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, Your Grace!

dismissed him with a nod.

bowed deeply

to find Geoffrey’s expression transformed, his

have already spread. There

saw and heard”

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12:47 Fri, Mar

Not in

go–bring that ungrateful girl back to me.”

Gracel” Harlan bowed and left

Finished

his eyes against

that day rang unbidden in his

blate. There

down her face. “Your Grace, she wept, “this is my failing as well. I should have

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 would never have

come to paSA,

hands. “It’s my fault, my lord. All my fault!” Her voice trembled

and daughter not grow apart when she tells me nothing? I thought her quiet and obedient–how could

the flames of his anger. With a loud crack, he slammed his

the scholar late last year. They tell in love at first sight, pledged themselves to each other in secret… and… they… consummated the union long ago.” Her voice broke, and she whispered bitterly. “And all this while, she spoke of Eleanor as if

he accepted the betrothal to the marquess’s family? His years of careful

the maid here!” he barked, his fury spilling over

and before long. Helein was dragged into the room. She was barely conscious, her face battered and

resounding slap, her voice sharp. “Duke has questions.

over her tear–streaked face. Her swollen lips parted, her voice barely a whisper. I… I don’t know…”

T

you forget my warning? Speak

was my fault… I pushed her to leave

but Matilda gestured subtly for

floor, gasping for