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They would stop there briefly to gather information about the state of affairs between the two kingdoms and Orivenia’s current situation. It would also be a chance for Sophie to reunite with her grandfather and his family for a few days.
When the official order from Salvador arrived, Sophie was thrilled. She immediately gathered Violet, Cynthia, and the others to go on a shopping spree. While she regularly sent gifts to Victory Pass each year, there was nothing like personally delivering them.
As for the choice of guards, she left that to Michael and Max. This time, her focus was on combining business with pleasure, as well as taking the opportunity to show her gratitude to her husband for securing this important assignment for her.
In truth, even if Rafael hadn’t recommended Sophie, Salvador had already intended to send her. After all, a queen had ascended the throne of Orivenia. It would be a fine gesture for Starhaven to send a female official to congratulate her.
Salvador had even privately joked with Rafael, saying, “Since you need to rest, it’s not such a bad thing if your wife is away for a few months. That way, you won’t be so distracted and can focus on your health.”
Rafael also jokingly replied, “True, I must take care of myself. Otherwise, how else will I ensure the continuation of the royal family?”
Salvador rolled his eyes at him with a smile. They could speak about such matters now without any bitterness between them.
Sebastian had once shared a thought with Salvador that he found quite wise. The older man had said that those who overthink often didn’t live long.
Why did so few kings live to old age throughout history? Ruling a nation required constant vigilance and tireless effort, far more than the average person. The relentless stress took a heavy toll on both mind and body, weakening the immune system and making them vulnerable to illness.
If, even while receiving treatment, a king remained consumed by worries-fretting over state affairs, seething with anger over one no person, resenting another-it my net different from pushing themselves step by step toward an early grave.
It was better to simply stop worrying about everything. Focus on what needed attention and trust the court officials to handle the rest. After all, wasn’t that what they were paid for?
With that clarity, Salvador found that he had become much more at ease.
His main concern was the crown prince position. Connor had made significant progress, and the king was thankful to see the boy improving. It was good that Salvador could watch over his son just a little longer.
With that, what more could he wish for?
Being able to think this clearly was the result of many conversations with Sebastian. Though Salvador had always known these truths, hearing them from someone with authority felt different.
His life was in Sebastian’s hands, so the physician’s medicines were gospel, and his words, law.
The day before the envoy delegation departed, Salvador summoned Sophie to the palace, where he had Rafael and Sebastian by his side.
“I have a message for you to deliver to Grand General Sullivan. I am grateful for the sacrifices he and his family have made for Starhaven. I will never forget the Sullivan family, and I am certain the people of this kingdom will also hold them in their hearts. In the future, history will record Grand General Sullivan as one of Starhaven’s greatest heroes,” Salvador said.
In other words, the earlier demotion and dismissal were only temporary. Dominic’s accomplishments would undoubtedly be recorded in history.
Sophie knew her grandfather didn’t care about such things—his actions and legacy would be judged by the people and future generations. But she was certain Salvador’s words would bring him joy.
–
The evening before the trip, Sophie, accompanied by Rafael, made her way to bid farewell to Helen. Since she was leaving early in the morning, before her mother-in-law would be awake, Sophie chose to say her goodbyes the night before.
Helen had known about the trip to Orivenia for some time. At first, she hadn’t fully understood the situation and felt Salvador’s order was a bit much. Why did it have to be Sophie, of all people, who had to undertake such a long and tiring journey?
But after hearing from Violet that the real purpose of the journey was for Sophie to visit her maternal family, Helen only sighed quietly.
“The greatest pain in life is the separation from loved ones, whether by life or death. And the greatest joy is the reunion with loved ones after a long time apart.”
Of course, those words were spoken to Violet, and would never be said in front of Sophie. To say them to her would be like rubbing salt in an open wound. After all, Helen had come to love and cherish her daughter-in-law, and didn’t want to make her feel any more sorrow.
Now, as she watched Sophie prepare to leave, Helen couldn’t help but feel a touch of emotion. She had once fiercely opposed this marriage, having disliked Sophie simply because it would be her second marriage, which meant she wasn’t worthy of Helen’s noble and majestic son.
But in time, Helen grew to fear and respect Sophie. Formidable as she was, Sophie had proven to be fiercely protective, and in the end, Helen’s heart softened.
The relationship had evolved, and now, all that remained was the desire to cherish her.
“I’ve prepared some gifts for Grand General Sullivan and his family. They’ve already been loaded onto the carriage. Be sure to give them my regards, and wish them good health and happiness,” Helen said.
Sophie nodded. “Thank you, Mother. I also wish you good health.”
Helen glanced at her, thinking how her daughter-in-law was far less charming than Violet, who always spoke so sweetly. It was good enough that Sophie wished for her health, but why not say a little more? Others would have showered her with all sorts of pleasantries.
Her eyes then fell on her son, standing like an immovable mountain next to his wife. At that moment, Helen realized there was no point in complaining. He was even more reserved than Sophie.
When he came to pay his respects, all he said was, “Greetings, Mom.”
No more, no less.
Helen gave Sophie a few more reminders for the journey and urged them to rest early so she wouldn’t be delayed in the morning. The couple took their leave and returned to Orchid Hall.
Lulu had finished packing everything. She, along with Violet and Cynthia, would be accompanying Sophie on this journey.
Lulu was filled with excitement. She knew how long Sophie had yearned to visit Victory Pass, but various obstacles had kept her from going. Now, at last, the wish would be fulfilled.
Once her things were packed onto the carriage, she turned to see Rafael and Sophie returning. A bright smile spread across her face as she hurried to greet them.
“Lulu, why aren’t you off to rest yet?” Sophie teased, reaching up to lightly tap her cheek. “If you’re not up in the morning, I won’t wait for you.”
“I’ll go right away. I promise, I won’t make you wait in the morning,” Lulu replied hastily.
She couldn’t bear to be separated from her mistress for long, but there was still some work to do. Lily and. Joy were preparing snacks for the journey, meant for Sophie to eat on the road, and Lulu couldn’t resist offering a hand. She waved cheerfully and hurried off, her steps light with excitement.
Even Rafael noticed and remarked, “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Lulu so lively and happy.”
Sophie’s smile faded slightly as she replied, “She sees my family as her own.”
Rafael nodded thoughtfully. “And I see you treat her as a sister. No wonder she doesn’t want to marry.”
Sophie sat down and began untangling her hair. “Even if she does marry, it will be to someone in the capital. I couldn’t bear to send her too far away.”
Rafael moved behind her and gently wrapped his arms around her neck, his face brushing against hers.
His voice was filled with longing as he said, “You be gone for at least three months. I can’t bear to be apart from you. I wish I could go et with you, but with all my duties. I wonder if your grandfather and his family will be disappointed that I’m not coming along.”
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Sophie leaned into him a little more. “I wish you could come too, but you’re needed here. You have the princes to teach, and His Majesty can’t be without you. Grandpa and everyone else will understand.”
OUMS
Rafael sighed, his handsome face tinged with regret. “Just remember to write to me often.”