Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Salvador’s gaze briefly swept over Sophie’s f. e. “Oh? You’re here too, Sophie?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I came to pay my respects to the queen dowager and Lady Helen,” Sophie replied, lowering her gaze.
Salvador took a seat, looking at Sophie with a smile. “I see. I know Mother is quite fond of you, Sophie. Whenever you have the time, do come and keep her company.”
“I will, Your Majesty.”
Victoria turned to Sophie. “You may leave now. I believe the king. has something to discuss with me.”
Salvador waved his hand. “There’s no need for that. I was just taking a break from reviewing memorials and came to enjoy some peace here. Since Sophie is here, it’s perfect timing. I want to ask your about the situation at the Southern Frontier.”
Victoria laughed. “You just said you were tired from reviewing. memorials, and now you’re talking about military affairs? If you want to know about the war, isn’t it better to ask your younger brother?” “No matter. Since Sophie is here, I might as well ask her.”
Salvador appeared very affable, but his gaze towards Sophie was somewhat intense.
“I heard that when Simonton City was captured, you led the Mystic Army as the vanguard and Blake assisted you. So, was the city taken by your combined efforts?” the king asked. Sophie wasn’t sure why Salvador was bringing up Blake. The details of that part of the battle had been clearly reported by Rafael. and the other generals.
Unaware of the intricacies of court politics, she cautiously replied, Your Majesty, teamwork is crucial on the battlefield. The marshal ordered General Jaffe to assist me and the Mystic Army.”
Salvador nodded. “Yes, I understand that, as I’ve been on the battlefield myself. But don’t you think it was risky for Rafael to have you two work together, given your personal grievances?”
Sophie raised her brows in surprise. “The marshal’s decision was a good one. It’s proven by the fact that we successfully reclaimed Simonton City. As for any personal grievances between General Jaffe and I, we were able to set them aside when facing a common enemy.”
Salvador’s expression grew stern. “You may have set them aside, but Freya did not. She disrupted your operations, nearly causing the siege to fail.
“Shouldn’t Rafael have anticipated that Freya’s jealousy might jeopardize the mission? Securing the Southern Frontier was crucial, so all risks should have been mitigated. Yet, he didn’t.”
Sophie felt a chill run through her. Straightening her back, she replied seriously, “Your Majesty, I don’t understand what you’re trying to say, but it is impossible to guarantee everything on the battlefield. “The resources and people available were limited, but the marshal made proper arrangements. Freya was assigned to the rear guard, but she disobeyed orders. How can this be blamed on the marshal?”
Salvador gazed at her deeply with an unreadable look on his face. Then, he slowly smiled. “I haven’t said much, yet you are already defending him.”Sophie felt a strange sense of unease, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on it-something like hostility, yet not quite. Especially after Salvador had ended his remarks with that enigmatic smile. What did he mean by she was already defending Rafael? It was baffling.
She paused before speaking, “Your Majesty, in wa are, there are no absolutely foolproof decisions, especially during decisive battles. It’s practically taking a gamble. Our strategy for attacking Simonton City was sound. Minor errors should be forgiven, considering we ultimately reclaimed the Southern Frontier and achieved victory.”
Salvador burst into hearty laughter. “I only asked a question or two. Look at you, so nervous. There’s no need to worry. I was just asking out of curiosity.”
Sophie felt her back dampen with sweat.
It was hardly a casual inquiry. Salvador had seemed so serious. It was almost as if he was ready to lay blame on someone!
Holding Rafael accountable for the mistakes of his soldiers seemed unnecessary, especially since they had successfully reclaimed the Southern Frontier. Yet, Salvador’s intentions were hard to decipher. Feeling it was best not to linger, Sophie bowed and said, “I won’t disturb Your Majesties any longer. I will take my leave.”
Victoria, who had been listening with a stern expression, softened. slightly. “You may go.”
