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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13.20

the

to the King himself, then

Finished

smile widened. Since you’re not going anywhere, would you mind keeping me company for

chat!”

you. Sit if you like, but don’t expect

hall, idly flipping through

arm. “Ashley’s

she had a hand in it,” Isolde muttered. She had spotted Arthur that day, lingering suspiciously, Cristina had been uncharacteristically quiet the past few days.

a viper,” Esme

Isolde said steadily. “The King won’t have me executed. Stripping me of my title! Removing me as a general? So be it. I’ll claw my way back through merit. But I

imperial decree is

matter entirely. If she was thrown into a dungeon, who knew how long it would take for

no place for anyone, least of all

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

see you suffer. Esme

doesn’t tell Grandmother. She must never know.” Isolde’s voice caught in her

up, took a deep breath, and forced her tears away before continuing. Tell Oliver not to plead for me. No one must intervene–not the Langley family, not Doug. If

Understand?”

certain?” Esme

me. She won’t let me die. Once the King’s anger passes, she’ll step in.

but even she found her difficult

hesitated before finally swallowing her words

how could she tell Isolde to bow before her mother’s

378 Defying the Imperial Decree

Finished

was, of course, her doing. She would soon enter the palace, and removing

Imperial Decree

rang out.

and quietly stepped

servants with him to Ningser Pavilion,

that the one delivering the decree was

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

her gaze locking

of neutrality, but the triumph in

decree.”

but

unrolled the imperial 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 before the grave and offer or hundret bows

be far worse–perhaps an arrest or imprisonment. He nearly sighed in relief. A hundred bows!

he urged, “Why are you still kneeling

did not take the decree I cannot accept it. I cannot obey”

do you understand that defying an imperial decree is a