The Swordswoman’s Revenge Story After Rebirth
Chapter 312: Meeting Ashley
Ashley fixed her gaze on him, her lips curling into a smile that held no warmth. “You’re entertaining guests. I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
Oliver replied coolly. “It’s no trouble. In fact, you know them all.”
Her fingers clenched into fists, knuckles turning white. Of course, she knew who was inside. Slowly, she turned away. “I have matters to attend to. I won’t be staying.”
Oliver watched her retreating figure, a smirk playing at his lips before he turned back inside.
Silence filled the hall. Ashley. Of course, they all knew who she was. Deangelo, seeing Oliver return alone, raised a brow. “Didn’t you say Ashley was here?”
“I had hoped to introduce her to you all, but for some reason, she refuses to meet with guests today,” Oliver said with a faint note of apology.
Deangelo inwardly scoffed, though his face betrayed nothing. One of the generals finally spoke up, “Forgive my boldness, but were those letters submitted to the King by Ashley herself?”
Oliver’s gaze turned sharp as he leveled it at the man. “Watch your words. The King has chosen not to pursue the matter. Why do you keep bringing it up? It doesn’t matter who handed the letters to the King. What matters is that it happened. You’ve all confessed, and the King has already issued his punishment. Since the matter hasn’t been made public, keep your mouth shut.”
The general stiffened. “Yes. I misspoke.”
Their visit today had been for a private discussion. While the King had decreed that their sons and nephews be conscripted into the army as punishment, the severity of the sentence seemed surprisingly mild. They couldn’t tell whether Oliver had risked his life to plead for them or if there was another reason behind the King’s leniency. Today, they had come to probe for answers.
But the fact that Ashley had been outside, clearly within earshot, yet had deliberately chosen not to enter, raised questions. On the surface, it made sense – she was preparing to enter the palace soon and should avoid unnecessary encounters with men. Yet, why had she come here in the first place? At this time, Ashley should have been confined to her quarters, studying court etiquette. Had she deliberately come to observe them? Or was she simply shocked that the King had not ordered their execution? If she was unaware of their fate, then the suspicion that Oliver had been conspiring with her could be dismissed.
“TJ. to deliver your congratulations. On the day itself, I hope you’ll arrive early and have a few more drinks.”
“Of course, of course,” Deangelo said smoothly. “It’s getting late – we won’t keep you any longer. We’ll take our leave.”
Oliver made no effort to stop them, rising to see them out. As the group departed, Oliver and Miniro accompanied them to the entrance, watching them go before returning to the main hall.
Miniro picked up one of the gift lists and whistled. “Oliver, these gentlemen were quite generous.”
Oliver glanced at the gifts. Each list contained no fewer than five extravagant items. He knew their wealth had been confiscated. Gathering these gifts must have required significant contributions from their clans. He had no intention of taking advantage of them.
“Accept them,” he said indifferently. “When we send return gifts, make sure they’re modest – but give them more money instead.”
“Understood. I’ll let Ryker know,” Miniro replied.
Oliver turned to leave, intending to change clothes at Ningser Pavilion before heading to the Southern Watch.
But at the corner of the corridor, Ashley was waiting for him. She had gone to great lengths to dismiss her attendants, ensuring she was alone for this encounter.
Oliver frowned slightly. Why was she everywhere? “What do you want now?” he asked.
Ashley met his gaze. “I only ask for clarity. Why has the King spared them?”
Oliver’s expression remained unreadable. “I told you before – I won’t speculate on the King’s will.”
“You know the answer. Don’t brush me off. Tell me the truth. There’s no point in keeping secrets between us. You know what I intend to do, just as I know your ambitions. If you keep playing coy, don’t think I have no other options,” Ashley said sharply.
Oliver chuckled. “Forgive me, my lady, but I truly don’t understand what you mean.”
Ashley narrowed her eyes, her voice dropping. “Are you still pretending? Oliver, there are countless men in Argentum who are more talented than you, men who hold greater favor with the King. I don’t have to rely on you. Whether you stand against me or beside me is your choice. But if you keep up this act, don’t expect my patience.”
Oliver merely smiled and walked away. Even the most calculating of minds, when pushed into a corner, would reveal their impatience. Ashley was furious.
She refused to believe she had misjudged Oliver. But why did he keep refusing to work with her? Did he doubt her ability to elevate him? It seemed so. Fine, then. If he underestimated her now, she would make sure he regretted it in the future.
Fuming, she stormed back to her room, dismissing all her attendants and locking herself inside. She sat in deep contemplation, unable to unravel why Deangelo and the others had been spared. Just as she was brooding over it, a voice outside broke her thoughts.
“Who are you? Why are you sneaking around? Leave at once!” one of the palace maids barked.
“I’ve come to see Ashley. I’m from the Langley family,” a sweet, coaxing voice responded.
Ashley’s eyes flickered. A Langley family girl? At present, there were only three young women from the Langley family – Isolde and her two cousins. She had also heard that Clark Langley was now serving at court.
Her interest piqued, she stood and opened the door, spotting a young girl dressed in soft yellow silk, speaking to the palace maid. The delicate combination of colors was difficult to pull off, yet it only accentuated her fair and delicate features. It was Martha.
Seeing Ashley emerge, Martha quickly stepped forward and curtsied deeply. “You must be Lady Ashley. I am Martha. I have come to pay my respects.”
“Ms. Charlie, forgive me,” the palace maid said helplessly. “She insisted on coming inside.”
Ashley studied Martha for a moment before offering a smile. “It’s fine. Since she’s from the Langley family, that makes us relatives, in a way. I have no pressing matters today and was beginning to feel quite bored. Some company might be nice. Come in.”
Martha’s face lit up with joy. “Thank you, my lady.”
Martha had accompanied Patricia here today, initially hoping to see William. But since William was out, she had decided to take her chances in meeting Ashley instead. In her mind, no one in the household held more power than this soon-to-be imperial consort. If she managed to gain Ashley’s favor, it could change her fate entirely. She was alone in this world now – she had to find a way to secure her future.
Stepping inside, Martha immediately knelt, performing a full ceremonial bow. Ashley smiled. “Rise. I’ve yet to enter the palace – you needn’t be so formal.”