Chapter 257 Absolutely Safe
Isolde recalled what she knew from her previous life and was stunned. Oliver also fell into deep thought. The two remained silent.
When Hattie and Hazel returned and saw them sitting in a daze, they asked, “Why aren’t you saying anything?” Hattie and Hazel had followed the army back to North Camp after leaving the palace.
Regaining their composure, Isolde explained, “I was thinking about returning to Langley’s estate tomorrow.” As she spoke, she suddenly thought of William and wondered if his injuries had healed. Isolde wished he had never gone to Zloimond, never saved her. Then she could hate him purely. Now, she was unsure how to manage this conflicting emotion; she obviously still hated him. Her thoughts drifted from Oliver to the Langley family, leaving her troubled.
“I’ll accompany you back tomorrow,” Oliver offered, noticing her melancholic expression.
“Okay!” Isolde smiled. She would return to the residence to pay her respects to Prudence. Despite experiencing war, she doubted her hatred for Prudence would ever disappear. She had never been magnanimous; she would avenge even the smallest grievance.
There were several rooms in Ningser Pavilion. The new rooms were not yet furnished as sleeping quarters, so Isolde and Oliver each found a room for the night. Hattie and Hazel, however, were huddled in Isolde’s room, talking to her.
The battle had been dangerous, but Hattie and Hazel hadn't participated. Learning the details on their return, they felt it was a pity. They jointly chided Isolde for not letting them participate in the battle. Opportunities for women to go to war were rare, and they feared they’d missed their chance.
Isolde lay on the bed, listening to their reproaches, and couldn’t help but laugh. “I’ve been appointed Marshal by the King,” she said. “There might be more chances to go to war in the future. You should stop.”
“No one looks forward to war,” Hattie countered, “but if there is one, will you really take us?”
Isolde thought of the wars of her previous life. Yes, no one looked forward to war, but… “I’ll definitely bring you both,” Isolde promised.
Hazel looked at her and asked, “Back in Zloimond, you said that if you died, we should kill Margaret, Prudence, and William. We understand about Prudence, but why Margaret and William? Are you still brooding over the broken engagement?”
The question lingered in their minds. They couldn't understand, no matter how hard they tried. There was no reason to kill him for breaking off the engagement. Isolde knew they wouldn’t let the matter drop. She yawned and said, “I’m sleepy. Go to bed.”
They exchanged glances, realizing her unwillingness to explain.
“Alright,” Hattie said, “I don’t believe you can keep this secret forever. We will follow you for the rest of our lives.”
What a romantic way to put it, Isolde mused, smiling and closing her eyes. Although her life might be short.
The next day, Isolde awoke early. Pushing open the door, she found the sky still dark, yet Esme was already there, waiting to serve her. Esme stood alone in the dimly lit corridor; the lone lamp was extinguished, and the pre-dawn light was insufficient to illuminate the ground. Esme's figure was somewhat indistinct.
“Why are you up so early?” Isolde asked with concern.
“I’m old and don’t sleep much,” Esme smiled. “I knew you’d wake early, so I came over.”
“Alright, go rest. You shouldn’t serve me,” Isolde said. She usually didn’t let her, but Esme always insisted. Elderly matrons from the palace were highly sought after by official families as instructors, receiving excellent treatment; they didn't need to do servant's work.
“If you don’t let me, I’ll feel useless,” Esme replied, entering with a smile and offering Isolde clothes for the day.
Isolde took her calloused hand. “Esme, you’ve worked hard, and there will be more toil ahead. Now that you have a chance to rest, please do so, understand?” She was touched and knew why Esme was there so early. Isolde had hidden things from Esme during the expedition, but that didn't mean Esme was unaware of the danger; Isolde might not return. When she came back yesterday, although Esme appeared calm, her hands and lips trembled. Esme had come to the Langley family at her former master's behest. They hadn't spent much time together, but Isolde felt Esme's sincerity.
Esme tossed the clothes to her. “You’re young but naggy. Hurry and change. I learned a new hairstyle from Noelle when you were in Zloimond; I’ll do it later. We have two places to go today and can't be late. Breakfast will be ready soon; I made cake. Once you’re washed and dressed, it’ll be ready. I’ll fetch some water.” She turned and left. Isolde obediently changed.
As soon as she finished, Esme brought water. Noelle and Britney also came to serve her. After about an hour, Hattie arrived, saying, “Mr. Valois is awake. You can have breakfast together.” Isolde nodded and led everyone out.
Oliver was still in last night's red clothes; his face was clear and radiant. Without his battle attire, he seemed more refined and gentle. He looked at her. She wore a green taffeta dress, slender and fitting; she looked heroic and charming, complementing Oliver's green clothes.
He'd never seen her hairstyle before: three rings arranged atop her head, no other accessories, only a thin golden chrysanthemum in front of the rings. It was simple yet elegant. Her hair hung to her ears, revealing her red agate tasseled earrings—cute and lively, adding color to her makeup. Oliver was stunned.
Esme coughed, bringing him back to his senses. He subconsciously coughed too, then looked at the breakfast table, saying awkwardly, “Yes, it’s all ready. Sit and eat.”
Esme had said she’d made cakes, but there was a table full: pancakes, pasta, vegetables, fried chicken, pastries. Seeing this, Isolde realized Esme hadn’t slept all night. This was Esme’s skill, and she had never displayed it to others before.
“Eat, it’s safe. Hurry!” Esme urged. This was the Valen estate; Margaret was the hostess, and Esme had to personally check the food to ensure absolute safety.