The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

hapter 33 The Theatrical Girls

* Pearls

Once the servants had all retreated, Michelle turned to Eleanor, her expression hardening. “It’s good that you came today. I have something to ask you.

Eleanor feigned surprise. “Michelle, ask whatever you wish.”

Michelle’s voice was sharp. “What is going on between you and William?”

Eleanor, who had been all smiles just moments ago, suddenly looked as if she were about to burst into tears. “Michelle, it was a moment of foolishness. I know I was wrong!

“Of course, you were wrong Michelle’s voice carried righteous indignation.

“You knew Isolde was already engaged to the Valen family, yet you still entangled yourself with William? A moment of weakness? Don’t be ridiculous. “He must have sweet–talked you, and you were foolish enough to believe him. How could you be so blinded? Lusting after your own cousin’s fiancé–if it weren’t for my respect for Uncle, I’d beat you half to death myself.”

Eleanor’s tears welled up as she reached for Isolde’s sleeve. “Isolde, please forgive me. I truly know my mistake this time.”

Isolde slowly withdrew her hand, her gaze cold. “What mistake? You and William are a perfect match–two despicable creatures made for each other. If anything, I nearly got in the way of your grand love story.”

Michelle’s expression faltered for a brief moment, but she held her tongue.

Eleanor dabbed her tears delicately with a handkerchief before speaking again in a pitiful tone. “Isolde, you should still marry into the Valen family. You’ll be the wife, and I’ll be the concubine. I will respect you and serve William together with you. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

Isolde almost laughed aloud. This performance was worse than the village theatrics she had seen back in Windermount.

Yet Michelle seemed deeply moved, her beautiful face softening with an air of magnanimity. “It’s good that you realize your mistake. Remember your words today–when you both marry into the Valen family, Isolde will be the wife, and you, the concubine. No matter what happens, you will obey her and defer to her in everything. Do you understand?”

“Yes,” Eleanor whispered, still dabbing at her eyes, but the hatred flickering in them could not be concealed.

and he has the Queen Mother’s support. He may not be exceptional, but with his father’s influence, he will do just fine. “Besides, he is the only son of the Valen family the household is simple. Oliver is merely an adopted son and will never inherit the title or estate. If you marry William and bear him two or three sons, your life will be

perceptible smirk played

swiftly to her next point. “By the way, Mother mentioned returning your mother’s estates and shops to you. But you are a noble lady–it wouldn’t be proper for you to handle business affairs yourself. Let me manage them for you. You trust me,

expression grew frosty as

vou are mistaken”

1/3

The Theatrical

* Pearls

you saying you don’t trust me? Do you think I would steal

you?“.

a concubine. Second, those estates are not being given to me they are being returned. “They were my mother’s dowry, never your mother’s, nor the Duke’s estate’s to claim. Third, I entrust the estates to anyone–except you. You are married now, Michelle. As Mrs.

She shot to her feet, slamming her palm onto the table. “What did you just say? Say

need to repeat myself. Also, take

out a shrill cry. “Isolde, how can you speak to Michelle

you! Do you! I don’t know what’s going on in that scheming little head of yours? Your father has lost power, and you can no longer become Marchioness of Eldermere. Now, the only way for you to secure a place in the Valen family is as a concubine. “And

with fury, unable to find a retort,

with rage, pointed a finger at Isolde. “Fine! You won’t even listen to me anymore? I’ll have Father deal with you!”

worthless rags with you. With that, she swept the bundles of old clothes off the table. The fabrics spilled onto the

like

face was ice. “You’ll regret this. Don’t think that just because you’ve earned

do whatever you please. This estate is still under Father’s rule, and as for your engagement to the Valen family–you don’t have a say in it. As long as my

Don’t waste your breath on this

à venomous glare. “Don’t think for a second that

medicine you gave me–where did you get it? Which imperial physician prescribed it? I’ll be accompanying Princess Aveline to the palace in a few

on you,” she

turned sharply and barked, Jacqueline! Bring the medicine to me.”