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.”

Finished

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.”

Thu, 10 Apr M.

in Mystic Palace

neither overly humble nor

greeted her. “Greetings, Your

to her with a pleasant smile. “Ah, Isolde is here as

Your

Catherine said, waving a

with the elegance of someone

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“Ashley carries herself well–composed, dignified. Just as one would

replied

knowing smile. “Tell

eyebrow. “I’m not

for these things. She reminds me of Sophia

younger.

Ashley again. “I don’t

in demeanor, in presence.

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

dramatically. “Not everyone can be like you, Thelma, You age like a phantom–barely changing at all. What’s your secret? What kind of elixir are you using?

peaceful

of last night rehearsing possible questions Thelma

had crafted careful,

had not spared her so

single question.

seemed, had no interest in her whatsoever.

last, Thelma finally

and Clark

Duke’s title. What are

in

than that, the question itself shook her.

inheriting the Duke’s title what grounds?

to Isolde, waiting for her answer.

to say she wanted it, then she was even more ambitious than

woman inheriting a dukedom? A title passed

if the title had no real power, its significance

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in her own right, her influence would grow exponentially. She was already dangerous. Give her three years, and she would become a

to their past encounters, to the quiet threats hidden behind Isolde’s every

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

me about it. But this is not a matter of what