The Swordswoman’s Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 56: Stay Out of Her Way

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Isolde instructed Jessica to re-register all the farmhands at Montlins Manor and record any unpaid wages. Once settled, she would send money to the estate to ensure proper compensation. The improvements to their wages and meals quickly spread through the manor. When word reached them that they would now receive meat daily, the farmhands erupted in cheers, eager to express their gratitude to Isolde.

Before leaving the estate, Isolde summoned Jessica to her chambers. Jessica, in an excellent mood, appeared far less severe than usual. Beaming, she praised Isolde, saying, “You truly take after Prunella—not just in appearance, but in the way you handle things.”

“Jessica, sit down. I have some questions, and I need you to answer honestly.” Isolde’s expression turned solemn. Jessica immediately straightened. “Ask away, Isolde. I’ll tell you everything I know.”

“How long did my mother stay at the manor while pregnant with me?” Isolde asked.

Jessica considered before replying, “About a month. Prunella wasn’t in great health, so Geoffrey brought her here to recuperate. She loved the estate, and it did seem to lift her spirits.”

“If she was improving, why did she leave in such a hurry?” Isolde pressed.

Jessica hesitated. “It was because Prudence fell ill. Prunella returned to care for her.”

Isolde found the reasoning absurd. “Prudence fell ill, and my mother had to tend to her? Was there no one else in the entire household? She had been trying to conceive for ten years, finally became pregnant, and had an unstable pregnancy. How could they possibly have allowed her to return just to nurse someone else?”

Jessica shook her head. “I don’t know the details of what happened at the estate. If you want answers, you should find Marley—she was Prunella’s maid.”

“Marley? Do you know where she is now?”

Jessica sighed. “I don’t. After Prunella left, I only saw her once. By then, Prudence had already dismissed her. I gave her the belongings of Prunella that I’d managed to save, but soon after, I was imprisoned. Once released, I never saw her again.”

She studied Isolde’s tense expression and hesitantly asked, “Isolde… are you suspecting something about Prunella’s death in childbirth?”

A cold glint flashed in Isolde’s eyes. “Jessica, I’m not suspecting anything. And you must not speculate either. I asked you alone for a reason—you understand what that means.”

Jessica, shrewd as ever, nodded. “I understand. I won’t breathe a word of this to anyone.”

Isolde softened slightly. “I trust you and Wade. You both suffered in prison just to protect my mother’s belongings. That kind of loyalty isn’t easily found. I’m leaving Montlins Manor in your care. I won’t be able to stay here, and after I leave, those I expelled today might try to return. Be on guard.”

Jessica’s expression hardened. “You can count on us, Isolde. Even if it costs us our lives, we won’t let them…”

Isolde, a woman of deep emotions, had not become hardened despite the tragedies of her past life. She gave final instructions regarding the farmhands’ meals, then ordered Helena and Jacqueline to pack for their return. Oliver, tasked by Doug with ensuring her safe return to the city, escorted her down the mountain.

At the city gates, they parted ways. Isolde bowed slightly. “Thank you.” Oliver glanced at her but remained silent. Without another word, he turned his horse and rode away.

Standing before the gates of the Duke’s estate, Isolde took a deep breath. “Let’s go.”

“I’d rather stay at the manor,” Helena muttered.

Jacqueline scoffed. “What’s so great about the manor? It’s full of bugs, the food isn’t as refined, and it’s nowhere near as comfortable as the estate.”

Helena glared but didn’t argue, simply following Isolde inside. The estate was eerily quiet. Noelle greeted them and informed Isolde, “After Matilda returned yesterday, Geoffrey ordered her confinement to Whitmon Chamber. She’s not allowed to leave.”

“In other words, she’s under house arrest?” Isolde asked.

Noelle nodded. “Yes. But aside from that, nothing else.”

“What about Ryker and Matilda’s attendants?”

“Ryker is still here. As for Anne and Amy, they are with Matilda, attending to her.”

Isolde felt a strange sense of disappointment. She had long since given up hope for her so-called father, but his leniency toward Matilda, compared to the cruelty he had shown her, was still infuriating.

“You shouldn’t be upset, my lady,” Helena attempted to console her. “Maybe Geoffrey still wants to investigate things further.”

“Investigate?” Isolde let out a bitter laugh. “What exactly is he investigating?” She knew it was pointless to expect anything from him.

Not long after they settled, Matilda’s son, Bryant, stormed in. Without a word, he began smashing things—tables, chairs, the coffee set—until the room was in complete disarray. Vincenzo moved to stop him, but Isolde raised a hand. She simply watched.

Bryant, panting, pointed a shaking finger at her and roared, “What tricks did you play to make Father imprison my mother? I’m warning you—fix this, or I’ll kill you myself!”

Isolde met her half-brother’s gaze with cold contempt. A pathetic coward. And yet, he was the sole male heir of the Duke’s estate.

“Either you leave on your own, or I’ll throw you out myself,” she said icily.

“You dare? You think you dare?” Bryant’s face reddened with rage, and he lunged, hands outstretched to strangle her. “I’ll kill you, you little—”

Before he could touch her, Isolde caught his wrist, twisted, and sent him flying. Bryant landed hard, seeing stars. Before he could curse, Vincenzo grabbed him by the collar, hauled him up, and cheerfully said, “Safe travels.” He then tossed Bryant outside and slammed the door. Bryant’s angry curses echoed from beyond the gates.

“Idiot,” Vincenzo muttered.

Geoffrey had returned to the estate earlier and already knew Isolde was back. Harlan had briefed him on everything that had happened at Montlins Manor. After listening, Geoffrey merely said, “I see. There’s no one managing the estate’s inner quarters now. I’ve already sent word to Holfaxland for my mother to return. We need to settle Isolde’s marriage as soon as possible.”

Harlan hesitated. “Yes, sir.”

Geoffrey sat in his study, staring at an open book, his mind elsewhere. He knew he had wronged Isolde, falsely accused her. But he still couldn’t bring himself to show her kindness. So be it. He wouldn’t try to mend their relationship. Let them remain estranged.

Just then, a servant rushed in and reported, “Mr. Langley, Bryant went to Isolde’s chambers, smashed things, and was thrown out.”

Geoffrey’s expression darkened with irritation. “He knows exactly what kind of person she is, so why provoke her?” Turning to Harlan, he ordered, “Spread the word—whether master or servant, no one is to provoke anyone from the Pearl Tower. Stay away from her.”