Chapter 452: A Glimpse of Penny?

Oliver asked, “What’s going on? What’s on Deer Mountain?”

Isolde pushed aside the map. “I tested Heidi’s reaction tonight. When I mentioned Deer Mountain, she seemed tense. I suspect the spies’ base is there. But according to you, the valley is covered in ash, which makes my theory nearly impossible.”

“Could she be deliberately misleading you?” Oliver said.

“No. She isn’t wary of me yet.”

Oliver studied her sketch, pointing to a path on the right. “You’ve never been there. How did you know about this route?”

Isolde pulled out another map and spread it before him. “Deer Mountain borders Woodcutter Mountain. This map details Woodcutter Mountain’s terrain. There’s a lake between the two, and the path here skirts the shore. The area has no steep cliffs or elevation changes, so I assumed a trail must lead to Deer Mountain. But I didn’t expect the valley to be barren…”

“No, no,” Oliver interrupted. “The upper half of Deer Mountain is ash-covered and lifeless, too exposed for concealment. But the junction with Woodcutter Mountain has a depression, perfect for hiding. The lake nearby ensures sustainability. Most importantly, the valley’s unsuitability for hunting means villagers avoid it. They’d only circle Woodcutter Mountain’s lake. Who’d expect people in Deer Mountain?”

His expression darkened. “If true, Isolde, you may have alerted them.”

Isolde smiled faintly. “No, I’m luring them out. Whether they’re in Deer Mountain or Woodcutter Mountain, their hideout is well-hidden. Searching with even a large force would be futile. But if they panic and relocate, we only need to stake out key exits. We’ll catch them.”

Oliver’s eyes gleamed with admiration. “Isolde, you’re a treasure. How does your mind work so fast?”

“Big head, big brain!” She stuck out her tongue, mocking herself.

“Your head’s just right. Perfect face, perfect everything.” His gaze trailed downward, igniting a spark in his eyes.

Isolde coughed, glancing away. People are watching. Noelle and Britney stifled giggles.

Oliver cleared his throat. “Well. Back to business. I’ll assign men to surveil the area.”

Isolde nodded. “I’ll visit Arthur tomorrow.”

“About Heidi?”

“Agnes didn’t tell me everything, and she doesn’t know Heidi’s motives. But Arthur does.”

“Even if he knows, he won’t talk,” Oliver said.

Isolde smirked. “Carrot and stick. I’ll pry his mouth open.”

“Good. We’ll split up.”

21:18 Thu, 22 May

Chapter 452: A Glimpse of Penny?

“Sleep!”

And so it was decided.

The Valen family was in chaos over William’s wedding. Though not a grand affair, as the heir, his wedding drew attention. Margaret, unwilling to compromise on propriety, arranged for the most exclusive banquet—hiring Argentum’s most renowned and expensive restaurant chefs to cater the event.

Thus, no one noticed Isolde’s daily comings and goings.

She left early, first inspecting her shops, then heading to Everfort Granary. Everfort Granary primarily specialized in grain trade, but its reputation soared after the Zloimond campaign, achieving meteoric growth.

“You’re not just here to visit, are you?” Collin joined her for coffee during a break.

Isolde smiled. “Can’t I drop by?”

“With your schedule? Unlikely.”

She laughed. “True. Got any free hands? Send someone to Baron Felton’s estate with food and a message. Tell him to meet me here at dusk.”

“Why not simply visit his estate if you wish to see him?” Collin asked.

“He’s being watched. Instruct him to come alone, without telling anyone. Just say he’s out for a stroll.”

“Understood. I’ll have someone deliver it!” Collin didn’t press further. With Everfort Granary’s constant stream of visitors, Arthur Langley settling accounts at the grain shop raised no suspicions.

Collin took two steps before suddenly stopping and turning to Isolde. “Has Penny returned to Argentum?”

Isolde shook her head. “No, why do you ask?”

Collin smiled faintly. “Then I must have been mistaken.”

“Mistaken? What do you mean?” Isolde pressed.

“Yesterday at the docks while arranging shipments with the canal guild,” Collin explained, “I spotted someone who looked just like her from afar. But after concluding my business, she’d disappeared. The boatmen said she’d arrived from Windermount.”

Isolde stiffened. “From Windermount? And the resemblance was strong?”

“Yes.”

Though Isolde had considered inviting Penny back to Argentum, Esme’s remarks about her potential reluctance had made her postpone the matter until after the current busy period, planning instead to visit Windermount later to gauge her interest.

“Could she truly have returned?” Isolde murmured.

Collin hesitated. “Likely just a case of mistaken identity. Had she returned, she’d surely have sought you out. Since she hasn’t, I must have been wrong.”

21:18 Thu, 22 May

Chapter 452: A Glimpse of Penny?

Isolde nodded. Penny would certainly have contacted her if she’d come back.

Rising abruptly, she said, “I’ll take my leave now and return this evening.”

“Very well. Safe travels.”

Outside Everfort Granary, Hazel inquired, “It’s nearly lunchtime. Shall we return to the estate?”

Isolde waved dismissively. “The household is in complete chaos. We’ll dine out today.”

Hazel brightened. “Excellent! There’s a new Café opened by southerners in Argentum renowned for its exquisite dim sum. Shall we try it?”

“Okay!”

Seated by the Café window, Isolde addressed Hazel and Hattie. “Regarding your investigation into Heidi’s children, have you made progress?”

“Some leads remain,” Hazel replied. “We’ve requested the magistracy to verify certain details before presenting our full findings.”

“Give me the preliminary report,” Isolde said.

“Heidi originated from Torstel,” Hazel began. “Before marrying Allah, she was widowed for a decade, raising two children alone. Her son operates an art dealership in Argentum, while her daughter married Mr. Robinson, the garrison of Bumblewick.”

“What specifically requires verification?” Isolde questioned.

Hattie interjected, “When tailing them, we noticed their accents didn’t match Torstel dialects. Suspecting fabricated identities, we’ve engaged trusted magistrates to examine household registries.”

“And her late husband’s occupation?”

“A modest merchant, comfortable but not wealthy. Heidi sustained herself through widowhood on their savings.”

Isolde nodded thoughtfully. “Superficially, nothing appears suspicious.”

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