The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

hapter 33 The Theatrical Girls

* Pearls

Once the servants had all retreated, Michelle turned to Eleanor, her expression hardening. “It’s good that you

ctoday. | have something to ask you.

Eleanor feigned surprise. “Michelle, ask whatever you wish.”

Michelle's voice was sharp. “What is going on between you and William?”

Eleanor, who had been all smiles just moments ago, suddenly looked as if she were about to burst into tears.

“Michelle, it was a moment of foolishness. | know | was wrong!

“Of course, you were wrong Michelle's voice carried righteous indignation.

“You knew Isolde was already engaged to the Valen family, yet you still entangled yourself with William? A

moment of weakness? Don’t be ridiculous. “He must have sweet-talked you, and you were foolish enough to

believe him. How could you be so blinded? Lusting after your own cousin's fiancé-if it weren't for my respect for

Uncle, I'd beat you half to death myself.”

Eleanor’s tears welled up as she reached for Isolde’s sleeve. “Isolde, please forgive me. | truly know my mistake

this time.”

Isolde slowly withdrew her hand, her gaze cold. “What mistake? You and William are a perfect match-two

despicable creatures made for each other. If anything, | nearly got in the way of your grand love story.”

Michelle's expression faltered for a brief moment, but she held her tongue.

Eleanor dabbed her tears delicately with a handkerchief before speaking again in a pitiful tone. “Isolde, you

should still marry into the Valen family. You'll be the wife, and I'll be the concubine. | will respect you and serve

William together with you. Wouldn't that be wonderful?”

Isolde almost laughed aloud. This performance was worse than the village theatrics she had seen back in

Windermount.

Yet Michelle seemed deeply moved, her beautiful face softening with an air of magnanimity. “It's good that you

realize your mistake. Remember your words today-when you both marry into the Valen family, Isolde will be the

wife, and you, the concubine. No matter what happens, you will obey her and defer to her in everything. Do you

understand?”

“Yes,” Eleanor whispered, still dabbing at her eyes, but the hatred flickering in them could not be concealed.

Michelle then took Isolde’s hand, her tone turning earnest. “I have always wanted you to marry well. William is in

high favor in Argentum right now, and he has the Queen Mother's support. He may not be exceptional, but with

his father’s influence, he will do just fine. “Besides, he is the only son of the Valen family the household is simple.

Oliver is merely an adopted son and will never inherit the title or estate. If you marry William and bear him two

or three sons, your life will be secure, filled with wealth and honor. I am truly happy for you.”

A barely perceptible smirk played at Isolde’s lips. “Indeed.”

Michelle took this as agreement and moved swiftly to her next point. “By the way, Mother mentioned returning

your mother’s estates and shops to you. But you are a noble lady-it wouldn't be proper for you to handle

business affairs yourself. Letmanage them for you. You trust me, don’t you?”

Isolde straightened, putting distance between them. Her expression grew frosty as she spoke slowly.

“Michelle vou are mistaken”

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Chapter 23 The Theatrical Girls

* Pearls

“Mistaken?” Michelle's face darkened. “Are you saying you don’t trust me? Do you think | would steal from

you?“

Isolde’s gaze was unreadable. “First, your wording was wrong. She is your mother, not mine. My mother was the

legitimate wife. Yours was a concubine. Second, those estates are not being given tothey are being returned.

“They were my mother’s dowry, never your mother’s, nor the Duke's estate's to claim. Third, | entrust the

estates to anyone-except you. You are married now, Michelle. As Mrs. Velmont, how can you expect to manage

my mother’s dowry? Fourth, you are correct-I do not trust you”

Michelle's face twisted with rage. She shot to her feet, slamming her palm onto the table. “What did you just

say? Say that again if you dare!

Isolde smirked. “I believe | was perfectly clear. No need to repeat myself. Also, take back these old clothes of

yours-Lam not a beggar. | don’t need your charity”

Eleanor let out a shrill cry. “Isolde, how can you speak to Michelle like that?”

Isolde’s expression turned thus. She jabbed a linger at Eleanor and snapped, “And you! Do you! | don’t know

what's going on in that scheming little head of yours? Your father has lost power, and you can no longer become

Marchioness of Eldermere. Now, the only way for you to secure a place in the Valen family is as a concubine.

“And so, you ccrawling to me, hoping I'll marry William and make things easier for you? Did you forget how

you schemed to break off my original engagement to them? You may have no shame, but | do!”

Eleanor went red with fury, unable to find a retort,

Michelle, trembling with rage, pointed a finger at Isolde. “Fine! You won't even listen toanymore? I'll have

Father deal with you!”

“Go ahead,” Isolde said coldly. “And take your worthless rags with you. With that, she swept the bundles of old

clothes off the table. The fabrics spilled onto the floor-worn, outdated, and pitifully shabby.

like

Michelle's face was ice. “You'll regret this. Don’t think that just because you've earned a bit of merit, you

can do whatever you please. This estate is still under Father's rule, and as for your engagement to the Valen

family-you don’t have a say in it. As long as my mother is here, you will do as she says.”

With that, she grabbed Eleanor’s wrist. “Let's go. Don’t waste your breath on this worthless wretch.”

Eleanor cast Isolde a venomous glare. “Don’t think for a second that | need you. You're the one being

ungrateful.”

Isolde remained seated, utterly unbothered, not even sparing Eleanor a glance. Instead, she fixed her gaze on

Michelle. “Oh, by the way,” she said with a mocking smile. “That medicine you gave me-where did you get it?

Which imperial physician prescribed it? I'll be accompanying Princess Aveline to the palace in a few days.

Perhaps I'll ask for smore.”

Michelle's face paled instantly. “The medicine is wasted on you,” she snapped. “I'll take it back.”

She turned sharply and barked, Jacqueline! Bring the medicine to me.”

Isolde let out a low chuckle. “How impressive-you're already married off, yet you somehow know the names of

my new maids.”

Michelle stiffened but quickly covered it with a sneer. “I only asked around out of concern for you, to see if they

were trustworthy. And this is how you repay my kindness? You may be a County Princess now, but don’t get too

arrogant. In Argentum, there are dozens of County Princesses. Even Duchesses are nothing.

Chapter 33 The Theatrical Girls

special.”

With that, she stormed off, dragging Eleanor with her.

To be fair, Michelle wasn’t entirely wrong.

* Pearts

8

The Eryndral Empire had been at war with the Xianbei tribes for the past two years, draining the ro treasury. To

reward the officials without excessive spending, the King had granted noble titles freely.

Indeed, there were many County Princesses in Argentum-far too many. Most held nothing but empty titles, no

real land or power.

But Isolde was different. She had land, resources, and influence.

Michelle either didn’t realize it or refused to accept it.

After sending the venomous sisters away, Isolde felt in excellent spirits. She instructed Noelle to throw out the

unwanted clothes, poured herself a cup of wine, and sat in the courtyard, drinking alone.

Eleanor was getting desperate-her only path left was as a concubine. For someone as self-righteous as her. that

was unbearable.

Isolde could hardly wait to see their next move.

10

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