The Swordswoman’s Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 31: Why Not Marrying Oliver? +5 Pearls

Isolde returned to the Pearl Tower, called for Noelle to bring water, and took out a porcelain bottle, ripping a single pill into her palm. The pill was red, carrying a faint fragrance. She swallowed it, emotions surging within her. Her paths had seldom crossed with Oliver’s, yet in her past life, he had died saving her. Fate was a strange thing. She had never imagined that after being reborn, the first person to show her kindness would be the very man who had once sacrificed his life for hers.

Tonight, Geoffrey had prepared a banquet. He waited a long time, but Oliver never arrived. Instead, he sent a message—he was still occupied with court affairs and would visit tomorrow. Geoffrey was disappointed. He sat in silence for a while before a sudden thought struck him. Without hesitation, he ordered a horse to be prepared and rode out to find Lord Garraway at the Princess’s estate.

Two days later, a rumor spread. Milton and several North Camp officers had been summoned to the Southern Watch for questioning. Whenever the Office of Inspectors took action, it sent tremors through all of Argentum. After all, their sole purpose was to root out corruption, and in Argentum, the powers that be were deeply entangled. Everyone held their breath, waiting to see who would fall next.

But what truly unnerved people was the revelation that the Office of Inspectors was now working alongside the Southern Watch to investigate Lord Theodric’s abduction. Inside sources hinted that the Shadowmere corruption case and Theodric’s kidnapping were, in fact, one and the same. The implications sent shockwaves through the city. As speculation ran rampant, Margaret wasted no time in taking action.

After breaking off the engagement, Margaret had already arranged a marriage between the Valen and Blackwell families. They were simply waiting for an auspicious day. However, the moment the news got out, Margaret’s stance shifted. She declared that instead of marrying as a wife, Eleanor would have to enter as a concubine first. If Eleanor weren’t pregnant, Margaret wouldn’t have given her even that much.

Milton refused. His daughter came from a noble line—if she couldn’t be a wife, then at the very least, she deserved a grand wedding, one that granted her the same respect as an official wife. But William hadn’t even married his official wife yet. A grand wedding for a concubine? It was absurd. If word got out, it would be a disgrace—and impossible to explain to his future wife.

Margaret didn’t care about Milton’s objections. She sent word to the Marshal’s estate: Eleanor could either enter as a concubine or marry elsewhere. Eleanor’s pregnancy was no secret. If she didn’t marry into the Valen family, who else would take her?

Milton was livid.

Chapter 31: Why Not Marrying Oliver? Pearls

My daughter, reduced to this? Even becoming a concubine is an insult. The least they could do is show her some respect and give her a grand wedding. But that wouldn’t happen unless Isolde married first as the official wife.

The Valen family, meanwhile, was preparing for another joyous occasion. Apart from William taking a concubine, there was also news that Oliver, their adopted son, had successfully arranged a marriage with Arthur’s sister. The engagement ceremony was imminent.

That evening, Oliver arrived at the Duke’s estate with Lord Theodric in tow, seeking out Isolde. Of course, Oliver claimed that it was Theodric who wanted to see her. The Princess and Lord Garraway were both busy, and he happened to be free. He had also promised to visit Geoffrey, so he took the opportunity to come along. He first escorted Lord Theodric to the Pearl Tower and, upon seeing that Isolde’s injuries had healed a lot, asked, “Do you still have the medicine I gave you?”

Isolde retrieved the bottle. “Half of it remains.”

Oliver frowned. “If you still have half, then you haven’t been taking it regularly.”

“I took the Consumption Pill before, so my constitution is strong enough. There was no need to waste it. One pill a day was sufficient, and now that my injuries are healing, I can return the rest to you.” She knew his medicine was precious—too precious to use frivolously.

Oliver’s expression remained unreadable. “Keep it.”

Isolde clutched the bottle, her lashes lowering slightly. “Alright. Thank you, Oliver.”

He studied her for a moment, then said, “Matilda asked me to relay a question—are you still willing to marry into the Valen family?”

Isolde was momentarily stunned. “She sent you to ask me?”

“I’m merely the messenger.” His deep-set eyes, framed by long lashes, held an unfathomable depth. “Technically, she wanted me to talk to your father, but I thought it best to ask you first. Marry or don’t—it’s your choice. But Matilda insists she is sincere.”

Isolde chuckled, her voice laced with sarcasm. “Sincere? I don’t see it.”

“She should probably come herself, but she sent her formal request, and your father refused to see her.”

“Then I assume my father has made his decision.” A faint smile played on her lips. “As his daughter, I should follow his will. If he does not wish me to marry into the Valen family, then I will listen to him.”

“Understood.” Oliver did not press further, as if he truly were just a messenger.

Isolde hesitated for a moment, then gently took Theodric’s hand. She looked at Oliver and finally spoke, her voice quiet but firm. “Oliver, Cristina… is not a good match.”

Oliver’s gaze flickered. “Not a good match?”

Arthur’s sister, Cristina, had always been too proud, looking down on nearly everyone. She was so picky that she had delayed marriage past her prime. When no suitable matches remained, she set her sights on Oliver. In Isolde’s past life, the engagement had been arranged—until Cristina met Johnathan Greystone once. After that single meeting, she insisted on becoming his concubine. Johnathan was a marquis. He was also over forty.

“I’m just mentioning it in passing. Believe me or don’t.” After all, in this life, things had yet to unfold the way they had before. Isolde was not sure if Cristina would also do that in this life.

“Isolde, what makes a good match?” Lord Theodric looked up at her with wide, innocent eyes. “Are you and Oliver a good match?”

Isolde’s cheeks burned. “Don’t talk nonsense.”

Oliver’s gaze darkened with something unreadable. “Thank you for the warning.” Then, after a pause, he added, “As for William… if you have a better choice, take it.”

Isolde stared at him in shock. Never before had he spoken a word, good or bad, about William. Everyone knew William despised Oliver. He made no secret of it. Yet Oliver had never seemed to care, merely fulfilling his duty as an elder brother. But now, for the first time, he had said something—however vague—against William.

Oliver had already composed himself, his striking features returning to their usual impassivity. “My reputation is poor. If a noblewoman is willing to marry me, it’s already a great honor.” He glanced at Theodric. “You two enjoy yourselves. I’ll fetch him later.”

Isolde bowed. “Alright. I won’t keep you, then.”

Oliver turned and left. Isolde, still holding Theodric’s hand, watched his tall figure disappear into the distance, a storm of emotions rising within her.

Oliver’s reputation was indeed tarnished. Disrespectful to his adoptive mother. Unconventional in his conduct. His military achievements credited to Pablo’s favor, his status secured by the lingering glory of his late father, Douglas Valois. He had the King’s and Queen Mother’s support, but no noblewoman was willing to marry him.

And yet, Agnes had urged Isolde to do just that. She understood why—because every word spoken against Oliver had come from Agnes herself. Margaret, meanwhile, held the Langley family’s wealth in her grip. She had declared many times that when Oliver proved himself worthy, his rightful inheritance would be returned through his wife. But Oliver’s reputation was in ruins. No one would willingly marry him. And so, even at twenty, he had no engagement. That proud and steadfast warrior—would he still meet the same tragic fate? Isolde couldn’t help but worry.

“Isolde, is Oliver really getting married?” Theodric asked.

“So I’ve heard,” she murmured, pulling herself from past memories and smiling down at the boy.

Chapter 31: Why Not Marrying Oliver?

“Oliver is so powerful! Why don’t you marry him?” His eyes shone with admiration.

Isolde laughed, pinching his cheek. “Little one, what do you know about grown-up matters?”