Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Rafael furrowed his brows, clearly upset. “Sophie, we’ve come to Uncle Yuvan’s residence as guests. Can you at least be a bit more thoughtful?”
Sophie shot him an angry look, clearly displeased. “Why are you taking their side? Are the things I’m saying wrong?”
Rafael’s eyes were clouded with frustration. “I’m not saying you’re wrong, but the timing is wrong.”
As they bickered, the people from Edgeview Estate exchanged uncertain glances. They had always heard of the couple’s love for each other, so why had they started arguing over just a few words? For a moment, even Wayne couldn’t tell whether this was genuine or not.
It was Violet who stood up and moved forward to mediate. “My cousin invited us here today. Let’s show her some respect and not stay angry. How about we go for a walk with her, okay?”
Molly had been thoroughly enjoying the drama and didn’t hide her amusement. She never liked Stephanie or Sabrina, both of whom alwaysacted so superior. Hearing them get scolded by Sophie was sweet revenge for her.
When she watched Sophie argue with the Hell Monarch, she thought the other woman was foolish. How could she embarrass her husband like that? It was clear that being too proud as a woman could be just as annoying.
However, Violet’s suggestion was a way of showing her respect in front of the prince. Smiling brightly, Molly stood up.
“Our gardener is very skilled. He’s grown several types of orchids, and now the roses and orchids are blooming together in a competition of beauty. Let’s go see them together,” she suggested.
Sophie had been reluctant to rise, but with Violet tugging on her arm, she got up. “Fine, I’ll leave. I know I’m saying things that aren’t pleasant to hear. It’s better that I don’t stay here and be an eyesore.” Violet smiled and patted Sophie’s hand lightly. “Don’t mind her, Prince Yuvan. Sophie can be a little blunt sometimes.”
When Yuvan saw Violet’s smile, he felt a lump form in his throat. His gaze slowly moved from her face down to her chest and waist.
Violet was unaware of his intent, so she didn’t think anything of it. She still saw Yuvan as nothing but trouble, but having no experience with men, she didn’t recognize what was happening.
However, Sophie saw it all too clearly. What she had suspected earlier, she was now almost certain of it. Yuvan was lasciviously eyeing Violet. Her anger flared up instantly, her eyes flashing with fury. Without a second thought, she grabbed Violet’s arm and pulled her toward the door.
Sophie yanked so hard that Violet stumbled and almost lost her balance. As she steadied herself, she quickly said, “Slow down!”
After they left, Stephanie scoffed and remarked coldly, “She has no manners herself, but dares to criticize others.”
Yuvan inevitably reprimanded Stephanie and ordered her to return and reflect on her behavior, warning her not to embarrass herself any further. Fiona called for Sabrina and took her along as they left.
The moment Fiona stepped out, she signaled her maid to follow Sophie and Violet. While the estate didn’t have hidden chambers or prisons, it wasn’t a place anyone could wander through at will. Molly was a fool, and Fiona feared she might be used for something she wasn’t aware of.
Wayne had been quietly observing Rafael. Although he was speaking with Yuvan, his expression clearly showed some displeasure, and his gaze occasionally drifted outside. It was almost like a young couple having a spat-annoyed but still unwilling to let go. And with the flash of anger Sophie had shown just before leaving, it was hard to pretend it was anything but genuine. Wayne was fairly certain that her purpose in coming to Edgeview Estate was to stand up for Avis and vent her frustration. This had likely been building in her for a long time.
Wayne figured that giving Sophie a chance to release it now wasn’t a bad thing. They had left, but Rafael remained. Now, things would actually be easier to handle.
“Rafael, how is your mom doing?” Yuvan asked, exchanging pleasantries.
“Thank you for your concern, Uncle Yuvan. Mom is doing well. How is Lady Ruth? Is she feeling better now?” Rafael replied.
“She’s finally showing signs of improvement,” Yuvan said, letting out a small sigh of relief.
“That’s good to hear,” Rafael said with a smile. “So, when do you plan on returning to Valken?”
Yuvan laughed heartily. “Do you not want me to stay in the capital, my dear nephew? Why the rush for me to return to Valken?”
