The Swordswoman's Revenge Story after Rebirth

The Swordswoman'’s Revenge Story after Rebirth

Chapter 53 The Instigators.

When the workers heard that Isolde intended to reduce their wages, they were immediately struck with panic

and anger. It was peak harvest time, and they were working tirelessly every day. Their pay was already low, and

now, to have it reduced? They saw it as an outright exploitation by the employer. The workers began to raise

their arms, calling for a confrontation with the mistress of the manor

Estella watched the growing anger among the workers with satisfaction. She raised her hand to quiet them, then

spoke in a loud voice, “Everyone, calm down! Ono has already found a better place for us. The pay there is the

sas here at Montlins Manor, but they serve meat every other day. “If anyone wants to follow Otto, please

register your name. Then, we'll go to Isolde to settle our old wages, and we can leave together.”

The workers, who had been laboring under the harsh conditions with little to look forward to, were instantly

drawn in by the promise of meat. At Montlins Manor, it was rare to even see meat on their plates. The thought of

having it regularly made the workers exclaim. “I'll go, I'll go!”

Estella grinned as she observed the shift in the workers’ emotions. She turned to Randy and said with smug

satisfaction. “See? Once we go demand our wages, let's see how she’s going to pay us.

“Even if she does have the money, what will she do when the workers are gone? Will she cry over the loss?”

But Randy wasn’t so optimistic. He knew what Isolde was capable of. Yesterday, he had witnessed her dark intent

firsthand when she tried to drown Michelle in the reservoir.

The malice in her eyes wasn’t something an ordinary woman would possess. And on top of that, she had Oliver

backing her.

“Won't Oliver help her out?” Malik Curtis, the steward, asked the question that was plaguing Randy’s mind.

Otto quietly moved to the back of the group and spoke grimly, “Yes, it’s Oliver, but this manor is an internal

matter for the Duke’s estate. How can he intervene? If the workers want to leave, even Oliver can’t stop them

unless he wants to tarnish his reputation.”

He knew the noble class would never interfere with matters within someone else's household, especially when it

cto private affairs like this.

In the main hall, Vincenzo rushed in and bowed, “My lady, Otto and several of the stewards are stirring the

workers, getting them ready to leave the manor.”

Isolde, holding a cup of coffee that had gone cold, took a slow sip, completely unfazed. “It’s not a big deal. The

workers want to leave, but they need to settle their wages first. Their pay is calculated quarterly.”

Vincenzo raised an eyebrow. “So, what's the plan?*

Isolde set down her cup, her fingers lightly tapping the table as if preparing for battle. She looked at Vincenzo

with a calm, determined gaze. “Let the workers come. I'll gather them; they won't con their own, but I'll

make sure to meet with them.”

“By the way, how many workers are there at the manor?” she asked. “And did we seize the books?”

The books are secured and in the other room. You can take a look, Isolde,” Vincenzo replied. “As for the workers,

I'm not sure, but Otto is keeping track. You'll know once you look at the list.”

“Bring them in, Isolde ordered.

Vincan to nodded and went in faich the hover Since haine dukhed a “hero” be the maide he had maban

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Chapter 53 The Instigators

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showing off his newfound flair for grand gestures.

He returned with two large crates and placed them before Isolde, explaining. These are the ledgers from the past

two years. There are saccount entries in here. The older ones are from before Michelle took

“Not locked” Isolde asked as she examined the books.

“Locked up tight with several locks. | had to pry them open, Vincenzo replied.

“What about Outo? Where did he go?” Isolde asked, flipping through one of the books.

“He's off stirring up more of the workers, registering the ones who want to leave.”

“Registering”” Isolde smiled faintly. “He thinks | won't dare to get rid of them, so he’s using this opportunity to

weed out anyone who doesn’t obey”

“I suppose so.” Vincenzo said, watching her closely. “But... Isolde, do you understand these books?”

Many noblewomen would never bother to learn how to read financial ledgers; they were too busy learning

literature or poetry. A ledger was filled with complex figures and could be hard to decipher for anyone outside

the trade.

I'm from the manor. How could I not understand?” Isolde said as she put the book down and picked up another

one from the box. She flipped through a few pages, then looked up at Vincenzo. “Do you know what the workers

are paid?”

Two hundred coins a month,” Vincenzo replied.

Isolde’s expression turned cold as she dropped the book. “But the expenses listed here show five hundred coins

a month.”

Vincenzo froze. “Did Otto and the stewards eat that much?“.

At Belleview Manor, during non-busy months, the workers made two hundred coins a month, including meals.

During harvest time, the pay would rise to at least one thaler. If the work was particularly strenuous, they might

receive even more.

Isolde hadn't paid much attention to the money, since she was more concerned with providing for the workers.

“Vincenzo, find a worker to cand ask about all their benefits, including meals,” Isolde said, her eyes flashing

with quiet fury.

“Yes, Isolde,” Vincenzo replied and went to fetch someone.

He returned with a young worker, fresh from the fields. He hadn't heard about the mutiny yet and stood

awkwardly, sweat-drenched and smelling of earth and sweat.

He didn’t dare approach Isolde, nervously wringing his hands, his palms caked with dirt.

“What's your name?” Isolde asked kindly.

“I... I'm Eddie Olson,” he stammered, his face turning bright red, making his freckles more pronounced.

“Here, have swater.” Isolde gently poured him a cup of coffee, offering it with a warm smile.

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Eddie swallowed hard, clearly thirsty, but hesitated. He waved it off awkwardly. “Til drink well water later

“Drink,” Isolde said with a stern look.

Eddie panicked, quickly taking the cup and drinking it all in one go. He set it down hurriedly and asked, “I've

drunk it. What do you need?”

Isolde relaxed her gaze and smiled faintly. “Eddie, tell me, how long have you worked at the manor? How much

do you get paid? And what do you eat?”

Eddie answered, I've been here for two years, but | haven't been paid yet. They take care of food and housing.

We eat bread or cereal.”

Eddie sneaked a glance at Isolde, wondering

“Why haven't you been paid? Isolde inquired.

Y she was asking these questions.

Eddie looked confused for a moment. “It’s the rule. The first two years are just food and lodging, no pay. After

two years, we get one hundred coins a month. After five years, we get two hundred.”

“How many times a month do you get meat?” Isolde asked, her eyes narrowing with a spark of interest, though

her tone remained gentle.

“Twice a month, on the first and fifteenth,” Eddie answered.

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