The Swordswoman’s Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 216: Ask the Truth

Rosemary prepared to return home. The carriage waited, and Judith and Rowena joined her.

Judith asked, bewildered, "That girl from the Felton family is so infuriating. Why did she do it?"

Before Rosemary could answer, Rowena smiled. "If not for that, how could Lady Isolde have an excuse to leave? Furthermore, she'd have to leave for several months. Lady Rosemary is employing her strategy."

Rosemary smiled.

Margaret was exhausted. Isolde's marriage into the family, followed by Cristina becoming Oliver's concubine, was a harsh and undeniable blow.

Agnes, worried, looked at Margaret's weary face. "Why don't we ask Father for help?"

"So what? Cristina's already married," Margaret replied. She dared not oppose Pablo; otherwise, she'd have no leverage. It wasn't worth it for Cristina.

"What? That's just Lady Rosemary's nonsense. Could it be taken seriously?" Agnes exclaimed, widening her eyes. It couldn't be; if true, the Felton family wouldn't spare Agnes.

Panicked, Agnes urgently pulled Margaret aside. "Mother, you can't ignore this! This mess started because of me. Arthur forbade Cristina from leaving, even asking me to guard her closely. I wanted to anger Isolde, so I brought Cristina here. If she becomes Oliver's concubine, I will be punished!"

Margaret reprimanded, "Why are you so foolish? Cristina lost her mind, and you still dared to let her cause trouble? If something else happens, let's see if your father spares you!"

Agnes frowned, worried. "But what should I do now?"

"Bring her back first. I don't want to see her," Margaret said.

Agnes considered; there was no other way. Before she could retrieve Cristina, however, she heard Isolde was furious. She refused to marry into the family on the same day as Cristina, the concubine. Isolde packed her things and left.

Margaret, dizzy with rage, had lost face; Isolde had departed on her wedding day. In anger, she sent Cristina and Agnes away, forbidding Cristina from ever returning.

Arthur soon learned that Cristina had become a concubine. When Agnes brought Cristina back, the usually gentle Arthur slapped her and scolded angrily, "You're shameless!"

Cristina, already aggrieved—Agnes offered no comfort—intended to complain upon returning home. She didn't expect Arthur, who doted on her, to slap her. Her grievance and anger erupted.

Clenching her fists, she said furiously, "If you hit me, I'll make you regret it forever!" She turned and ran.

Arthur hurriedly ordered, "Quickly stop her!" But Cristina had already run too far. Arthur, believing she couldn't cause further trouble, merely ordered someone to look for her.

Agnes comforted him. "Don't be angry. She's just throwing a tantrum. When this blows over, we'll arrange a marriage for her. I know many eligible people; perhaps I can help."

Previously, Arthur, aware of Agnes's extensive network, had asked her to consider Cristina's marriage. However, Agnes hadn't introduced any suitable matches; Cristina wasn't worth the effort.

Later, she introduced Oliver to Cristina—partly because his elevation to Great Marshal might make a noble marriage uncontrollable, and partly because of his family's wealth. Cristina initially agreed, but later met Jonathan, became obsessed, and broke off the engagement.

Arthur said coldly, "How dare I trouble you? I've learned my lesson today."

Agnes frowned slowly. "Darling, do you think I did this on purpose?"

"Can't you even keep an eye on Cristina with your abilities?" Arthur said coldly.

Agnes lowered her eyes. "Yes, with an ordinary person, I could keep an eye on her. But she was out of her mind. If she weren't, why would she give up her marriage to pursue someone impossible?"

"If you didn't allow her to go out, how could she escape?" Arthur shouted.

Agnes smiled faintly, her expression indifferent. "Yes, she couldn't escape. She threatened suicide; if I'd stopped her and she died, I'd bear the blame. But it doesn't matter—no matter what I do, I'm always wrong. You are family; I'm an outsider."

She walked away disheartened. Arthur, anxious, knew he shouldn't have lost his temper. He softened, taking her hand. "It's my fault. I shouldn't have blamed you."

Agnes smiled bitterly. "It doesn't matter. If there's a dispute, I'll be at fault. I'm used to it."

Arthur looked pained. "She's my sister. What can I do? I only have one sister."

Agnes looked at him and suddenly wanted to kill Cristina.

Cristina hired a carriage to find the Marquis of Greystone. Indignant, she believed the Marquis felt something for her—he’d even said he would marry her. Now that she was Oliver's concubine, he would surely defend her. That wicked woman wouldn't have a good ending; she'd better be cast aside soon.

She went to the Bourbon estate, claiming urgent business with Jonathan. The gatekeeper refused entry, saying Jonathan was out, but Rosemary was inside.

Cristina waved her hand. "I'm not seeing her. I'll wait for the Marquis here."

She sat on the stone steps, curled up and crying. Her long hair was messy; she looked pitiful. She maintained this pitiful pose, believing any flickering lights signaled Jonathan's return.

She waited over an hour before hearing sounds, her heart racing. She didn't stand, merely leaning against the steps and curling tighter, her eyes filling with tears as she watched someone approach.

In the doorway's light, Jonathan was stunning, filling her with overwhelming infatuation.