Chapter 87: Tantrum

The father-daughter trio remained silent throughout the journey.

After an intense battle, Isolde was physically and mentally exhausted. Losing blood further weakened her, causing her head to tilt to the side. Even in her half-asleep state, she subconsciously leaned away from the Duke of Blackmoor. Her messy hair draped over her bloody face, obscuring her usually flawless skin. Pale from injury and exhaustion, she looked miserable; even Michelle usually appeared fairer.

The carriage jolted, and Isolde's head struck the window repeatedly. After a few impacts, she frowned in discomfort, curling into a fetal position like a coiled snake.

After a moment, the Duke of Blackmoor retrieved a cushion and gently supported Isolde's head, placing it between her head and the window to cushion the bumps. Seeing her soundly asleep, he felt a little relieved.

After returning Isolde to her room, the Duke instructed the maidservants to care for her. Michelle, meanwhile, was temporarily grounded to reflect on her actions and confined to Britney Hall. Consequently, Matilda and Michelle were both under house arrest.

The Duke's estate enjoyed a brief peace, but Isolde chose to recuperate at Paletein Manor. Milton's body was returned to the High Court of Parliament. The Duke of Blackmoor claimed he had hunted and killed Milton himself, feeling guilty about the claim but wishing to avoid further complications. Oliver, noticing numerous whip marks on Milton's body—a weapon rarely used by the Duke—knew Isolde was responsible and felt enraged. She had promised to inform him immediately of any incident, but had failed to do so. Had she become wary of him as well? Their relationship was clearly strained, and her caution was justified.

Upon learning of Isolde's injuries and location at Paletein Manor, Oliver asked Doug to send her another bottle of Consumption Pills, but he did not visit her himself. Doug, sensing Oliver's conflicted feelings, patted him on the shoulder, saying, "Sometimes, if you… think you shouldn't… oh, no…" His words trailed off. Oliver replied, "Mr. Becker, you have taught your disciple well." Doug sighed in resignation, "Forget about it. I can't handle the problems of you youngsters." Oliver, unable to resolve Isolde's issues, turned and left.

Doug later took the Consumption Pills to Paletein Manor, finding Isolde embroidering. Noticing his gaze, she set down her basket. "What's wrong?" she asked.

"Are you embroidering?" Doug inquired.

"Yes. Can't you tell?"

"A caterpillar?" Doug glanced at her work, deeming the fabric wasted.

"It's a flower!" Isolde crossed her legs. "Are you looking for trouble, old man?"

"I've never seen such a twisted flower," Doug said dismissively.

"It's a pouch for you," Isolde retorted. "It'll look good when finished. My embroidery is just icing on the cake; the material is what matters. If you think it's not extravagant enough, I'll add some gold later."

Doug felt even more disgusted. He produced a bottle. "These are the Consumption Pills Oliver sent. Where does this kid get so many? He's used all the Queen Mother gave him on you."

Isolde asked, "Oliver's not coming? I promised him a drink."

"He's throwing a tantrum. He said he doesn't want to come anymore," Doug replied.

Isolde was stunned. "Nonsense. He's not you. Why would he throw a tantrum?"

"Why can't he?" Doug was extremely dissatisfied. "Why can't he throw a tantrum if I can? Explain the logic!"

Isolde considered. "He's mature and considerate—"

Doug interrupted, rolling his eyes. "Hey, are you saying I'm childish? You're the childish one! Why did you hide from your father and come to my place to recover?"

"Who says I'm hiding? I just want to be near you. The Duke's estate is cold and quiet. It's livelier here," Isolde lowered her gaze.

"How is Paletein Manor lively? Aside from us staring at each other, nothing's happening," Doug snorted.

"What's wrong with freeloading? Can't you afford to feed me?" Isolde whined.

"I can support you for life, but you have to face your own battles. Your father... I think he's changed his opinion of you. Go back and listen to what he has to say," Doug advised.

"Why do you keep trying to make me reconcile with him? It's meaningless, but you insist! Seriously, why are you so anxious about it when I'm not?"

"Child, what do you know? How many years can I protect you? You haven't found a good husband, and your relationship with your father is so bad," Doug said, concern etched on his face.

Isolde looked at him. "What's wrong with you? You keep making arrangements for my future!"

Doug picked up her embroidered "caterpillar." "Life is unpredictable. Who knows what will happen? I've made too many enemies. It's hard to guarantee I won't be overthrown one day. What will you do then?"

Isolde frowned. "Why are you saying this? Even if something happens to you, won't I be able to protect myself? If things go wrong, some people might even need my protection."

Doug smiled. "Alright, let's not talk about it anymore. Take good care of yourself. After you're well, go back home."

Isolde rested her head on Doug's shoulder. "I want to stay a few more days."

"How old are you? Why are you still acting like a child? Prudence should be back soon. Go back and prepare for battle after you recover. It's not good for me to interfere in your family matters."

Isolde narrowed her eyes. "When you're free and the fruit is ripe, let's go to the manor and eat them."

"Alright." Seeing her deflect, Doug knew she was frustrated and didn't press. "Stay as long as you want."

Isolde smiled. "This is my home. Of course, I can stay as long as I want."

Doug laughed wryly. "I can't do anything to you." He tapped the bottle. "Remember to take your medicine."

"Got it." Isolde hesitated. "Erm… is the Great Marshal actually angry?"

"I don't think he's angry. He thought you'd tell him about Milton. After all, ever since you two captured him, you've been discussing and planning together. In the end, you acted alone. This is very humiliating for him. He probably thinks you've put your guard up around him."

Isolde didn't truly mean to cause this. However, she decided to let it go; they shouldn't have too many interactions.

Isolde stayed at Paletein Manor for a few days before returning home. Raine and Lad found her. Raine praised Helena's character and appearance, grinning and asking Isolde to name a price for Helena's indenture. Isolde glanced at a nervous Lad, constantly rubbing his hands. Helena stood at the door, head lowered, her face flushed.

Isolde coughed. "Raine, as you know, Helena has been by my side since she was young. She's the most capable of my subordinates. I can't bear to part with her. However, since Lad and Helena like each other, I'll sell her indenture to you for a thousand."

Raine and Lad were stunned. 1,000 was a huge sum for the Wood family. Raine's face fell. "County Princess, even if you sold me off, you wouldn't be able to gather that much money."

"How much can you offer?" Isolde asked.