Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
“Our bonds have weakened?” Sophie was deeply hurt. Is that what they really think?”
Kyle continued carving the seal he had promised Ryan. He and Ryan were quite close.
“It’s not surprising. You haven’t shared anything with Master over the years. Whenever you faced difficulties or felt wronged, you never went back. Naturally, they think you don’t need them.” Sophie felt a profound sense of loss, but she also realized that Kyle was right. She hadn’t kept in touch, and she had only sent a pigeon to her master and involved Kyle and Winona when she w in urgent need of help.
However, Violet hadn’t arrived either. She had sent a letter earlier, saying that she would come with the others. Could it be that since Sophie’s master wasn’t coming, their master forbade them from attending? Sophie suddenly felt that this wedding was not as exciting as she had hoped.
She sat beside Kyle as she sniffed. “I’m glad you’re here. Otherwise, it would only be Ryan seeing me off.”
Kyle turned his head to look at her, his warm eyes glinting with amusement. “I’m not sure about that. Master instructed me to handle some matters, so I might have to leave in a couple of days.”
“What?” Sophie jumped to her feet. “Can’t you wait a few more days? What’s so urgent that you have to leave right away?”
She was genuinely upset. First, her master and the other guild members had said they would come, but then decided not to. Now, even Kyle said he might leave soon.
Frederick had mentioned that they would hold a grand wedding feast at Northwatch Estate. What was the point of such a grand affair if no one was coming? They could just have a few tables and Invite
Theodore’s side of the family for a simple meal.
Sophie sat down feeling aggrieved, though she knew her feelings were not entirely justified. She realized she hadn’t been very considerate, and it was no wonder that others didn’t treat her like family. She had once believed that the affection of her guild would remain constant, but she learned that any emotion, if neglected, would change.
Yet, looking back, when she had asked the guild to investigate the situation at Victory Pass, Kyle and Winona had responded immediately. Moreover, Kyle had brought so many paintings as favors, making sure that both civil and military officials, even the king, acknowledged her.
In reality, everyone had done so much for her already, and she couldn’t ask for more. After the wedding. she would visit Meadow Ridge with Rafael. She would apologize to her master, and also make amends with her guild seniors to mend their relationship.
Seeing her dejected, Kyle’s eyes softened with sympathy. “Feeling down?”
“A bit, but I do understand that it’s my fault. I’ll find a way to seek Master’s forgiveness, Sophie said, her voice tinged with sadness.
“Okay,” Kyle said with a smile, and he didn’t add anything further.
Kyle thought their master was being quite harsh. If their master were here in person, he surely wouldn’t have the heart to scare her like this.
Instead, it fell onto Kyle to play the role of a villain.
On the twenty-second day of December, Kyle indeed left.
Sophie held onto his sleeve as she saw him to the door. The biting cold wind whipped around them, and the overcast sky suggested that snow was once again imminent.
Sophie sighed inwardly.
Even Kyle was leaving. She could only hope for clear weather on her wedding day. If it didn’t snow, at least the bridal carriage would have an easier time moving. She had no other extravagant wishes.
Kyle smiled and said, “I’ve ordered some jewelry for you at the Gilded Tower. Send someone to collect it. The payment has already been made, and the receipt is with Frederick.”
“I’ll have Frederick go over later,” Sophie replied, watching as the stable hand brought out Kyle’s horse. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. “You’re really in a hurry to leave? Can’t you stay a couple more days?”
“No, it’s urgent,” Kyle said, gently rubbing her forehead. “We’ll see each other soon enough. Aren’t you planning to go back to Meadow Ridge?”
“Yeah!” Sophie nodded, and added, “Then be careful on the road.”
“I got it. No need to see me off. Go back inside, Kyle said as he took the reins, mounted his horse, and waved at her. “Go on back.”
Sophie shook her head. “I’m going to see you off.”
Without further ado, Kyle spurred his horse and rode away.
Sophie stood at the gate, watching Kyle leave, her heart heavy with unspoken disappointment.
How had everything they planned so carefully fallen through?
Her mood sank to a new low.
After returning to the house and sitting for a while, she asked Frederick for the receipt from the Gilded Tower and set out with Lulu to collect the jewelry Kyle had ordered for her.
The Gilded Tower was quite large, with two connected storefronts and both a ground floor and an upper floor. The name of the store was simply “Gilded Tower.”
They sold not only gold jewelry, but also other types of precious gems and ornaments. The designs were decent, though they couldn’t quite compare to those of the Golden Tower.
The Gilded Tower had been open for only a few years, and seemed to be trying to capitalize on the Golden Tower’s reputation. However, their backers appeared to be substantial, and their business was doing well.
Sophie handed the receipt to the manager on the first floor. The shopkeeper ordered someone to serve refreshments and asked her to sit for a while he personally went to retrieve the item
The shopkeeper, who looked as thin as a monkey, moved quickly. In no time, he returned with a box and handed it to Sophie.
“Please inspect it, my lady,” he said.
Sophie opened the box and found a large gold bracelet inside. It was the kind of flashy, garish gold bracelet that looked almost tasteless.
Kyle had a refined taste, so she had high expectations for his gift.
But this…
The only redeeming feature was that it was indeed quite large and heavy. When worn on the wrist, it gleamed with a golden brilliance. It looked completely like something a nouveau riche would wear.
The shopkeeper’s elaborate reception was likely due to the bracelet’s size and weight. Sophie felt a pang of disappointment, but she reminded herself that it was the thought that mattered.
She tried on the bracelet briefly before quickly removing it and placing it back in the box. The Gilded Tower was quite crowded, and she didn’t want to be seen by too many people.
As she handed the box to Lulu, she happened to run into Evelyn.
“Good day, Madam Prince,” Sophie greeted respectfully.
“Lady Devin,” Evelyn responded with a faint smile. “With your wedding approaching, why are you still out and about?”
“I’m just picking up something.” Sophie replied.
Evelyn stepped closer, and said softly, “Lady Devin, could we have a word in private?”
Noting the gentle and almost pleading expression on Evelyn’s face, Sophie agreed.
“Certainly. There’s a coffeehouse next door. Let’s go there.”