Chapter 348 Open Your Mind
The maid hesitated. “Then what should be done?”
Finished
Margaret let out a tired sigh. “What else can be done? Do you expectto go to her estate and teach her how
to behave? I've said everything that needed to be said. If she refuses to learn, then her fate is her own doing.”
She rubbed her temples before lifting her head slightly her eyes flashing with a cold glint. “But if she really does
get sent back in disgrace, the Felton family won't have an easy teither.”
“Don’t worry,” the maid reassured her. “The Langley family wouldn't dare.”
Margaret gave a cold smile. “The Langley family might not dare-but the Felton family is another matter.”
The maid poured her scoffee and offered a few words of comfort. The matter was left to rest for now.
Meanwhile, word of the commotion had already reached Ashley. She listened with a thoughtful expression.
“Arthur... | truly want to meet him.”
Back at the Valen estate, despite the household's turmoil, the newlyweds remained blissfully unbothered.
Both being warriors, Oliver and Isolde found the barracks to be the most natural place for them. After visiting the
injured Zloimond soldiers, they distributed wedding sweets and even used Isolde’s private funds to arrange a
special meal for the troops. Only after a hearty feast did they return home.
By the tthey reached the estate, night had already fallen.
Since they had informed the household they wouldn't be dining at home, no one had waited for them.
As soon as they stepped into Ningser Pavilion, one of Heidi's maids arrived. “Lady Isolde, Lady Heidi requests
your presence.”
Isolde nodded. “Understood. Tell her | need to freshen up first-I'll cafter | bathe.”
“Yes, my lady.” The maid bowed and departed.
Epersonally poured a cup of coffee and said, “I wonder what Lady Heidi wants.”
Isolde handed the coffee to Oliver first. He lifted the cup and brought it to her lips. She took a few quick sips
before pushing it toward him. “Your turn.”
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Then, she turned to Esme. “It's probably about her misunderstandingearlier.”
“Heidi is actually quite reasonable. | had expected her to be difficult to get along with,” Hattie remarked as she
entered, carrying hot water for Oliver and Isolde to wash their faces before bathing.
“She does seem fair-minded.” Isolde recalled Heidi's actions earlier. It was clear she truly cared about the Valen
family’s reputation. Otherwise, she wouldn't have called Isolde aside in private.
In her past life, Isolde hadn't interacted much with Heidi, so she didn’t know her temperament well.
She turned to Oliver. “How has she treated you in the past?”
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Chapter 348 Open Your Mind
toward me. But every t| chome, she ensures | receive a share of any gifts given out.”
“That's fair, at least.”
“Allan is fair, so she follows his lead,” Oliver said simply
“As long as she doesn’t cause trouble, that’s already a blessing,” Isolde mused.
Oliver watched her. “You've had a long day.”
“Long, but wonderful,” Isolde smiled..
“Fortoo,” Oliver said.
Echuckled. “We're still here, you know. Save the sweet words for when you're alone at night.”
“Can't we celebrate a little?” Isolde grinned at her. “Are you happy too, Esme?”
Finished
“Of course. I've been hoping for this marriage to go smoothly since the engagement. | was so worried something
would go wrong. Now that it’s done, | feel like a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”
“| feel the same!” Hattie chimed in from the side.
Isolde adjusted her expression, wanting to say something heartfelt, but Egave her a playful glare. “Enough
with the sentimental talk. Go bathe and rest early. Tomorrow is your return visit to your natal families-three
households in one day, plenty of trouble ahead.”
Isolde stuck out her tongue and looked at Oliver.
Oliver responded with a soft smile, his gaze full of warmth.
After a long soak in the hot bath, the chill of the night melted away. The firewalls radiated warmth, and a small
chimney vent released gentle heat into the foom, making it comfortably cozy.
Noelle entered with a jug of warmed wine. “Esaid you must be exhausted from the military visit. A bit of
warm wine will help you relax and sleep better.”
“Perfect. Noelle, you may all retire for the night. No need to stand watch.” Isolde waved her off.
“Yes, my lady. I'll just finish preparing the bed.” Noelle turned down the sheets, only to find a small pouch tucked
among them. Opening it, she caught a metallic, iron-tinged scent.
“Lady Isolde, what is this? Does it need to be kept?”
Isolde glanced over and immediately recognized it-it was the blood pouch Sadie had given her.
She quickly said, “No, it's useless now. Get rid of it-don’t let anyone else see it.”
“What is it?” Oliver asked, looking over. “Letsee.”
Noelle handed it to him. He took a sniff and frowned. It’s blood. Whose?”
His expression darkened. “Whose blood is this?”
“Not mine obviously” Isolde said with a teasing smile
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Chapter 348 Open Your Mind
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Finished
“Then whose? And why was there a pouch of blood in our bed?” Oliver's voice was edged with confusion.
Isolde waved Noelle off. “Take it outside and bury it.”
“Understood, my lady.” Noelle took the pouch and left.
Oliver's sharp gaze locked onto Isolde. “If it's not yours, then whose is it?”
Isolde leaned in, whispering playfully in his car, “Sadic gave it to me. She thought our wedding night would be...
unsuccessful. She was afraid the housemaids would inspect the bedding for signs of consummation and wanted
Oliver's eyes narrowed. “She doubtedthat much?”
Isolde, still drying her hair, laughed. “Of course. Who would dare underestimate you? By the way, how's your
waist? Still sore? Will you be able to... stand tonight? Or do you needto take the lead?”
Before she could finish, she was suddenly swept into his arms and tossed onto the soft bed. In the next instant,
his silhouette loomed over her, his lips brushing against her ear as he murmured, “With an enemy this brazen,
how could I not rise to the occasion?”
Isolde shrank back, surrendering with a smile. “We have to face three families tomorrow. Let's make it quick
tonight.”
“Apologies, but ‘quick’ is outside my expertise. Tonight is perfect for a long battle,” Oliver teased.
Isolde stifled her laughter and caught his hand. “Fine, | surrender. But first, let's drink. Eand Noelle went
through the trouble of preparing the wine-surely we shouldn’t waste their efforts. Besides, from last night until
now, we haven't had a proper conversation.”
Oliver sat up and pulled her along, holding her close. “You're right. Last night, | planned to stay sober so we
could talk, but... well, that didn’t happen. | have so many things I've wanted to say to you.”
Isolde smirked internally. What deep thoughts could this usually silent man possibly have?
Still, seeing the earnest light in his eyes, she decided to humor him. “Alright, | want to hear your heart.”
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