Chapter 455: Thus It Was

Lost in his memories, August was overcome with melancholy when Isolde posed her question. He continued, “Later, my wife learned of this matter and caused a scene in her quarters. At the time, my wife had borne no children despite taking medicine for years with no success. Seeing Penny pregnant, she assumed the child was mine and declared she would allow the child to be born, but only the child, not the mother. After two days of consideration, Penny decided to entrust the child to us.”

“I was unwilling to reveal to my wife that I was not Arthur’s father, for even now, I do not know who his true father is. Outsiders assumed I was, at least sparing the boy the stigma of illegitimacy. As you know, a bastard of unknown origin has no future. His parentage would be his greatest shame. Thus, it had to remain hidden. After giving birth, Penny handed the child to us and no longer lived on the estate. She found somewhere to stay, and every year, she would send word for me to bring Arthur to see her until he turned five.”

“When did Arthur learn of his true origins?” Isolde asked.

“A few days ago. Cristina, while under house arrest, sneaked back, thinking she could beg her brother to intervene as before. When she realized he could do nothing, she spewed venomous words. It is my failure in raising her that led to her willful nature. Selfish to the core, when thwarted, she revealed the truth.”

“At that time, Arthur knew his mother was not his birth mother, but he did not yet know I was not his father. I expected him to confront me, but since learning of this, he has not uttered a single question. As for the term ‘prostitute,’ that is how my wife always referred to Penny. He likely assumes his mother was one and thus cannot bring himself to ask.”

“A mother’s sacrifice knows no bounds. Even if she were a prostitute, he should not turn his back on his own mother,” Isolde said disapprovingly.

“He is a scholar…” August instinctively defended him.

“A scholar should understand filial piety above all. A son does not scorn his mother’s flaws. Yet he, after all his studies, has learned nothing?”

After this rebuke, she regretted speaking so harshly to August. After all, he had helped Penny. Yet she wondered that he had only been Penny’s teacher. Why would he sacrifice his reputation for her? From his words, it seemed he harbored some affection for her.

August seemed to sense her doubt. “I was once promoted through Mr. Gardner’s recommendation, and I did… develop feelings for Penny. That is why I acted thus. But I have always maintained propriety, never overstepping.”

“I believe you,” Isolde said. “Thank you for helping her.”

His tone softened. “Since you honor Penny as your elder, regarding Arthur… I know you have influence with the Queen Mother. Might you speak on his behalf?”

“There is bad blood between us. It would be improper for me to plead for him,” Isolde replied. “But he is talented, and the Royal Court needs capable men. It would be a waste to let him languish. I am sure others will advocate for him.”

August relaxed slightly. “Then I leave it in your hands.”

Chapter 455: Thus It Was

After parting ways, Isolde obediently returned to the estate to await Penny. Yet even as night fell, Penny never came. Isolde grew anxious. Penny told August she would seek me out. Why hasn’t she? Does she assume I am at the Langley estate?

After some thought, and with Oliver still absent, she hurried to the Langley estate. The steward there said no one had come asking for her. She waited half an hour, then, fearing Penny might have gone to the Valen estate, left Hattie behind and returned. By the time Oliver came home, there was still no sign of Penny.

Noticing her unease, he asked why. Isolde only said she had seen Penny in Argentum and was waiting for her visit. She did not mention the matter of Arthur. That was Penny’s private affair, not hers to disclose without permission.

Seeing her distress, Oliver sent men to search the major inns. None had record of her stay, though the city guards recalled someone matching her description leaving the gates.

Isolde panicked. “She left? She came to Argentum but won’t see me?”

Oliver reassured her, “Don’t fret. She may have unfinished business and return in a few days.”

“Fine. If she avoids me, she must have her reasons.” A heavy disappointment settled in her heart. It had been over two years since she last saw Penny. She missed Penny dearly.

Isolde barely slept that night, drifting off near dawn. She dreamed Hattie rushed in, announcing Penny’s arrival. When she fully woke, it was past 9 A.M. Oliver had already left.

As she dressed, Esme advised, “You barely slept. If you long to see her, visit Windermount once your affairs are settled.”

Isolde nodded. “That was always the plan.”

“Will you go out today?” Esme asked.

“Yes, to the shop.” She studied her weary reflection in the mirror. Today, she was to meet Arthur.

“Go early and return soon. Rest afterward.”

“Alright. I’m off!” She skipped breakfast, calling for Hattie, who followed with a bread in hand.

On the way, Hattie asked, “Do you think Arthur will come?”

“Yes.”

“So certain?”

“He is like a lone boat adrift, his life hollow, his heart unmoored. Though he resents seeing me, he will come. Because, for better or worse, I am someone he can speak to.”

Chapter 455: Thus It Was

She was right. At Everfort Granary, Collin informed her, “He’s here. He arrived early. I seated him in the rear courtyard to wait.”

“Good. Hattie, go eat and come back later.”

“Gladly! One bread wasn’t enough.” With that, she left.

Isolde entered the courtyard. Arthur sat in a black robe, a cup of coffee in hand, his gaze distant. His entire demeanor was muted. She had rarely seen him in such somber colors. When they first met, he was a dashing young baron, clad in embroidered silks, a gold-and-jade belt at his waist, adorned with exquisite pendants. This was a first.

Noticing her scrutiny, he looked up coldly. “What are you staring at?”

She stepped forward, tone mild. “You dressed like this. I almost didn’t recognize you. A man your age shouldn’t wear such gloom.”

His face darkened, eyes sharpening. “Should I don a green turban instead to suit your expectations?”

In the Eryndral Empire, any man whose family members worked in brothels was required to wear either a blue or green headscarf and tie a red sash around his waist. Even when walking, they had to keep to the sides of official roads, never occupying the center path.