The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 49 A Proposal

“I just went out for a walk.” Jacqueline scoffed. “Not like there’s much work to do around here anyway

She couldn’t stand the way Helena strutted around like some high–ranking maid. They were both just girls taken in by the estate–what made her so specialt

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Isolde ignored her attitude and gave a calm order. “Go and have dinner prepared. I’m inviting Oliver to eat with me. We’ll dine in the pavilion–set up a bonfire.

Jacqueline grimaced at the workload that entailed “There are too many mosquitoes outside. Why not eat in your room instead?”

Isolde gave her a level look. “Would you like me to serve you instead?”

Jacqueline froze, then hurriedly bowed her head. “I wouldn’t dare. I’ll see to it immediately”

And with that, she scurried away.

Dinner was a grand affair.

The bonfire burned bright, casting golden light over the estate and making the surrounding mountains glow like they were bathed in daylight.

To ward off the mosquitoes, Isolde had the servants burn mugwort. Its sharp scent clung to the air, blending with the rich aroma of the food, giving the evening a rustic charm.

The wind picked up, tugging at her already–loose hair, sending a few strands tumbling free.

Oliver, now dressed in a simple farmer’s tunic, had let his hair down, loosely tying it at the nape of his neck. Without the formality of his usual attire, he looked strikingly carefree–almost like a wandering swordsman, untamed and unbothered by the world.

“A simple meal,” Isolde said with a soft smile. “No need for formalities, Oliver.”

She wore a long, embroidered gown, its delicate seams gleaming under the firelight. Around her neck hung a brilliant red coral necklace–one Oliver recognized immediately.

Before leaving for Montlins Manor, he had made sure to bring it with him.

“The food is good,” Oliver remarked. Then, with a pointed look at the necklace, he added. “And so is your jewelry.

Isolde’s fingers brushed against the cold beads, her smile deepening. “It is beautiful. I like it very much.”

“Mr. Becker treats you well,” Oliver noted.

Isolde didn’t answer. Instead, she reached for a ladle, pouring him a cup of warm crab–infused wine. “Try

this.”

Oliver took a sip and immediately frowned. “Not strong enough.”

merits,” Isolde said, her tone light. “But so does sweetness.”

another sip, this time savoring the flavor. The richness of the crab, the

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bad,” he admitted. “Do you drink this

said. “She said warming the wine with herbs made it gentler on the body.

“Amber?”

“My nursemaid.”

brows lifted slightly. “She’s in Windermount now

another sip of her wine, her cheeks flushed from the heat. “She’s dead,”

Argentum,” Isolde continued. “She had always been sick. That’s why she was so desperate for someone to come fetch me from Windermount–she was afraid that if

lips curving into a cold,

them appear wet, but upon closer inspection, there

he said quietly.

her cup down. Her voice was steady, unwavering. I’m not sad. If anything.

taken aback. He had expected bitterness, self–pity–but there was none. Even after everything she had endured, she refused to wallow in grief.

comes next?” he asked. “Your stepmother and half–sister won’t give up

never take Michelle back. As a discarded wife, she has no power left. And Matilda

do you seem troubled?

hesitated, then shook her head. “It’s troublesome, but nothing I can’t

before–if you still wanted

curled slightly. “You did ask

“is it because

do you think of William?” she asked. “As a man. As a

family status, and background,”

chuckled. “You are his sworn brother. Naturally, you wouldn’t say

by Matilda.” Oliver admitted. “If he had been sent to the

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battlefield. Isolde stated

was. William had always wanted to go to

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him, he had spoken about it repeatedly–his desire to prove himself in battle. But he had never truly

marched to the front, she had

just as she feared–he was utterly helpless. When the chaos erupted, he panicked, stumbling backward. retreating at

when he returned to Argentum, he was commended for it. The praise inflated

with himself.

his food, glanced up. “And how do you know he’ll go to

guessing. Isolde smiled. “Enough about that–let’s eat before the food