The Swordswoman’s Revenge Story After Rebirth

Chapter 377: The Imperial Decree

Heidi considered Allan’s words carefully before saying, “Didn’t we investigate this match before returning to Argentum? Don’t you remember? Someone mentioned that Prudence once tried to take Isolde’s life, but Isolde survived and ended up in Zloimond with Oliver instead.”

“That’s an exaggeration,” Allan dismissed. “A grandmother, no matter how cruel, wouldn’t try to kill her own granddaughter.”

“But by your logic, Isolde is someone who repays kindness and holds grudges clearly. Why, then, is she being so stubborn in this case? Refusing to attend the funeral only tarnishes her reputation. People will talk. She’ll lose the goodwill of Argentum. Why would she risk that?”

“It seems,” Allan said gravely, “this matter warrants further investigation.”

Heidi smiled. “So you’re not forcing Isolde to return anymore?”

Allan scoffed. “Could I even force her? She’s as stubborn as an ox.”

Heidi chuckled. “I thought someone like Isolde would never win your favor. But you’re rather fond of her, aren’t you?”

“Whether I approve of her or not is beside the point. She saved Pablo’s life, and she’s Oliver’s wife. As long as her character isn’t rotten, what is there to disapprove of? Pampering her? Hardly. She’s family—I treat her sincerely, that’s all.”

Heidi leaned against him, laughing. “That’s just another way of saying you spoil her.”

Allan shot her a glare. “Are you trying to stir things up?”

“Who, me?” Heidi teased. “You act tough, but your heart is soft.”

Allan brushed off his sleeves. “What nonsense? I never said I disliked her.”

After a pause, he added, “She may not be well-versed in literature, only skilled in wielding a sword, but she has contributed greatly to the court. In matters of the state, she’s commendable. As for her temperament—like I said before—it’s straightforward. If not for this issue, I wouldn’t have gotten angry with her at all.”

“Your anger was useless anyway. She just hid from you.” Heidi laughed.

“Of course, she hid! If she hadn’t, she would’ve had to confront me. And I never intended to force her—only, this concerns her reputation. It’s a shame she doesn’t understand the importance of protecting it.”

“Enough,” Heidi said. “It’s not a big scandal. Let it pass. If you stay angry, Isolde won’t dare return home for another ten days.”

Allan exhaled, relenting. “Send her a message—tell her she doesn’t have to hide anymore.”

Heidi giggled. “Alright, I’ll send word to Paletein Manor.”

Allan eyed her and asked, “By the way, Liana once mentioned that Isolde isn’t particularly respectful toward you. She ignores your summons. And yet, here you are, defending her. Why?”

Everyone thought the ordeal had passed. That night, Isolde returned home and went to Allan’s chambers to formally apologize.

Having seen how much weight she had lost after just two days at Paletein Manor, Allan assumed it was grief over Prudence’s passing. He couldn’t bring himself to scold her and sent her off to rest.

Later, when Oliver returned, he asked about it.

“Allan truly does care about me,” Isolde murmured.

Oliver, knowing about Natasha’s condition, had spent the past two days quietly grieving with her. Seeing her still troubled, he said, “Shall I take a few days off? We can go to the estate together.”

Isolde shook her head. “Not yet.”

“Don’t you miss her?” Oliver asked.

“I do,” she said, her eyes brimming with tears. “I think of her every moment. But if I go, she’ll force herself to act fine in front of me. Even if she’s suffering, she won’t admit it. That would only make it harder for her. I’d rather let her have some peace for now.”

More than that, Isolde feared that if she went, she wouldn’t be able to hold back her emotions. If she broke down in front of Natasha, it would only cause her more distress.

“Alright,” Oliver said. “Whenever you’re ready, just tell me, and I’ll go with you.”

She nodded. “Let me take a few days to accept things first.”

“Don’t be too sad,” Oliver said gently. “Everyone has their time.”

He had no idea how to comfort her. During the day, he worked at the court; at night, he stayed by her side. Every sigh, every furrowed brow, every moment of silent sorrow made his heart ache.

Meanwhile, at the Langley estate, Prudence was finally laid to rest. Everyone assumed the matter was over.

But the next morning, at court, after national affairs were discussed, Arthur stepped forward with a formal impeachment. He accused Isolde of being unfilial, of failing to attend her grandmother’s funeral, and of even rejecting the mourning attire the Langley family had sent her—throwing it out in defiance.

The rumors had already been circulating among officials, but most had chosen to keep their opinions to themselves. After all, it was a family matter. Who knew what had truly transpired?

But with Arthur’s formal accusation, the King was furious. In open court, he turned to Pablo and demanded, “Is it true?”

Pablo remained calm. “It is true that she did not return. However, the Langley family never sent mourning attire. How could she have thrown away something she never received?”

The King’s rage burned. “Never mind that she is a general, appointed by my own decree. Even a commoner must uphold filial piety! To defy this duty—to not even appear at her own grandmother’s funeral…”

Doug, standing in court, knew at once that Isolde would refuse. But if she defied an imperial edict, it would be considered treason. Anxiously, he glanced at Peyton. Peyton understood immediately. The two of them stepped forward together, intending to speak.

Before they could, the King shot them both a fierce glare. “Doug! I hear she was your disciple. If your pupil has failed, then you, too, will be punished! You and Pablo will oversee the ceremony. Pablo, you will deliver the decree. Court dismissed!”

Doug and Peyton exchanged helpless looks.

Pablo cast a sharp glance at Arthur and sneered. “I never knew you were so fond of meddling. How does her absence at a funeral concern you? Or is this revenge?”

Arthur remained composed. “I hold no grudges. I simply uphold the King’s belief in governing through virtue and filial piety. Isolde’s actions defy all principles. In court, she fails her duty as an official. In private, she fails as a granddaughter. A person so devoid of loyalty, righteousness, and filial piety—how am I wrong to report her?”

“Right. You’re always right,” Pablo said coldly, glaring at him before turning to leave.

Doug also turned away, but Arthur’s voice followed him. “Doug, don’t leave just yet. The King has ordered us to oversee the ceremony together. Let’s go and deliver the decree.”