Chapter 83: Invitation

Hattie and Hazel appeared weak, but were in fact very strong. Hattie was antisocial and slow-moving; she could go months without speaking. Hazel, on the other hand, was impatient and wanted to finish all her tasks immediately. Both were disciples of Master Orson’s junior, and, strictly speaking, Isolde’s juniors as well.

Isolde now had more servants. Noelle, Helena, and Britney handled chores, while Hattie and Hazel served as Isolde’s bodyguards. Since Michelle’s divorce and return to the estate, she had avoided Isolde. However, that night, Michelle arrived with her maidservant.

The weather was hot. After dinner, Isolde remained in the courtyard to cool down. Hattie and Hazel sat on the stone bench behind her; Hazel held a fan, Hattie a handkerchief. They didn’t react when they saw Michelle; they didn’t even stand to greet her.

The courtyard held a few lanterns; the lighting wasn’t bright, but sufficient for everyone to observe each other. Isolde noticed the gentle smile on Michelle’s face; her eyes gleamed.

Michelle sat before Isolde and asked casually, “Have you eaten?”

“Yes. How about you?” Isolde replied, her expression unreadable.

“I just dined with Father,” Michelle sighed softly. “Father has aged considerably. I’m a bad daughter for causing him worry. In fact, I shouldn’t have fought with you. I was wrong, and karma caught up. Regardless of whether you still resent or hate me, I propose we let bygones be bygones. What do you say?”

Isolde smiled. “If you believe we can bury the past, then we shall.”

Michelle breathed a sigh of relief. “You’ve always been sensible. I can rest assured.”

Isolde smiled faintly, her expression indifferent. Michelle then proposed, “Father’s birthday is in a few days. Mother usually attended mass at the Church of Paemis and offered prayers for him. This year, Mother is unable to go. Would you accompany me to church tomorrow?”

Isolde’s gaze darkened. She looked at Michelle warily. “Are we going alone?”

“Are you afraid I’ll harm you?” Michelle teased, smiling gently. The scar on her face, however, looked frightening. She lamented, “What’s the point of harming you? Everything I’ve lost is irretrievable. Now that you have assets in your name, I’m eager to curry favor with you.”

Isolde considered this and asked, “Can I bring more people?”

“Of course,” Michelle replied readily. “You can even bring your former bodyguard, Vincenzo, if that makes you feel more at ease.”

Michelle sighed softly. “You actually still don’t believe me. Never mind. You can stay home if you’re scared; I can go alone.”

Isolde said coldly, “Who said I’m scared? See you at the entrance tomorrow morning.”

Michelle smiled. “Alright. It’s settled then.” She stood and left.

Isolde stared at Michelle’s retreating figure, fury blazing in her eyes.

“Miss Langley, it’s a trap,” Hazel stepped forward, her voice cold.

“I know,” Isolde sneered. “I’ve been waiting for it.”

Hazel asked, “Should we ambush them at the Church of Paemis?” She was all or nothing; still or fatal.

Isolde shook her head. “No, not the Church of Paemis. We’re going to the Church of Wealdir in the west.”

Hattie asked curiously, “Why not the Church of Paemis? She just said that’s where we’re going.”

Isolde analyzed, “The Church of Paemis is always crowded; she couldn’t possibly make a move there. The Church of Wealdir, however, is remote, with steep terrain perfect for an ambush. Few devotees frequent it.”

Hattie asked, “Then why did Michelle mention the Church of Paemis?”

Isolde sneered. “To put it nicely, Michelle is clever. To put it bluntly, she’s cunning. She knows I’m still wary of her and will take extra precautions when going out with her. Therefore, she anticipated my men being stationed around the Church of Paemis since she named it as our destination.”

Hazel looked annoyed. She fanned herself vigorously, commenting, “What a cunning woman.”

Isolde sat quietly, sipping her coffee. The bitter, aromatic brew refreshed her. The blood in her body boiled, surging with hatred for Michelle.

The incriminating evidence the Southern Watch and the Inspector High Court of Parliament had against Milton was substantial. However, if Milton proved his worth, he would be spared death. Isolde was not surprised he escaped prison. Over the years, he had worked hard to build his influence. Although he wasn’t powerful enough to be an overlord, he had many backup plans. His biggest was to bring the Eryndral Empire’s military intelligence to Thalvinar and the Northern Desert. If Milton stayed in the Eryndral Empire, even if he wasn't executed, he would likely remain imprisoned for life. He had held a high position for a long time; Isolde was certain he wouldn’t accept that outcome.

Therefore, escaping prison and fleeing to another country with the intelligence he possessed was Milton’s best course of action. Before leaving, of course, he would try to eliminate Isolde, the thorn in his side. Isolde knew that if she failed to kill Milton this time, she would likely struggle to do so once he reached Thalvinar or the Northern Desert. She didn’t underestimate him; he had been building his influence in Argentum for many years, and would surely have henchmen assisting him. He would likely bring former subordinates, using blackmail to ensure their cooperation. To survive, they would follow him.

Milton was attempting to flee the country with military intelligence—treason. Even his family would be punished by death if caught. Therefore, Isolde didn't tell Oliver. Many innocent lives would be lost if Milton was charged with treason; both the Blackwell family and Milton's followers were backed by larger families. If Milton was charged, these families would also suffer tragic deaths. In fact, Isolde had always felt the punishment of extermination should be abolished. While in power, officials might not promote all family members; they might even bully mediocre relatives. However, when these officials were in trouble, their family members received the death penalty—unfairly. Now that Isolde had a second chance at life, she valued it greatly and felt everyone’s life deserved respect.

Isolde’s internal injuries weren’t fully healed, but fortunately, Oliver had sent her Consumption Pills. She took two and waited for tomorrow’s battle—the first truly life-threatening one since her time travel.

Helena knew Isolde was going to church and wanted to accompany her. Isolde said, “Helena, go to Mrs. Wood’s bread shop tomorrow and deliver something. You’re not coming with me.”

Helena was one of the servants Isolde brought from Windermount; Isolde valued her greatly. Isolde foresaw a bloody future and didn’t want Helena in danger. She had a plan for Helena. Although Lad wasn’t refined, he was a good man and husband material. Helena would deal with complicated in-laws if she married him; the Wood family also had assets, so Helena wouldn’t suffer joining their family.

“What do you want me to send?” Helena asked.

Isolde smiled. “Mrs. Woods wanted me to draw her something. I’m not good at painting, but I did it anyway. Please send her my painting tomorrow.”