The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 322 The Night Before

For nearly half an hour, Patricia and Christine took turns discussing the intricate arts of the bouche, there voices rising and falling in a measured cadence, Given the topic’s private nature, all four women in the room were blushing deeply.

To Isolde, this was the most excruciating conversation of the night.

Not because she was shy–she had long since abandoned such notions–but because Christine simply wouldn’t stop. After Patricia finished, Christine seized her hand and pressed on earnestly, “Now, Oliver already has a concubine. Cristina is no ordinary woman–she comes from a distinguished bureaucrac family, and her brother is a high–ranking minister. She was even once Oliver’s fiancée. If she wins his favor, she could become a threat to your position. That’s why, in the bedroom, you must make Oliver to enthralled with you that he has neither the time nor the energy to visit Cristina

Patricia nodded in firm agreement. “Exactly. Especially since Oliver is a warrior, full of youthful vigor. You must keep a tight hold on him.”

Isolde blinked, stunned. Keep a tight hold? You mean, watch him closely?

Patricia shot her a withering look. “Oh, you foolish child. After all this talk, and you still don’t understand? If he is completely captivated by you, where would he find the strength to seek out another woman? Argentum is a place where taking concubines is common practice. Fortunately, the Sharp family’s men are not known for such indulgences. But Allan, I hear, is a stickler for tradition. If he follows protocol to the letter, Oliver will have no choice but to visit Cristina’s chambers. You’d better act fast and give him an heir- otherwise, who knows how many concubines he’ll end up taking?”

Isolde scoffed. “Oliver won’t be taking concubines anytime soon.”

“That’s what you think. But he already has one.”

Isolde’s lips thinned. “Cristina wouldn’t accept being a mere concubine. Once I marry in, I’ll make sure she’s sent away.”

“Oh, if only it were that simple! You think she’ll just leave of her own accord? There are two types of concubines: those bought and those formally accepted into the household. The former can be dismissed at will, but the latter–once brought in through proper rites–cannot be sold or expelled without cause. Besides, Cristina is from a prestigious family. If you recklessly drive her out, it’ll be seen as a disgraceful

move.”

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Isolde hadn’t thought about it in such detail. In her previous life, she paid little attention to household matters. If William doted on Eleanor, so be it–wasn’t that just the way of men?

But now? The mere thought of Oliver lying with Cristina made her blood boil. Rage and jealousy clawed at her insides, and for the first time, she truly understood what Oliver meant when he said he minded such things.

“I’ll deal with her after the wedding,” she said, though deep down, she wasn’t sure of Cristina’s intentions. Cristina was proud and ambitious–surely she wouldn’t settle for being a concubine. If anything, she was the type of woman destined to sit at the head of a household, ruling with an iron fist.

The conversation finally ended. As they stepped outside, the cold night air greeted them, along with the muffled giggles of eavesdroppers who had clearly been listening at the door. When the door swung open, the onlookers feigned innocence, laughing as if nothing had happened.

A round of cake followed. but sleep was fleeting.

322 The Night Before

87

Finished

could only spare an hour and a half before she had to rise again. Natasha, though older, was in

How could she

you don’t rest now, no amount of powder will hide

chuckled. “Snowball? More like a lump

be a lump of coal then. I

to the elders, she

“It’s fine. They’re all young. Staying up one night won’t hurt. In just a couple of hours, we’ll be

to rest. Tomorrow, you’re just as important as the princess–do you really want to show up with

waved her off with a laugh. “Nonsense. I feel fantastic.”

an eye on her. The moment she so much as yawns, I’ll have her escorted to bed.” Then, with a

room. Natasha, shaking her head, scolded, “You shameless woman!”

chambers, Isolde lay in

endured far worse on the battlefield.

in the quiet, letting

memories. Instead,

it almost felt unreal. Her journey had been treacherous, filled with hardships, but the outcome had always been in

was Oliver thinking right

same things

shouldn’t have argued with him. Would he think I

waste time dwelling on

had, at most, five years together. Such a short time.

him–even for just five

a few days… No. That wouldn’t do. A few

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322 The Night

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