The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 5 May I Share Some? Striking Mary had consequences: no supper that evening. Helena went to the kitchen to inquire, only to be told that Matilda had ordered no food to be served to anyone in the Pearl Tower that night. Besides Helena and Mary, the tower housed three maidservants. They, too, were denied dinner and couldn't help but feel resentful. They'd always followed Mary's lead, and now, because of Isolde, they were being punished. "Miss," Helena said anxiously, "there's no dinner tonight, but what if we don't get food tomorrow either? What then?" "Complain!" Isolde replied, rummaging through a cupboard, the noise of her search echoing through the room. "Complain?" Haitang lowered her voice. "But the Duke doesn't like people who tattle.” Finally, Isolde emerged, whip in hand. "Found it." Haitang stared at the whip in disbelief. “Isn't that the one you brought back from Windermount? Lady Matilda said young ladies shouldn't wield weapons-it's unseemly and invites ridicule. That's why you hid it in the cupboard." Isolde tied the whip to her waist and said calmly, “Helena, it's true a young lady should avoid violence. But if someone pushes you too far and you don't fight back, that's not grace-it's foolishness. And when you die, no one will pity you." Before her ttravel, she had been just that kind of fool. "But," she added with a faint smile, giving the whip a light crack, “this isn't a matter that calls for force." Helena blinked at her in astonishment. "Go find out when Father will be back," Isolde said, reaching out to pinch her cheek. "Letknow as soon as he returns." "Miss, what exactly are you planning?" Helena asked, still confused. "Just go. Why all the questions?" Isolde waved her off and sat down, carefully inspecting the thorns on the whip. It was a gift from her master, with her nengraved on the handle: Isolde, My Disciple. Previously, she hadn't understood her mentor's significance until after marrying into the Valen family. William had disliked her mentor and forbade her from maintaining contact. Naively, she obeyed, cutting ties and breaking her mentor's heart. She vividly remembered the day, soon after her wedding, when her master brought gifts to visit her. Unaware of her changed attitude, he waited outside the main hall for over an hour. Later, William had sent someone to tell him coldly that the estate of Marquis Eldermere didn't associate with "his kind." She had hidden in the shadows, watching the disappointment on her mentor's face. Even now, the memory filled her with shame-she wished she could slap herself. Half an hour later, Haitang returned. "Miss, Duke Langley has returned. He's at the Velvet Wing." Isolde rose slowly. "Cwith me." "Yes, Miss." Though Helena had no idea what Isolde intended, she trusted there was a plan. Isolde knew that if her father returned late, Matilda would always have supper prepared for him. If the Pearl Tower wouldn't serve her dinner, she'd simply go where food was guaranteed. Geoffrey, holding the prestigious office of Deputy Royal Inspector within the High Court of Parliament, was entrusted with the grave duty of uncovering corruption throughout the kingdom. In recent weeks, this onerous charge had kept him departing at dawn and returning well past nightfall, his days consumed by unwavering service to the Crown and the integrity of the realm. The Court provided meals, though they were sparse and modest. It upheld its principles of integrity and anti-corruption, setting an example even in the simplicity of its food. Out of care for her husband, Matilda always prepared soups and light suppers to welchim home. Geoffrey had grown used to this routine-he would first stop by the Velvet Wing for his supper before retreating to his study. When she saw him return, Matilda stepped forward to help him out of his coat, at the stinstructing the servants to bring the meal. “As I cin, I heard Josephine mention that William and Lady Felton stopped by," Duke Langley said, settling into his chair and rinsing his hands with the citrus-scented water. "What did they want?" Matilda hung his coat on the rack and replied with a smile, “Nothing important—just a social visit.” “Hmm.” He didn't press further, taking a small sip of tea brought by a maid. After a pause, he said, “Isolde's marriage is set. Once the Duke returns, the wedding can proceed. As for Harley, you need to act quickly. He's her elder brother-it wouldn't look right for his younger sister to marry first." Matilda hesitated before cautiously asking, "Have you considered the Marquis of Greystone? His daughter, Princess Bourbon, has just cof age. If we could secure that match, it would greatly benefit Harley's future." Geoffrey shook his head. "No. Do you think Harley's character matches hers? Princess Bourbon is the Queen Mother's favorite. What chance does he have of winning her favor?" Matilda pursed her lips. "Princess Bourbon is known for her temper-she's not above criticism. And Harley isn't so bad." Geoffery's face darkened. "You know exactly what's lacking in him. Stop this nonsense. Find someone of equal standing-it's enough." As the servants brought the dishes, he saw that she still wanted to argue and cut her off sharply. "Enough. Don't bring it up again." "Yes," she replied reluctantly. Geoffrey had barely taken a bite when a figure darted into the room. Without ceremony, the newcomer bowed hastily, greeted him as "Father," and sat down at the table. He looked up, startled. It was Isolde. "Father," Isolde said, lifting her gaze. "May I share some?" Matilda quickly interjected, "Isolde, if you're hungry, I'll have the kitchen prepare something for you. These dishes are for your father." "No need," Isolde replied coolly. "Father won't finish all this anyway." Geoffrey studied her, then glanced at Maltida, displeasure flickering in his eyes. With a wave of his hand, he signaled the maid to fetch another cutlery. Reluctantly, the maid obeyed. During the meal, Isolde said nothing, focusing solely on eating. She ate with such urgency it seemed she hadn't had a proper meal in days. Still, she restrained herself, taking only half of each dish and leaving the rest untouched. Geoffery, who had stopped eating to watch her, finally asked, "You seem unusually hungry. Didn't you have dinner?" Isolde dabbed at her mouth with a handkerchief, sipped her tea, and stood. She smiled faintly. "I hit Mary. Mother orderedto go without dinner. I doubt I'll be eating for the next few days, so I'll cagain tomorrow night." "Wait," Geoffrey said sharply, his gaze narrowing. "Why did you hit Mary?" Isolde's smile turned cold. "Because I refused to be William's concubine." "And why," his voice rose, laced with anger, "would you even consider such a position?" Matilda paled. “Isolde, don't speak nonsense! No one asked you to be his concubine. Eleanor will take that role-you are to be the lady of the house!" Isolde gave her a hard look. "Is that so? Earlier, you toldEleanor was carrying his child and askedto step aside for her. When I refused, you calledheartless and accusedof ignoring Father's position. You remindedthat Marshal Blackwell has the Emperor's favor and that Father needs his support. Back at Pearl Tower, even Mary said I didn't know my place. I didn't dare fight with you-but can I not even slap a servant? Apparently not. Because now, for that one slap, I don't even get to eat." Geoffrey regarded her quietly, then said, "If anyone bullies you, cto me." "There's no need," Isolde replied with a faint smile. "Anyone who bullieswill regret it." With that, she bowed and left, giving Matilda no chance to respond.