Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
I don’t want to get married because I feel that no man deserves me. I’m great and one of a kind. There won’t be another woman like me in this world, just like there won’t be another woman like you. But we’re different.
“You would have had to enter the palace if you hadn’t gotten married. Besides, Prince Rafael treats you well. But me? I don’t have a secret admirer who has loved me since I was young and has been waiting for me. So, what’s the point of getting married? Why not just enjoy my life? I don’t even have to worry about children. Look at Leona-she nearly lost her life giving birth.”
After a pause, Violet asked nervously, “Tell me, are you afraid of giving birth?”
Sophie nodded. “Of course. I asked Ivy, and she said many women have died during childbirth.”
Violet sighed. “Exactly! Giving birth is such a painful ordeal, and if it’s a girl, the child will also suffer. No way I’m going through that! I won’t ever think about marriage!”
Suddenly recalling something, Violet added, “By the way, you once mentioned wanting to start an academy for women, right? I think it’s a great idea.”
“Didn’t you want to set up a martial arts class instead?” Sophie replied absent-mindedly. “Why the sudden support for the women’s academy?”
“It’s not contradicting what I wanted.
We can have both a martial arts class and an academy for women. I want them to learn more than just the typical teachings on womanly virtues. They should study a variety of subjects, including what men learn, so they can broaden their horizons. Isn’t that also what you were thinking?” Violet explained.
Sophie leaned against the door frame, her gaze distant. “When Blake first brought Freya back, he said she wouldn’t be confined to the inner courtyard. Freya also dismissed the notion. She looked down on women in the inner courtyard, thinking they only cared about the rivalry between wives and concubines.
“But the truth is, many women have to spend their lives in the inner courtyard. They may never see a battlefield or have the chance to take exams for official titles. It seems that marrying and having children is the only path for them.
“Even if that’s the case, I hope there will be women, tike Rosalind, who is well-read and knowledgeable about history and literature. They shoulde have a broader perspective, a generous heart, and know how to love themselves. Even if they’re trapped in the inner courtyard for life, they shouldn’t be treated lightly by others.”
Violet leaned against her friend and said, “I might not understand everything you’re saying, and I haven’t experienced it myself, but I’ll support you in whatever you do, unconditionally and without limits.”
Sophie chuckled softly and wrapped her arms around Violet’s.
“You know, when we went to see Rosalind on Thomas’ behalf, her words made me even more determined. She admired Thomas but also knew how to think rationally. She understood
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priorities and kept her head when considering the practical issues. She didn’t let emotions push her into making decisions that seemed like the easiest way to be happy in that moment. That was the perspective and strength that education has given her.”
“I don’t know what that strength is, but I really admire women like that,” Violet replied lazily.
Sophie smiled. “Exactly. Then, there’s Zoey from the Earl of Silverstone’s family. She can tell right from wrong. She dealt with the situation between Viola and Thomas without showing any favoritism, which is truly rare. In noble families, one person’s honor is everyone’s honor, and one person’s downfall drags everyone down. For her to act that way was commendable.
“You’re right. I hold the same admiration for the people you do,” Violet said, nudging Sophie playfully with her chin. “I wonder what my cousin is discussing with Zoey right now at Silverstone Estate. I bet she’s trying to help her husband win over Oliver.”
–
Silverstone Estate was certainly lively today. Evelyn, Zoey, Luna, and some elders from the Prince family were all present.
Molly and Fiona arrived with their maids and servants, bringing with them an impressive array of gifts. The items piled up like a small mountain on the table, clearly showcasing Molly’s generous nature.
Molly wasn’t particularly skilled at socializing, but she was eager to highlight her status as a princess consort and make Fiona seem inferior. So, every time Fiona spoke, Molly would interrupt, then give gifts to Zoey’s children.
Zoey’s son and two daughters received a fair share of gifts, but the children of the concubines were given less. Despite being interrupted several times, Fiona remained composed. She maintained her poise and smiled as she conversed with Evelyn and Luna.
Sensing that Fiona was the true challenge here, Zoey mentally braced herself against her, choosing not to respond immediately to what she said. Instead, Zoey would deflect with small talk before replying with a word or two. And since Molly was present, Zoey would naturally address her shallow questions first to ensure she remained courteous.
Fiona suggested they take a stroll around Silverstone Estate, stating that it was the perfect time of the year for orange blossoms to bloom. She could already smell the fragrance wafting in the air.
Zoey immediately offered to accompany her, but Fiona smiled and said, “I completely forgot that I sprained my ankle a few days ago, so I can’t walk around the garden. Why don’t you and Lady Molly walk around while I stay here and chat with Madam Evelyn and Madam Luna?”
