’ve analyzed it thoroughly. Bandits wouldn’t dare act so boldly with an army stationed nearby. They wouldn’t risk causing a massacre.”
“So, are you suggesting that with an army nearby, Thalvinar wouldn’t dare attack the village?” Allan countered.
“Thalvinar is cunning. They could easily pose as bandits to stir up chaos in Sinmour City. It’s entirely possible.”
“Even if they are clever, they wouldn’t have the gall. Peace is a fragile thing, son,” Allan replied.
It seemed father and son had clashed due to differing political opinions.
Oliver spoke up, “The information we have is still limited. We’ll have to wait for the scouts to return. Arguing now won’t help.”
Allan, irritated, replied, “Your father has decided that tomorrow, at court, he’ll report to His Majesty and send someone to investigate Thalvinar.”
“Father,” Isolde said, glancing at Pablo, “I think it’s unwise to send someone deep into Thalvinar. It’s too dangerous. Also, without military contact, we won’t uncover much. Instead of investigating Thalvinar, it’s better to send soldiers to look into the bandits nearby. If they’re the ones responsible, there will surely be traces left behind. If it turns out it wasn’t the bandits, then we can focus on Thalvinar. After all, killing over a hundred people in a single attack, they wouldn’t dare strike again so soon.”
Allan took a moment to think it over, then nodded. “Isolde’s right. We should investigate domestically first. Such a large-scale massacre would leave evidence.”
Pablo agreed as well, saying, “Let’s proceed as Isolde suggests.”
At that moment, a servant entered with wine. Isolde turned to see Heidi lost in thought, and asked, “Heidi, are you alright?”
Heidi quickly snapped out of it, smiling faintly. “I’m fine, just a little tired, feeling a bit out of sorts.”
She stood up to take the wine and sent the servant away. Isolde guessed that it was because Agnes had been making life difficult for her, which caused her to appear so distracted. But she didn’t mention it; instead, she took the wine and poured it for Allan and Pablo.
Allan asked, “Is everything settled with your father’s affairs?”
“Everything’s taken care of. He was laid to rest at Montlins Manor. My mother always loved that place, so I’m sure they are both happy to rest there,” Isolde replied.
Allan sighed softly. “Your father was a man of deep emotion and loyalty. He spent his early years in battle, but in the end, it was love that weighed on him. Still, he contributed greatly to the Eryndral Empire. Now, reunited with your mother, I suppose it’s as close to a perfect end as he could have had.”
Isolde’s heart swelled. “Yes.”
Oliver quietly took her hand. She looked up at him, her heart warmed by his concern. With a soft smile, she whispered, “I’m alright.”
Pablo looked at her with affection. “Don’t be sad. Though your father is gone, there are still many who love you. The Valen family will always be your home.”
“Thank you, Father,” Isolde said, feeling deeply grateful.
The couple stayed with Allan until late into the evening drinking and talking. By ten o’clock, they headed back to Ningser Pavilion.
Oliver said, “Harrison has faced a lot of criticism since returning to Argentum. Tomorrow, I’ll speak on his behalf at court.”
Isolde nodded. “That’s right. The military should stand united at a time like this.”
As they were talking, Hattie and Hazel came back, both shivering from the cold. Their faces were weathered from the freezing wind. They walked in, rubbing their hands together and saying, “We’re starving. Anthony didn’t even offer us any food.”
Noelle immediately jumped up. “Oh my goodness, I’ll go make something right now.”
She pulled Britney along as they rushed out.
Isolde poured hot coffee for Hattie and Hazel. “Warm up first.”
The two women sipped their coffee, drinking slowly, and after a few sips, they started to feel some warmth.
Hattie said, “Anthony said everything’s taken care of. The government fined the Langley family. Those who needed punishment got their stripes. Lawson is no longer the family head. Micah’s taken over. Anthony gave him money, but Micah refused. However, his grandsons are coming back to Argentum with him. Anthony said they’ll be placed in the military for some experience.”
“That’s good news,” Isolde said.
“Anthony also mentioned that even though Geoffrey isn’t buried in the ancestral grave, a tombstone has been placed there in his honor. He’ll bring Geoffrey’s clothes back to Zrork City tomorrow.”
“It’s their gesture, it’s fine,” Isolde sighed, relieved. “This is the best way to handle it.”