Rafael smiled faintly. “It’s not that. I was just asking.”
“His Highness is likely to head back to Valken by the end of the month,” Wayne answered for Yuvan.
Rafael took a sip of his drink, clearly indifferent to the matter, his eyes once again drifting out the window.
After a long silence, Wayne realized Rafael wasn’t asking any further questions. He couldn’t quite figure out what the prince’s true intentions were.
Wayne didn’t believe for a second that they had come just because Molly had invited Violet to dinner. There was surely another reason, though it was hard to pry that out. And since he didn’t have enough information, it would be unwise to delve into it too directly. Just as Wayne was thinking of bringing up a different topic to warm up the conversation, Rafael turned to Yuvan, his tone laced with subtle reproach.
“Uncle Yuvan, don’t blame me for speaking up, but the way you treated Aunt Avis back then was honestly so cold and heartless. It’s no wonder Sophie is so upset.”
Yuvan and Wayne were both caught off guard by his words. They exchanged a glance, both confused.
What was this? Sophie had thrown a tantrum, and now it was Rafael’s turn?
Even so, it didn’t seem like he came here for that reason. It felt more like he regretted his earlier confrontation with Sophie and was now looking for a way to smooth things over.
Yet, the way he asked didn’t suggest any hidden motive. If he had one, he would have been trying to extract information, not behaving like a petulant child.
–
Meanwhile, Sophie and Violet walked behind Molly through the garden. The area was filled with maids and servants, some standing at a distance, others closer by. However, there were no guards in sight.
Sophie was uninterested in the flowers, and she waved her hand toward the maids nearby. “Come here. Go fetch some snacks. We’ll sit in the pavilion for a while.”
When the maids hesitated briefly, Molly snapped, “What are you waiting for?”
Two of the maids immediately stepped forward and curtsied. “Yes, Your Grace. We’ll go right away.”
Molly then turned to a few others. “You, tidy up the pavilion. Lay down some soft cushions, make it comfortable to sit.”
By the time Fiona arrived, she saw the servants bustling around, clearly preparing for a flower-viewing session. It seemed harmless enough, and she let out a quiet sigh of relief. She had been worried that
Molly would bring theme study. If that happened, things could get complicated.
Still, Fiona was slightly puzzled. Could they truly be here just as guests? No matter-it would be best to win Violet over and have her return again another day. She was still of use to Yuvan, after all. With a bright smile, Fiona approached them. “Your Grace, Ms. Spencer, why not look at the flowers a little more?”
“We’ve already seen them. Neither of us is particularly fond of flowers. A glance is enough,” Violet replied.
Fiona handed Violet a handkerchief. “Ms. Spencer, you should wipe your sweat.”
It was a pleasant spring day, not too hot or cold, and they had only been walking a short while. Yet, Violet still accepted the handkerchief with a polite “Thank you” and invited Fiona to sit down.
Fiona glanced at Sophie, noting the lingering anger on her face. She seemed unwilling to speak to her or Molly, instead staring vacantly at the servants rushing about. Recalling Sophie’s earlier sharp remarks, Fiona didn’t dare provoke her.
What Fiona didn’t realize was that Sophie wasn’t lost in thought at all.
Instead, her eyes were fixated on the servants movements, quietly counting heads and listening to their words as she observed them
Edgeview Estate was hardly a place where anything could be hidden. If there was something, it would likely be nothing more than correspondence, but anything truly important would have been hidden away or destroyed. Getting into the study would be no easy feat, and causing a scene would only make matters worse. They had invited Violet here for a reason, though its true purpose had been unclear until now. Now, Sophie knew what that reason was.
Before arriving today, she had planned to use this opportunity to find out how many people in Edgeview Estate were skilled in martial arts, and whether any of the suicide soldiers were hiding within the estate. If the suicide soldiers weren’t here, she could allow Violet to return next time.
Now that she knew Yuvan’s intentions, she wouldn’t let her friend take such a risk. The way Yuvan looked at Violet was revolting. His gaze was so lecherous that just thinking about it made Sophie feel sick.