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! I’ll say nothing more.”

with a nod. “You may go.”

deeply before

expression transformed, his calm façade cracking to

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

saw and heard”

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in This Life

must go–bring that ungrateful girl

Your Gracel” Harlan bowed

Finished

eyes against the

words from that day rang unbidden in

have eleped? The thought struck like a blate. There had been no sign. Or perhaps… she has returned

he returned to the manor. Matilda me him 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 I noticed

mind churned with rage. As Matilda wept incessantly, he turned to her, his voice like ice. “Do you even consider her your daughter? If you’d

come to paSA,

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

and daughter not grow apart when she tells me nothing? I thought her

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

as shame crept into her tone. “She said Isolde met the scholar late last year. They tell in love at first sight, pledged themselves to each other in secret… and…

yet he accepted the betrothal to the marquess’s family? His

here!” he barked, his fury

before long. Helein was dragged into the room. She was barely conscious, her face battered and fingers swollen–proof of the interrogation

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

matted hair falling over her tear–streaked face. Her swollen lips parted, her voice barely a whisper.

T

again as she yanked Helena’s hair. “Did you forget my

unable to contain herself. “It was my fault… I pushed her to leave with the

in Anne’s eyes, but Matilda gestured subtly for her

stomach, sending her sprawling on the floor, gasping for air. Finally, she whispered, trembling, Kill me, my lord… just