The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

e Swordswoman’s Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 40 A Host’s Courtesy

Isolde clutched Leonis tightly and turned on her heel to leave.

& Pearls

Michelle hurried after her, grabbing her arm with a coaxing smile. “Alright, don’t throw a tantrum. Walk with me

for a bit.”

Isolde didn’t object. Together, they strolled toward the reservoir.

Eleanor and Randy Estella followed at a distance, their maids trailing behind.

The sun climbed steadily overhead, its golden light shimmering across the water's surface. Montlins Manor was

filled with jujube trees, but the most breathtaking sight was not the trees themselves.

By the reservoir, wild lilies bloomed in soft pink and white, their delicate clusters swaying amid tall feathergrass.

Beneath them, the ground was lush with springy green turf.

Isolde wore a simple yet elegant outfit that day-muted hues trimmed with silver embroidery.

Her face was bare of any powder or rouge, her soft, peach-toned skin catching the light, fine baby hairs visible in

the glow. Her lips gleamed, full and striking against the daylight.

She was not a woman of immediate, breathtaking beauty. At a glance, she was merely exquisite. But the longer

one looked, the more compelling her features became-her bold brows, the quiet strength in her gaze, an

effortless elegance tinged with an unexpected sharpness.

Eleanor, on the other hand, was stunning at first sight. But her beauty did not hold upon closer inspection- her

eyes too large, her nose too small, her lips thin, her ears jutting slightly. The more one studied her face. the more

its imperfections becapparent.

The reservoir was, in truth, a mountain pond, stocked with fish that were netted and sold once every two years.

These fish were left to fend for themselves, with the farmhands occasionally tossing in cut grass as meager

sustenance. As a result, they were fiercely ravenous.

Isolde tossed a small object into the water. Instantly, sleek black bodies leapt into the air, their scales flashing

under the sun.

From the reservoir, the nearby pavilion was visible, nestled slightly lower in the landscape.

Ryker was entertaining a group of ladies, lighting moxa incense to ward off insects. A spread of coffee and

refreshments had already been set. With a gentle breeze whispering through the trees, the setting was pleasant

Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt

and tranquil.

Montlins Manor was a place of striking beauty, its endless stretches of jujube trees forming a sea of deep green.

Along the reservoirs edge, tiny golden sunflowers, no larger than a fingertip, bloomed wild in the rich earth,

thriving without the need for cultivation.

The ladies sipped their coffee, chatting and laughing.

The pavilion was only a short distance from the main estate-one could easily be heard from there with a single

loud call.

Yet the peace was suddenly shattered by a commotion near the reservoir.

The group turned their heads, but the dense foliage obscured the view. Samiyah frowned. “Ryker,

uchar’e hnnnnnin

. go see

1/3

Chapter 40 A Host’s Courtesy

+ Pearls

Ryker bowed and strode off, head lowered-concealing, for the briefest moment, the flash of cruel satisfaction in

his eyes

At the water's edge. Isolde held Leonis in her arms, watching as Eleanor’s composure shattered inte hysterics.

Her face contorted, rage and desperation twisting her features as she pointed an accusing finger at Isolde

l

[af

Zow you've always hated me, she shricked. Hated that William Tovedand not you! We are cousins!

can’t you step back and see reason? Marrying into the Valen family benefits us both! You would be the rightful

wife, and 1, the concubine-you, noble, and I, lowly! Why can’t you accept that? Why must you forceto lose

my child and marry svillager in disgrace before you'll be satisfied?”

Her voice was sharp, carried far by the wind, each word crystal clear.

The breeze tugged at Isolde’s sleeves as she stood atop a stone, looking down upon Eleanor-quite literally,

above her.

She said nothing and simply watched. Eleanor’s lips curled into a twisted, venomous smile-then, without

hesitation, she hurled herself into the water.

Michelle gasped, her voice slicing through the air. “Isolde, are you insane? How could you push her? Someone,

help! Save Eleanor!”

Eleanor thrashed, sputtering, sinking fast-she couldn't swilTL

Randy sprang forward, ready to dive in after her.

