The Swordswoman’s Revenge Story After Rebirth

Chapter 314: Are You Afraid?

Isolde mused for a moment before saying, “Noelle, if Clark returns to the estate, have him come to me immediately.”

“Yes, my lady,” Noelle responded.

Patricia, hearing this, spoke with great seriousness. “Isolde, your wedding day is fast approaching. You must be cautious. After what happened with Margaret, I firmly believe that when people harbor malicious intentions, they will exploit any opportunity.”

“I understand. You need not worry,” Isolde reassured her.

“Martha seems intent on ingratiating herself with the Valen family,” Patricia noted.

“That’s her business. If she has the ability to enter the Valen family, we won’t stand in her way. In fact, Isolde found it amusing—if Eleanor had someone to keep her in check, it would only make things more interesting. She could sit back and watch the chaos unfold in peace.”

“Yes, as long as we don’t provoke them, let’s hope they don’t come looking for trouble with us,” Patricia sighed. She had always found the political intricacies of Argentum exhausting. The more prosperous a place, the more convoluted the schemes. Life in the borderlands had been far simpler.

The next day, Martha returned to the Valen estate. This time, she brought pastries, heading straight to see Ashley. She was allowed inside.

Once in the room, Martha opened the box of pastries and offered them with a flattering smile. “Ms. Charlie, please try these. They were made by the Valen family’s chefs—absolutely delicious.”

As she was a woman, Rowena had no reason to refuse her visit. After a brief inquiry, Ashley glanced at them and smiled faintly. “You’re too kind.”

“It’s nothing, as long as you enjoy them.” Martha looked around, ensuring they were alone, then lowered her voice. “I’ve asked Clark about what you wanted to know. The King hasn’t issued any punishments recently. Aside from the decree naming you as a consort, there has been nothing else. However, he did make a rather peculiar decision—he’s conscripting the sons and nephews of several esteemed ministers into military service… under Isolde’s command.”

Ashley’s expression darkened. “Do you know which ministers?”

“I was afraid I’d forget, so I wrote them down.” Martha retrieved a slip of paper from her sleeve and handed it to Ashley.

Ashley took the paper, gave it a cold glance, then swiftly tore it into pieces, crumpling them into her sleeve. Her heart pounded.

No punishment? Not even a public reprimand? Simply conscripting their kin into military service under Isolde and Oliver’s command? This was practically a gift to them. The powerful families had just been handed to Isolde and Oliver on a silver platter. And what had she… a favor she could not yet measure.

Ashley felt as if she had worked tirelessly, only to end up benefiting those she despised.

Martha, unaware of Ashley’s thoughts, continued with a hopeful smile. “About the matter you promised me…?”

Ashley’s tone was cool. “Rest assured, I keep my word. On Isolde’s wedding day, find a way to attend. I will see that your wish is fulfilled.”

“Yes!” Martha’s face lit up, and she hastily expressed her gratitude.

Ashley then asked, “I’ve heard that you and Isolde don’t get along.”

Martha hesitated for a moment before replying, “Oh, don’t listen to gossip. That’s nonsense! We actually get along very well.”

“Is that so?” Ashley smiled thinly. “What a pity. I dislike Isolde, and she dislikes me. Out of consideration for your sisterly bond, you should probably stop visiting me.”

Martha’s heart sank, and she quickly changed her approach. “I only said that to maintain appearances. In truth, she has never respected us. You came from Zloimond, so you may not know, but the Langley family and Isolde have been at odds for years. Even Clark—he only puts on a front for her. Behind closed doors, he has spoken against her countless times.”

“Oh?” Ashley tilted her head slightly, intrigued.

She hadn’t thoroughly investigated this aspect before, but she knew Clark had been promoted under Doug’s influence. Doug was Isolde’s mentor. Logically, Clark should have been grateful to Isolde. But thinking deeper, things began to make sense. After returning from the estate, Isolde had been elevated to County Princess, then to Princess. Her arrogance and domineering ways must have extended within the household as well. Clark, now favored by the King, likely resented having to tolerate her authority.

If Clark could be swayed…

Ashley studied Martha closely. This girl was sharp, thick-skinned, and had potential. If she could establish herself in the Valen family, and if William eventually inherited the marquisate, she could be a powerful ally.

“Tell me, Martha… would you like to be the Valen family’s mistress?”

Martha’s breath hitched, her throat suddenly dry. “Please… go on.”

She had only ever sought to become William’s concubine. Her ambitions had never stretched beyond that—her lineage simply wasn’t strong enough for her to be considered for a proper marriage. But if she could enter the household as a favored concubine, she could climb the ranks, eventually supplanting the main wife. Yet Ashley’s words ignited a dangerous hope in her heart. Still, she wasn’t foolish. She needed to hear more.

Ashley’s gaze remained steady. “If you wish to be the mistress, then listen carefully. William should be at home today. Find a way to approach him and tell him this: ‘I am soon to be engaged, but I cannot forget the one time I met you. I know my status is unworthy, and I do not ask for marriage. I only wish to express my feelings before I wed.’”

“After saying this, you must leave immediately. If you can, shed a tear or two before you go.”

Martha instinctively shook her head. “This… this is improper. He’ll think less of me.”

Ashley let out a cold laugh. “You don’t understand men—especially not William. He’s suffered repeated setbacks and is drowning in self-doubt. If you can lift him up, admire him, revere him, show him your devotion, he will remember you. If you leave him with the sight of your tearful farewell, it will stir something in him. Otherwise, even if I order him to take you as his concubine, he won’t spare you a second glance. His pride is too high—unless you strike directly at his heart, you will mean nothing to him.”

Martha had been raised with strict teachings—dignity, restraint, virtue. She had been taught how to command respect, to maintain her worth. Yet she was not naive. She had always been bold enough to pursue her own happiness, unlike Nicole, who had been content to let life happen to her. But to confess to a man outright? That was a step she had never considered.

Ashley smirked. “What’s wrong? Are you afraid? Think it over carefully. If you can’t do it, I will arrange for you to become William’s concubine once I enter the palace. But remember this—concubines do not become mistresses. Unless you or your family achieve great merit and earn a promotion, you will remain a concubine for life.”