The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 25 Forgive Me

Geoffrey drew Lord Garraway aside, his tone low and urgent. “Did Isolde truly save Lord Theodric? Could this be some fabrication!”

Lord Garraway’s face darkened. “What nonsense is this? Didn’t she tell you? That day, Isolde was taken to Wolf Mountain. She escaped alongside Marshal and saved my son. Isolde even slew several bandits herself -Marshal Brackenfell witnessed it with his own eyes. Do you think such a thing could be feigned?”

Geoffrey’s chest tightened. He remembered that night, before raising the family whip. Isolde had looked at him, her sorrowful eyes pleading as she spoke: I killed the bandits. Do you believe me?

Of course he hadn’t girl, slaying bandits? Impossible.

His gaze snapped to Matilda, his temper flaring despite Princess Aveline’s presence. “What about this scholar you mentioned? Where is he?”

Matilda, still reeling from the truth, stammered in alarm at Geoffrey’s anger. “I… I don’t know! It was the maid who said so–or was it the soldier at the gate?”

Her frustration simmered. Isolde saved Lord Theodric? Thank the heavens the engagement was annulled, or Eleanor would never have set foot in the Marquis’s household

Princess Aveline turned to Isolde, gently taking her hand. Though she pieced together enough, she refrained from probing further. “Your injuries didn’t seem so grave that day, What happened? Are you alright?”

Isolde smiled faintly, pale and weary. “I’m fine, Your Highness. Please don’t trouble yourself.”

“How could they be so cruel?” Aveline hissed, her voice shaking as she caught sight of the whip marks–raw and festering–on Isolde’s scalp. Glaring daggers at Geoffrey, she growled, “What sort of father allows this?” “Disregard for the house’s laws must be punished, Isolde replied quietly, her tone devoid of feeling.

Matilda stepped forward, her voice soft, coaxing. Isolde, my dear, why didn’t you say you went to save someone? You stubborn child. If you’d explained, your father would have praised you, not punished you.”

Isolde instinctively pulled back, her gaze cutting past Matilda to rest on Geoffrey. With a faint, bitter smile, she murmured, “Indeed. If I’d told him, how could he have brought himself to strike me?”

Geoffrey said nothing, though his heart was a storm of regret. She had told him–and he had punished her

anyway.

He remembered her tear–filled, furious eyes, the clenched fists as she demanded, “Why don’t believe me?”

you ever

The girl who had once been so fierce and defiant now stood before him, frail and lifeless, her indifference stinging sharper than any words. The contrast unsettled him deeply.

Princess Aveline’s voice broke the silence, sharp with reproach. “Your family’s rules are not mine to question, but she is still your daughter–your flesh and blood. A motherless child from birth, and yet you treat her so mercilessly? Even if she’s at fault, how can you raise your hand against her like this?”

unease deepened. He had seen Isolde’s tears only moments ago,

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Mar 7

25 Forgive

Finished

moment, pulling Geoffrey into the courtyard for a quiet word. “Geoffrey,” he began, sighing. “your late wife bore only this one

the past. “If not for Isolde’s

shook his head in disbelief. When Prunella Carried Isolde, the physician warned her- childbirth might cost her life. Yet she chose to bring the girl into this world. She loved Isolde more than life itself! Can’t you see? If Prunella could witness this

the estate all these years because every time I see her,

sharp, his frustration spilling over. “How can you blame her for that? She’s the one who suffers most–motherless from birth, shunned by her father. And you sent her away like some shameful burden? When my son was

friends for decades, Geoffrey, so forgive my bluntness–but you’ve been far too

Geoffrey’s heart quivered.

summoning the royal physician to

You

Aveline gasped

a faint

and defiance hidden

the inner household. Instead, she said gently, “If anyone troubles you again, come to

grace. here in the Duke’s estate, the only one who can

your strength gives me some comfort. Your father… Ah. She paused,

turned cool

man. A good man. But to her, he had shown noe of that goodness.

swiftly At the sight of Isolde’s wounds, he drew a sharp breath. “Why wasn’t this Treated sooner? The wound is

a healer to deanse the

“The infection is severe, and the fever high. I’ve prescribed a strong dose. Liddy bolde will feel drowsy after taking it, but it’s nothing to worry about. Let her sleep–it’s

personally escorted

Fri, Mar 7

Forgive

a few instructions to

personal guard, Keith, to keep watch

night, Geoffrey appeared unannounced