The Swordswoman’s Revenge Story after Rebirth Chapter 45: I’ll Take This Case | Pearis

Doug took his seat, his sharp gaze sweeping over the room before he lazily spoke, “So this is the King’s personally titled County Princess? Hmm, she looks decent enough. So, a murderer, is she?”

Isolde stared at him, and in an instant, her eyes misted over, her nose stinging with unbearable ache. Her voice came out heavy with suppressed emotion. “Mr. Becker, I did not kill anyone.”

Before Doug could respond, Samiyah, who had been gloating over Isolde’s imminent downfall, erupted in fury. “Stop pretending to be pitiful! You vile little whore! If not for you, would my Eleanor be in this state? And now you dare act innocent? I’ll rip your filthy mouth apart!”

Doug let out two sharp clicks of his tongue, his face darkening. His voice took on a mocking, sharp tone. “And here I was wondering who this loudmouthed old cow was. Turns out it’s Milton’s wife.” His gaze sharpened.

“Has the County Princess been convicted yet? No? Then who gave you the right to tear her mouth apart? I’m still alive, you know.”

His voice grew even colder as he sneered, “As for that—who exactly are you talking about? I may have been away from Argentum for a while, but even I know your precious daughter was carrying William’s child out of wedlock. And yet you stand here—shamelessly—calling someone else a whore? Laughable.”

Doug’s words landed like a slap, and Milton and Samiyah’s faces turned ashen. Moments ago, they had been wondering why Doug had suddenly appeared. But now, hearing the undisguised sarcasm in his voice, it became clear—he was here for Isolde.

Milton, though unwilling to offend Doug, also wasn’t ready to let Isolde go so easily. Forcing a stiff smile, he cupped his hands and said, “Samiyah spoke out of turn. Please forgive her. But, the County Princess harmed my daughter—her guilt is irrefutable. There is no room for denial. Since you rarely visit, why don’t I personally show you around the estate?”

A clear attempt to get Doug out of the way. Doug’s gaze turned sharp. He pressed a hand down slightly, his mocking expression deepening. “Isn’t this estate the one left for the County Princess by Mrs. Prunella Langley? If anyone should be showing me around, wouldn’t it be her?”

Milton’s forced smile didn’t falter. “I’m afraid the County Princess won’t be able to accompany you.” He turned to Tyler, his tone carrying an implicit threat. “Tyler, wouldn’t you say so?”

Tyler remained silent. He was too intelligent not to immediately grasp Doug’s intentions. Doug had been away from Argentum for years. Now, his first stop wasn’t even the palace—instead, he had come straight to Montlins Manor. Clearly, he had another motive.

Doug’s smirk deepened. Turning to Oliver, he drawled, “Oliver, tell me—can Southern Watch intervene in this case?”

Oliver’s face was cold and unreadable. “Southern Watch has the authority to investigate any case within Argentum and even throughout the Eryndral Empire.”

Bone took his time, then turned to Tyler. “Take this case off our hands. Are you willing to hand it over?”

Tyler, relieved, immediately stood up and cupped his hands. “If you’re taking over, that is for the best! I have no reason to refuse. I trust that you will conduct the investigation fairly.”

Milton’s face turned ghostly pale. He had just sat down but now shot to his feet again. “No! Absolutely not! This case has already been adjudicated—how can it suddenly be transferred to Southern Watch!”

Doug didn’t even look at him. Instead, his sharp eyes landed on Geoffrey. “Mr. Langley, you and I have known each other for years. Can you trust me with your daughter’s case?”

Geoffrey’s emotions were tangled. It was obvious Doug had stepped in to help him. If he outright refused, it would suggest he was biased against Isolde.

After a moment’s hesitation, he said, “Mr. Becker, handle it as you see fit. Young people need to be taught lessons—only then will they learn how to behave.” A subtle implication—he still wanted Isolde punished.

Doug’s smile widened. A dangerous glint flashed in his eyes. “Bring all witnesses back to Southern Watch. I will personally handle this case.”

A gray-robed guard stepped forward, cupping his hands toward Tyler. “Mr. Schuman, who are the witnesses?”

Tyler pointed to Estella, a group of farmhands, and several generals’ wives. “These are the witnesses. Also, those who are investigated by Lord Harmon should be taken along as well.”

Hearing that they were to be taken to Southern Watch, the noblewomen immediately protested.

Talia snapped, “Why should we go to Southern Watch? If you have questions, ask them here! I will not go.”

Doug’s face turned icy. “This case concerns a County Princess personally titled by the King. You think we can just hold a casual hearing here?”

Margaret, who had been watching coldly all this time, finally spoke. Her voice was calm, but her words carried a sharp edge. “Doug, is this minor case really worthy of your attention? This is a matter for the High Magistracy of Argentum. Since you’re visiting the estate, why don’t you focus on leisure and hospitality instead of exhausting yourself over something so trivial? Besides, these ladies are not criminals—taking them to Southern Watch will stain their reputations. Let’s end this matter here. Take Isolde into custody and send her to the magistrate’s office for judgment.”

With that, she stood up and directly ordered Tyler, “Tyler, you have the authority here. Take the criminal away. I will personally speak with the Queen Mother about revoking her title.”

Margaret had directly issued an order, using her rank as a noblewoman to override an imperial official.

Doug’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he only responded lazily, “Don’t leave yet. You should come to Southern Watch as well.”

Margaret’s lips curled into a sneer. “You’re summoning me to Southern Watch? And what authority do you have to do that?”

Doug sighed dramatically, lounging back. “Well, since you just tried to have the County Princess taken away, you must be very familiar with the case. Since you know so much, it’s only right that we take your statement as well.”

Margaret’s expression darkened. “You dare?” William shot up from his seat, his face twisted with fury. “You’re just a castrated freak! How dare you be this arrogant?!”

The room fell into stunned silence. Had William lost his mind? Did he not know who Doug was?

Doug turned slowly, giving William a long, amused look. He then turned to Isolde and asked dryly, “Is that your fiancé? Your choice?”

Isolde had been watching Doug intently this entire time, her gaze locked onto every subtle shift in his expression. At his question, she shook her head. “No. The engagement is off. I don’t want garbage like him.”

Doug smirked, casually rolling two iron beads between his fingers. “Good choice. A husband like that? Marrying him would ruin your life. Just look at his mother—if you survived the marriage, you wouldn’t survive the mother-in-law.”

Ignoring Margaret’s furious glare, Doug lazily waved his hand. “Why are you all still standing around? Take them away. Separate them. If there’s the slightest inconsistency in their statements—use torture. I want the truth.”