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.”

10 Apr

in Mystic

poised, neither overly humble

her. “Greetings, Your Highness”

a pleasant smile. “Ah, Isolde is here

you, Your

said, waving

with the elegance of someone born into nobility.

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then remarked, “Ashley carries herself well–composed, dignified. Just as one would expect from Finnian’s

me. Ashley replied with perfect

a knowing smile. “Tell me, Thelma- doesn’t she remind you of someone?”

eyebrow. “I’m not sure. Who?”

these things. She

younger.

at Ashley again. “I don’t see it.”

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

look. “You’re quite bold,

phantom–barely changing at all. What’s your secret? What kind of elixir are you using? You look almost the same as when you first entered

smiled serenely. “A peaceful mind keeps one

spent all of last night rehearsing possible questions Thelma might ask–about her family,

had crafted careful, seamless

had not spared her so much as

single question.

seemed, had no interest in her whatsoever.

last, Thelma

and Clark has

What are vour thoughts on this?”

Undercuments in

than that, the question

the Duke’s title

waiting for her

she wanted it, then she was even more ambitious

inheriting a dukedom? A title passed

no real power,

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grow exponentially. She was already dangerous. Give her three years, and she would

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

she could become a true obstacle

about it. But this