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

sip, this time savoring the flavor. The richness of

49 A Proposal

A 69%

Dex Pearts

“Do

drink strong liquor,” Isolde said. “She said warming the wine with herbs made it gentler on the body. So I drank it with nearly every meal.

“Amber?”

“My nursemaid.”

slightly. “She’s in

flushed from the heat. “She’s dead,” she said simply.

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 home, I’d finally be

in her hands, lips

in her eyes, making them

Becker,” he said quietly.

was steady,

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

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

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

“Then why do you seem troubled? Something else

hesitated, then shook her head. “It’s

leaned back. “I remember asking you before–if you still wanted to marry William.”

curled slightly. “You did ask

said, “is it

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

appearance, family status, and

course,” Isolde chuckled. “You are his sworn brother. Naturally, you wouldn’t say anything bad about

overly sheltered by Matilda.” Oliver admitted. “If he had been sent to the battlefield earlier,

M

49 A Proposal

the man

will go to the battlefield. Isolde stated

truth was. William had always

De Pearts

spoken about it repeatedly–his desire to prove himself

the front, she had felt

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

a small victory, but when he returned to Argentum, he was commended for it. The praise inflated his ego, and he basked in the glory, utterly pleased

with himself.

glanced up. “And how do you know he’ll

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