Chapter 89: I’ll Marry You

Two days before Oliver left for Wetinson with his troops, something unexpected occurred. Cristina arrived at Southern Watch with two maids to break off their engagement. A woman personally delivering an annulment notice was unheard of.

Normally, parents would send a matchmaker to explain the reasons, ensuring the other party accepted the news without creating a scandal or a joke. Reputation, after all, was paramount for prominent families. Cristina's handling the matter herself sent ripples through Argentum. Furthermore, she didn't go to Marquis Eldermere's estate; she went straight to Southern Watch. Since everyone there knew she was the Great Marshal's fiancée, they allowed her entry.

When Cristina saw Oliver, she stated coldly, “Here’s the annulment letter. Take it. Once you do, our engagement is over, and we’re free to marry whomever we choose.”

Oliver, stunned, asked, “Why?”

Cristina sneered, “You’re not good enough for me. I’m out of your league. Don’t think that just because you became Great Marshal thanks to your father’s name, you’re truly powerful. You’re nothing but a clown. If Marquis Eldermere hadn’t supported you, would you be where you are today? I despise people like you who climb through nepotism. You’re an embarrassment to your father! If you lack real ability, no matter how high you rise, you’ll fall just as fast. I’ll be waiting for that day.”

With a disdainful smile, she turned and left with her maids, ignoring Oliver.

Oliver looked up to see Isolde outside, carrying a wine jar. She had been delivering wine to Doug and witnessed the scene. She saw the unreadable expression on his face, but noticed a flicker of embarrassment in his eyes. Isolde wasn't sure what to say, or even if she should.

Oliver quickly composed himself, crumpled the annulment letter, and said calmly, “There you are.”

Isolde nodded. “I mentioned I’d treat you to a drink. I heard you’re leaving for Wetinson in two days, so I came to see if you had time today.”

A trace of mockery flickered in Oliver’s eyes. “Are you pitying me? No need.”

Isolde smiled. “What right do I have to pity you? Didn’t I just get dumped too?”

Oliver laughed, though the gloom in his eyes lingered. “I’m leaving for Wetinson the day after tomorrow. I don’t feel like drinking, but thanks for the offer.”

He walked past her, the scent of Sage Fragrance lingering. Isolde instinctively called out, “Oliver, just one more thing.”

Oliver stopped, stating indifferently, “If it’s words of comfort, don’t bother. I’m fine.”

“No,” Isolde said, walking around to face him and grinning. “I’ll wait for you to come back and treat me to a drink.”

Isolde was naturally attractive, but when she smiled, with bright eyes and a gleaming smile, it was as if sunshine warmed the chill in Oliver’s heart.

“All right,” he said, ruffling her hair. Tall and sharp-featured, the light behind him formed a halo, exuding quiet authority. “When I return, I’ll buy you a drink.”

“Deal!” Isolde said happily.

After a moment, Oliver said, “If you’re still unmarried when I come back, and if you don’t mind me, I’ll come and propose.”

Before Isolde could respond, he strode away. Hattie and Hazel rushed over, pulling Isolde inside and into a chair.

“Drink some water and calm down,” Hazel said, grabbing a cup from the table without checking its origin.

Isolde downed it in one gulp; her heart pounded. She grabbed Hattie’s hand, her face flushed. “Did you hear what he just said?”

“He said he’d marry you!” Hattie confirmed.

Isolde’s eyes sparkled. “Do you think he just said that because he was upset and needed comfort?”

“Marshal Valois doesn’t seek comfort,” Hazel replied.

Isolde patted her cheeks, trying to calm herself. It was something she never dared imagine. Even when Doug mentioned it, she thought it impossible. She never expected anyone to take a woman like her seriously. The thought felt like wishful thinking, pure fantasy.

“Is it true? Does he really want to marry me?” Isolde murmured, unable to believe something so good could happen to her. Everything good in her life had been hard-won.

“No one is allowed to talk about this, especially in front of Mr. Becker,” Isolde warned Hazel and Hattie. She wasn’t sure what Oliver was thinking, or if he had spoken casually. She worried his engagement with Cristina hadn't been truly called off, and he would marry her upon returning from Westinson. She’d be a fool.

“Miss!” Hattie asked slowly, “Do you like Marshal Valois?”

Isolde froze. She’d never considered it.

“If you don’t, why are you so excited?” Hattie pressed.

Isolde pondered. Liking someone felt like a luxury. Even before marrying William, she hadn’t liked him; she’d married for his family's standing.

Hattie, usually quiet, continued, “Marshal Valois has a terrible reputation. None of the girls like him. Otherwise, Miss Felton wouldn’t have called off the engagement.”

Isolde waved her hand dismissively. “My reputation isn’t great either. Enough, stop talking. The way you’re going on, it’s like I’m actually getting married.”

“Honestly, do you want to marry him?” Hattie asked.

Isolde wanted to, but said, “What nonsense! What kind of girl admits to something like that? Marriages are decided by the parents. Alright, conversation is over!”

Hazel scoffed, “Wow, that’s bold of you to say. If marriages were really decided by parents, why didn’t you marry that blockhead?”

Isolde ignored her, putting down her drink and giving instructions to the men at Southern Watch before leaving.

Oliver's words kept her in a good mood for two days. When she ran into Matilda in the courtyard, she even smiled, unprecedentedly asking, “Madam, you’re finally set free?”

After Milton's incident, Geoffrey interrogated Matilda about secretly giving Milton a poison needle. To prove her innocence, Matilda had thrown herself against a wall and bled slightly. Geoffrey hadn’t believed her, but stopped pressing. However, Matilda had been confined ever since. Isolde was surprised to see her in the courtyard.

Matilda smiled sinisterly. “Isolde, I may not be able to deal with you, but someone will. Just wait and see.”

Isolde immediately knew Prudence must be returning. She chuckled. “What’s there to be so smug about? Do you really think life will get better for you just because the old lady is coming back? Have you forgotten the suffering you endured before? And don’t forget, you were the one who betrayed her. You confessed to everything she did.”

Matilda said hatefully, “I’ll make sure you suffer with me.”

“Great! I’ll be waiting,” Isolde smiled brightly and walked away. Matilda glared, seething. “Let’s see how long you can stay smug.”