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.”

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

flavor. The richness of the crab,

49 A Proposal

A 69%

Dex Pearts

admitted. “Do you drink this

shouldn’t drink strong liquor,” Isolde said. “She said warming the wine with herbs made

“Amber?”

“My nursemaid.”

lifted slightly. “She’s

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

why she was so desperate for someone to come fetch me from Windermount–she was afraid that if she passed, Id have no one to take care of me. She thought… that once I returned

in her hands, lips curving into a

her carefully. The firelight shimmered in her eyes, making them appear wet, but

have Mr. Becker,” he said quietly.

Her voice was steady,

expected bitterness, self–pity–but there was none. Even after everything she had

he asked. “Your stepmother and half–sister won’t give up

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. They aren’t threats anymore.”

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

hesitated, then shook her head. “It’s troublesome, but nothing

remember asking you before–if you still

“You did ask

Oliver said, “is it

flickering fire. “What do you think

sip of wine, his expression unreadable. “By appearance, family

brother.

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

M

49 A

the man

go to the battlefield. Isolde stated with absolute certainty

always

De Pearts

him, he had spoken about it repeatedly–his desire to prove himself in battle. But he

front,

When the chaos erupted, he panicked, stumbling

he managed to kill a few enemy soldiers. It was a small victory, but when he returned to Argentum, he was commended for it. The

with himself.

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

“Enough about that–let’s eat before