Filed to story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
The more this continued, the more Yuvan’s heart raced with fear.
After all, Eleanor was still alive.
After Blake recovered from his injuries, he officially took up his position.
He began by expressing his gratitude, and Salvador spoke to him for an hour. Amidst the admonishments, Salvador also conveyed his trust in Blake, leaving him with red??immed eyes as he exited the royal study.
The king had established the Central Command Office Since Sophie had to attend to her duties there, Blake went to pay his respects to her as she was his superior.
They were once husband and wife, yet now, Blake knelt on one knee to offer his formal greeting.
The Capital Guard’s deputy commander, the Garrison Unit’s chief, the Royal Guard’s commander, and the Crown Guard’s commander were all present, marking the gathering of key figures.
Blake’s emotions were a tangled mess. He expected Sophie to make things difficult for him, but after the formalities, she simply said, “You may rise. Do your job well.”
He stood, lowering his gaze. “Thank you, Commander Devin.”
Michael stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder. “Congratulations, Blake, or rather,
Commander Jaffe! When are you treating us to drinks to celebrate?”
Michael had once been Blake’s superior, and Blake held him in high regard. He smiled and respectfully replied, “Whenever you have the time, Michael.”
“I’m not the only one. Don’t forget about the rest of the Capital Guard!” Michael laughed.
“Of course,” Blake replied, awkwardly smiling as he stole a glance at Sophie. “I’ll host a banquet at my home another day and invite everyone.”
“Sounds great.” Alistair nodded. “We’ll definitely show up. I just wonder if you’ll grace us with your presence then, Commander Devin.”
Alistair was currently obedient on the outside but not on the inside, so he deliberately asked that question in hopes of putting Sophie on the spot.
Sophie sat in her chair, narrowing her eyes at Alistair, whose bruises still hadn’t faded.
“Alistair, as the commander of the Royal Guard, your skills are lacking. In a few days, I’ll personally conduct an assessment. All twelve divisions of the Royal Guard are required to participate. Make sure to inform them.”
Alistair frowned, dissatisfied. “Is only the Royal Guard being tested? What about the Garrison Unit and Crown Guard? And the Capital Guard? Aren’t they included?”
Sophie replied coolly, “They will all be assessed, but we’ll start with the Royal Guard. The others will wait their turn. I’ll choose the appropriate time for their evaluations.”
“Why the Royal Guard first?” Alistair pressed.
Sophie was blunt and showed no mercy. “Because I believe your skills are inadequate. If you fail the assessment, you won’t be able to hold your position anymore and I will find someone more capable.”
Alistair shot back, “My skills are sufficient to lead the Royal Guard. But if you insist on comparing yourself to me, then who can compete with you?”
Sophie snorted. “Your skills aren’t as good as mine, and your rank isn’t either. So, why are you making such a fuss? It looks like you have a lot of time on your hands, so you should refine your skills to ensure palace security. I’m giving you three days to prepare. After three days, we’ll meet at the Capital Guard headquarters for the assessment.”
Alistair inwardly groaned. Competing against Sophie would be like signing up for a beating. Not only would he take the brunt of it, but the twelve divisions would suffer too??hey’d hate him for this.
Women could be so petty.
After Sophie left, Alistair turned to Michael with a pleading look. “You’re on good terms with her??an you put in a good word for me?”
Michael huffed, looking at him with disdain. “I’m just a dog. I can’t even speak. What do you expect me to do?”
With that, he turned on his heel and walked away.
Alistair rubbed his nose. Fine, sometimes men could be even more petty than women.
He rushed after Michael and grabbed the latter’s arm. “That was just a joke! We’ve known each other for years, and we’re both from the Mystic Army. Don’t be so petty!”
“It’s already generous that I didn’t beat you up,” Michael shot back, eyeing him coldly. “Let go.”
“Sorry! I didn’t mean it like that. I just thought it was embarrassing for us men to have a woman in charge. It’s not like I’m against you??ho asked you to be so chummy with her at the time?” Alistair retorted.
Michael said coldly, “I don’t care if she’s a man or a woman. If she’s more capable than I am, I won’t have a single complaint. Besides, she was appointed by His Majesty. If you oppose her, are you trying to go against the royal edict? You’ve been in the Royal Guard for so many years, but you’re still full of yourself and look down on women. If you’re a man with real skills, then defeat her and make her unable to lift her head in front of you. Isn’t that better than any words you could say?”
Alistair replied, “Looks like you’re really mad at me.”
“It’s you who has the temper. I’m not angry at all.” Michael shrugged Alistair off and turned to leave.
Feeling dejected, Alistair returned to the inner hall of the Central Command Office.
Seeing Max and Blake still there, he plopped down in a chair and asked, “Are you both on her side as well? Max, I know you are??ou follow her orders without question. But Blake, do you really support her? She’s the one who once divorced you and didn’t want you anymore.”
Max shook his head at him. “Alistair, will you die if you don’t say something rude?”
“I’m just being straightforward. I say what I mean to avoid beating around the bush. I’m not good at mind games.”
“Who’s playing mind games with you? Don’t flatter yourself. Being straightforward just means you have a sharp tongue,” Max said, then walked out without another word to Alistair.
There were plenty of matters to attend to in the Garrison Unit??asting time chatting wasn’t very dignified.
Left behind, Blake and Alistair exchanged glances.
“Don’t take it to heart, Blake,” Alistair said in a friendlier tone.
Viola was Alistair’s cousin. Even though Alistair and Oliver had their differences, they were still family and should stand united.
“What I just said was just a comment. Don’t let it bother you. But I trust you’re not truly on board with Sophie, are you?”
Blake thought for a moment. “What matters most is getting the job done. I’ve heard Viola talk about you, and I know you’re generous and broad??inded. Among the side branches of the Earl of Silverstone’s family, you’re the only one she respects. So, I believe you prioritize your duties.”
Alistair chuckled dryly. “That makes me sound like a petty person.”
He didn’t believe Viola would say something like that. Viola had her nose so high in the air that the only person she truly respected was her brother.
Blake didn’t want to offend anyone, especially not Sophie. He had just taken office, and if he lost this position, he felt there was no way he could climb back up.
Seeing Blake silent only added to Alistair’s irritation, so he simply rolled his eyes and left.
The thought of the upcoming assessments was already giving him a headache, and it wasn’t just his own. All twelve captains would be assessed together. This was bound to earn him some resentment.
