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

Undercurrents in Mystic

response was poised, neither

rose and greeted her. “Greetings, Your

to her with a pleasant smile. “Ah, Isolde

you, Your Highness.”

Catherine said, waving a

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

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well–composed, dignified. Just as

replied

scrutinizing her, then turned to Thelma with a knowing smile. “Tell me, Thelma- doesn’t

eyebrow. “I’m

these things.

younger.

at Ashley again. “I

in features, necessarily. More in demeanor, in presence. And let’s be honest-

gave her an exasperated look. “You’re quite

age like a phantom–barely changing at all. What’s your secret? What kind of

serenely. “A peaceful mind keeps one young-

night rehearsing possible questions Thelma might ask–about her family, about her upbringing, even

crafted careful,

spared her

a single question.

no

Thelma finally

me about the Langley family, and Clark has petitioned

the Duke’s title. What are

396 Undercuments in Mystic

the question

the Duke’s title what

to Isolde, waiting for

wanted it, then she was even more ambitious than Ashley had imagined.

A title passed

real power,

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would grow exponentially. She was already dangerous.

to the

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

to me about it. But this is