As Sophie reached the door and turned to leave, she took Lulu’s hand. Lulu’s palm was sweaty, just like Sophie’s. Salvador’s sudden arrival, his lack of small talk, and the seemingly accusatory nature of his questions had frightened Lulu. Watching Sophie depart, Salvador’s gaze slowly shifted back to Victoria. Meeting his mother’s stern eyes, he felt an unspoken tension and chuckled.
“See how scared she was?”
Victoria sighed. “Why did you frighten her?”
“It’s amusing. I wanted to see her flustered, unlike her usual impassive demeanor. She was a bit like when she was younger. though she’s changed a lot since then.”
Victoria’s expression grew serious, “People change. She has faced many hardships these past years. Do you find comfort in unsettling her, in seeing her worried? Son, if you need amusement, go to the harem and amuse yourself with your concubines. Don’t frighten or bully Sophie
“Did I upset you? Alright, I won’t tease her anymore. Is that acceptable?” Salvador chuckled and waved for Derek. “Bring the list of gifts I’ve prepared for my younger brother’s wedding for my mother to review.
Upon hearing this, Victoria’s expression softened a bit.
Derek presented the list, and Michelle unfurled it for Victoria. The more the queen dowager read, the more satisfied she seemed. It was clear that Salvador still thought of his younger brother fondly.
The list included royal gifts, which could not be sold, as well as items bought from the market, such as gold and silver jewelry, precious gems, and malachite. Most of these items came from jewelry shops in town.
The Royal Management Department procured silks, satin, and fine fabrics of the highest quality. This included over twenty rolls of brocade, which were extremely valuable.
The Royal Management Department also procured furniture, partition screens, wooden chests, wardrobes, and other large items. These items were made from exquisite woods like zebrawood and mahogany.
There were also several jewelry boxes and a vanity.
Victoria looked up. “Why did you even include gifts for the bride’s dowry?”
“Well, some of these are for Sophie’s trousseau,” Salvador explained. “After all, we have a bond from our youth. I was very close to Zion, and now that he’s gone, I want to make up for his absence by preparing gifts for his sister.”
Zion Devin was Sophie’s third brother.
Among the Devin family’s young generals, Salvador had the closest friendship with Zion. However, Salvador held the greatest respect for Hector, the eldest general among them.
“It pleases me greatly to see you thinking and acting this way,” Victoria said.
She ordered the list to be put away and dismissed everyone, clearly indicating she wanted to speak privately with Salvador.
Once the palace doors were closed, Victoria placed her hands on her lap, still feeling a tinge of unease. “What were you trying to accomplish by testing Sophie like that?”
Salvador smiled gently. “Mother, I just wanted to see if she would truly protect my younger brother. And, of course, to have a bit of fun. with her.”
“Now that you see she indeed cares deeply for your brother, how do you feel?”
Salvador’s smile remained, though it was tinged with a hint of melancholy. “Naturally, I’m pleased for my brother. At least Sophie is genuinely devoted to him.”
Victoria regarded her son for a while before speaking, “Your father had someone in his heart as well-Melanie. But because he saw Hector as a brother, whenever Melanie attended an event or visited the palace, your father would make himself scarce.
“That was his way of showing the utmost respect to Hector. In fact, Melanie never knew of your father’s feelings, even after she passed.”
Salvador’s expression froze momentarily, his smile slowly fading to be replaced by a serious demeanor.
“Mother, I understand your point.”
After a moment of silence, he asked, “Didn’t you mind? You still treat Sophie so well.”
Victoria smiled gently, her expression serene. “Why would I mind? Aren’t there many women in the palace already? Besides, I married him to be the crown princess, the queen, and now the queen dowager. If I were to expect true affection from the king, would that not be unreasonable?
“As for your father, he was aware of his position. A king’s responsibilities are to govern diligently, care for the people, protect the country, reclaim lost territories, and eradicate corruption to ensure peace and prosperity. He never forgot his duties.
“Perhaps he didn’t always achieve the desired outcomes, but he did. his best. The king’s power is supreme, yet he has only two eyes and two hands. Many tasks must be delegated to others, all of whom have their own agendas. How could your father control everyone, especially with the rise of powerful families and corruption after his illness, which made your ascension difficult?”