The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 388 Mournful News

The single insult–trouble stirrer–made Arthur’s face crumble instantly

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He was a scholar, a man who prided himself on virtue and decorum. Yet here he was, standing before the entire court, publicly branded with such a humiliating title by the King himself. It was worse than death.

His face burned with shame, his blood rushed to his head, and for a fleeting moment, he wished he could end it all by throwing himself against the steps of the throne.

Shaking, he glanced at the memorial–his own petition condemning Isolde,

The King’s voice rang through the hall. “You speak of loyalty, of righteous duty, yet how much of your plea was fueled by personal spite? Geoffrey gave his life to expose the truth–that his wife was murdered by his own mother. And you dare claim ignorance? Isolde’s refusal to observe mourning was an act of true filial piery–she would not kneel for the woman who murdered her mother. But your petty vendetta nearly forced me into injustice and left her with no choice but to defy my decree. Tell me, what punishment do you deserve?”

Arthur went pale, his knees pressing into the cold floor. “Your Majesty, I did not know of the Langley family’s affairs.”

The King’s eyes burned with fury. “If you knew nothing, then how were you so keenly aware of her failure to observe mourning rites?”

Arthur stammered, “I… I was rash. I did not think Geoffrey would go so far as to take his own life.”

“You have disappointed me beyond words. The King’s voice was laced with disgust. “Foolish, petty, narrow- minded. A disgrace to scholars everywhere. Yet, I will not strip you of your position entirely. You have performed well in your post, and your merits will atone for your mistakes. Though you claim that past achievements should not absolve crimes, I will grant you leniency–not for your sake, but for Geoffrey’s. You are suspended from duty. The Ministry of Official Affairs will determine your reassignment.”

Arthur knew what that meant.

A demotion was inevitable. The King had shamed him in court–no official would dare grant him at respectable post now. His career was in ruins.

As he bowed to give thanks, he felt the weight of a thousand scornful eyes upon him. His colleagues–those who had once been his allies–averted their gazes and turned away.

Brent, however, placed a firm hand on his shoulder. Arthur flinched, expecting another rebuke.

A true scholar does not repay kindness

could not speak, could not defend himself.

the palace, Geoffrey was dead. Isolde had been exonerated, elevated to Princess of Filial Devotion. And he–he had been

A laughingstock.

echoed

IU

Mournful

grief, and fear, Arthur stumbled into his

him,

he snarled, shoving her away.

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voice sharp. “Why ask? Your mother’s family has

fists. “My fault? Since marrying into this family, I’ve given everything–money, effort, loyalty. Even when it meant

flared. “You dare talk back?

Am I not also someone’s daughter? If you resent me so much, then cast me aside!” Agnes

Then, fury overtook her. “You think I won’t?

cast out!”

first enraged by Agnes’s defiance, then

taken the Valen family’s support for granted. Had the King not intervened, he would have punished Agnes and humiliated

But now?

was the lady of the Valen family and the daughter of the Hanson family–he could no

Agnes’s words stayed with

was you who let Cristina

had told him this before, but he had never

he lay in disgrace, he

indulgence had led to

fury overtook him. His body trembled, and with a

at the Ministry