The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

The Swordswoman’s Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 378 Defying the Imperial Decree

Finished

Doug turned back, his gaze cold as steel. “You’re the one delivering the decree. I am merely here to witness and supervise.”

With that, he strode out of the hall.

“Peyton, Oliver is at North Camp today. Please send word to him immediately, Doug ordered.

“Understood.” Peyton bowed and quickly departed.

Doug left the palace and sent a messenger ahead to the Valen estate, instructing Isolde to find a place to hide and remain out of sight for the next few days.

When the news of Arthur’s accusation reached Isolde, and she learned that an imperial decree was already en route, she understood immediately–she could not accept the decree. If she did, refusing to comply would mean open defiance of the King’s command.

She thought for a moment before saying. “There’s no point in hiding. I might avoid it today, but it will only catch up to me later.”

“But if you don’t hide, you’ll have to accept the decreel Are you really going to the grave to bow?” Esme asked anxiously.

I’d rather die than submit, Isolde said icily.

She hadn’t even attended the funeral–how could she possibly kneel and pay respects to the woman who had murdered her mother?

A debt of blood was never forgotten. To bow before her enemy’s grave? Impossible.

“Then you have to hide!” Esme immediately ordered Hattie to pack their things while Hazel prepared the horses.

Before they could act, Ashley arrived, bringing a maid along with her. She stepped inside, her gaze sweeping over the commotion. “Isolde, are you planning a trip?”

Esme stepped forward and bowed. “What brings you here, Lady Ashley?”

She glanced behind Ashley, noticing that Rowena was absent.

Ashley smiled. “No need to look for Rowena. I angered her yesterday, so she returned to the palace l night. Since I’m free from lessons today, I thought I’d visit Isolde for a chat.”

How convenient.

Esme exchanged a glance with Isolde. This was no coincidence. Ashley always had a knack for appearing when she was least wanted–like a blade in the dark, waiting to strike.

Isolde, however, had already made up her mind not to flee. She met Ashley’s gaze and said, “A guest is a guest. Since you’re here, then stay.”

hesitated but Ahle had already cenned inside the imiled at Fome “h? It came

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Defying the

King himself,

Finished

widened. Since you’re not going anywhere, would you

chat!”

Sit if you like, but

settled into a chair in the side hall, idly flipping through a book as though she had all the time in

inside and grasped Isolde’s arm.

it,” Isolde muttered. She had spotted Arthur that day, lingering suspiciously, Cristina had been uncharacteristically quiet the past few days. She had assumed Cristina had simply given up, but now she saw

is a

King won’t have me executed. Stripping me of my title! Removing me as a general? So be it. I’ll claw my

an imperial decree

but imprisonment was another matter entirely. If she was thrown into a dungeon, who knew how long it would take for the King

no place for anyone, least of

grasped Esme’s hand firmly. “Don’t be afraid. I can

want to see you suffer. Esme sighed.

to me, make sure the Sharp family doesn’t tell Grandmother. She must never know.”

Oliver not to plead for me. No one must intervene–not the Langley family, not Doug. If I am meant to survive, the Queen

Understand?”

certain?” Esme asked.

Mother still has use for me. She won’t let me die. Once the King’s anger passes, she’ll step in. If she went through the trouble of ensuring

Mother for years, but even she found her difficult to predict. If

hesitated before finally swallowing her

could she tell Isolde to bow before her

Defying the Imperial

Finished

She would soon enter the palace, and removing this thorn

Decree has

rang

quietly stepped aside, standing

household servants with him to Ningser

the decree was his grandson–in–law,

men grim–faced. Even without hearing a word. Allan

forward slowly, her gaze

an expression of neutrality, but the triumph in his eyes was unmistakable. “Isolde,

decree.”

knelt but

edit. “By the decree of His Majesty holde, having neglected her duty of mourning, has acted in disgrace and debed filial piety. This goes against the very foundation of my rule. However, in light of past military contributions. I shall not pursue severe punishment. Instead, she is to kneel

be far worse–perhaps an arrest or imprisonment. He nearly sighed

Isolde still kneeling, he urged, “Why are you still

the decree I cannot accept it. I

do you understand that defying an imperial decree is a crime of great