Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
No matter how much Celeste pleaded, the witch refused to say more. Even when Celeste asked her to perform a ritual, she turned her down, saying it would be useless.
The witch then looked at Oliver and said, “This land is a graveyard for military commanders. Marshal Prince, you should see to your family’s safety.”
It was those words that sent a chilling wave of terror through Oliver.
How many generals had been buried at the Southern Frontier? How many had met their end here? Hector and his sons were warriors as brave as any, and where had that led them?
Oliver knew his own limitations. He was not as fierce as Hector, and he was certainly no match for the young generals of the Devin family. He admired them but had no desire to follow their tragic path. What glory was there in dying? It was living that mattered.
If he died on the battlefield, the title of Earl of Silverstone would go to his family, but none of it would concern him anymore. Even Celeste and their son wouldn’t be able to live freely or enjoy the fruits of his legacy…
No, the real tragedy was that Oliver wouldn’t be there to enjoy any of it. He wouldn’t be there to hear people address him respectfully and in awe.
Celeste’s arms tightened around him from behind, and he could hear her quiet sobs. The sound of her grief weighed on him like a thousand stones.
“My love, if you fall on the battlefield, then I and our son will follow you,” she cried, her voice thick with grief.
The warmth of her tears burned his shoulder, as though her sorrow was searing through him. Without thinking, he blurted, “No, I cannot die!”
His hand shot out to grasp Celeste’s, pulling her to him. His eyes, for the first time, were filled with a resolve he had never shown before.
“None of us will die. We promised each other that if war came, we would leave this place.”
Celeste looked at him, a flash of confusion in her eyes. “But how do we leave? The people in the manor aren’t all loyal to us, and we can’t just leave with nothing. We can’t go unprepared.”
Oliver’s mind raced. Of course. If they were to leave, they would have to go into hiding. He had grown used to the comfort of his life, and the thought of a life of poverty filled him with dread. How could he go from riches to rags?
He needed a reason, a legitimate excuse to move the gold and silver out. He had trusted men by his side, enough to get it done. If they stayed, they would likely die here anyway, so they likely would follow him. The people to transport it were there, but how could they leave without raising suspicion? Timothy and Louis had spies everywhere. They were still investigating the misappropriation of military funds. If he tried to move the valuables openly, it would certainly arouse suspicion.
He needed a plan, a way to make it all seem legitimate!
“I might have an idea,” Celeste’s soft voice broke through his thoughts, drawing his attention.
Oliver’s gaze locked onto her. “What is it?”
Celeste leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. She outlined her proposal, and as she spoke, her eyes reddened with unshed tears.
“Do you think I’m cruel, my love? But I only want to be with you forever.”
Oliver’s face went pale, and he remained silent.
The plan had merit, but there were too many risks. A hasty escape might only result in his own execution. But following Celeste’s idea would bring ruin to his entire family. He couldn’t do that.
“My love, we must make a decision quickly,” Celeste whispered, on the verge of tears.
Oliver hesitated.
For the first time, he thought about his family back in the capital. At the very least, he had to make sure they were safe. Otherwise, he would truly become a person who was disloyal, unjust, and neglectful of his family.
His gaze darkened, his nails digging into his flesh. “Your plan can work, but we can’t kill General Farrell and the others, or the Southern Frontier Army will have no commander. I heard from the scouts that Sandoria’s army will take at least three to five days to arrive. I’ll invite the generals to a strategy meeting, and while they’re distracted…”
He paused, taking a deep breath, feeling the suffocating pressure in his chest. Whether it was fear or a desperate rebellion against fate, he wasn’t sure.
“We’ll use illusion powder,” he concluded.
Illusion powder, also known as poisonous mushroom powder, was deadly in large doses. But if used carefully, it could induce discomfort, nausea, or hallucinations. With the right medical attention, those affected would recover.
A flicker of disgust passed through Celeste’s lowered eyes.
What a waste-no skills, no abilities, lacking in both wisdom and courage, unable even to be ruthless. How could someone like that accomplish anything significant?
But when she lifted her gaze, her eyes shone with renewed light. “You have a kind heart, my love. I didn’t fall in love with the wrong man.”
Having made his decision, Oliver found himself unexpectedly calm.
He cupped Celeste’s face in his hands, imagining a future where they ran away together-living in secrecy, enjoying a life of wealth and leisure. That idea didn’t sound half bad.
He had known glory once, served the kingdom, and given his all. Who didn’t value their life? He wasn’t doing anything wrong.
And honestly, to speak what shouldn’t be spoken-whether he stayed or left the Southern Frontier, it would hardly matter. After all, Louis and the others didn’t hold him in high regard.
“Send for Carl. I need to discuss things with him. If we are to leave, we’ll take everyone with us,” Oliver instructed.
Carl had once been the drill master at Silverstone Estate, and Oliver had brought him along to the Southern Frontier.
Oliver hadn’t known that Zoey had sent her people along with him. When Celeste arrived, she had discreetly removed all those spies. Now, everyone left in Redstone Manor were trusted confidants. Carl was initially stunned by the plan but quickly warmed to it.
He had been accustomed to the luxury of the capital, enjoying a comfortable life as a drill instructor in Silverstone Estate. But since arriving here in the Southern Frontier, everything had been a struggle. Even a simple drink was hard to come by, and there were no fine dishes to enjoy when they dined out.
If he could return to wealth and comfort, why would he stay here and suffer?
Moreover, if war came and Oliver went to the frontlines, could they sit idly by? They would be expected to fight too. It would be a death sentence for them! They weren’t even official soldiers. Even if they tried to flee, they wouldn’t be punished.
So, it was better to leave with Oliver. They had accumulated a fair amount of wealth in Redstone Manor. If they could take that with them, they would live comfortably, no matter where they went. Whether or not they returned to the capital mattered little.
Though that was Carl’s thoughts, he was surprised Oliver would dare do such a thing. After all, if Oliver fled from battle, it would bring disaster to his family. Even if he didn’t lose his head, his assets would likely be seized, and he could be exiled.
But then again, if Oliver didn’t care, why should he?
The next day, Carl announced that with the war imminent, Oliver would send his wife and young son back to the capital. So, they needed to buy some supplies for the journey. He also needed to send the household servants back, so they would buy a few carriages.
Timothy and Louis heard the news but gave it little thought. After all, Oliver’s wife was not one to endure hardship. Why would she want to stay in a war zone with the fighting imminent?
Besides, the infant had only just turned a month old-leaving the child in such a dangerous place was hardly fitting. Sending them away seemed entirely sensible.
That day, the necessary items for the journey were procured. Five carriages were prepared, along with boxes, crates, and several crates of local Southern Frontier delicacies. They were said to be gifts for Evelyn and Zoey in the capital.
Timothy knew Zoey well enough. She was a woman of virtue, skilled in managing a household, with both the strength and the wit to lead. It was unfortunate she had married a man like Oliver.
Now, with Oliver’s concubine and child returning to the capital, this “grand gesture” was surely a tribute of the highest order.
Timothy couldn’t help but feel a pang of irony.