Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
The next day, Sophie entered the palace with Lulu.
She first went to pay respects to Victoria. Victoria happily took her hand, and asked about her relationship with Rafael.
Sophie had prepared her explanation well. She recounted how she and Rafael had fallen for each other on the battlefield, and that he had proposed upon returning to the capital. Grateful for his regard, she had accepted.
Victoria knew the real story, but chose not to mention Salvador’s three-month ultimatum. She merely smiled and said it was all a matter of fate, divinely ordained.
After chatting for the length of about half an hour, Victoria mentioned summoning Helen.
Understanding Victoria’s good intentions, Sophie shook her head. Lady Helen has already summoned me to Evergreen Palace. If I rely on your favor and defy her, she will only resent me more once I marry into the family. You may protect me this time, but you won’t always be able to shield me in the future.”
Victoria gazed at her. “You’re always so understanding and considerate. It makes my heart ache. My younger sister has been spoiled by my maternal family and me. Her temperament is difficult. Once she moves in with you, she might make your life hard. Let’s see what she says today. If she’s too harsh, I’ll have a word with her.”
Sophie smiled warmly. “Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. With your protection, I won’t suffer any hardship.”
Victoria returned her warm smile. “Go on, then. I’ll send someone to check on you later.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Sophie curtsied, and left.
At noon, under the scorching sun, Sophie and Lulu followed the attendant, who led them through the garden.
The attendant from Evergreen Palace had been waiting outside for them.
There were shaded corridors they could have taken, but the attendant led them through the hottest parts of the garden, taking a long, winding route. They even retraced their steps a couple of times, making the journey unnecessarily long.
Sophie felt fine, being a martial artist. Lulu, on the other hand, struggled with the heat. She was sweating profusely, ner head spinning and aching. She felt nauseous, and was on the verge of a heatstroke. Sophie had anticipated that their visit to the palace today wouldn’t be simple, so she brought along the medicines Sebastian had given her.
Seeing Lulu’s discomfort, she took out a Verdant Pill-a pill often used for digestive issues and to relieve summer heat-and gave it to her. Then, Sophie fanned her to help cool her down..
Noticing that the attendant looked on the verge of fainting, Sophie smiled. “Sir, I have a Verdant Pill here. Would you like to take one?”
Because of Helen’s instructions, the attendant had led Sophie under the scorching sun. After half an hour, he was already struggling, his lips turning pale. Hearing Sophie’s offer and seeing no one else around, he lowered his eyes and whispered, “Thank you for the medicine, my lady.”
The attendant was a low-ranking servant from Evergreen Palace. Sophie was clearly aware he was making things difficult for her on orders. Yet, she still offered him medicine.
He took the offered pill, and swallowed it. The taste was unpleasant,
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but it spread a cooling sensation through him, dispelling the oppressive heat.
In the palace, low-ranking attendants and maids were the most despised and often ignored. To be cared for even a little brought an unusual warmth to his heart.
He quickly glanced at Sophie and said, “Please follow me, my lady.”
This time, the attendant led her along the shaded corridors, avoiding the harsh sunlight, and headed towards Evergreen Palace.
Upon reaching the entrance of Evergreen Palace, the attendant ran inside to announce their arrival.
Shortly after, an older palace maid came out, scrutinizing Sophie. She asked indifferently, “Are you Lady Devin?”
“Yes, I am,” Sophie replied, curtsying. “Greetings.”
The palace maid maintained her indifferent tone. “No need for such formalities, my lady. Please follow me. Lady Helen is expecting you.”
Sophie followed the maid into the palace, ready to face whatever lay ahead.Leaving Lulu outside the hall, Sophie lowered her head and steppe inside.
The white marble tiles beneath her feet were so polished that it looked like mirrors, reflecting the opulent and luxurious decor tha surrounded her.
Sophie quickly glanced up and saw a distinguished woman seater on a chair in the center of the hall, dressed in a regal purple gown Her hair was styled in an elaborate bun, adorned with luxurious jewels, and her features bore a slight resemblance to Rafael’s.
Sophie knew this woman was Helen.
Stepping forward, Sophie knelt. “Greetings, Your Highness.”
Sophie’s posture was perfect, her gaze lowered, and her dress neatly arranged. The slight movement of her hairpins as she knelt was just right, leaving no room for criticism. After all, she had spent a year learning proper etiquette upon her return from Meadow Ridge, under the guidance of the palace tutors.
Helen’s cold voice pierced the air, “Raise your head, and let me see your alluring face.”
Sophie obeyed, lifting her head slowly to face Helen. Although their eyes did not meet, she could feel the coldness in the older woman’s gaze.
“Hmph. You’re indeed a beauty. No wonder my son is bewitched by you.”
Helen extended her hand, and the elderly maid beside her helped her down from the chair. Standing before Sophie, Helen raised her hand, adorned with long protective claw rings, aiming to
Sophie across the face.
“You vile woman! How dare you seduce my son?”
Before the slap could land, Sophie swiftly grabbed Helen’s wris
Startled and furious, Helen was about to speak when Sophie said Your Highness, if you wish to punish this humble servant, please instruct the palace maids to do so. Thave practiced martial arts since childhood and possess inner force.
“Should anyone harm me, my inner force will retaliate tenfold. I dar not harm you, Your Highness. But if you insist on striking me personally, please forgive my offense in advance.”
Helen hesitated, recalling that Rafael had mentioned Sophie’s prowess on the battlefield, where she had cut enemies into thre pieces with a single stroke.
It didn’t seem like a lie.
Whether it was true or not, Helen couldn’t risk getting hurt by thi woman. She withdrew her hand and glanced at the elderly maid beside her. Knowing the maid was too old for such exertions, Hele ordered a strong male servant to be summoned.
To be slapped upon the first meeting was an immense humiliation Helen wanted Sophie to know this was just the beginning of her trials.
A burly male servant entered. Following Helen’s command, he raise his hand to strike Sophie’s face.
Before his hand could make contact, he was sent flying, landing heavily on the high-backed chair where Helen had been sitting moments before! He spat out a mouthful of blood and passed ou instantly. Helen was horrified. She had been watching Sophie closely, and the girl hadn’t moved a muscle.
quickly cared the male servant out, though his blood had stamed Helen’s chair. Despite the maids best efforts to deen it the scent of blood lingered Helen, known for her love of cleanliness, would likely never sitin that chair again. Fortunately. such chairs were not in short supply, and the servants promptly brought a replacement
Canssa’s display of power left everyone in Evergreen Palace speechless. Even the usually composed eld: y maid was at a loss for words, her hands trembling as she supported Helen.
Helen sat back in her chair, staring at Sophie’s stunningly beautiful face. A sense of suffocation washed over her, a feeling she had only ever experienced around her son. To her dismay, she now felt it from this young woman