Filed to story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
The snowfall continued to get heavier.
Although the Supreme Court had sealed its documents for the year, Rafael, as the commander of the Mystic Army, found himself busier than ever. He stepped out to inform Sophie that he needed to return to the Capital Guard Headquarters to gather the commanders for a meeting to discuss the duty roster and patrols during the upcoming New Year celebrations.
“Alright, you take care of your business. Vivi, Rod, and I will head to Verdant Monastery to visit my aunt,” Sophie responded.
“You’re going to Verdant Monastery? Why don’t you wait for me? I’ll finish up my work quickly and accompany you,” Rafael suggested.
“It’s fine. Vivi, Rod, and I can manage on our own. You focus on your duties. The Capital Guard Headquarters has a lot going on with the New Year celebrations approaching,” Sophie replied.
Even though she only held an honorary title as deputy commander, she knew that it was during major festivals like this that the capital guards and garrison unit were busiest and most prone to errors.
Rafael wanted to accompany her, but he knew the responsibilities at the Capital Guard Headquarters couldn’t be ignored. Besides, it had been snowing heavily lately. Avis was in poor health, so Sophie couldn’t afford to delay her visit.
People often said that the New Year was the hardest time for those gravely ill.
“Alright, be careful on the road,” Rafael said after a moment’s thought. “I’ll finish up as quickly as I can and join you there.”
He should meet Sophie’s aunt as well, now that he was officially Sophie’s husband.
“Okay,” Sophie agreed, noticing the lingering affection in his gaze.
Not wanting Violet and Travis to tease her, she quickly averted her eyes. “You go ahead and get to work.”
Rafael felt a twinge of disappointment. Sophie always seemed eager to distance herself from him in front of others. Even when their eyes met, she would immediately look away. He couldn’t understand it-he constantly wanted to be near her.
“Your Highness, the horses are ready,” Luke announced as he entered.
“Alright,” Rafael said, walking over to Sophie and taking her hand. “Be careful on the road. Wear extra layers. It’s snowing today.”
“I got it,” Sophie replied with a smile, gently pulling her hand away. In a proper, almost formal tone, she added, “We’re taking a carriage, Your Highness. You should focus on your work.” Seeing her withdraw so quickly, Rafael couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment.
Violet noticed this and gave Sophie a glance but chose to remain silent.
Sophie then went to see Helen, informing her that she would be visiting her aunt at Verdant Monastery and might be away for two or three days, but would definitely return in time for the New Year. Helen was momentarily confused before realizing that Sophie was referring to Avis.
“Then, hurry and go. Make sure to come back soon,” she urged.
Kiera, who was also present, asked curiously, “Why is Aunt Avis living at Verdant Monastery? Isn’t she supposed to be at Uncle Yuvan’s residence, Horizon Estate?”
–
“She’s ill, so she moved to Verdant Monastery. She wanted peace and quiet to recover, and the monastery has the blessing of the Lord,” Sophie replied. Kiera was puzzled. “But if she’s sick, shouldn’t she stay at Horizon Estate? At least there, if anything happens, the household can be notified immediately.” Even Kiera understood this logic, so how could Yuvan not know?
Sophie was actually quite concerned. Yuvan’s fief was in Valken, which was not too far from both Verdant Monastery and the capital.
If it were truly about recuperation, wouldn’t it have been better to bring Avis back to the capital? After all, the royal family was in the capital. There were also the royal physicians and Sebastian to watch over her.
Now that Avis was at Verdant Monastery, Sebastian had sent two of his apprentices, Jasmine and Ivy, to care for her. But still, without any family around, it must be lonely.
“I’ll find out more once I get there. In the meantime, Mother, please keep an eye on Ryan for me,” Sophie said.
“Of course, leave it to me,” Helen agreed, patting her chest in assurance, clearly eager to help Sophie.
Helen’s response left Kiera stunned. She had been preoccupied with all sorts of snacks recently and wasn’t aware of what had been happening in the estate.
As soon as Sophie left, Kiera quietly asked, “Mom, weren’t you at odds with my sister-in-law? How did you become so close?”
