The Swordswoman’s Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 401: Sophia Summons Her

Vivian sighed and said, “I send all my silver home every month; there’s no money left over for anything else.”

Ashley, looking a bit irked, snapped, “Find a way. If you can’t raise the silver, there are other ways to gather information. If you can’t handle such a simple task, how can I trust you with more important matters in the future?”

Vivian silently cursed under her breath. She had thought following Ashley would lead to a bright future, but this situation was far from what she’d imagined. She had no choice but to pull every string she could, using her long-standing connections in the palace. Eventually, she managed to gather some information.

“Heath said that the King has issued an edict: The Princess of Filial Devotion, Isolde, will inherit the title of First-Rank Duke. Since Isolde is a woman, she will instead be granted the title of Marquise of Filial Devotion.”

“Marquise of Filial Devotion?” Ashley was taken aback. In the Eryndral Empire, the system of marquises, dukes, counts, and viscounts was not strictly hierarchical—except in name, since their fiefs were equal in size. But with a county attached to the title, what was the King trying to do? Was he planning to promote her or Oliver to a higher rank?

The King wasn’t a fool—he wouldn’t risk angering both court and nobility just to elevate a woman. Could this be a way to win Queen Victoria’s favor?

A sense of dread crept into Ashley’s mind. The King hadn’t listened to her suggestions, meaning her words fell on deaf ears. That was a serious mistake.

She collapsed into her chair, feeling powerless. The strategic maneuvers she’d mastered by Kamari’s side were of no use here. She had thought that once she entered the palace, things would be easier. But she hadn’t anticipated that the palace would be even more challenging than the outside world. What she hadn’t expected most of all was that, despite being a consort, she still had to pay silver to those beneath her to get things done.

Yes, Kamari’s ambitions had all been based on money. Everyone followed him because he had it, and his rebellion was rooted in the power it provided.

Lena entered, lifting the curtain, and bowed. “Your Majesty, the Empress requests your presence in her chambers.”

“Sophia?” Ashley furrowed her brow. “What does she want at this hour?”

“She didn’t say,” Lena replied.

Ashley didn’t want to go. She suspected it was because of her delayed morning greeting and feared a reprimand. But she wasn’t afraid—she had asked for a royal physician’s visit earlier, after all.

“Your Majesty, it wouldn’t be wise to defy the Empress. She may be calling for something important,” Vivian remarked, surprised at Ashley’s refusal. The palace was usually peaceful, and Sophia was not the type to summon consorts without good reason.

Ashley scoffed. “What could she possibly want? It’s either about my late greeting this morning or my interference in the Mystic Palace politics. Some gossiping servant probably reported it to her, and now she wants to make an example of me.”

Vivian sighed, “That’s exactly what’s going on, Your Majesty. But you can’t afford to upset Sophia. After all, she still controls the Imperial Concubine Summoning Placard.”

Ashley froze. “Sophia controls that? Isn’t that the responsibility of the Inner Court officials?”

Vivian shook her head. “All the Inner Court officials are Sophia’s people. How could you be so naïve?”

Ashley couldn’t believe it. “Sophia? She seems so simple and loyal… but she knows how to work with the Inner Court?”

If she controlled the Summoning Placard, she held power over the entire harem. Which concubine wouldn’t want to be called to the King’s chambers?

Vivian added, “The Queen is deeply favored by Queen Victoria.”

“Victoria?” Ashley asked.

Vivian spoke seriously, “In this palace, you must address her as the Queen Dowager. Always remember that. The harem is full of ears, and you must be careful.”

Ashley had indeed been rash. She sighed. “Alright, let’s get me changed, then.”

Vivian silently lamented. She hadn’t expected this headache of a master.

Sophia was in a foul mood that evening. Rowena had visited earlier to discuss the events of the day. Sophia, having been in the palace for over a decade, knew everything that transpired within its walls. When Ashley had delayed her greeting due to illness, Sophia had already spoken with the royal physician. It wasn’t a case of bad health—Ashley was faking it, likely to avoid a confrontation with the King.

Sophia understood the situation perfectly. Ashley was scheming to meet the King, and when Rowena shared details from the Mystic Palace, Sophia became furious. After the King had finished with his tasks, Sophia had sent for Ashley. She was certain the King wouldn’t call on her, but didn’t want to seem as though she had guessed his mind. So, she waited until after his meeting before sending for Ashley.

Having been by the King’s side for years, Sophia knew what he liked and disliked. There were times when even she had to pretend not to know certain things. The King especially detested consorts who meddled in political affairs, and Ashley’s behavior had crossed the line. This woman was too clever for her own good.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the maid replied, bowing before leaving.

Rowena smirked. “You’re going to leave her waiting, then?”

Sophia shrugged. “She thinks she can ignore me. I’m not bothered. I don’t care for these palace intrigues, but Victoria’s attention has been caught. When the Empress calls for something, it’s my duty as the Empress to manage the harem. If one of my consorts steps out of line, it reflects on me. I must ensure she doesn’t become too bold.”

“How impatient is Ashley? She’s only just arrived in the palace,” Rowena remarked.

Sophia smiled slightly. “I won’t speculate on her intentions. Since Victoria is paying attention, others will handle her. For now, I’ll focus on my duties as Empress.”

Rowena nodded. “Queen Victoria likes that you don’t interfere too much, but if you always put her above all else, not everyone in the harem will respect you.”

Sophia sighed softly. “If it weren’t for Victoria, I wouldn’t be here. I owe my survival in this palace to her. You’ve been by my side for years, so you know how things have been. When Victoria left, Queen Grandmother opposed me, and no one, not even the King, could protect me. If Victoria hadn’t returned, I wouldn’t be sitting here today.”

Rowena nodded solemnly. “Indeed.”

Sophia took a sip of coffee before rising and heading to meet Ashley.

Meanwhile, Ashley had been waiting for fifteen minutes in the side chamber. There was no coal brazier or firewall, and she shivered from the cold. Her frustration grew as she realized this was Sophia’s way of putting her in her place.