But before he could jump, Isolde smiled. A slow, knowing smile. She set Leonis down. And in the next heartbeat,

the beast sprang forward like an arrow loosed from a bow. Leonis sank his fangs into Randy's leg. A piercing

scream rang out as Randy stumbled, trying to beat the creature away. But Leonis was relentless, jaws locked

tight.

Blood spattered the earth as Randy tumbled, rolling uncontrollably down the slope-then straight into the water.

With one man drowning, there was no one left to save the other. Estella turned ghostly pale, shrieking.

“Someone! Help Eleanor!”

The maids who had calong froze in terror. Not one of them could swim. At Estella’s desperate cry, they

scattered, running back toward the estate to summon help.

“Isolde...!” Eleanor’s panicked voice cut through the air. She flailed, gasping, her terror plain. “Help me!”

Michelle's heart jolted as she caught sight of Isolde’s face-cold, ruthless, utterly unyielding. The plan was simple,

yet meticulous. Randy was good at swrimming; as long as he could get in, he would undoubtedly be able to save

Eleanor.

And once that happened, everyone present would be a witness-Isolde would be guilty of attempted.

murder.

But then, Randy was bitten by Leonis and plunged into the water, unable to save anyone.

Michelle watched in horror as Eleanor gasped and choked, swallowing mouthfuls of water. Desperation clawed at

her throat. Thankfully, she had prepared for this-she had left a long bamboo pole nearby in

advance.

She reached for it, ready to extend it into the water. But before she could, Isolde snatched it from her grip. and

flung it aside. Then, with an iron grip, she dragged Michelle closer to the edge of the water. Her voice

2/3

Chapter 40 A Host’s Courtesy

+ Pearls

Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm

was icy, every syllable laced with menace “Michelle, open your eyes. Watch closely, Watch how Eleanor dies -

thanks to your pathetic little scheme.”

Michelle's eyes rolled upward in shock. “Are you insane? If she dies, you'll be charged with murder! You won't

escape this! Murder demands a life for a life! If she lives, the worst you'll face is a decade or two behind bars!”

Isolde grinned, baring her teeth. “Now that is unfair, isn't it? Trading my life for hers? What a joke. She's not even

worth it.

“Yes! Yes, you're right-she’s not worth it! Michelle clutched at Isolde’s sleeve desperately, panic overtaking her.

Eleanor was sinking, losing strength fast. If she died, Milton would never forgive her. Michelle's voice cracked as

she pleaded, “Save her! You have a whip-use it, pull her up! You want the estate? Fine! I'll give it back to you!”-

“The estate was mine to begin with. | don’t need your charity,” Isolde said coolly

Michelle was so terrified that she hurriedly grabbed onto the rocks by the reservoir, trying to climb up while

cursing. “Are you out of your mind? Fine! Since you're not afraid of death, I'll fight you to the end. Not only will |

make sure you rot in prison, but I'll make sure you never get out for the rest of your life!”

if you

Isolde stomped on Michelle's hand, grinding it under her foot as she sneered, “Oh? Well, if never get out either.”

die, then I'l

Pain shot through Michelle's hand, but she didn’t dare to let go. She turned to Estella, shouting in panic, “What

are you waiting for? Hurry up and pull her away!”

Estella was nearly scared out of her wits. She rushed forward, but before she could react, Isolde had already

leaped into the water, pressing Michelle's head down and forcing it underwater.

Michelle felt the air in her lungs stolen in an instant as icy, metallic-tasting water flooded her mouth and nose.

She struggled with all her strength, but Isolde’s grip was too strong-there was no way for her to break free.

The terror of death wrapped around her like the reservoir's murky waters. Isolde dragged her along the rocky

edge, the jagged stones scraping her skin, her face. Even through the blurry water, she could see her own blood

swirling around her.

The lack of oxygen dulled the pain, but deep down, she knew-her face was ruined. Fear gripped her even tighter.

Her chest felt like it was going to explode. She opened her mouth in desperation, and water rushed in through

her nose and throat.

Just

when she thought she was about to die, suddenly-her head was yanked above the surface. Through her hazy

consciousness, she heard that little bitch’s voice ringing in her ears. “Ryker, | saved Michelle! What are you

waiting for? Go save Eleanor!”

10