Molly didn’t like to be ordered about, but the chance to wander alone with Zoey was too good to pass up. She immediately stood with a smile and said, “Alright. Please lead the way, Madam Zoey.”
Zoey felt a surge of anxiety. None of the others seemed to grasp the depth of Fiona’s cunning. If they slipped up and revealed or said anything they shouldn’t, it would spel trouble. The clever ruse Fiona had pulled left Zoey feeling completely blindsided.
On the surface, Zoey maintained her composure as she invited Molly to step outside. She smiled brightly and said, “Orange blossoms are quite difficult to nurture in the capital, but we- Ah!” FindNovel
Suddenly, Zoey miscalculated her step and stumbled right over the threshold.
Molly gasped and quickly signaled for help. Jane rushed forward to steady Zoey, who gingerly tiptoed back to the main hall with her maid’s assistance. Zoey’s breath came in sharp gasps as she said, “Oh, I’m so sorry! Please don’t hold it against me, Lady Molly.”
“How could you be so careless?” Evelyn frowned, disapproval clear on her face at her daughter-in-law’s clumsiness. Zoey was usually so composed, so how could she trip by just stepping outside? That was a major embarrassment.
“I was simply overjoyed at Lady
Molly and Lady Fiona’s presence here today and got carried away. I truly apologize,” said Zoey, her voice laced with regret as she slowly took a seat. “Luna, why don’t you accompany Lady Molly to the garden?”
Luna had just begun to rise when Molly interjected, “There’s no need to go out anymore. You were injured because you indulged me. Let’s just sit here and chat.” Zoey apologized again, “I’m sorry to have ruined your mood, Your Grace.”
“Is your foot alright? Should we fetch a physician?” Molly asked in concern.
“It hurts a little, but I don’t think it’s broken. There’s no need to call for a physician, but thank you for your concern, Your Grace,” Zoey replied.
The Earl of Silverstone’s family had also invited a theater troupe to Silverstone Estate today, as one couldn’t have low standards when hosting a princess consort. Everything necessary had been arranged for her comfort. However, after consulting everyone present, it turned out that no one was particularly interested in watching a performance, so the idea was dropped.
Fiona and Molly lingered at the estate until evening.
Smiling, Fiona said, “Prince Yuvan has been in Valken for quite some time and rarely returns to the capital. We don’t have many friends here, so it’s truly a stroke of fate that we can engage in such pleasant conversation today. “Why don’t you visit our residence in a few days? It so happens that one of our companions who came to the capital with us is a renowned fortune teller, Mr. Wayne. He’s the best at predicting fortunes, health, and even future events.” Evelyn’s eyes lit up. “Mr. Wayne? He has quite a distinguished reputation! I would be very grateful for an introduction, Your Grace.”
“Then, it’s settled, Madam Evelyn. You must come and visit us,” Fiona replied, smiling brightly.
Zoey’s smile froze. With the back-and-forth exchange, the two families would appear really close in the eyes of outsiders.
That couldn’t happen!
Zoey’s mind raced. Earlier, she could use the excuse of the clumsy fall to avoid the situation. But now that Fiona had extended an invitation and Evelyn had already agreed, refusing would definitely offend them. Was it better to risk offending them or becoming the talk of the town?
As Zoey weighed her choices, she recalled Sophie had said that there was nothing else to the visit. Zoey hoped that was true, and if it was, she didn’t have to fear offending anyone. In fact, being impolite might even turn out to be advantageous.
With a smile, Zoey said, “Mother, Lady Fiona was just joking with you. How could we possibly impose on them? Lady Ruth is ill, and both Prince Yuvan and Lady Molly are busy caring for her. We should wait until Lady Ruth is better before visiting. We mustn’t interfere with Prince Yuvan’s duty to Lady Ruth.”
Evelyn understood her daughter-in-law well, knowing that Zoey was always meticulous about manners. So, she surely had a compelling reason for refusing Fiona’s enthusiastic invitation.
Evelyn smiled and said, “Yes, you’re absolutely right! I’m getting a bit forgetful in my old age. Lady Ruth is unwell. I’m sure Prince Yuvan and Lady Molly must be quite worried. They returned to the capital to care for her, so it wouldn’t be right for us to intrude.” Luna seized the chance and chimed in, “Mother and Zoey make a good point. Why don’t we wait until Lady Ruth is fully recovered before we go? If we have the chance, we could also see Lady Ruth.”
Though Fiona was adept at navigating social situations, the conversation had clearly been closed off, and it wouldn’t do good to try and continue it. After all, Yuvan and his family had returned to the capital under the pretense of caring for Ruth.
With a smile, Fiona said, “Alright. Once Lady Ruth is well again, I’ll send word. You must all honor us with your presence then.”