The Swordswoman’s Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 393: Ashley Enters the Palace

Clark watched Martha storm off, shaking his head with a heavy sigh. Geoffrey’s body wasn’t even cold, yet she was already scheming for the hereditary title. It wasn’t that he looked down on Vance—he simply knew the man was utterly unworthy. Geoffrey had earned the Duke’s title through blood and sacrifice. If it were to be inherited, the successor had to be capable of bearing its weight. The idea of Vance stepping into Geoffrey’s legacy was a disgrace.

Clark’s resolve only strengthened. Isolde should inherit the title. It was unprecedented, yes—but hadn’t she already shattered precedents by becoming a female general? If she could defy expectations once, she could do it again.

And so, before Geoffrey’s burial, Clark submitted a formal request to the King, petitioning for Isolde to inherit the Duchy.

At the same time, Rosemary spoke with the Queen Mother about the matter. The Queen Mother made no direct comment, nor did she bring it up to the King. The King, however, did. He presented the issue at court.

As expected, the court was in uproar. Isolde had already unsettled many by rising as a general. To grant her a noble title? That would be outright rebellion against tradition! The words “a hen crowing at dawn” were muttered amongst the officials—a phrase condemning a woman ruling where men should.

Some, who respected Isolde’s achievements, hesitated. She was barely seventeen. A title of this magnitude at such an age could do more harm than good. But if not Isolde, then who? Clark refused. That left only two choices: Vance and Braden.

Retracting the hereditary title was out of the question. Geoffrey had just been posthumously honored; revoking his title now would dishonor his memory. The King would not allow it.

And yet, he saw the resistance in his court. He did not push the issue further. Instead, he simply said, “We shall deliberate on this matter further.”

That single statement set the court abuzz. Deliberate further? That meant the King had not dismissed the idea entirely. Perhaps, he was considering Isolde’s claim after all.

Meanwhile, Ashley had finally entered the palace. She had waited for this day, yet when it came, it was nothing like she had imagined. The ceremonial conferral of her title was carried out, and she held the imperial decree in her hands, but no grand fanfare awaited her. No riches, no gifts. No summons from the King.

The palace was magnificent, more beautiful than she had dreamed, yet it felt empty. The King had yet to see her. He hadn’t even sent her a token of favor. She knew the customs—on the night of the conferral, the King was expected to visit a newly conferred consort. Yet, because of Geoffrey’s death, the ritual had been postponed. Two days had passed since, and still, he had not come.

But protocol dictated that today, she must go and pay respects to Queen Sophia and the Queen Mother. All of her attendants had been assigned by Queen Sophia.

Ashley had seen the Queen only once—on the day of her conferral. A brief encounter, a single glance as she bowed. And in that single glance, Ashley had already dismissed her. Queen Sophia lacked the presence of a true queen. If she wanted to play the role of a gentle and virtuous consort, that was fine. The palace was full of actresses. But as Queen, even if she spoke softly, her eyes should have been sharp. A queen should establish dominance, if only through a glance—a silent warning to any challenger. Sophia had done no such thing.

There were two possibilities. One, she simply did not see Ashley as a threat. Perhaps she thought Ashley, without powerful backing, was of no consequence. If that were the case, then Queen Sophia was underestimating her—fatal hubris. Two, she believed herself untouchable, secure in her position, and sought to play the role of a benevolent monarch.

But the palace was a battlefield. No throne was ever truly secure. Whichever it was, Ashley had already decided—Queen Sophia was unworthy of her attention.

Instead, she focused on those around her. Her head maid, Vivian Edwards, had served Dowager Consort Angelica before. Smart, observant, and firm—she would be useful. Her two closest attendants, Lena Banks and Sidney Burt, had come from the Internal Affairs Bureau. Ashley had questioned them personally. They answered without hesitation, their eyes clear, free of deceit. They could be trusted.

The rest, however, were still being assessed. Any servant who hesitated under her gaze, she noted. Those she did not trust, she would not dismiss—but she would never allow them close.

Ashley understood the palace well enough. Loyalty was earned through power. If she flourished, her servants would flourish. If she fell, self-interest dictated that they serve her well.

Once her assessments were made, she sent Vivian to make inquiries. Vivian, having served Dowager Consort Angelica, was well-connected. She had often visited the Queen Mother’s palace and was familiar with both her and Queen Catherine’s temperaments.

“Vivian,” Ashley said, “tell me about Queen Catherine. Every habit, every preference. I want to know everything.”

She should prepare early. I’ve also heard that the Princess of Filial Devotion will be visiting to offer thanks. The Queen Mother will be receiving her afterward, so your time will be brief.

Ashley’s eyes narrowed. “Princess of Filial Devotion? Isolde is coming.”

Since arriving in Argentum, Ashley had faced setback after setback. She had antagonized Seamus and Deangelo. She had crossed Layla and Matthew. Arthur had tried to align with her and suffered ruin instead. Every move she made seemed to bring disaster. She had to tread carefully now.

Isolde, however, was not an enemy she wanted to confront just yet. Avoiding her was the best course of action.

Ashley turned back to Vivian. “What is the Queen Mother like?”

Vivian gave a knowing smile. “Of all the masters in the palace, the Queen Mother is the easiest to get along with—and also the most dangerous.”

Ashley raised a brow. “Oh?”

Vivian nodded. “She does not meddle in palace affairs. If one behaves, she will not interfere. But if anyone dares overstep… her punishments are severe.”

“And Queen Sophia?” Ashley inquired.

Ashley expected Thelma to look down on Queen Sophia. But Vivian’s response surprised her.

“The Queen Mother favors her. She has always supported her. The tension, if any, lies between Thelma and Bethany. But in recent years, that, too, has faded.”

Ashley smirked. Interesting. Then Queen Catherine would be her first target.

“Which palace do I visit first?” Ashley asked.

“For regular days, only on the first and fifteenth of each month do consorts visit the Queen Mother. However, since you are newly conferred, all consorts will be present tomorrow for your formal introduction.”

Ashley’s smirk deepened. Perfect. Tomorrow, she would see the battlefield for herself.