The Swordswoman’s Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 272: News Leaked into the Palace

How could Margaret not understand the underlying meaning in Layla’s words?

She smiled faintly and said, “Relieving the poor in the palace? If others heard you say that, they’d surely laugh. And when you say you have nothing to give me, what about all the gifts you bestowed upon me during your last visit home? Even if I brought ten times as many gifts, it wouldn’t compare to what you’ve given me.”

Layla smiled lightly, her tone indifferent. “Let’s not mention those. They were all granted by the Queen, not my own possessions.”

Margaret wasn’t skilled at flattering others, even her sister. Knowing Layla was subtly rebuffing her, she didn’t feel the need to say anything more.

Agnes, aware of her mother’s temperament, stepped forward with a smile. “Layla, it’s been a while since I last saw you, but you look even younger! What kind of powder and rouge do you use? Could you spare a box for me?”

Layla was most proud of her skincare routine. Hearing Agnes’s words, she finally showed a hint of a smile. “What are you talking about? I haven’t used any powder or rouge today. I only applied a thin layer of cream to moisturize.”

“Really?” Agnes widened her eyes in feigned astonishment. “You’re not wearing any powder or rouge? God, your skin is so well-maintained!”

She then turned to tease Margaret. “Margaret, you should learn from Layla. Look at your face—it’s so dry in the autumn and winter that it’s starting to peel.”

Margaret’s complexion was indeed poor today. Though she had applied powder to cover her wrinkles, a sense of weariness was still visible. Ever since she had taken Ashley as her adopted daughter, Pablo had been cold toward her. Coupled with the fact that she had to return Oliver’s wealth, and the busy work of calculating the assets to be returned, she felt frustrated and overwhelmed. For example, the profits from managing the estate over the years—who should they belong to? How should they be divided? The sums involved were substantial, not just a few hundred or thousand taels. She didn’t want to give Oliver an advantage, but she also didn’t want outsiders to think she had taken too much from the Valois family. If she asked Pablo, he would undoubtedly refuse to take anything and give it all to Oliver. But that would leave her feeling resentful. After days of worrying, how could her complexion possibly look good?

Layla glanced at Margaret and, seeing her haggard appearance, felt a sense of pride. She smiled faintly and said, “Your mother is busy with household affairs, so she naturally neglects her skincare. How could she be like me? I have nothing to do all day, so I spend all my time on my face.”

Chapter 272: News Leaked into the Palace

“Straight to the point,” Margaret began. “I came today mainly to tell you something. The King recently appointed Ashley, the granddaughter of Finnian, a scholar from Zloimond, as a concubine and allowed her to stay in our residence. Pablo said that the King greatly admires Finnian and, pitying Ashley for having no one in Argentum, took her as his adopted daughter. In the future, she can keep you company in the palace.”

Layla sneered. “Yes, what a great plan. But I don’t need her company. There are already plenty of sisters in the palace.”

Margaret knew Layla would be displeased, so she lowered her voice. “Ashley is no ordinary person. If you use her wisely, she could be of great benefit to you. You’re from the Hanson family. Though you’re a consort in the palace, if you rise in status, our family will benefit as well. So I wouldn’t harm you. After Ashley enters the palace, guide her a little. She has some news now, and I’ll pass it on to you. Whether or not to tell the King is up to you.”

Layla’s eyes flickered, but she still pretended not to care. “Go ahead and tell me.”

Margaret glanced at the people around Layla, and Layla dismissed them. “Speak,” Layla said, now impatient.

Margaret said, “This time when Isolde led troops to Zloimond, her father Geoffrey went with her—without the King’s permission.”

Layla was startled. “Geoffrey? He left Argentum without permission to join the army?”

“Yes,” Margaret nodded, her tone meaningful. “I heard that the King and the Queen Mother had a falling out over Isolde’s expedition.”

Layla immediately understood. This was her chance to take a side. The King and the Queen Mother had indeed clashed over this matter earlier, and everyone in the palace knew about it. The King had been so angry that he punished all the servants in the hall. Although he later reconciled with the Queen Mother, they weren’t mother and son by blood. How good could their relationship really be? It was likely just a façade. The King had always been overshadowed by the Queen Mother. How could he be content with that? Isolde was clearly favored by the Queen Mother. It was even said that the title of General was suggested by the Queen Mother. In other words, the King probably wasn’t happy about it but had no choice but to comply to avoid being seen as unfilial.

This was indeed valuable information. Perhaps the King could use this to vent his frustrations, and Layla would be credited for it. Thinking how long it had been since the King last visited her palace, she really needed to regain some ground. But how should she bring this up to the King? Her gaze slowly shifted to the pile of gifts on the table.

Margaret stood up. “You must be busy, so I won’t disturb you any longer.”

“Go ahead,” Layla said, her tone softening. “Margaret, if you have time, visit me more often.”

“Of course,” Margaret said, then bowed and took her leave. Agnes followed, curtsying as they exited.

Once outside the palace, Agnes asked, “Margaret, if this doesn’t go well, the King might accuse Layla of interfering in court affairs.”

“She’ll know how to handle it,” Margaret said, unconcerned. “Even if she’s blamed, it won’t fall on us.”

Agnes nodded. “True. If it works, it’ll be a blow to Isolde. If it doesn’t, we won’t be implicated.” That was exactly Margaret’s plan; otherwise, she wouldn’t have bothered coming to the palace.

After Margaret left, Layla opened the gifts and inspected them one by one. Satisfied, she said, “She really went all out this time. These gifts must have cost hundreds of taels.”

“This taffeta is very precious,” a palace maid said.

“She clearly came to ask for a favor, yet she acted so high and mighty. Who does she think she’s fooling?” Layla muttered, displeased but somewhat balanced by the valuable information she had gained.

“Bring me the caviar porridge I asked you to prepare earlier. When the King finishes court, I’ll take it to the study,” Layla instructed.

Consorts were generally not allowed to visit the royal study. However, after court, the King would rest for about half an hour to eat. During this time, consorts who seized the opportunity would bring soup or other delicacies to catch his attention. Only consorts of higher rank were permitted to do so. Layla had done this many times before, but the King had always dismissed her with a few words.