Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
After listening to Jacob, Violet wiped her tears and sent someone to the Farrell family. She asked Opal to deliver an invitation to the Marquis of Grovehill’s family. The following day, they would invite Lisette to Glimmering Tower for tea and to enjoy the riverside scenery. Gemma received the invitation, and went to see Darin. Thanks to Eleanor’s instructions, the Kingsley family treated Darin with great courtesy. However, Gemma understood Darin was merely a pawn in their game, and her politeness held a hint of distance. “I believe the Farrell family wants to get to know you better,” Gemma stated. “After all, you’re not from the capital, and it’s difficult for them to gauge your character without interacting with you. They can only consider this marriage if they understand what kind of person you are.”
Darin showed little emotion on her face, and asked, “So, do you think I should go?”
Gemma replied coolly, “Why shouldn’t you go? I’ll send someone to accompany you and keep you on track. Just remember, don’t speak out of turn. The more you say, the more mistakes you’ll make. Keep your words few, and you won’t go wrong. You absolutely mustn’t give anyone a reason to find fault.
“The Farrell family is currently on the rise, and there are plenty of noble ladies in the capital eager into their family. If it weren’t for Thomas wanting someone a
Qu older, you wouldn’t even have this chance. This is a fortune you need to seize for yourself.”
Darin took the invitation, and smiled bitterly. “Fortune? You know very well why I’m marrying him. I’m not looking for a life of luxury.”
Gemma frowned. “How could it not be a fortune? You’ll be his real wife once you marry him. You just need to make sure he serves Grand Princess Eleanor.”
Darin’s tone turned sour. “But Grand Princess Eleanor has also said that if I can’t win him over, I’ll have to take his life.”
Gemma replied, “With your intelligence, you’ll surely be able to persuade him. Always think in a positive direction. Don’t fixate on the worst possible outcome. If he can serve Grand Princess Eleanor, won’t you and your husband enjoy wealth and honor in the future?”
She patted Darin’s shoulder. “It’s settled, then. Tomorrow, I’ll make sure you’re dressed beautifully. Always remember your identity as a young lady from the Sandford family-don’t let any hint of your rough background show.” After finishing her speech, Gemma stood up and left. Outside, she pulled out a handkerchief to wipe her hands, then tossed it disdainfully to a maid.
“Tamara, you’ll go with her tomorrow. Keep a close eye on her. Don’t let her make any mistakes,” Gemma ordered.
Tamara caught the handkerchief and held it up by pinching a corner. “Understood, Madam Gemma!”
Glimmering Tower was one of the tallest buildings in the capital. From its highest point, visitors could gaze down at the southern river port and take in a breathtaking view of much of the city’s beauty. The entire structure was imposing and magnificent, and it exuded a level of luxury that was truly extraordinary.
However, getting a seat in the private room on the top floor of Glimmering Tower didn’t come cheap. Just the coffee alone cost five silver coins, and ordering a meal could easily run into dozens of silver coins for something simple. For a nicer dish, the price could soar into the hundreds or even thousands of silver coins.
As for who owned Glimmering Tower, not many could say. What everyone knew was that those who went to the tower were either rich or nobles, and the tower made a fortune every day. Those who knew the owner of Glimmering Tower kept it to themselves, as there aren’t many left in the capital who have connections with that person in Meadow Ridge.
Violet and Opal arrived first. Violet was skilled at charming others, and she now referred to Opal as her sister-in-law. Opal was delighted by it, and frequently expressed how lucky she felt to have such a sister-in-law like Violet.
When they reached Glimmering Tower, Darin hadn’t arrived yet. Violet scurried around, taking in the tower’s opulence and satisfaction glowing on her face. “When I formalize my relationship with Alice, I’ll host dozens of tables here and treat everyone to a feast.” Opal chuckled. “How much money would that cost? It’d be more practical to host a banquet at home. Everyone in the neighborhood knows I have a knack for organizing events. Are you planning to deny me the chance to show off my skills?” Violet laughed. “That sounds wonderful, but I worry you might tire yourself out and Timothy would blame me.”
“Timothy…” Opal’s smile slowly faded, a wave of longing washing over her. “I can barely remember what he looks like now. I wonder when he can return to the capital again. It’s been a long time since the fighting ended.”
Violet comforted her. “We can’t let our guard down just yet. Things are still chaotic over there, and it’s risky if we don’t station any strong troops there. Timothy has gained seniority and got promoted, so he should be able to return to the capital soon.”
