Filed to story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Violet had always disliked Jessica, and she was initially against the idea of taking her in. However, Sophie’s reasoning was hard to argue with.f even someone of Jessica’s former status was willing to seek refuge at the workshop, perhaps it would inspire others who were hesitant and worried about social judgment to take the same step.They couldn’t afford to wait any longer. No one wanted to see another incident like Hollis’. And in truth, how many others had suffered before her?
Violet turned to Sophie. “What if you go to Ironridge Estate and ask the people there directly? If Jessica’s truly at rock bottom, she’ll probably come to the workshop again for help… But I’m not sure if Madam Margaret will be willing to reveal the full truth.”
Before Sophie could visit Margaret, rumors about Skye Embroidery spread like wildfire the very next day.
It was said that both Sophie and Hannah were hypocrites. When a discarded woman came seeking help, they refused her and made things difficult for her.
Many had already harbored hostility toward Skye Embroidery, believing that sheltering discarded women was a challenge to social order. If a woman had been cast out, i I was assumed she deserved it. Even being jealous and unable to bear children were considered crimes.
With the rumors swirling, the workshop was suddenly the target of widespread criticism. The public was filled with scorn-some called them hypocrites, others suggested they had ulterior motives, and some even accused them of trying to make money off the situation. That evening, Violet slammed her fists on the table. “How could Jessica cause such a stir on her own? I don’t believe it.”
Furious, she stormed out of the room.
Sophie called after her, “Where are you going?”
“To Glimmering Tower! I need someone who can look into this,” Violet replied without looking back.
Her whole body trembled with rage. She had invested so much into the workshop, and her intentions had been good. She empathized with the women’s fate and hoped the workshop would become a lifelong support for them. To be slandered like this was more than she could bear.
Sophie was also upset, but she wasn’t as worked up. She had known this wouldn’t be an easy task. There were plenty of kind-hearted, wealthy people in the world. If this was something simple, it would’ve been done by now. She sent a messenger to Margaret, informing her of a visit the next day.
However, she soon learned that Margaret was ill and bedridden. The reply indicated the older woman would visit Hell Monarch Estate in a few days once she recovered. Unsure whether the illness was genuine or a way to avoid involvement during such a delicate time, Sophie decided to leave the matter to Violet for further investigation.
At the moment, Sophie had her own matters to attend to. In particular, she was dealing with some members of the Garrison Unit she was planning to expel. She was already making arrangements, and it seemed likely that she would have to face the king’s wrath in the coming days.
While investigating, Violet confirmed her suspicions-Molly had been using money to provoke attacks on Skye Embroidery.
Since Molly’s arrival in the capital, Violet had tried to avoid seeing her whenever possible. Although her cousin’s actions infuriated her, she still held a certain familial affection for her and was reluctant to sever their ties completely.
This time, however, Violet couldn’t hold back any longer. Skye Embroidery was her heart and soul, and seeing it undermined like this was unbearable. If she didn’t beat Molly senseless, it would mean she was too soft-hearted. Violet had Claire inform Sophie about this matter, then headed straight for Edgeview Estate. The gatekeeper, upon seeing her approach, rushed out with two guards with drawn swords.
“Who goes there? Who do you seek?” one of the guards asked, his stance imposing as he stood on the stone steps.
Violet bit back her fury, saying, “Tell your princess consort that Violet Spencer has come to see her.”
The name Violet Spencer was not unfamiliar at Edgeview Estate. After giving her a quick once-over, the guard gestured for the gatekeeper to announce her presence.
After the warm spring had arrived, Ruth’s health had improved, but it was still unstable. Over the past few days, Yuvan had refrained from going to the palace to tend to her.
With setbacks in his efforts-Icarus’
and Penny’s failures-Yuvan was growing increasingly irritable. To make matters worse, he received a report from Valken that Harvey had been robbed while traveling from the capital to Valken. All the valuables in his trunk had been replaced with stones and wood.
It didn’t take a genius to figure out that this was the work of someone from Hell Monarch Estate. But in the capital, their force was beyond Yuvan’s Reach. Every time he entered or left the city recently, he couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching him. Perhaps he had always been under observation, but this time, it felt different-more oppressive, as though eyes were everywhere.
