The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 396 Undercurrents in Mystic Palace

Just as Queen Catherine was about to leave, a palace maid entered and bowed.

“Queen Mother, Consort Ashley has arrived to pay her respects.”

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Catherine tilted her head in surprise. “Wasn’t she feeling unwell? How is she well enough to come now?”

“She summoned an imperial physician,” the maid replied. “After receiving treatment, she insisted on coming to fulfill her duty.

Catherine nodded approvingly. “At least she has some sense, knowing that paying respects takes precedence.”

Queen Mother Thelma had originally considered keeping Ashley waiting outside, but when she noticed Isolde subtly exhaling in relief, she changed her mind.

“Let her in

Isolde had indeed let out a breath of relief. Catherine’s words were like blades, cutting into the rawest wounds without mercy. She had entered the palace prepared for anything, but just a few careless remarks from Catherine had already shattered her emotional defenses. The woman’s ability to wound without malice was terrifying.

For once, Isolde was genuinely grateful for Ashley’s arrival.

-Drink

“Drink your medicine,” Thelma reminded..

Obediently, Isolde took the bowl and downed it in one go. “Thank you. Queen Mother.”

“Feeling any better?”

Before Isolde could respond, Catherine interjected. “How could she feel better so soon? It hasn’t even been a few days. Of course, she’s still grieving. Why must you keep rubbing salt into her wounds? Can we not talk about this anymore?”

Thelma sighed and raised a hand in surrender. “Fine, my mistake. We won’t speak of it.”

Catherine chuckled. “Rare to hear you admit you’re wrong. Almost unheard of.”

Thelma merely rolled her eyes. “Very funny.”

Just then, Ashley entered, accompanied by Vivian. She moved with practiced grace, her curtsy flawless, every gesture refined yet effortless. There was no trace of nervousness–only the quiet confidence of a woman who belonged.

She carried herself with such composure that even Catherine was impressed.

“Are you feeling better?” Catherine asked warmly.

Ashley curtsied again. “Thank you for your concern. Queen Mother. I’m much improved.”

10 Apr

in

response was poised, neither overly humble nor presumptuous.

greeted her. “Greetings, Your

smile. “Ah, Isolde is here

Your

said, waving a

onto the seat with the elegance of someone born into nobility.

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herself well–composed,

me. Ashley replied

turned to Thelma with a knowing smile.

an eyebrow. “I’m

for these things. She reminds me of Sophia when she was

younger.

Ashley again. “I don’t

a hand. “Not in features, necessarily. More in demeanor, in presence.

gave her an exasperated look. “You’re quite bold, calling your

Thelma, You age like a phantom–barely changing at all. What’s your secret? What kind of elixir are you using? You look almost the same

serenely. “A peaceful mind

possible questions Thelma might ask–about her family, about

crafted careful, seamless answers.

Thelma had not spared her so

a single

seemed, had no interest in her

Thelma

the Langley family, and Clark has petitioned the King to allow you

What are vour thoughts on this?”

in

more than that, the question itself shook

the Duke’s title what

to Isolde, waiting for her

then she was even more ambitious than Ashley had

woman inheriting a dukedom? A title passed

real power, its

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Isolde became a Duchess in her own right, her influence would grow exponentially. She was already dangerous. Give her three

thought back to their past encounters, to the

unchecked, she could become a true obstacle to Ashley’s

and replied evenly, “Clark has spoken to me about