The Swordswoman’s Revenge Story After Rebirth

Chapter 399: Have a Hard Life

Isolde studied the smug smile on Ashley’s face, debating whether to let her bask in her supposed victory. In the end, she couldn’t help but offer a warning. “You think you’ve won? Do you even realize what a grave mistake you’ve made? Even if the King refuses to grant me the Duke’s title, I lose nothing. As you said, I am already the Princess of Filial Devotion, married into the Valen family—my status is secure and prestigious. But you?”

Isolde’s lips curled slightly. “You schemed your way into the palace, spent all day anticipating the King’s visit, and when he finally arrived, if you had just remained silent, he might have followed protocol and favored you tonight. But no, you couldn’t stand the thought of staying quiet. You had to show off, had to take a shot at me. And now, you’ve drawn the King’s and the Queen Mother’s disfavor upon yourself.”

Ashley chuckled, unconcerned. “Oh? And you think you can read the King’s mind? If he truly disliked me, he wouldn’t have made his decision based on my words.”

Isolde raised an eyebrow, stepping closer. “Oh, really? Then go back and wait. See how long it takes before the King actually visits your chambers.”

She flashed a toothy smile, then turned, sweeping away with Esme at her side.

Vivian fumed. “Lady Isolde is far too rude to you, Your Grace!”

Ashley merely walked forward, smiling faintly. “I ruined her plans—of course she’s furious.”

Despite her outward confidence, a flicker of unease gnawed at her. She had overstepped. But the King hadn’t been openly displeased. The Queen Mother had shown no signs of irritation either. As for Catherine—well, Catherine’s opinion could be managed with a few well-placed gestures of goodwill. Still…

“Vivian, do you think the King is angry with me?” she asked, her uncertainty slipping through as they walked.

Vivian hesitated, then said, “I don’t think so. After all, it was he who asked for your opinion. And everything you said was merely a rephrasing of Queen Catherine’s stance. If the King were to be angry with you, wouldn’t that mean he’s also angry with her? Besides, in the end, he adopted your reasoning. Even Queen Catherine didn’t press the matter further. You shouldn’t worry too much.”

Ashley nodded, reassured. That made sense. Still, she had completely failed to read Thelma today. One of her main reasons for coming had been to observe her—to understand what kind of woman Thelma truly was. A person’s words and actions could reveal their inner nature. Yet today, Thelma had shown nothing. No strong reactions, no obvious inclinations—she had simply…

Well, time would tell.

“Let’s hurry back,” Ashley said, a satisfied smile creeping onto her lips. “I imagine the King will summon me tonight.”

“Yes, Your Grace,” Vivian replied, quickening her pace.

Meanwhile, in the carriage leaving the palace, Este frowned. “Lady Isolde, Ashley isn’t as clever as I expected. Isn’t she supposed to be Kamari’s strategist? If Karmari relies on an advisor this foolish, no wonder she met such a miserable fate.”

Isolde laughed. “Oh, she’s not foolish—she’s very clever. But clever people become dangerous when they grow desperate. They start making choices that contradict their nature.”

Esme frowned. “What do you mean?”

Isolde leaned back, watching the palace fade into the distance. “Since Ashley entered Argentum, nothing has been within her control. That makes her anxious. Frightened. She’s been waiting so long just to see the King—do you really think she’d let the opportunity pass without seizing it? And she hates me. Hatred mixed with ambition? That’s a dangerous combination. When personal feelings cloud judgment, mistakes are inevitable.”

She smiled to herself. “She suffered a setback today. But that’s not necessarily a good thing. When people like her fail, they don’t crumble—they become patient. They learn to wait.”

Esme regarded her with curiosity. “You seem to understand her well.”

Isolde’s eyes darkened slightly. “She was my enemy once. It pays to know your enemies.”

So many things had deviated from the path of her past life. But if Thelma already knew of Ashley’s ambitions, she would never let her rise too far. Ashley was clever, but she was no match for Thelma. Through multiple encounters, Isolde had come to see Thelma’s mind for what it was—meticulous, farsighted, utterly unshakable. She acted only when necessary, always in the best interest of the Eryndral Empire. And when the time came, she would extinguish Ashley’s ambitions like one snuffs out a candle. Ashley’s fate was already sealed.

That was not what concerned Isolde. What concerned her was Natasha’s health.

“Tomorrow, I’ll go to Montlins Manor,” she said.

Esme hesitated. “But… you’re still in mourning. Won’t Natasha notice?”

It was forbidden to remove mourning attire—it would be considered an unforgivable disgrace.

“And the white mourning flower in your hair?”

Isolde’s gaze dropped slightly. “I suppose… my father wouldn’t mind.”

Esme’s expression softened. “No, he wouldn’t.”

Back at the estate, Ryker greeted Isolde upon her return. “Doug is here,” he said.

Isolde nodded and quickly made her way inside. Doug stood by the brazier, dressed in a dark cloak, using fire tongs to stoke the embers. When he saw her enter, he set the tongs aside and dusted off his hands. “You’re back?” he asked.

Isolde removed her cloak, handing it to Esme before approaching him. “Why are you here?”

Doug placed his hands on her shoulders, giving her a once-over. “You’ve lost weight.”

Isolde laughed. “Nonsense, I’m fine.” She pulled him toward the seat beside the fire. “Aren’t you busy? Oliver’s away—doesn’t Southern Watch need you?”

“Southern Watch doesn’t fall apart without Oliver. The men know their duties.” Doug studied her carefully, concern evident in his eyes. “Are you feeling better? Do you still have the medicine the Queen Mother gave you?”

“I do, but I don’t need it anymore. I’ve been fine for a while now.”

Doug’s gaze lingered on her, taking in the sharpness of her features. He sighed. “You… you always make people worry.”

Isolde offered a small smile. “Why worry about me? I’m doing just fine.”

Doug hesitated before suggesting, “Why don’t you stay at Paletein Manor for a few days?”

“There’s no need. Once Oliver returns, I’ll go back to the Valen family estate.” She met his gaze. “Really, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Doug studied her for a long moment before murmuring, “You poor girl… why has your life always been so hard?”

A lump formed in Isolde’s throat, but she forced out a laugh. “Enough of that. Queen Catherine already spent the entire morning saying the same thing. Now you too? If I hear it one more time, I swear my ears will grow callouses.”

Doug chuckled. “Alright, alright. The worst is behind us. From now on, only good days lie ahead.”

Isolde nodded. “If you’re free, stay for dinner.”

She raised an eyebrow. “You’re asking me?”

Doug sighed. “I knew I couldn’t hide it from you. It’s Pablo—he wants to know.”

“What does he mean by that?”

Doug exhaled. “To be honest, I wanted to ask you myself. Do you want to inherit the title?”

Isolde tilted her head. “And what do you all want?”

Doug smiled. “We’re following your lead. If you want it, Pablo and I will handle those who oppose you. There may seem to be many dissenters, but few can truly sway the King’s decision. It wouldn’t take much effort.”

Isolde had expected resistance. Instead, she was met with quiet support. A warmth spread through her chest, so deep it ached.

“Who says I have a hard life?” she murmured. “When I have people like you standing by me?”

Esme had been right. You shouldn’t wait until you lose something to realize its worth.