As he was discussing with Wayne whether they should devise a plan to return to Valken, a messenger arrived with news-Violet had come to see Molly.
Yuvan’s eyes lit up; he exchanged a glance with Wayne, unable to conceal his excitement.
Without hesitation, he ordered, “Have Molly come to the study, and have Ms. Spencer brought to the main hall. Prepare refreshments for her.”
Since their arrival in the capital, Yuvan had repeatedly asked Molly to make contact with Violet. Though they hadn’t been in touch for years, they were blood relatives. The more they interacted, the more their familial bond would naturally grow. Sophie couldn’t compare to that.
Little did Yuvan know, Molly was incompetent and fond of throwing temper tantrums. After a few failed attempts at connecting with Violet, she was unwilling to continue and claimed her cousin was judgmental. She also said that as she was now a princess consort, she wouldn’t stand for such nonsense. Besides, if the two were to rekindle their relationship, Violet should be the one to make the first move and come to her.
This attitude baffled and angered Yuvan. To get to the bottom of things, he sent someone to investigate whether there had been any hidden bad blood between the two cousins.
He learned that there was nothing. When they were younger, they had gotten along well enough. It wasn’t until Violet joined the Inferno Guild to study martial arts that they lost contact.
In Yuvan’s view, this was a relationship that could easily be mended.
No matter Violet’s reason for visiting, this was the perfect opportunity to repair their bond. Thus, he quickly sent someone to fetch Molly. Before long, she arrived at the study with her maid, Plum, in tow.
She looked pleased and curtsied. “You called for me, Your Highness?”
Yuvan watched her perform the same casual, unrefined curtsy she always did. After being married into the royal family for so long, she still hadn’t shown any interest in learning proper etiquette. Her days were spent squabbling with the concubines, and she was always vying for his attention.
Yuvan suppressed his irritation and said, “Your cousin, Violet, has come to see you. I’ve already sent someone to invite her to the main hall. I want you to join me shortly. While she’s here, you’ll host her for dinner. Take this chance to catch up and improve your relationship. Don’t be disrespectful-she’s a guest, understand?”
Molly was excited when she first heard Yuvan had summoned her to the study, since she was never allowed to enter. Only Fiona had that privilege.
However, her excitement quickly faded when she discovered that it was because of Violet’s arrival. Molly found her cousin insufferable and haughty. Violet didn’t respect her even though she was now a princess consort.
“Did you hear me?” Yuvan pressed.
Molly finally composed herself and replied, “Yes, I understand.”
Yuvan stood up and reached out to take her hand, guiding her toward the door. “Let’s go. I’ll greet her briefly and leave right away. I won’t interrupt your conversation with her.”
Molly hesitated for a moment, her gaze instinctively falling on their joined hands. A wave of warmth surged in her chest, a mix of sweetness and bitter longing.
“What’s wrong?” Yuvan asked softly, noticing her pause.
Molly’s voice trembled slightly as she responded, “Your Highness, this is the first time you’ve held my hand.”
When they got married, she had imagined becoming a loving couple and dreamed of a deep bond between them. Many people told her that since Yuvan had married her soon after his first wife passed, he was probably cold-hearted.
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However, she refused to believe it. Before he proposed, they had met once. Even though he was older, the way he looked at her was full of tenderness and affection.
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During their early days of marriage, he had indeed treated her well. Over time, things had changed. After returning to the capital, his affection had cooled. She had wondered why-maybe it was because she didn’t know how to act with proper decorum and had embarrassed him on more than one occasion. Or maybe it was because that conniving Fiona had sowed discord between them.
Molly had grown discouraged, but there was always a lingering sense of regret within.
Yet now, here he was, holding her hand. It was something he hadn’t done even when they first married.
Seeing the slight flush on her cheeks, Yuvan smiled, his tone still gentle as he said, “Do you like it? If you do, I’ll hold your hand from now on.”
Molly’s heart fluttered. Though many couples didn’t hold hands in public, she really liked it.