The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 28 Same Spirit

Finished

“as to be

The following day, envoys from the Royal Court arrived to bestow honors. Isolde was granted an estate of 500 households, along with a sum of five thousand thalers of gold. As per the edict, the amount split evenly with the Marshal of Brackenfell–2,500 each.

The gold arrived that very day, its radiant glow dazzling to behold. Matilda’s envy burned as she stared. her hunger for it twisting her insides like a knot she couldn’t untangle.

After receiving such an honor, tradition required a visit to the Royal Court to offer formal thanks. The royal edict had clearly stated both must appear. That evening, the Duke of Blackmoor summoned Isolde. “Prepare yourself, he instructed her curtly. “We leave for the palace at dawn.”

Since being granted the hereditary title of Grand Duke, the Blackmoor estate had become a hub of activity. Visitors now arrived in a steady stream, day and night.

With the title secure, the Duke also began introducing his son. Harley, to noble society, ensuring the boy understood the responsibilities that lay ahead.

Later that night, after meeting with Marshal Brackenfell, the Duke sent Harlan to deliver a message to the

Peral Tower.

Upon returning. Harlan reported with a faint frown, “Lady Isolde has no suitable clothes for the court. Even if we were to procure something now, there isn’t enough time.”

The Duke’s expression darkened. “No proper clothes? She’s been back for two years, and she receives new gowns every season–over a dozen of them! Are those not good enough? Does she expect to be cloaked in gold and jewels to appear before others? It’s disgraceful

He had reviewed the estate’s accounts himself. Matilda had requested three hundred thalers per quarter for Isolde’s wardrobe–more than his own expenses.

When questioned, Matilda had argued that Isolde’s attire needed to reflect her status as the Duke’s daughter, especially now that she was of marriageable age. Though the Duke had thought it excessive, he let it pass.

But now–no suitable clothes? It is utterly absurd.

Harlan added quietly, “Lady Isolde says appearing at court in such attire would dishonor you. She’s asked that you offer thanks on her behalf.”

The Duke’s face grew thunderous. “The royal edict specifically commands her presence. If she refuses to go, she dishonors the king himself.”

After a tense silence, his voice turned cold. “Very well. I’ll personally see to it that she has something.

suitable to wear.

word, he strode to Preal Tower,

said nothing as he flung open her wardrobe. What he expected. was a collection of

dresses and some old quilts. In one compartment sat a couple of garish

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28 Same

narrowing. “Where are your

edged with frost. “You’ve seen for

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Finished

hundred every season on clothes,” he barked. “This is it? Where are the rest? Where have you hidden them?”

faint, sardonic smile curved her lips.

dare speak to me in that tone.” he snapped, his anger flaring anew. “I am

her voice level.

fury faltered as he took in her expression equal parts mockery and resignation. A wave of guilt struck him. He’d

A man of his position, outwitted by

harsh. “fetch two gowns from her sister’s wardrobe. Tomorrow, we’ll see

move to leave.s there nothing you wish to say to Lady

Duke’s face stiffened, and he turned sharply. “No Let’s go.” He stormed out of

the Duke had left, Harlan turned back to Isolde with a quiet sigh. “My lady, the Duke feels

voice softened. “Harlan, a child does not truly resent their

his gaze kind. “You’re a good girl. I know.” With

silence.

with the Duke, Harlan murmured thoughtfully, “Her spirit is

turn back, his voice cold and

hesitated mid–step as Harlan spoke. “Do you not remember how Madam defied the Great Marshal when

his

my lord?”

on him. “You’ve

something unreadable. “At the time, the Great Marshal called you nothing more than the son of a concubine, stubborn and blunt–unfit for greatness. He arranged a marriage for Madam, to the man who is now Marquis of Valianmere. But