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.”

Thu, 10 Apr

Undercurrents in Mystic

poised, neither overly humble nor presumptuous.

rose and greeted her. “Greetings,

with a pleasant smile. “Ah, Isolde is here as well?

you, Your

said, waving a

seat with the elegance of someone born

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studied her intently, then remarked, “Ashley carries herself well–composed, dignified. Just as one would expect from

flatter me. Ashley replied with perfect

a knowing smile. “Tell me, Thelma- doesn’t she

“I’m not

no eye for these things. She reminds me of Sophia when she

younger.

at Ashley again. “I don’t

a hand. “Not in features, necessarily. More in demeanor, in presence. And let’s be honest- next to Ashley, Sophia is

look. “You’re quite bold, calling your

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

peaceful

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

crafted careful, seamless answers.

had not spared her so much as a

a single

had no

last, Thelma finally

the Langley family, and Clark has petitioned the

the Duke’s title. What are vour thoughts

396 Undercuments in Mystic Palace

that, the question itself shook her.

inheriting the Duke’s title what grounds?

turned to Isolde, waiting for her

it, then she was even more ambitious than

woman inheriting a dukedom? A title passed

if the title had no real power, its significance was undeniable.

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

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

allowed to rise unchecked, she could become a

evenly, “Clark has spoken to me about it.