Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
He showed concern for her, made considerate gestures, and was attentive to her needs. At first, Sophie was taken aback by his sudden gentleness and didn’t know how to respond. But she quickly realized the purpose behind his behavior and began to reciprocate his kindness and warmth.
Since Ryan was most attached to his aunt, treating her well would hopefully put the child at ease. However, after two days of this new approach, not only had Ryan’s wariness of Rafael not diminished, but it seemed to have increased.
It was truly puzzling!
, he would understand more than she might expect if she explained things to him.
Moreover, he had heard about the massacre of their family from common people. While he knew of the tragedy, the details remained unclear to him.
Though he was only seven years old, there were some truths he needed to face.
“The ones who wiped out our family were spies from Westhaven. I didn’t know you had snuck out that day, so I thought you also died in the massacre. Now, you’re the only male heir of the Duke of Northwatch’s family. You carry the hopes and legacy of your grandfather, uncles, father, and all the others. You must be as fearless and steadfast as they were.”
As Sophie spoke, she placed her hand gently on Ryan’s shoulder, observing the tears streaming from his eyes.
She continued solemnly, “As for me, I’ve divorced Blake. We’re no longer husband and wife, and from now on, we’re strangers.”
Ryan wiped his tears away in shock, his eyes wide with disbelief.
I’ll explain the reasons behind all this later. What you need to know now is that Prince Rafael is my betrothed, and we will marry by the end of the year. If you’re wondering why I’m marrying him, it all begins with the Southern Frontier conflict…”
Sophie spoke with partial truths, veiling some aspects and fabricating others.
The parts Sophie revealed were that the culprits behind the massacre were spies from Westhaven. It was a truth that could not be hidden from Ryan. He would inevitably learn it upon their return to the capital. What she concealed was about the events that took place at Victory Pass-Ryan was not ready for that information yet.
And the fabricated part was the notion that she and Rafael had developed feelings for each other on the battlefield, which was why they decided to marry.
Sophie’s eyes softened with genuine warmth as she spoke, as if truly discussing someone she cherished.
“Like your grandfather and father, His Highness is a general who fought on the battlefield to defend our kingdom. He’s incredibly capable. What your grandfather once achieved, he has also accomplished. He truly reclaimed our territory at the Southern Frontier. He’s a hero, and he found you for me. I am very grateful to him, and… I have feelings for him.”
When Sophie mentioned having feelings for Rafael, her mind briefly flashed to the prince’s cold, noble face. Her heart skipped a beat and her breathing became uneven.
She had intended to deceive Ryan into thinking she was marrying someone she loved, and that doing so would bring happiness. However, after uttering those words, she discovered an undefined, inexplicable emotion toward Rafael.
This was a new feeling for her-one she had never experienced with anyone before.
Ryan looked at his aunt, then pointed outside and back at her, as if asking whether Rafael liked her.
Sophie’s cheeks flushed. Since she was in the midst of deception, she decided to continue it fully and whispered, “He does like me too.”
Though Ryan’s eyes were still wet with tears, a smile began to emerge on his face.
In the next room, Rafael sat cross-legged on the bed, listening intently to every word from the adjoining room. He listened with seriousness, his attention remaining focused and earnest even as time passed.
When Sophie said she had feelings for him, Rafael understood it was a lie meant to comfort Ryan.
It was a beautiful lie.
Rafael slowly pulled the blanket over himself, covering every inch from head to toe. As his stern expression faded, a radiant smile blossomed in the darkness under the blanket, repeatedly shining through. Sophie said she had feelings for him.
The kind lie was meant for Ryan, not for Rafael, so what the latter heard was not a lie.
The next day, Rafael appeared refreshed, though there were dark circles under his eyes.
Sophie found it strange how he managed to look so lively despite obviously not having slept well. Aside from the dark circles, his face and eyes actually had a radiant quality.
After talking with Ryan the night before, Ryan was now less fearful and wary of Rafael. Occasionally, he would lift the curtain to sneak a look at Rafael’s back.
Was Rafael like his grandfather, Hector? If so, he must be really impressive-he only fought enemies and never harmed ordinary people.
So there was no need to be afraid of him.
Ryan kept reassuring himself this way, all the way through their journey. Gradually, Rafael became as familiar and trusted in Ryan’s eyes as his grandfather or father. Moreover, Rafael would soon become his future uncle by marriage, a close relative.
By the time they arrived in Greenbrook County, Ryan had even started signaling Rafael and was bold enough to let Rafael hold his hand while buying pastries.
Sophie was very pleased to see this change.
But the transformation didn’t stop there. Ryan seemed to trust Rafael as much as he trusted her. During meals, he would actively sit next to Rafael. When serving food, even though his fingers didn’t exert much strength, he still tried hard to serve Rafael.
At night, Ryan wrote to Sophie, saying he would treat his future uncle well. By doing so, Ryan hoped that his future uncle would also treat his aunt well.
He was a warm and considerate child-always had been.
A smile gradually appeared on his face, and the shadows in his eyes had mostly dissipated. However, whenever he saw beggars on the road, he still looked at them with sympathy.
The beggars were not kidnapped children, but genuine beggars.
Ryan would give them buns whenever he could.
Sophie wanted to give the beggars some silver coins in accordance with D heart, but Ryan waved her off. He signaled the their stomachs, while giving silver coins would lead to them being confiscated by their backers. He also explained that having once received silver coins, they would be beaten if they failed to obtain any in the future, as that was what happened to him.
Even though the beggars were different from those he had encountered before, Ryan still felt compelled to empathize with them.
Sophie was deeply moved, but smiled as she ruffled his hair. “Alright, we’ll do as you say, Ryan.”
In the capital, while the cabinet officials were processing petitions, they discovered one from the governor of Eldoria. It was sealed with wax, and the outside was labeled that Rafael had written this letter for the king’s personal attention.
The cabinet passed the petition to the prime minister, Jeremiah.
Upon receiving it, Jeremiah said, “I will go to His Majesty.”
In the study, Salvador opened the letter. After reading it, he slapped it down on his desk loudly. His face was flushed with excitement as he repeatedly exclaimed, ” Great! That’s great! That’s wonderful!” Seeing this, Jeremiah asked, “Your Majesty, what is it that has made you so overjoyed?”
Salvador ordered that the letter be shown, to Jeremiah. After reading it, Jeremiah’s expression brightened with delight.
“This is truly wonderful! Your Majesty, the Duke of Northwatch’s family still has a surviving bloodline! I’m sure this has consoled the duke’s spirit in heaven!”
Jeremiah was overwhelmed with emotion, his excitement almost causing him to falter. Having recently recovered from an illness, he was nearly overcome by his current exhilaration and almost stumbled. “Sit down!” Salvador noticed his condition, and quickly called for attendants to help him to a seat. “Support him and help him sit.
Jeremiah thanked Salvador and sat down, his tears flowing freely.