The Swordswoman’s Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 67: The Concubine’s Entry

Samiyah was a woman of action. Once she made a decision, there was no turning back. She immediately sent word to the Valen family, demanding Margaret come that very night to discuss the marriage arrangement. If she refused, Samiyah would accuse her of attempting to seduce Eleanor under the guise of marriage and take the matter to the authorities. This was a desperate move, but Samiyah could no longer afford to hesitate. The Blackwell family was on the brink of disaster; without an alliance with the Valen family, they would sink. The Valens were their only lifeline.

Her plan worked quickly. That very night, a matchmaker arrived at their doorstep. Skilled in persuasion, the matchmaker subtly implied the Valen family’s superiority, then made it clear that marrying Eleanor as a legitimate wife was impossible. However, if she were willing to settle as a concubine, they could arrange for her transfer to William’s house. A few threats sealed the deal. Milton and Samiyah both knew that, given Eleanor’s current reputation, becoming the main wife had always been an impossible prospect—now even more so.

After the arrangements were made, there was no need to wait for a “good day.” A few days later, the wedding procession, complete with firecrackers and gifts, arrived to bring Eleanor to William’s house. While the Valen family remained discreet, the Blackwell family made no such effort. The pomp and circumstance of the Blackwell family’s dowry, with its gongs and drums, made it seem as though William was marrying a legitimate wife, not a concubine. Despite the truth—that Eleanor was only being wed as a concubine—Milton made a spectacle of it, and soon everyone knew.

Margaret had intended to keep the matter quiet, but the Blackwell family’s display forced her to invite some family members to the gathering. While lower-ranking concubines often lacked formal ceremonies, the situation differed among the aristocracy. Several tables were set up to introduce the new concubine to the family. Oliver, naturally, attended. Eleanor, the marks of her suicide attempt still faintly visible on her neck despite a high-necked gown and bright red coral beads, was presented.

As the eldest son, William led Eleanor to Oliver to offer a toast. Oliver, an outcast in the Valen family, was not highly respected. After the toast, Oliver was to give a blessing and a gift—customary practice. But Oliver didn’t finish his drink. He took a small sip, handed over a stack of money, and said, “Southern Watch has matters to attend to. Please, enjoy the rest of the evening.” With that, he left.

Everyone was stunned. Oliver, known for his notorious reputation outside the family, had always been careful and respectful within. Yet, he left the concubine’s welcome without finishing his toast, offering only money. People murmured, calling him heartless and cold, but Margaret, ever the diplomat, smiled and said, “We all know Oliver is a busy man, focused on state affairs. Please, don’t trouble him.”

The matchmaker, holding the awkwardly unbanded bills, felt awkward. Someone joked, “He often gives tips at the Vermelle Hall tavern. Maybe he got too drunk and thought he was there again?”

Eleanor’s face grew pale. She tugged at William’s sleeve, her eyes filled with sorrow. William, already angry from his humiliation and Samiyah’s threats, had mounting frustrations. Though he’d once held some affection for Eleanor, particularly compared to Isolde, that goodwill had dissipated, especially after the events at Montlins Manor and his involvement with Doug. He had no intention of taking Eleanor as a concubine, yet under Samiyah’s pressure, he had no choice but to marry her.

His anger boiled over when Oliver left, and Eleanor, feeling the sting of his resentment, tugged at him desperately. Without thinking, he shoved her away, snapping, “You’ve ruined my reputation!”

Eleanor stumbled, shock and pain spreading across her face. She had never seen William like this before; he was always calm and composed, never raising his voice. Now, she saw his fury for the first time. Tears welled in her eyes, and she silently pleaded for his forgiveness.

Seeing William’s lack of comfort, Eleanor instinctively turned to Margaret for help. But Margaret simply averted her gaze, chatting with her sisters-in-law as if nothing had happened. Even Eleanor understood this was Margaret putting her in her place. Swallowing her tears, she forced a weak smile, saying, “I’m sorry, I was out of line.”

William, despite his outburst, felt regret. His reaction, with so many uncles and cousins present, made him appear lacking in composure. Yet, he wasn’t one to smooth things over, so he flatly said, “Go back. I’ll stay and have a drink with everyone.”

“But… we haven’t finished the toast,” Eleanor whimpered, her voice cracking.

“Don’t worry, I’ll drink on your behalf. You’re tired, go rest,” William said dismissively.

Eleanor stood there, humiliated. Everyone watched her judgmentally. Her heart ached; she blamed Isolde. If not for her, William wouldn’t have turned on her like this.

“Fine,” Eleanor whispered. She bowed formally and left. As she walked away, she made a silent vow: she would win William back, no matter what it took. Now that she was officially in his home, living under the same roof, he would have no choice but to see how much better she was than Isolde.

Meanwhile, Isolde wasn’t at home. She had gone to Doug’s Paletein Manor, once the Perfield Chateau, residence of the Queen Mother’s family. Doug, who rarely saw her, had prepared a small meal, and the two shared a drink under the moonlight, enjoying the evening’s peace.

“I’ve already dug up all that Matilda knows, but there’s still more to uncover,” Isolde said, her cheeks flushed after a few drinks.

“Did you investigate this yourself, or did you have someone else look into it?” Doug asked.

“Let me borrow two of your people. Those I have in my house are fine for serving, but they aren’t good for handling real business,” Isolde replied.

“Vincenzo?” Doug raised an eyebrow. “Vincenzo is handling the affairs I need him to. He’s out building our empire.”

Doug was surprised. “You’ve finally learned how to handle things outside your family? You don’t seem as naive as before.”

“I’m not really foolish,” Isolde said with a shrug. “Back in Belleview Manor, life was carefree. I didn’t have to care about much, as long as the days passed well. Now, things are different.”

Doug studied her thoughtfully. She seemed changed since her time at Windermount.

“Argentum has clearly not been kind to you,” he murmured.

Isolde smiled faintly. “I should have come back to Argentum much earlier.”