Chapter 169 Keep It Under Wraps.
Xavier had learned about Oliver’s situation through rumors that had reached him from Zloimond Word spread that a mountain had collapsed there, killing many people. Locals whispered that a high–ranking general from the court had been involved in the disaster. The news soon made its way to Argentum.
Xavier, only half–believing the gossip, had left Argentum immediately after hearing it. If his guess wrong. Geoffrey would certainly lose trust in him. His safest bet was to distance himself from Argentum for now, especially since he had already been paid in full.
Meanwhile, the gossip had reached Hattie, who was attending to Marley at Ryker’s estate. The moment she heard the news, she hurried back to the Duke’s estate.
de was in the middle of her routine when Hattie returned. Thinking something had happened to Marley, she jumped to her feet and asked anxiously, “Hattie, why are you back?”
Hattic looked at Isolde, clearly shaken. “I went out to gather some herbs today, and I overheard people talking about a mountain collapse in Zloimond. They said a high–ranking court general, Great Marshal Sharp, was involved.”
“Was it a general, or was it really Great Marshal Sharp?” Hazel, having overheard, hurried into the room and grabbed Hattie’s arm, her voice tight with concern.
There were many generals in Argentum, but Great Marshal Sharp–he was one of the few whose name could be counted on one hand.
“Well, they said it was Great Marshal Sharp, though I’m sure the story’s been exaggerated as it passed from person to person,” Hattie explained uneasily, trying to convince herself as much as anyone else.
-Isolde’s face turned pale with fear. “You need to go and confirm this.”
Esme, who had just entered, stepped forward calmly. “Don’t go spreading rumors for now. If something truly happened to Great Marshal Sharp, the court would know, but since they haven’t made an official statement, it means things haven’t been verified. Besides, Sharp wasn’t even in Zloimond.”
She fixed Isolde with a steady gaze. “Stay calm, Isolde. Don’t let yourself panic”
Isolde inhaled deeply, trying to gather her thoughts. That’s right. Oliver was supposed to be in Eastonburg. not Zloimond. A collapsed mountain wouldn’t have anything to do with him. If I go around asking about it. I’ll only make things worse. But… could it be Isolde? She’s been silent ever since she went to Zloimond…..
“I’m going to visit the Bourbon family.” Esme said, seeing the confusion in Isolde’s eyes.
Isolde nodded eagerly. “Yes, please go, Esme. Quickly.”
Esme had once served by the Queen Mother’s side, and Rosemary was a frequent companion to the Que The two were well–acquainted, and Esme knew she could rely on Rosemary’s discretion.
Esme arrived at the Bourbon family estate and sought an audience with Rosemary. After hearing Esme’s request, Rosemary paused for a moment before responding.
“Return and tell the County Princess of Cromwell that there is no such incident, Rosemary instructed. Tell her nothing happened”
Esme’s heart sank. “So…. something really did happen to Great Marshal Sharp?”
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Chapter 169 Keep it Under Wraps
“Yes,” Rosemary confirmed. “But the Prince Regent has already gone to Zloimond
Esme gasped in shock. “Oh no…
+3 Pearts
Rosemary fixed her with a piercing gaze. Until the body is found, don’t assume he’s dead. Let’s not jump to conclusions.”
Esme sighed deeply. “Isolde has been waiting for him to return. How could this happen? I only just received a letter from him…
“That letter was sent by Doug,” Rosemary said with a hint of bitterness in her voice. “When you return, you must be absolutely certain to tell Isolde that Oliver is fine, that he isn’t in Zloimond, and that he just sent a report confirming his success in the mission. He’ll be returning to Argentum once the last remnants of the bandits are dealt with.”
Esme blinked, confused. “But surely, we could tell Isolde all of this?”
Rosemary’s eyes narrowed, her voice growing sharp, “People often act impulsively when emotions are involved. Why do you think the court is keeping this quiet? Esme, you’ve only just left the palace, but it seems you’ve forgotten everything. The court doesn’t want to spread rumors until the matter is officially confirmed.”
Esme felt a sudden chill. “Understood.”
“Go now,” Rosemary added, her tone more neutral. “Be careful with your words. Isolde is no fool.”
Esme nodded and left the Valen family estate, her heart heavy with the burden of her task.
As she made her way back, Esme slowly composed herself, settling her nerves. When she arrived at the Duke’s estate, she managed to put on a calm, even smile.
Inside, Isolde had been anxiously waiting for news. The moment she saw Esme, she rushed forward, her voice trembling. “Nanny, how is it? What did Rosemary say?”
Esme shot her a sharp look, clearly irritated. “I got scolded, that’s what.”
Isolde blinked, surprised. “Scolded? Why?”
Esme rolled her eyes. “Because I was being foolish. She said Zloimond’s disaster has nothing to do with Oliver. She accused me of believing in gossip and causing unnecessary trouble.”
Isolde stared at her, still unsure. “Is that really what happened?”
Esme gave her a long, exasperated look. “Does it sound like I’m lying? If you don’t believe me, go ask Rosemary yourself. She’ll probably scold you too for being so gullible.”
“But what did happen in Zloimond? How could a whole mountain collapse?” Isolde still seemed unsettled her voice tinged with worry.
Esme sighed. “It wasn’t a mountain collapse–it was a series of heavy rains, causing a landslide. The military was sent to rescue people, but during the operation, there was a second landslide. One of the soldiers didn’t make it out in time and was buried beneath the rubble.”
Esme’s explanation made sense, and Isolde finally relaxed.
“Doug is in Zloimond. If Oliver were in trouble, he would tell me first,” Isolde thought aloud.
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japter 169 Keep it Under Wraps
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Although Doug loved her dearly, he had never sheltered her from the truth. If anything had happened to Oliver, he would have made sure she knew
Feeling a little lighter, she reached into her sleeve and touched the letter she had received from Oliver. He had promised to return in a month–but now, with half a month already gone, she could only
The days are so hard to get through, she thought wistfully. It’s not that I miss him, I just want to know what be bought me. Something small, something special—just a little surprise.
She smiled faintly at the thought. I don’t get surprises much in my life.
“By the way, Grandfather said he’s on his way back–why the delay?” Isolde casually remarked, trying to change the subject.
Esme caught the shift in her tone and answered, “Garrett’s probably bringing his whole family with him. which would slow him down.”
Isolde nodded. “Yes, I suppose that makes sense.”
She had never met Garrett, but Garrett had definitely seen her. The maids at the estate often spoke of how before Garrett took charge of the northwest pass, he had come to visit her. And every year, he sent gifts
back.
“How’s Prudence today?” Isolde asked, shifting the conversation once again.
Noelle, standing nearby, replied, “She fainted again today and coughed up blood.”
e way.
“By the study.”
Xavier came by,” Hazel added. “I heard Geoffrey and Xavier spent quite a while talking in the
Isolde shrugged, uninterested. “That spiritualist has always been full of nonsense. If Geoffrey believes him. let him. I don’t care what he says or does.”
Esme responded absently, though the sadness in her eyes betrayed her. Oliver–young, always so serious, pretending to be an adult….
Could he really be gone?
She swallowed hard, the pain suddenly overwhelming her.