“It’s hard to balance loyalty and devotion to one’s family. I’m sure he’s also having a hard time.” Opal sighed. “If it weren’t for our family in the capital, I would have really considered taking the children and running to his side.”
Violet pulled her into a seat in the private room. “There’s no need for that. Once things settle down over there, he’ll be able to come back.”
As they spoke, the coffee sommelier entered the room with Darin, and a maid followed behind him. Since Opal’s maid was waiting outside, Tamara also sat down at a small table outside, enjoying some coffee that was provided for the private room. However, the door to the room was open, allowing anyone inside to see and hear everything going on.
Darin wore a light yellow top paired with a white embroidered pleated skirt. Tiny pearls adorned her earlobes, and a delicate blue hairpin decorated with droplets was in her hair. The accessories complemented her overall elegant and serene appearance. She curtsied politely. “Hello, Madam Opal, Ms. Spencer.”
The two women rose in return. “Hello, Ms. Sanford. Please have a seat.”
“Ladies, please take your seats,” Darin urged.
Opal smiled. “We’re not in any formal setting, so no need for formalities. Just sit down.”
Ever the bold one, Violet plopped down first, and the others followed suit.
The coffee sommelier served them, pouring a cup for each and making a gesture inviting them to drink before stepping back.
Violet waved him off. “You can go now. We just want to chat.”
“Of course, I’ll be outside. If you need anything, just call for me.”
“Bring out some sweet snacks, maybe eight or ten kinds,” Violet said, recalling Jacob’s description of how much Jaina enjoyed sweets.
But then again, tastes could change as one grew up.
The coffee sommelier nodded and retreated. Videt turned her attention to Darin, and deliberately pulled out the little Rabbit figurine Jacob had given her. She placed it on the table to play with as she asked casually, “Ms, Sanford, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?”
Darin glanced at the rabbit figurine before looking away, smiling softly as she replied, “Not much. I mostly do some embroidery.”
“Your embroidery skills must be exceptional, then. I admire that!” Violet remarked. Her fingers traced the spot where one of the rabbit’s ears had broken off, feeling the smooth edges.
Darin’s gaze returned to Violet’s hand, studying it for quite a while before recalling her manners.
She spoke with a hint of humility, “It’s nothing exceptional, really. Just something I do for fun.”
The snacks at Glimmering Tower were numerous and exquisite, each more delicious than the last. Even a simple pound cake was sweet without being cloying, with a fragrant and chewy texture that melted in the mouth. Violet took a bite, and said with a smile, “This was my favorite treat when I was little. Our chef didn’t make it, so my brother would sneak out to buy it for me. We loved hiding under the apple tree and eating pound cakes together.” She gazed out the window as sunlight streamed in and illuminated her face, which was alight with smiles and memories.
“It was often on bright autumn days like this one. But back then, in September, it didn’t get as cool as it does in the capital. Sometimes, it was quite hot. The sunlight would filter through the tree branches and cast a warm glow on my brother’s face.”
As Violet spoke, her hand brushed over the rabbit figurine beside her, and she sighed softly. “But it’s been so long since I’ve seen him.”
Darin was momentarily stunned. The scene Violet described vividly appeared in her mind, and her gaze lingered on the rabbit figurine.
For some reason, her chest felt tight. It was as if something were stuck there, making her uncomfortable.
Darin couldn’t help but ask, “Ms. Spencer, is this a rabbit figurine?”
Violet nodded, a smile still gracing her lips. “Yes, this is a gift from my brother. One year after I fell from the apple tree, my mother grounded me, and I couldn’t go out to watch the lantern show during the Starlight Harvest Festival. So my brother made this little rabbit for me with his own hands. Isn’t it ugly? I didn’t like it at the time, and I even threw it. Do you see the ear? That’s where it broke when I threw it on the ground in my anger.”
She pushed the rabbit figurine toward Darin. “Here, take a look.”
Darin stared at the rather unsightly rabbit figurine that had been thrust into her view, and it felt as if a voice echoed in her ears.
“You’re a young lady! Why are you climbing trees? Who taught you that? It hurt when you fell, right? Why are you crying? You’re grounded! You won’t come with us to the Starlight Harvest Festival to watch the lantern show!” “Don’t cry. Didn’t you want a rabbit figurine? I’ll make you one.”
“I don’t want it! It’s too ugly! This isn’t even a rabbit! I don’t want it! I don’t want it…”
Crash!
“Jaina, I made it myself…”
“I don’t want it! I don’t want it…”
The little girl’s cries echoed in Darin’s ears, and Darin was filled with immense grievance. She instinctively recoiled her hand, realizing too late that her face was streaked with tears.