The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 311 No Punishment at All

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Natasha looked at her with a gentle gaze and said, “You, my dear, are the one who worries me the most. Your cousins have all proven themselves capable, and while you are just as skilled, you are, after all, a woman. No matter how great a woman’s achievements, they will always be seen as lesser than a man’s. Right now, the Grand Queen Mother and the King favor you, showering you with grace and privilege. But favor alone is not enough–it must be backed by merit. If I had a choice, I would never let you set foot on the battlefield. Yet, after the battle of Zloimond, your reputation is sealed. There will undoubtedly be a second time, a third time, unless the Eryndral Empire remains peaceful forever–and that is impossible. No dynasty remains at peace for eternity,

“Our ancestors all hoped their descendants would live stable, uneventful lives–especially the women. Marry well, bear children, manage the household, and even if life is full of small struggles, at least it would be an ordinary existence. But you… you are not ordinary, and that means your path will not be either. And with that comes suffering, the kind that others may never have to endure. You must be prepared for it. Especially when it comes to Oliver–husband and wife must stand as one. If you allow small grievances to fester between you, how will you navigate the hardships ahead? How will you face them together?”

Isolde knew that Natasha had spoken these words because she had noticed the unease in her heart–she thought Isolde was still at odds with Oliver.

Leaning against Natasha’s side, she whispered, “You needn’t worry. Oliver and I are fine. We have shared life–and–death moments together. We will be fine.”

Natasha stroked her hair gently and said, “That’s good.”

Isolde stayed at the Sharp family estate for a day before returning to the Langley household.

During that time, Oliver had sent over gifts–mostly food. Isolde accepted them all and, in return, had some sent back to him.

The imperial court had issued a decree: the Astronomical Bureau had chosen the date. Ashley was to enter the palace on November 13th, exactly ten days after Isolde’s wedding.

Queen Mother Thelma had assigned Rowena to the Valen family to serve as a teaching maid, overseeing Ashley’s daily life and routines. With Rowena and her attendants handling everything, the Valen family was left with little to worry about.

The Valen family, for their part, followed the rules strictly–unless Ashley summoned them, they would not seek her out. Those who wished to show courtesy could visit her each morning to pay their respects, but it was not mandatory. If they chose not to go, they didn’t have to.

No one went.

Ashley remained unaware of how the outside world was dealing with the conspirators. Since Rowena’s arrival, all contact with the outside had been cut off, and she was forbidden from asking questions. This left her restless and anxious.

Then, on the 26th, Rowena unexpectedly returned to the palace early in the morning, giving Ashley a rare day off from her rigorous etiquette training.

In truth, Ashley had mastered court protocol long ago. With her intelligence, learning palace regulations had taken her no more than a few days. But Rowena always found fault with her, insisting she needed more practice.

Ashley didn’t mind–at least the lessons gave her something to do. She dreaded idleness. the long and

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days stretching endlessly ahead.

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up in the pavilion and ordered some refreshments to be prepared.

palace, leaving the household short–staffed. So Ashley summoned a maid from within the estate–Evie Parry, who usually attended

stood quietly

asked, “Has

bowed slightly and

set down her teacup, her gaze

“There is one, though

of her cup with her finger, looking bored.

leg. The matter was taken

her gaze indifferently. “Anything else? That hardly

shook her head. “Not that I know

felt a growing sense of unease. How could Evie not know?

had truly moved to punish the conspirators, it would be the talk of the entire Argentum. Even if heads weren’t rolling, dismissals and asset seizures would be inevitable. The great houses would be abuzz with speculation and gossip.

knew nothing.

sit still. “Is Oliver in the

Lord Deangelo and several officials arrived with gifts today,

them.”

Ashley froze. “Deangelo?”

in the main

over, sending hot coffee spilling across

my lady! The coffee is

hand back, feeling a sharp sting as the heat

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said, quickly taking out a handkerchief to wipe the table. Glancing at Ashley’s reddened fingers, she suggested, “The wind is strong here, my lady. Perhaps you should go inside and apply some medicine. Your hand looks