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.

you to marry well. William is in high favor in Argentum right now, 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

barely perceptible smirk played at Isolde’s

moved 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, don’t

between them. Her expression grew frosty as she spoke

vou are mistaken”

1/3

The

* Pearls

trust me? Do you think I would steal from

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. Velmont, how can you expect to manage my mother’s

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

myself. Also, take back these

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

jabbed a linger at Eleanor and snapped, “And 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 so, you come

fury, unable to find a

won’t even listen to me anymore? I’ll have Father

with you. With that, she swept the bundles of old clothes off the table.

like

Don’t think that just

to the Valen family–you don’t have a say in it. As long as my mother is here, you will

“Let’s go. Don’t waste

glare. “Don’t think for a second that I need you. You’re the one being

Instead, she fixed her gaze on Michelle. “Oh, by the way,” she said with a mocking smile. “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 days. Perhaps I’ll ask for some

on you,” she snapped. “I’ll take it back.”

sharply and barked, Jacqueline! Bring the medicine