Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
“Mrs. Prince, there’s truly nothing else. Just treat them as you would any other guests,” Sophie said, noting Zoey’s hesitance.
She seemed to have guessed something, and Sophie acknowledged Zoey’s capabilities.
With a decisive nod, Sophie added, “If you find Lady Molly agreeable and wish to befriend her, that’s entirely up to you. But if you feel that she’s beyond your station, keeping your distance wouldn’t be a bad idea either.”
Sophie’s words were clear enough for Zoey to grasp their meaning. She didn’t dare to dwell on other implications, as they were beyond her purview as a woman. What she could do was ensure that the Earl of Silverstone’s family maintained clean and transparent relationships with everyone.
After Zoey left, Jacob stepped into the room.
It was uncommon for Jacob to see Sophie alone, but he had taken notice of the situation since Zoey entered the room and had stayed outside to listen for a while.
Sophie was aware he had been eavesdropping, and asked, “Do you think I handled that conversation appropriately?”
“It was perfectly balanced,” Jacob replied. “You couldn’t have been too direct, but you couldn’t stay silent either. After all, the troops in the Southern Frontier consist of either the Devin Army or the Hell Monarch Army.”
Sophie sighed. “Yes, I can’t just stand by and do nothing. But with Zoey in charge at Silverstone Estate, there are certain things she can’t understand too clearly, or it might frighten her.”
“Exactly. You struck the right balance, Your Grace,” Jacob said. “I have other matters to attend to now.”
Sophie watched as he turned to leave, momentarily startled. She had thought he came to discuss the matter further, but he had merely entered to praise her. She couldn’t help but smile. Well, fine!
Jacob was the head archivist of Hell Monarch Estate, but Rafael regarded him as a strategist. Even so, Jacob managed all the affairs and people within the estate, essentially fulfilling the role of a steward. He reported directly to both her and Rafael. As the head archivist, he was supposed to have a deputy. However, Rafael was quite picky and hadn’t found anyone suitable. So, Jacob effectively served in both capacities, placing him in a high position within the estate.
Busy from morning till night, it was rare to see him around. He had an assistant who oversaw the day-to-day matters, which was Luke. Luke managed the various errands of the estate. While the royal family was small, the number of staff was substantial.
Sometimes, Sophie felt exhausted just hearing about all the mundane issues from each steward when they met every couple of days. She had never voiced her fatigue, but Jacob had suggested that Luke filter the reports, bringing only essential matters to her attention while leaving out trivial details.
It was truly thoughtful of Jacob.
Carmen had been frequently visiting Hell Monarch Estate lately, primarily because Violet was learning a mix of swordsmanship and dance from her. As they spent time together, they discovered a special camaraderie, prompting Carmen to come over more often. Sophie maintained a certain distance from Carmen. Just after Carmen had left, Violet arrived at Orchid Hall to see Sophie.
Without ceremony, she plopped down into a chair and declared, “Ms. Lester is quite a nice person, but I’ve noticed you seem a bit put off by her.”
“Having met a few times, how can I say whether Hike her or not?” Sophie shot her a glance and instructed, “Janice, please prepare a drink for Ms. Spencer. Look at her she’s all sweaty. Bring her a towel too.”
Janice curtsied. “Yes, I’ll get that right away.”
Once Janice was gone, Violet continued, “She convinced Henry, and he’ll cooperate with us.”
Sophie considered this for a moment. “Vivi, what do you think of Henry?”
“Claire did some digging. He used to be quite the scholar, but now? He’s like an old mouse-hiding away and being timid and cowardly.”
“He’s been married to Eleanor for over twenty years, and he’s been oppressed by her for just as long. It’s hard for someone who’s been oppressed for so long to fight back. I’m cautious about him.”
“Could it be that after being oppressed for so long, he wants to turn the tables with our help b mouse will fight back when cornered. I don’t believe he would willingly endure this humiliation.”
a
“Reluctance doesn’t guarantee trust. Also, don’t forget that his family is also dependent on Eleanor.”
Violet nodded, and as footsteps echoed in the hallway, she smiled and said, “See? I told you, Ms. Lester is an interesting person. Next time she comes, you should practice swordplay with us.” Sophie shot her a mock glare. “Alright, I got it. Since you think so highly of her, I’ll practice with her next time. I doubt she’ll last three moves under my hands.”
“Let’s give it a try!” Violet replied with a grin, looking up at Janice as she entered. “What drink is this?”
Janice set the cup down and said, “It’s ice tea that Ms. Lily made today, Ms. Spencer.”
“Perfect!” Violet took the cup eagerly, drinking it down in big gulps. She grabbed the towel to wipe her neck, and tossed it back onto the tray. “That’s enough. You’re dismissed.”
After Janice left, Violet said, “That person seems quite unpleasant.”
Sophie chuckled. “Don’t say that. She’s actually quite handy. After all, she comes from the palace. Nowadays, Lulu has much less to do.”
Violet smiled and asked, “When do you plan on letting Lulu go? She’s at the age to get married.”
Sophie sighed. “I was thinking of finding someone for her once things settle down. It’s hard to let her go, but she’s the same age as I am. If I wait too long, she’ll be an old maid.” “What about Rod?” Violet raised an eyebrow.
“I’m afraid he’d starve Lulu.”
Violet burst into laughter. “That’s true! He has to support his guild. How much money would he have left for a wife? A man like that shouldn’t get married-he’ll only ruin a woman’s life. Do you remember? He once said he wanted to marry you. Alana chased him down and beat him up for being such a little flirt.”
Sophie laughed too, though her heart felt heavy. Meadow Ridge and the capital seemed like a dividing line, splitting her life in two. Even if she returned to Meadow Ridge now, she couldn’t regain that state of mind.
Just as they were discussing Lulu and Alana, Lulu rushed in, breathless. “My la-I mean, Your Grace, Ms. Violet! Ms. Alana is here! She said Lady Leona is about to give birth!”
Sophie immediately stood up. “About to give birth? Is it time already?”
“Almost, but Ms. Alana said there are complications, and she needs Sebastian. But he’s not in the capital!”
“What? Where’s Alana?” Sophie asked anxiously.
Lulu replied, “She just informed us and then left. I’m not sure what’s going on, but she looked furious.”
Sophie instantly said, “Let’s go! We need to get there right away.”
Violet took a deep breath. “She’s giving birth? I’m not ready for this! I’ve never seen a child being born.”
“Come on.” Sophie pulled her by the arm. “It’s not like you’re the one giving birth. Let’s go check it out. If Alana is that upset, something must be wrong.”
The two quickly made their way to fetch their horses. By the time Lulu called for the carriage driver to harness the horses, Sophie and Violet had already disappeared. Lulu stomped her foot. “Ugh, they didn’t take me with them!”
In the past, she would go everywhere with her mistress, but now it seemed she wasn’t included in any outings.
–
At Gracehold Estate, Leah had tied Samuel outside Leona’s courtyard. He was battered and bruised, his face swollen and covered in footprints.
Dorothy arrived, and gasped at the sight of her grandson in such a pitiful state. “Someone, get Samuel down!”
Leah stood coldly before her, holding along whip. “Let’s see who dares to untie him. If the duchess is unharmed, he’ll be fine. But if anything happens to her, I’ll make sure he pays the price!”
“You’re out of line! Who do you think you are? You’re not the master of our family!” Dorothy was furious, and her face was red with anger. “Someone, take her away! Throw her out!” Leah cracked her whip, producing a sharp sound that made everyone hesitate to approach.