The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

he Swordswoman’s Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 20 Duke Is Furious

Isolde slowly lifted her blood-red eyes. “Out of my way

Finished

The butler’s smile curled sinisterly, “My lady, this estate still belongs to the Duke. Forgive me, but | obey only his

commands.”

“Ill say it one last time-stand aside!” Isolde’s voice rang sharp as steel, laced with fury.

Unmoved, the butler seemed almost to relish provoking her. “I have my orders. Helena must not leave here

alive. Put her down, and I'll step aside.”

Isolde’s hand snapped to her Flowing Cloud Whip. With a flick, the whip cracked through the air and struck the

butler squarely across the head.

He didn’t move, though blood streamed down his brow His grin was ghastly. “You'll regret this, Miss Langley. I'll

see to it

Slowly, he retreated, as if his sole purpose had been to take the blow.

Isolde knew well enough the schemes these people played, but her fury burned too bright to care gathered

Helena into her arms and carried her back to the Pearl Tower.

She

No sooner had she settled the girl than hurried footsteps and murmuring voices sounded outside.

Your Grace. | tried to stop her, but the Lady Isolde lashedwith her whip-without a word... The butler’s voice

dripped with feigned grievance.

Isolde stepped out, leaning casually against the doorway. She watched as her father and Matilda entered the

courtyard. Behind her, Eleanor peered out, smug triumph flickering in her gaze.

“Father, Isolde greeted coolly. Her face was pale, her injuries evident, but her eyes shone with defiance.

“You dare show your face here?” Geoffrey's voice thundered with restrained anger.

“Why not?” Isolde replied softly, her tone sharp and mocking. “Isn't this my home?” Her gaze swept the

gathered crowd. “It’s rare to see so many faces at my tower. A grand spectacle indeed-more fuss than since my

return.”

“Where were you last night?” Geoffrey demanded. “What disgraceful deeds have you committed now?”

Isolde’s lips curled in a humorless smile as she limped forward, her injured leg dragging faintly. “Why ask,

Father? Haven't you already passed judgment?”

Geoffrey's anger deepened, but Matilda quickly intervened, her voice practiced and soothing. “My Lord, don’t let

your anger blind you. Isolde’s nature is willful pressing her too hard will only make matters

Geoffrey drew a sharp breath. The Marquis has dissolved the engagement,” he said coldly. “But out of respect for

the life you once saved, I've convinced them to take you as a concubine.”

Isolde’s fingers clenched, her knuckles pale. “A concubige? If | won't marry him as his wife, why would | stoop so

low?”

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12:48 Fri, Mar 7 G.

Chapter 20 Duke Is Furious

Finished

“It's not your decision to make, Geoffrey snapped. “Set aside last night's shameful display. There's still the

matter of Mary. She served you loyally for years-your mother’s own maid-yet you killed her over spetty

slight. How dare you?”

Isolde let out a hollow laugh, her voice raw with contempt. “I have one mother, and she’s long dead. If killing

Mary was unjust, then sendto the High Court and let the magistrates decide.”

You're insufferable!” Geoffrey's rage flared. “I've shown you patience you don’t deserve. Yet you repaywith

this insolence: Dragging your mother’s ninto this disgrace? You've brought her nothing but

shame!

Isolde’s expression softened, though her voice remained steady. “Do you think | want to invoke her memory?

What choice do | have, Father? Without her would you care forat all? I've been poisoned by

servants, displaced by your wife's niece, and cast aside as though | were he added, “I have no

allies here, no future-only a dead mother and a father who never once looked out for me.”

She leaned against a tree, her pale face unmoved by the shock and anger in his eyes. “If my mother were alive,

her heart would break to see what's becof me. But if she were here, | wouldn't have fallen this. far

Geoffrey's voice turned ice-cold. “Your opinions change nothing. You eloped, disgraced this family, and the

Marquis offer is your-only path forward. I've paid handsomely to silence the scandal. In time, it will fade Youd do

well to stop this nonsense before you embarrassfurther.”

Isolde’s smile was faint, bitter. “Is that what you tell yourself? That breaking the engagement saves your

reputation: Very well-do it. But remember this, Father: if | choose to ruin the wedding, if | drag you to the

palanquin myself. neither you nor the Marquis will walk away unscathed.”

When Geoffrey heard this, his face flushed with rage, his beard trembling. “How dare you?”

Isolde’s expression remained steady, unshaken. | dared to take lives-what is there left to fear? It tooktwo

years to realize this: no matter how obedient or meek | was, your approval would never come. Why endure it any

longer? If rebellion is my only freedom, then letembrace it. If | must die, I'll die on my

own terms

Geoffrey stared at her, stunned by her audacity. Suppressed fury now burst forth, his voice thundering. “You

insolent wretch! Your mother warnedabout your defiance, and she was right. Had you quietly accepted the

marriage and entered the Marquis’s household as a concubine, | might have overlooked last night's disgraceful

conduct. But no-you flaunt your arrogance and challenge my authority! If | don’t enforce discipline, they'll mock

this house for its failure to keep order.”

Isolde tilted her chin defiantly, her eyes glinting with bitter mockery. “Father, you knew | didn’t return last night.

You see my wounds, yet you don’t ask if I've been wronged. Instead, you pretend civility while forcingto

submit. | refused, so now you accuseYou're a fine father indeed.”

She stood tall despite her smaller stature, her voice sharp as a blade. “Wouldn't it have pleased you more if | had

died our there last night?”

Geoffrey's hands trembled with anger. “Shameless to the end! You've no remorse, no shfor your actions.

How could a creature like you be born of my blood: Fine! Tellthen-where were you last night? What vile

deeds did you commir?”

Her voice turned cold as winter steel. “I went to Wolf Mountain. To the bandits’ den. | killed dozens