The Heart of the Clemont

Inside the Clemont family estate, the lady of the house is reprimanding her daughters. “Rose-colored long-sleeve gown with golden thread embroidered with wisteria, Isolde, are you planning to ascend to heaven and become a celestial being? Don’t you fear the wind blowing your gown up and humiliating the entire family?” Isolde, the third daughter, immediately lowered her head, her face flushing with embarrassment, not daring to speak. “Aveline, at least you’ve chosen something simple and decent.” The lady of the house, Madame Clemont, coldly scrutinized her fourth daughter, “But this butterfly hairpin of yours is too showy. It looks like something a commoner would wear—too vulgar for a noblewoman.” “And you, Marianne, why are you wearing such a sorrowful expression? I’m still alive, the king hasn’t even spoken on our family’s fate yet, and here you are, already crying?” Madame Clemont’s series of reprimands left her daughters in shame and silence, unable to respond. She finally paused, accepting the tea from the fifth daughter. As she sipped, her frown slightly softened. “If only you all behaved like Isolde, I wouldn’t have to worry so much,” she sighed. “Do you not realize the current state of affairs? The new king has ascended, the entire nation is celebrating, but we, the Clemont family, are treading on thin ice. You must all be cautious. If we make a mistake, it won’t just affect us—it will bring ruin to the entire family, and you’ll regret it!” With that, she slammed the teacup down, and her daughters trembled, too scared to speak. At that moment, a maid came in quietly and reported, “Madame, Lord Clemont has returned.” Just as the maid finished, Lord Clemont walked in, a deep frown on his face, his appearance disheveled and weary. “What did they say?” Madame Clemont hurriedly approached him. Lord Clemont waved his hand dismissively, his face filled with despair. “Don’t even mention them. I couldn’t even get inside the duke’s estate. Not a single person would see me. These old men—when the Clemont family was thriving, they’d rush to greet me like wolves to meat. Now, they avoid me like the plague.” A dignified family head, now reduced to frustration, nearly broke into tears. “Father, drink some tea to soothe your throat. You’ve lost your voice.” Isolde, the fifth daughter, presented a cup of warm tea. It was just the right strength, as her father liked it. “Still, Isolde, you are the only one who understands,” Lord Clemont said, taking a sip, feeling slightly calmer. “What should we do?” Madame Clemont fumed. “I can’t just let this go. I’ll go to the Duchess. If they don’t let me in, I’ll stand at the door and refuse to leave until they see me!” “Madame, there’s no point,” Lord Clemont sighed heavily, his face weary and helpless. “The Clemont family has made a grave mistake, but not a small one—it’s—” He stopped suddenly, unable to bring himself to speak the shameful truth. “Let’s just live day by day. Every day we live is a blessing.” Lord Clemont leaned back in his chair, resigned, almost like a monk trying to console himself. “This won’t do,” Madame Clemont snapped. “The Clemont family has over a hundred members! If the king gets angry, how will we face our ancestors?” Marianne, the youngest daughter, could no longer hold back and began crying, her pale face even more pitiful. “I don’t want to die, Father, Mother! Help us!” “Stop crying!” Madame Clemont scolded. “What’s the point of crying now?” “I’m not trying to cry, but I can’t help it! I’m only fourteen! There’s so much food I haven’t tasted yet… I don’t want to die so soon!” Marianne sobbed, nearly choking on her tears. Madame Clemont’s eyes widened in fury, her anger about to explode. “It’s a tragedy when people cry at such a time!” Lord Clemont intervened, trying to calm her. “Madame, let’s not get angry at her. She’s just a child.” He hesitated before continuing, his expression darkening. “Perhaps we should consider arranging a marriage for Marianne. If she’s married off, she may be spared from the family’s fate.” Madame Clemont sneered. “You think it’s that simple? Now, who would dare marry any of our daughters? The suitors have all backed out, leaving our doorstep flooded with rejection letters.” At her words, the room fell silent. “Mother, perhaps we should go to see Second Sister—” Aveline began, but before she could finish, Madame Clemont cut her off sharply, “Enough! Don’t even mention her!” Everyone was stunned into silence. Lord Clemont sighed and waved his hand weakly. “Go back to your rooms. If there’s anything you wish to buy or wear, do it now. We may not have much longer to enjoy these luxuries.” The daughters, one by one, stood and left. Only Isolde remained composed, as if unfazed by the situation. Aveline could not stand her calmness and sneered, “Isolde, stop pretending to be so wise. Your marriage proposal was rejected too, wasn’t it? When the family is ruined, don’t think you’ll escape either.” Isolde slowly looked up, her gaze cold and firm. “Be quiet.” “You’re a wolf in disguise! You act so obedient in front of Father and Mother, but when you’re with me, you show your teeth and claws!” Aveline shouted. Isolde smiled faintly. “Aveline, I’m just a mirror. I reflect whatever you are. If you’re a mad dog, that’s all you’ll see in the reflection.” Aveline’s face turned pale with anger. However, Isolde turned and walked away with grace, not even sparing her a glance. The Clemont estate was clouded with despair, as if the family were on the brink of ruin. When Isolde returned to her chambers, her nurse, Li Mamie, was already waiting. “Miss, did the madam say anything? I heard that some of the old servants are already preparing to leave. They say the Clemont family is going to collapse, and they want to escape before it’s too late.” Li Mamie said with concern. Isolde furrowed her brow. “Tell them not to act recklessly. The madam won’t permit it. The situation is still unclear. We can’t afford to make a move just yet. If it comes to the worst, I’ll make sure you’re taken care of, so you’re not dragged into this mess.” Li Mamie shook her head. “Old as I am, I have nowhere to go. I’d rather stay with you, Miss. I’m just afraid that the servants will start causing trouble, stealing and scheming when people’s hearts are unsettled.” Isolde nodded. “Keep a close eye on the estate. We can’t afford any mistakes now. Also, take my wide-sleeve gowns and put them away. Mother’s been unhappy with everything lately. If I hadn’t prepared in advance, she would have scolded me for wearing them today.” Li Mamie sighed. “Madam used to praise the wide-sleeve gowns, saying they were beautiful and made you look like a fairy. Now she’s changed her mind.” Isolde’s voice was low. “Times change.” She sighed deeply, gazing out the window. The new king’s ascension had the whole kingdom waiting to see the Clemont family’s downfall. And it all started with her second sister’s failed ambition.