Helen sighed. “Your sister-in-law is a pitiful person. Ryan is all she has left. As her mother-in-law, I shouldn’t make things harder for her. I ought to treat her like my own daughter.”
Kiera found this odd.
“But back when we were in the palace, you didn’t say that. When I tried to advise you, you wouldn’t listen.”
“Who said I didn’t listen? I listened, and that’s why I’m treating her well now.”
Seeing her mother’s slightly guilty expression, Kiera decided not to press further. As long as her mother treated her sister-in-law well, that was all that mattered.
When Sophie set out, she didn’t bring many people with her. Travis drove the carriage, while she and Violet sat inside. Even Lulu was left behind.
It was only then that Violet began to share the information Skywing Spire had uncovered with Sophie.
“Your aunt was sent to Verdant Monastery to recuperate not because she wanted to, but because it was orchestrated by Lady Fiona Judd, Prince Yuvan’s secondary concubine.
“What’s worse, your aunt’s two daughters have completely disregarded their own mother’s wellbeing, treating Lady Fiona as she were their own birth moth Such ungrateful behavior is utterly infuriating! If your aunt is completely disappointed in them, then l definitely have to teach them a lesson,” Violet said, her voice laced with contempt.
Sophie had suspected Fiona’s involvement from the start, but hearing that her two cousins were complicit still chilled her to the core.
She pressed on, “And what is Yuvan’s stance on this?”
Violet let out a cold laugh. “Men… Do you really expect a man to cherish his wife from humble beginnings? Your aunt never bore him a son. The son under her care is actually from a concubine who passed away, She raised him as her own, even hiring the best tutors in Valken for him.
“But after your aunt fell ill, Lady Fiona took control of everything in the household. Though the boy has the status of a legitimate son, in reality, he’s the child of a concubine. Lady Fiona would never allow him to outshine her own sons. She dismissed his tutor and arranged for him to take a minor position as a chief constable at the Valken’s local authorities office.”
Sophie frowned. “He’s a scholar, untrained in combat. How can he possibly serve as a chief constable? And he has royal status. Even if he was born of a concubine, he’s still registered under my aunt’s lineage.”
“Who doesn’t know all that?” Violet scoffed. “Lady Fiona’s family is powerful in Valken, while your aunt’s family has lost its influence. Her relatives in official positions haven’t achieved much.
“Ultimately, she’s an aging woman with faded beauty, lacks support from her own family, and has no legitimate sons of her own. With poor health and a disloyal husband, it’s no wonder she’s become a victim of others’ schemes.”
Yuvan’s favoritism towards his concubine and neglect of his wife was well-known in Valken, and it was likely no secret in the capital either.
Sophie recalled that when she returned from Meadow Ridge, Avis had been in the capital for treatment. Melanie had even asked Sebastian to attend to her. When Avis returned to Valken, Sebastian had sent some of his apprentices to accompany her.
Even then, Avis had seemed burdened with worries. However, she never revealed anything when asked. She insisted that aside from her declining health, everything was fine in Valken.
Sophie mulled over past events in her heart, then sadly said, “I fear that her sudden worsening condition is not unrelated to me.” Violet had initially intended to keep this from her friend, but since Sophie had already guessed as much, she decided to come clean.
“You’re right. Lady Avis didn’t know about your divorce at first, but Lady Fiona specifically told her about it. After hearing the news, Lady Avis coughed up blood and her condition deteriorated. These details weren’t uncovered by the people from Skywing Spire. Rowan told me directly, asking whether or not he should inform you,” Violet explained.
“I had a feeling,” Sophie said, her voice filled with melancholy. “Aunt Avis arranged my marriage. Although she was the one who recommended it, my mother also made inquiries. The Jaffe family had indeed been quiet for years, with no significant troubles.
“With Amelia being ineffectual and weak, there was no oppressive sister-in-law to deal with. Also, the relationship between the main and second branches of the family remained superficially harmonious.” Violet replied, “Don’t dwell on it too much. Let’s wait until we reach Verdant Monastery and see your aunt. We can make plans from there.”