The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 44 Doug

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+8 Pearls

Tyler proceeded to interrogate the remaining witnesses, and their testimonies aligned perfectly with Estella’s

account.

Several noble ladies, who had been seated in the pavilion, confirmed hearing the argument, and their

recollections matched Estella’s version word for word. Additionally, estate workers attested that a dispute over

selling the manor had already erupted between the parties the night before-an unresolved grudge simmering

beneath the surface.

Lord Harmon soon returned from gathering evidence. The traces left by the reservoir’'s edge corroborated the

statements-both Eleanor and Michelle had been pushed into the water.

With both witness accounts and physical evidence pointing to a clear conclusion, Tyler nevertheless turned to

Isolde and asked, “County Princess, do you have anything to say in your defense?”

Isolde rose to her feet, sweeping her gaze over the assembled witnesses. Her expression remained impassive. as

she declared. “They are all lying. Eleanor jumped into the water herself-her aim was to frme. “As for

Michelle andfalling in. | was trying to save Eleanor. But in my panic, | forgot that | can’t swim. | thrashed

about and, in my struggle, accidentally pulled Michelle under. | feel deeply remorseful.”

Geoffrey slammed his palm against the table, his face draining of color from sheer fury. “Such absurd. nonsense!

You dare spout such a lie? You and Eleanor have a history of animosity-why would you risk your life to save her?”

Isolde’s cold smile deepened. “Ah, | see. If | speak, it's absurd. If they speak, it must be the truth. In your eyes,

Geoffrey, | am nothing but a deceitful and venomous woman, unworthy of comparison to these paragons of

virtue. You decided | was guilty long before today, didn’t you? Even if | were proven innocent this instant, you still

wouldn't believe me.”

Geoffrey stared at her, his icy gaze fixed on that proud, untouchable face. A memory clawed its way to the

forefront of his mind-a past accusation, the evidence overwhelming, and yet, she had been wrongly condemned.

For the first time, hesitation flickered in his chest.

quick-witted, I'll give

Margaret, observing his wavering expression, spoke with detached coolness. “You're you that. But do you expect

us to believe that every single servant here has been bribed? And what of the noble ladies-are they in on this

supposed conspiracy too? | find it hard to believe. Eleanor knew she was carrying a child. Why would she risk her

own life, and that of her unborn child, just to fryou? And Michelle your own elder sister, with whom you

share a deep bond-would she really betray you for a distant cousin? Geoffrey is right. What you're saying is pure

nonsense.”

Geoffrey's fleeting doubt vanished.

Talia scoffed, her voice frigid. “I may not have heard the argument myself, but based on Isolde’s behavior today,

| find her claims utterly unconvincing. When we arrived, she, as the mistress of this estate, was asked to have

someone burn smugwort to ward off the mosquitoes. Instead of obliging, she argued with Mrs. Blackwell

over it! And Mrs. Blackwell is her own aunt! A woman who lacks even the most basic respect for her elders-how

could she possibly be the type to jump into a lake to save someone? Who would believe such a thing?

air. “Tyler, the case is clear. The culprit stands before us. Milton stood, turning to Tyler with an impoSIDE She

cannot refute the truth. You know your duty-do | need to instruct you on how to carry it out?”

Tyler glanced at Geoffrey. On the surface, it was an open-and-shut case-Isolde appeared guilty bevond

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Chapter 44 Doug

doubt. But anyone willing to probe deeper would see there was more beneath the surface.

If Geoffrey insisted on investigating further, he might yet uncover the truth.

But Geoffrey had already made up his mind.

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“Do you have any more questions?” Tyler asked, though he knew he shouldn't have. A part of him still hoped

Geoffrey would see reason.

Geoffrey's gaze was like ice, his voice laced with both disappointment and anger. “The matter is settled. Handle

it as you see fit.”

Tyler exhaled almost imperceptibly, straightening his posture. “Lord Harmon, take the County Princess-

Before he could finish his sentence, a sharp, almost taunting voice rang out from the courtyard.

“My, my! What's all this excitement? A celebration?”

The sudden interruption left the room momentarily frozen in surprise.

As the shock settled, several figures strode into the courtyard.

Leading the group was Oliver, the King’s favored new noble. Dressed in a deep blue military uniform with fitted

sleeves, he wore a plain white belt fastened with a golden buckle-tarnished and worn, yet if one looked closely,

one could see the engraved characters upon it. This was an heirloom of the Founding Emperor.

His jet-black hair was bound neatly in a warrior’s crown, his features sharp, his expression composed and

reserved. Yet, beneath that restraint, a cold glint flashed through his eyes. Beads of sweat clung to his tanned.

skin, evidence of a journey made in haste.

Beside him, a man in a loose-fitting purple robe walked with an air of leisure despite the brisk pace.

His voice matched his appearance-silken and eerie. His long hair was tied back with a violet ribbon, framing a

face of refined yet unsettling beauty.

His arched brows drew into a perpetual frown, forming a “IT

aracter between his eyes. His chin lifted ever so slightly, lips pressed in a thin line-a figure exuding quiet

authority.

Trailing them were several black-robed sword-wielding guards, their expressions impassive, their gazes like

honed steel.

As they entered, the very air in the room seemed to contract. The space, once vast, suddenly felt stiflingly small.

Their mere presence commanded attention-each man tall, rigid in posture, radiating an aura of unwavering

dominance. “Mr. Becker.”

The room, stunned into silence, erupted into hurried movements as everyone rose to their feet in respect. Doug

Becker. The Lord Chancellor of the Southern Watch. Once Bradley's favored protégé, now the Queen Mother's

and the King’s most trusted confidant. A man whose power and influence spanned the entire imperial court.

The only eunuch in the history of the Eryndral Empire to have ever set foot on the battlefield.

Doug's gaze swept across the room, his lips curving into a smile as he raised a hand. “I do hope my

unannounced visit hasn’t inconvenienced the esteemed gentlemen gathered here?”

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Chapter 44 Doug

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“How could in?” Geoffrey responded smoothly, clasping his hands in greeting “Mr. Becker's presence graces

Montlins Manor with unparalleled honor”

Many looked down on Doug Becker-mocking him for his status as a eunuch.

Others sought to curry his favor-his proximity to the throne was too valuable to ignore.

And then there were those who, despite everything, genuinely respected him.

Geoffrey was one of the latter. Even now, faced with this debacle, he welcomed Doug's arrival with open

As Doug and Oliver took their seats, Oliver's gaze landed squarely on Isolde

At that smoment, Isolde’s eyes, which had just drifted from the doorway, met his. A flicker of something

unreadable passed between them.

She smiled faintly. A greeting, no more, no less.

Oliver turned away, addressing Margaret with a polite bow. “Matilda, | see you're here as well?”

Margaret's expression had darkened the moment Doug entered. Now, when her foster son greeted her, she

merely gave a cool nod. “Oliver. And what brings you here?”

“Indeed,” Oliver replied, sweeping his robes aside as he took a seat. He had answered, yet offered no real

explanation.

Margaret didn’t press further.

After all, the relationship between them had long been nothing more than a well-maintained facade.

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