The Swordswoman’s Revenge Story after Rebirth Chapter 43: No Partiality

Geoffrey, Margaret, and William arrived at Montlins Manor simultaneously. Having already heard the rough details from Tyler’s attendants, Geoffrey seethed with rage and sorrow throughout the journey. Lord Harmon arrived at the same time, accompanied by Magistrate Jaycob Hinton and several officers.

As soon as Geoffrey entered Montlins Manor, his eyes fell upon Isolde, who was sitting leisurely on the veranda, playing with her dog. Fury consumed him. Without hesitation, he kicked toward her abdomen, roaring, “You unfilial wretch! How can you be so vicious?”

Isolde had not expected him to strike so suddenly. She instinctively tried to dodge, but since she was sitting and holding Leonis, she could only shift to the right. Still, Geoffrey’s foot landed heavily on her thigh bone. He had lashed out in the heat of rage, without holding back. On the way, he had been struggling to contain his anger, but the moment he saw Isolde, it all erupted. A bone-deep pain shot through Isolde’s leg; she swore she could hear the bone crack. Slowly, she raised her head, her eyes blazing with fury. Yet, for some reason, she smiled—a chilling, mocking grin. “Well, well, the mighty Geoffrey is here.”

“You—” Geoffrey was so furious he was at a loss for words. He wanted nothing more than to slap her to death. Tyler, however, was completely stunned. He had specifically summoned Geoffrey because he knew this was a conspiracy, but some things were inconvenient for him to say—Geoffrey, on the other hand, could. That was why he hadn’t immediately questioned the witnesses, waiting instead for their arrival. But he hadn’t expected Geoffrey to act without even asking a single question.

Tyler shook his head with a bitter smile. Geoffrey had worked in the Inspectorate for years and was a meticulous investigator, yet when it came to his own family, he was so reckless and blindly trusting. He glanced at Isolde, noticing the way she smiled in her rage and sorrow—a smile filled with soul-shattering hatred. No wonder these people dared to so brazenly set up a trap for a Duke’s legitimate daughter; she had no one to rely on. Even her own father couldn’t be trusted.

William, upon learning that Eleanor had miscarried, was also consumed with rage. He wanted to hit Isolde too, but with so many esteemed figures present, he held back. Instead, he spat at her in disgust. “You venomous woman!”

Margaret, ever composed, cast a cold, sharp glance at William, displeased with his loss of decorum. She reminded him sternly, “William, Tyler will handle this. Take your seat.”

She then entered the hall, gracefully bowing to Tyler. “Mr. Tyler, family scandals shouldn’t be aired publicly. Thank you for informing us.”

Tyler nodded. “Mrs. Langley, you’re too polite. Since this is the crime scene, it is the most convenient place to protect both families’ reputations. I chose to conduct the inquiry here. If the accusations prove true, then we will transfer the case to the magistrate’s court.”

Margaret acknowledged his reasoning with a nod, then took her seat beside Milton and William.

“Geoffrey, take a seat first,” Tyler said, standing and giving him a small bow.

Geoffrey stormed inside, glaring at Tyler. “Tyler, just punish her as the law dictates. No need to show me any favoritism.”

Tyler responded calmly. “The case hasn’t even been investigated yet. Whether she’s guilty is still uncertain.”

Milton’s expression turned cold. “Tyler, I don’t understand your meaning. So many eyewitnesses saw her push Eleanor into the water—how can you say she might not be guilty?”

Tyler’s gaze hardened. “I am the magistrate in charge of this case, General. Your opinions are unnecessary. You are here to listen, nothing more.”

“You!” Milton slammed the table with his palm, his voice sharp. “Are you deliberately protecting her?”

Tyler’s expression didn’t change. Instead, his voice rang out like steel: “Did you personally see her push Miss Blackwell into the water?”

“Do I have to personally witness it?” Milton scoffed. “There were so many witnesses!”

Tyler cut him off before he could continue, not even bothering to show courtesy. “If you did not personally witness it, then you are not a witness. And if you are not a witness, then I did not ask for your opinion. So what are you interrupting for?”

Milton was momentarily stunned into silence. He had no retort, so he could only glare at Tyler bitterly.

Margaret, ever poised, interjected smoothly, “Milton, calm yourself. Tyler is known for his integrity—he would never shield someone just because she holds a County Princess title. After all, Argentum alone has over a hundred County Princesses.”

Tyler had been personally appointed by Lord Garraway, a known upholder of justice. So when Margaret indirectly suggested he might be biased, Tyler responded without hesitation.

“You don’t need to imply anything, Mrs. Langley. The case will be investigated as it should be. I will show neither favoritism nor allow a wrongful conviction.”

Margaret smiled faintly. “With Tyler’s assurance, we can rest easy.”

Tyler straightened, turning to Lord Harmon. “Go inspect the crime scene,” he ordered, then turned to begin the formal interrogation.

Due to her County Princess status, Isolde was given a seat, albeit at the lowest rank. Dragging her injured leg, she walked inside with Leonis, settling into her seat. Matilda and Samiyah also came to observe, while Michelle, despite her injuries, insisted on being present. Geoffrey’s fury only deepened when he saw Michelle’s ruined face, and then glanced at Isolde, who looked utterly indifferent, as if nothing concerned her. He wanted nothing more than to slap her.

The first witness, Estella, knelt on the ground. Tyler began. “What is your name? Did you personally witness what happened?”

Estella replied, “I saw everything with my own eyes. Michelle, Isolde, and Eleanor were arguing by the reservoir. Then Isolde got angry, said she would kill Eleanor, and shoved her into the water.”

“What were they arguing about?” Tyler asked.

“I was standing nearby and overheard Isolde telling Eleanor to get rid of the baby. Eleanor said she would never allow her to marry into the Valen family—not even as a concubine. Eleanor begged, saying she and William truly loved each other, and she wasn’t asking for status—only to give birth to the child. Then they started shouting, and the next thing I saw, Isolde pushed Eleanor into the water. Michelle immediately called Randy for help, but Isolde ordered her dog to attack him. Michelle screamed for help, but we didn’t know how to swim, so we ran to get others. Just as I was about to leave, I saw Isolde push Michelle into the water too, and then jump in herself, trying to drown her.”

At this, Isolde chuckled softly, keeping her head down without saying a word. But William, enraged, pointed at her and bellowed, “You venomous woman! Even if I never marry another, I will never take you as my wife!”

Finally, Isolde lifted her gaze and sneered. “Oh? And yet… wasn’t it you who begged me to marry you that day?”

William’s face turned red with fury. “You lie! I would never beg a vile woman like you!” He turned to Tyler, chest heaving. “I will report your crimes to my father! Let him see for himself what kind of woman he has been speaking so highly of!”

Tyler, his patience wearing thin, snapped. “William, if you think this inquiry lacks proper decorum, then we can move the trial to the magistrate’s office. Would you prefer that?”

William gritted his teeth and sat back down, his face dark with rage—but he dared not speak again.