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

aris

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.”

her tone light. “But so does

the flavor. The richness

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A 69%

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bad,” he admitted. “Do

warming the wine with herbs made it gentler on the body. So I drank it with nearly

“Amber?”

“My nursemaid.”

lifted slightly. “She’s

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

Isolde continued. “She had always been sick. That’s why she was so desperate for someone to come fetch me from

cup in her hands, lips

studied her carefully. The firelight shimmered in her eyes, making them appear wet, but upon closer inspection, there were no

quietly. Just as I still

voice was steady, unwavering. I’m

none. Even after everything she had endured, she refused to wallow in

about what comes next?” he asked. “Your

matter–of–factly. “The Velmont family will never take Michelle back. As a discarded wife, she has no power left. And Matilda has lost Geoffrey’s trust.

studied her face. “Then why do you seem troubled? Something else

hesitated, then shook her head. “It’s

remember asking you before–if you still wanted to marry

curled slightly. “You did

“is it

lifted her gaze, her eyes reflecting the flickering fire. “What do you think of William?” she asked.

wine, his expression unreadable. “By appearance, family status, and background,”

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

was overly sheltered by Matilda.” Oliver admitted. “If he

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the man he

battlefield. Isolde stated

truth was. William had always wanted to go to war.

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him, he had spoken about it repeatedly–his desire to

time he marched to the front, she had felt uneasy and followed him.

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

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

with himself.

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

that–let’s eat