The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 23 Did You Do It?

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Isolde slowly lifted her head, fixing him with an icy stare. “You don’t know? That’s unfortunate. I had thought… if you gave me Helena’s brother, I might spare your life. But it seems this deal is no longer on the table.”

She rose s

gracefully, advancing toward him. The butler stumbled back in terror, his feet fumbling clumsily.

With deliberate ease, Isolde plucked the dagger embedded by the bed. The cold steel caught the dim light, flashing menacingly as she twirled it before him. Her smile sharpened. “I’ll give you one more chance- where is Helena’s brother?”

The butler swallowed hard. Mary’s grisly end replaying in his mind. His heart pounded, but pride gave him a shred of defiance.

“Lady Marilda.” he rasped, struggling to sound bold, I’m no bonded servant of the Duke’s house, nor was I ever sold to it. If you kill me, you’ll answer for it–you can’t escape the noose.

Isolde chuckled, soft and low. “A life for a life? Perhaps But.. Her gaze turned sharper, predatory. “Who’s to say I killed you?”

The dagger’s blade pressed against his cheek, the chill biting deep. The butler froze, petrified, afraid to move a muscle.

“You… you’ll regret this,” he stammered, his voice trembling despite himself. The Marshal and the Duke won’t let you go unpunished!”

The words had barely left his lips when Isolde’s hand moved. The blade swept in a clean line, slicing from the corner of his mouth to his ear. Blood streamed down his face as he screamed–a sound swallowed instantly by the rolling thunder outside.

Somewhere, Lady Cantrell fled, her skirts flapping as she disappeared into the storm. She had no mind to intervene, leaving the butler to his fate.

The wind howled, the rain drummed ceaselessly, and no soul in the house dared come near.

At last, the butler’s spirit cracked. Sobbing through his pain, he croaked, “The woodshed… in my family’s woodshed…”

Isolde’s lips curved into a cruel smile. She yanked him to his feet, her voice soft and mocking, “Lead the way, then.”

pouring rain poured on

lightning split the heavens, briefly lighting the inside. There, huddled beside the firewood, was a

Isolde saw the scars etched across the boy’s face.

botler howled, and two ragged pieces of his

with the maids, Isolde

Mar 7 FG.

You Do

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Duke’s estate!”

heavens and tearing through the earth. It wasn’t until dawn

the gates shuddered under a barrage of furious pounding–like thunder

by his butler with

scatter them–simple labor for a life of self–reliance. She was a farmer returned to her place, knowing her

her lips as her gaze met the Duke’s. “Well Your Grace, what an

visit.”

revenge–what madness is this? If you’ve a scope to settle, then settle it with me. I’m the

But if you wish me to raise my hand against you–my father, by name- surely such a sin would invite heaven’s wrath.

voice booming with indignation. My Lady, all I’ve done has been under His Grace’s and Madam’s orders. If I’ve offended you. punish me! Kill me, if you must. But

laughter rang out, cold and cutting. Your family was harmed? Well, perhaps you’ve made one too many enemies, and someone came knocking.

no common servant–you’ve no right to treat him so? If he brings this

coolly. “But if you wish to accuse me, evidence will be

wives saw you They’ll testify

High Magistrate. While we’re there, I’ll inquire about how Constable Harmon dragged me off in the dead of night on a trumped–up murder charge. drugged me, and sent me to Wolf Mountain. I’d love to

face paled. “What

her voice low, steady, and bitter. “You’ve already judged me, haven’t you? You asked Helena, you questioned the guards, you listened to Lady

evidence is clear. How can you deny it? Even if I asked you outright, would you admit it?