The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 14 Not in This Life

In Argentum, an hour later, Harlan brought in the soldier.

“Your Grace, Duke of Blackmoor! The soldier bowed deeply, his nervousness plain.

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Geoffrey regarded him with a steady, measured gaze. No need for alarm,” he said, his tone calm. “I have a few questions. What is your name?”

“Hannibal, Your Grace, the soldier replied, standing rigely

Geoffrey inclined his head slightly, his expression kind though his eyes sharpened. “You were at the city gate today. Tell me–what did you see?”

Hannibal hesitated, his unease growing. “Your Grace… I didn’t see anything unusual.”

“Speak freely.” Geoffrey said, motioning to a chair. He poured a goblet of wine and placed it before him. “I assure you, no harm will come of it.”

Hannibal remained standing, his hands trembling. After a moment, he stammered, “Forgive me, Your Grace. I saw… the Lady Blackmoor leaving the tity. She was with a man, leaning on his arm.”

Geoffrey’s expression darkened, though his voice stayed measured. “And how can you be certain it was my daughter?”

Your Grace. I accompanied Marshal Blackwell to your manor once, Hannibal answered quickly. “I saw the Third Lady then and recognized her.”

Geoffrey let out a quiet hum, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Ah, so you’ve seen her before. Then you must have been mistaken, for my daughter remains in the manor and has not left.”

Hannibal froze, realization dawning. He dropped into a deep bow. “Yes, of course! It must have been my mistake. Please forgive me, Your Grace,”

Geoffrey’s smile held. “Ignorance is no crime.” With a wave of his hand, Harlan stepped forward and pressed a folded note into the soldier’s hand.

Hannibal’s eyes widened as he unfolded the note–1,000 thalers

“Take it,” Geoffrey said with easy warmth. “A gift for you and your comrades–have a drink on me. But remember: after drinking, keep your tongue in check. Some things must remain beyond question.”

“Yes,

dismissed him with a

soldier bowed deeply before

Harlan turned to find Geoffrey’s expression transformed, his calm façade cracking to reveal

Harlan began hesitantly, “the rumors have already spread. There were many at the gate

saw and heard”

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in

must go–bring that ungrateful girl back to me.”

Your Gracel” Harlan bowed and

Finished

exhaled slowly, closing his eyes against the anger

defiant words from that day rang

have eleped? The thought struck like a blate. There had been no sign. Or

at the door, tears streaming down her face. “Your Grace, she wept, “this is my failing as well. I should have seen it coming… but

Matilda wept incessantly, he turned to her, his voice like ice. “Do you even consider her your daughter? If you’d shown her the slightest care, this disgrace

come to paSA,

my fault, my lord.

me nothing? I thought her quiet and obedient–how

room, her words only fanning the flames of his anger. With a loud crack, he slammed his palm against the table. “What did her

“She said Isolde met the scholar late last year. They tell in love at first

marquess’s family? His years of careful diplomacy with

he barked, his fury spilling over

room. She was barely conscious,

her voice sharp. “Duke has questions. Speak plainly or

over her tear–streaked face. Her swollen lips parted, her voice barely a whisper. I… I

T

yanked Helena’s hair. “Did you forget my warning? Speak truthfully to the Duke–no

fault… I pushed her to leave with the scholar. She

in Anne’s eyes, but Matilda gestured subtly

erupted. He kicked Helena hard in the stomach, sending her sprawling on the floor, gasping for air. Finally, she whispered, trembling,