The Swordswoman’s Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 407: Victoria’s Inner Circle

Clark shook his head in frustration. “How could this happen? If the younger generation doesn’t understand, that’s one thing, but now even the elders are causing trouble? The title of Marquis isn’t theirs to inherit, even if you don’t take it.”

Oliver spoke darkly, his frustration evident. “They know they can’t inherit it, but in the eyes of the family, they believe the title must pass to a male heir. That way, the Langley family can still have influence in Argentum, with relatives holding titles like Counts and Dukes, and they’ll have stature in Zrork City. But now that Isolde has inherited it and married me, they don’t see her as part of the Langley family anymore.”

Clark asked cautiously, “Isolde, with this situation, do you think we should report it to the King?”

Isolde slowly shook her head. “No need.”

“Then what do you plan to do?” Clark pressed.

Isolde’s gaze hardened. “I’ll first present the mountain deed to prove that this land belongs to me. My parents had the right to be buried here.”

“What if they still oppose you?” Oliver asked.

“I’ll start with diplomacy, and if they persist, I’ll handle it my way,” Isolde replied coolly.

She was burning with anger inside. Normally, in her old temperament, she would have stormed into the church and smashed everything in sight, not caring about her reputation, just releasing her fury. But now, she felt there were times when a more strategic approach was necessary. Her father’s reputation had to be protected. If they pushed her too far, she would escalate things.

After a hasty meal, she packed some food to take back with her. Outside the church, there was a vast open space where the funeral procession had set up camp. Ten tents were connected, with the coffins resting in the central tent.

Isolde entered the tent to offer a prayer. Her mother’s remains were also carefully placed in a golden urn, but even in death, they couldn’t rest peacefully. The bodies were temporarily stored here, unable to be laid to rest in the ancestral grave.

Isolde was overwhelmed with both sadness and anger. After bowing, she stepped back. After distributing the food, Oliver joined her. They entered the tent, where the bedding was hastily bought and extremely thin. The tent wasn’t warm, and Isolde winced, “You’ve had a hard time.”

Oliver embraced her. “It’s not hard. I should be doing this for my parents.”

Isolde gently stroked his face. It had been a few days since he last shaved, and his stubble was rough against her hand.

“Do I look bad?” Oliver asked, rubbing his chin against her cheek.

Isolde shook her head, her eyes suddenly misting. “Not a good idea. I just came from Montlin Manor… Grandfather’s health is not good.”

Oliver whispered softly, “Don’t think like that. We’ll take care of everything here and then go back to be with her.”

Isolde sat down, hugging her knees and letting out a deep sigh. “I’ve realized something… even Grandfather’s health isn’t what it used to be. Oliver, I’m terrified. I’m afraid the people I love are all slipping away, one by one.”

She rarely sat like this, hugging her knees. To her, it felt like a sign of weakness. But right now, she felt utterly powerless to bear this weight. Oliver sat next to her, holding her silently, offering his presence without a word.

Isolde didn’t allow herself to wallow in sorrow for too long. She started asking Oliver about the situation at hand.

“The ringleaders are Vance, Gage Langley, Jaime Langley, and Danny Langley. Gage is the father of the three, and he’s from the Lawson branch of your family. I’m suspicious of whether Vance truly has the influence he claims,” Oliver explained.

Isolde paused, then asked, “Do you suspect someone is secretly supporting him?”

“Vance is who he is. If it’s about food and drink, he’s great, but when it comes to doing something, especially manipulating your entire family, it’s not so easy. And as for your father’s supposed crime of killing his legitimate mother, they believe that completely. Does Vance have the credibility for that?” Oliver questioned.

“Definitely not,” Isolde frowned.

“I used to think he did, but after hearing what the people at the restaurant said, Vance is hardly anyone of importance in Argentum, and the people in Zrork City know his reputation. If the Langley family knows the truth about him, why would they believe what he says?” Oliver continued.

“So you’re saying this might not be about my father?” Isolde asked.

“It’s very likely that it’s aimed at you,” Oliver replied.

Isolde thought about it for a moment and realized that Oliver’s words made sense. She called Hattie and Hazel over and whispered a few instructions. The two of them quickly left.

It wasn’t long before Hattie and Hazel returned with news. “Someone who returned with Vance is a servant from the palace named Riley Lowe. He was sent to Zrork City on official business. When he arrived, he was hosted by Gage,” Hattie reported.

“Riley?” Isolde didn’t recognize the name.

“He’s from Catherine’s household,” Oliver said.

Isolde’s eyes widened. “Catherine? Could she be involved in this?”

That meant he had disregarded Catherine as well. But why would she act against them now?

Isolde turned to Oliver. “What do you think?”

Oliver shook his head. “It might not be Catherine. She usually doesn’t meddle in these things. And the King made the decision about the inheritance. If she disagreed with it, her personality would mean she’d speak out directly, not resort to these petty tricks.”

“Do you know this Riley?” Isolde asked.

Oliver shook his head. “Not well. I know he works under Catherine. She likes unique things, so she often sends him out to gather strange items. I’ve met him maybe three or four times. He wasn’t exactly friendly toward me, but then again, no one really is.”

“So we can consider him like a puppet,” Isolde said. “If only Esme had come with us, we could have asked her.”

Oliver waved his hand. “No need to ask. We can bring him in and question him directly.”

Hattie nodded. “He’s from Catherine’s circle. We can’t afford to offend him. But if he’s involved, we’ll have trouble when he returns to the palace to stir things up. Catherine isn’t exactly sharp-minded; she’s easily swayed and gullible.”

“Foolish,” Isolde muttered, then turned to Oliver. “Let’s speak plainly among ourselves.”

Oliver agreed. “Foolish is a fitting word for her.”

“I’m sure it was him spreading rumors about Geoffrey. He’s close to Catherine, and the Langley family people would naturally believe him,” Hattie said.

“Knowing it’s him and having evidence are two different things. Since Catherine’s man is here on official business, I’ll invite him to dinner,” Isolde said casually.