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.”

said, her

this time savoring the flavor. The richness of the

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admitted. “Do

young ladies shouldn’t drink strong liquor,” Isolde said. “She said warming the wine with herbs made it gentler on the body. So I drank

“Amber?”

“My nursemaid.”

“She’s in Windermount now

flushed from

from Windermount–she was afraid that if she passed, Id have no one to take care of me. She thought… that once I returned home,

turned her cup in her hands, lips curving into a cold, detached smile,

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

he said quietly.

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

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

you thought about what comes next?” he asked. “Your stepmother and half–sister won’t give up so easily.”

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

you seem troubled? Something

“It’s troublesome, but nothing I

“I remember asking you before–if

slightly. “You did ask me

refusal,” Oliver said, “is it because of Eleanor?”

reflecting the flickering fire. “What do you think of William?” she

“By appearance, family status, and background,” he said slowly,

“You are his sworn brother. Naturally, you

“If he had been sent to the battlefield

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be the man

battlefield. Isolde stated

was. William had always wanted to go to war.

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

he marched to the front, she had felt uneasy

she feared–he was utterly helpless. When the chaos erupted, he

help, 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 praise

with himself.

up. “And how do you know he’ll go to war?”

smiled. “Enough about that–let’s