The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

The Swordswoman'’s Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 401 Sophia Summons Her

+8 Pearls

Vivian sighed and said, “I send all my silver hevery month, there’s no money left over for anything

else.”

Ashley, looking a bit irked, snapped, “Find a way. If you can’t raise the silver; there are other ways to gather

information. If you can’t handle such a simple task, how can I trust you with more important matters in the

future?”

Vivian silently cursed under her breath. She had thought following Ashley would lead to a bright future, but this

situation was far from what she'd imagined.

She had no choice but to pull every string she could, using her long-standing connections in the palace.

Eventually, she managed to gather sinformation.

“Heath said that the King has issued an edict: The Princess of Filial Devotion, Isolde, will inherit the title of First-

Rank Duke. Since Isolde is a woman, she will instead be granted the title of Marquise of Filial Devotion.”

“Marquise of Filial Devotion?” Ashley was taken aback.

In the Eryndral Empire, the system of marquises, dukes, counts, and viscounts was not strictly hierarchical-

except in name, since their fiefs were equal in size. But with a county attached to the title, what was the King

trying to do? Was he planning to promote her or Oliver to a higher rank?

The King wasn’t a fool-he wouldn't risk angering both court and nobility just to elevate a woman. Could this be a

way to win Queen Victoria's favor?

A sense of had fallen

d

crept into Ashley’s mind. The King hadn't listened to her suggestions, meaning her words deaf ears. That was a

serious mistake.

Giton man her chair, feeling powerless. The strategic maneuvers she'd mastered by Kamari’s side

She collapsed

were

of

no

here.

She had thought that once she entered the palace, things would be easier. But she hadn't anticipated that the

palace would be even more challenging than the outside world.

What she hadn't expected most of all was that, despite being a consort, she still had to pay silver to those

beneath her to get things done.

Yes, Kamari’'s ambitions had all been based on money. Everyone followed him because he had it, and his

rebellion was rooted in the power it provided.

Lena entered, lifting the curtain, and bowed. “Your Majesty, the Empress requests your presence in h

chambers.”

“Sophia?” Ashley furrowed her brow. “What does she want at this hour?”

“She didn’t say,” Lena replied.

Ashley didn’t want to go. She suspected it was because of her delayed morning greeting, and feared a

reprimand. But she wasn’t afraid-she had asked for a royal physician's visit earlier, after all.

dib

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apter 401 Sophia Summons Her

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“Your Majesty, it wouldn't be wise to defy the Empress. She may be calling for something important,” Vivian

remarked, surprised at Ashley's refusal. The palace was usually peaceful, and Sophia was not the type to

summon consorts without good reason.

Ashley scoffed. “What could she possibly want? It’s either about my late greeting this morning or my

interference in the Mystic Palace politics. Sgossiping servant probably reported it to her, and now she wants

to make an example of me.”

Vivian sighed, “That's exactly what's going on, Your Majesty. But you can’t afford to upset Sophia. After all, she

still controls the Imperial Concubine Summoning Placard.”

Ashley froze. “Sophia controls that? Isn't that the responsibility of the Inner Court officials?”

Vivian shook her head. “All the Inner Court officials are Sophia's people. How could you be so naive?”

Ashley couldn't believe it. “Sophia? She seems so simple and loyal... but she knows how to work with the Inner

Court?”

If she controlled the Summoning Placard, she held power over the entire harem. Which concubine wouldn't want

to be called to the King’s chambers?

Vivian added, “The Queen is deeply favored by Queen Victoria.”

“Victoria?” Ashley asked.

Vivian spoke seriously, “In this palace, you must address her as the Queen Dowager. Always remember that. The

harem is full of ears, and you must be careful.”

Ashley had indeed been rash. She sighed. “Alright, let's getchanged, then.”

Vivian silently lamented. She hadn't expected this headache of a master.

Sophia was in a foul mood that evening,

Rowena had visited earlier to discuss the events of the day.

Sophia, having been in the palace for over a decade, knew everything that transpired within its walls. When

Ashley had delayed her greeting due to illness, Sophia had already spoken with the royal physician. It wasn't a

case of bad health-Ashley was faking it, likely to avoid a confrontation with the King.

Sophia understood the situation perfectly. Ashley was scheming to meet the King, and when Rowena shared

details from the Mystic Palace, Sophia becfurious.

After the King had finished with his tasks, Sophia had sent for Ashley. She was certain the King wouldn't call on

her, but didn’t want to seem as though she had guessed his mind. So, she waited until after his meeting before

sending for Ashley.

Having been by the King’s side for years, Sophia knew what he liked and disliked. There were times when even

she had to pretend not to know certain things. The King especially detested consorts who meddled in political

affairs, and Ashley’s behavior had crossed the line.

This woman was too clever for her own good.

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Chapter 401 Sophia Summons Her

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the maid replied, bowing before leaving.

Rowena smirked. “You're going to leave her waiting, then?”

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Sophia shrugged, “She thinks she can ignore me. I'm not bothered. | don’t care for these palace intrigues, but

Victoria's attention has been caught. When the Empress calls for something, it’s my duty as the Empress to

manage the harem. If one of my consorts steps out of line, it reflects on me. | must ensure she doesn’t become

too bold.”

“How impatient is Ashley? She's only just arrived in the palace,” Rowena remarked.

Sophia smiled slightly. “I won't speculate on her intentions. Since Victoria is paying attention, others will handle

her. For now, I'll focus on my duties as Empress.”

Rowena nodded, “Queen Victoria likes that you don’t interfere too much, but if you always put her above all else,

not everyone in the harem will respect you.”

Sophia sighed softly, “If it weren't for Victoria, | wouldn't be here. | owe my survival in this palace to her. You've

been by my side for years, so you know how things have been. When Victoria left, Queen Grandmother opposed

me, and no one, not even the King, could protect me. If Victoria hadn't returned, | wouldn't be sitting here

today.”

Rowena nodded solemnly. “Indeed.”

Sophia took a sip of coffee before rising and heading to meet Ashley.

Meanwhile, Ashley had been waiting for 15 minutes in the side chamber. There was no coal brazier or fire wall,

and she shivered from the cold. Her frustration grew as she realized this was Sophia’s way of putting her in her

place.

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