The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

The Swordswoman’s Revenge Story after Rebirth:

Chapter 37 You Are Ungrateful

+8 Pearls

After Jacqueline left, she wandered outside for a round to make sure no one was following, then slipped into

Matilda’s room

“You mean she really plans to sell the estate?” Matilda asked, her voice trembling with anger. She had long used this estate as her temporary refuge–every year she’d spend a few days here–and now that little wench had stolen her designated room. Matilda’s resentment burned hot.

“Isolde said that since the estate’s been losing money, it’s useless to hold onto it–it’d be better to sell, Jacqueline reported.

Just then, Michelle strode in, dismissing Jacqueline with a curt gesture. Sitting down opposite Matilda, she asked. “What are you so worried about?”

Matilda’s voice quivered as she replied, “I fear that if this plan backfires, and she does sell the estate… You’re with the Velmonts now, and your future depends on this estate and those two shops. Don’t you forget–the estate and shops aren’t even in our name yet; they’re still under Prunella’s name.”

Michelle’s eyes narrowed maliciously. “Once she’s found guilty, she’ll never see the light of day again. And whose name the estate is under then? I’m Prunella’s flesh and blood–legitimately in line to inherit. Otherwise, all those annual memorials would be a sham if I couldn’t even call her ‘mother.”

Matilda glared bitterly. “Every year at the memorial, when you call her mother, I feel as though I’m dead inside.”

“Come now,” Michelle chided sharply. “Why sweat over such sentimental nonsense? Though Prunella is gone. Father never stopped cherishing her. If he’s pleased, then we must play to his tastes–after all, it’s we who will profit in the end.”

Matilda’s voice was tight with anger. “But he’s been mourning her for years! How can I ever be content?”

Michelle’s tone turned severe. “What does contentment matter when profit is on the line? If you fall out with Father, he’ll reclaim Prunella’s entire estate. And then what will become of you and your brother? And don’t you dare blame me–henceforth, you’ll do as Father instructs, and see that your brother shapes up. Grandmother’s share is the real prize; if we can placate Father and reclaim even a portion of what Grandmother holds, you and your brother will be set for life.”

Matilda forced a submissive reply, “Alright, I understand.”

her eyes, Matilda’s narrow- mindedness and obsession with immediate benefits were a hindrance. She relied too much on Uncle–and while her maternal family might have been important, they weren’t something to depend on for a lifetime. Why not focus on consolidating power at the Duke’s

more admonishments, Michelle changed the subject. I’ve arranged everything with the estate’s staff. As long as we follow the plan, it’ll go

replied confidently. “Tomorrow’s a holiday for officials. I’ve summoned him for early in the morning, and even arranged for a few distinguished guests to come

Then I’ll head over to Eleanor’s quarters

“Gooo” Matilda urged

Mar

37 You

nod,

+8 Pearls

remarked. “Miss Langley, it seems they’ve all taken Mrs. Langley’s orders to

remained calm. “It’s nothing. If they don’t

Just as expected.

spoken

do you think Mrs. Langley’s up to? Inviting you here under the guise of returning the estate, yet deliberately giving orders that undermine you–aren’t you worried Harlan might report this to Geofrey?”

always a conspiracy behind them. We’ll just have

wait and see.”

“In this estate, everyone is on

laughed lightly, “but having a

“Whether it’s a fight or not, numbers are numbers. I remember back at Belleview Manor, when we quarreled with the neighboring estate–the fight was won simply because

on Belleview’s lands. The dividing boundary slowly shifted year after year, bullying

of fury, Isolde had rallied everyone at the estate–those with hoes grabbed hoes, those with cleavers wielded them, and those with yokes swung them. Over a hundred people blockaded the mountain road leading to the rival estate, beating anyone in their path. By the time they were done, the boundary had been pushed back by over

that day, no one dared bully Belleview Manor

echoed through

truly happy,” Isolde murmured after a long silence.

didn’t come until Michelle herself brought them in. The moment they entered, they were ordered to kneel and pay their