Chapter 149 Jolthar, My Husband

Words : 807 Updated : Oct 2nd, 2025

By the time they reached the mansion, Nora was visibly tense, her jaw set in determination. The mansion loomed ahead, its grand façade a testament to the barony's prosperity. Guards opened the gates as they approached, bowing slightly in acknowledgement of Nora. Inside, the atmosphere was markedly different. The warm hum of life in the mansion gave way to an air of tension and formality. Servants moved quickly and quietly, their eyes flicking toward the group before hurrying off. As they entered the grand hall, they saw him—Lord Eude. Nora silently showed Jolthar, pointing out who Eude was. He was standing near the large hearth, dressed in an opulent burgundy tunic adorned with gold embroidery. His slicked-back dark hair and carefully trimmed beard gave him an air of practised elegance, but there was a calculating sharpness in his eyes. Two imposing men flanked him, clearly members of the Crimsan Blades. Their armour was polished, their hands resting casually on the pommels of their swords, though their alert gazes betrayed their readiness. Eude was speaking to Baroness Cleora, who sat gracefully on an embroidered armchair. Her composed demeanour was a stark contrast to the merchant lord's animated gestures. The Lord was engaged, as he so often was, in attempting to charm Cleora with words smooth as polished marble. Cleora, whose face bore the serenity of still waters, maintained her composure as she received his attention. "Lady Cleora, I assure you, my offer stands unmatched," Eude was saying, his voice smooth and persuasive. "Your beauty is unparalleled, and your wisdom—oh, your wisdom—is exactly what a man like me seeks in a partner. Together, we could elevate this barony beyond imagination." Cleora, maintaining a polite but neutral expression, inclined her head slightly. "Your words are flattering, Lord Eude, but as I've said before, my position on the matter remains unchanged." Before Eude could respond, Nora stepped forward. "Mother," she greeted, her voice steady but laced with a subtle warning.@@@@ She turned briefly to Eude, inclining her head in the barest acknowledgement. "Lord Eude." Enjoy exclusive chapters from empire Even Nora's eyes widened in shock, her usual composure slipping for a moment. Shocking would be an understatement. Eude's gaze snapped to Jolthar, his expression a mixture of confusion and disbelief. "Him?" he said, his tone incredulous. Jolthar looked at Cleora, and there was an understanding passed between them, their gazes locked while they did. He decided to play along with her act. Jolthar stepped forward, his movements deliberate and measured. He met Eude's gaze with a calm intensity, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. "Is there a problem?" he asked, his voice low and steady. Eude hesitated, his confident demeanour cracking under the weight of Jolthar's presence. The two Crimsan Blade mercenaries behind him tensed, their hands shifting to their weapons, but a subtle gesture from Eude held them back. "Well," Eude said, his voice forced into a semblance of politeness, "this is... unexpected. He seems rather young to be your husband." Cleora met his gaze without flinching, her voice steady despite the undercurrent of unease. "He is more of a man than anyone here could ever hope to be, and yes, he is my man, just as I am his woman." The older man scoffed, his disbelief evident in his sharp tone. "A boy barely out of his cradle, still wet behind the ears, and not even the weight of life has carved him into a man yet. And you expect me to believe he is your husband now?" He gave a derisive chuckle, throwing up his hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine, Miss Cleora, if that is the story you wish to tell." His words dripped with condescension, but Cleora's gaze didn't waver, her resolve a silent testament to the truth she held. Cleora rose gracefully, her composure unshaken. "Lord Eude, I trust this clarifies any misunderstandings. Now, if you'll excuse us, I believe our discussion has reached its conclusion." Eude's jaw tightened, but he forced a strained smile. "Of course," he said, inclining his head. "I shall take my leave—for now." With that, he turned sharply, his mercenaries falling into step behind him as he strode out of the room. The tension lingered even after the doors closed, the weight of the confrontation settling over those who remained. Nora turned to her mother, her expression a mixture of shock and disbelief. "Mother," she began, her voice low but firm, "what exactly are you doing?" Cleora simply smiled, her gaze soft but unwavering. "Protecting what is ours," she said, her eyes briefly meeting Jolthar's. Jolthar, for his part, remained silent, his expression unreadable. But as the room began to settle, a faint, knowing smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

Chapter 149 Jolthar, My Husband

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