Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
The two of them, lost in their own thoughts, locked eyes for a moment. When the two of them looked into each other’s eyes, it was as if there was a subtle, almost imperceptible tension.
It was just a bit awkward.
Rafael broke the silence and said, “By the way, the king has appointed me as the Minister of Justice and the commander of the Mystic Army.”
Sophie looked up at him in surprise. “What?”
Rafael was the commander of the Hell Monarch Army. Even when there was no war and he remained in the capital, the Hell Monarch Army was stationed not far away. Also, military affairs were always demanding, often requiring him to lead training exercises.
How could he possibly take on the role of Minister of Justice at the same time?
Moreover, the Ministry of Justice was responsible for overseeing criminal cases, conducting reviews of death sentences, and handling important legal matters most of which were administrative work.
He was a military general, but he was appointed as Minister of Justice? Further, why was he also given command of the Mystic Army?
With both a civilian and a military position on his shoulders, not to mention his role as the commander of the Hell Monarch Army, how could he manage it all?
He said indifferently, “I’ve already handed over the military seal and authority. For now, Oliver Prince will command the Hell Monarch Army.”
Oliver Prince?
Sophie knew of him. Oliver was the Earl of Silverstone, a man who once held significant influence in the military. However, after being injured in battle, he could no longer fight on the front lines. He had since inherited his grandfather’s title and lived a reclusive life.
It seemed like the Earl of Silverstone’s household was headed toward decline. Yet, out of nowhere, Salvador had chosen to elevate him.
But why appoint a disabled general to command the Hell Monarch Army at this time? And why replace the current commander? Rafael had just returned victorious.
Even if he handed over the military seal, he could still remain as the commander of the Hell Monarch Army.
As Sophie thought it over, she began to grasp the situation and couldn’t help but blurt out, “Is His Majesty wary of you?”
Rafael’s eyes were as deep as an abyss. “It’s not that he’s wary-he just doesn’t want any rumors or misunderstandings that could damage our brotherly bond.” Sophie fully understood.
But she was also confused. “Then why did you marry me? If His Majesty is wary of you, marrying me would only make it worse.”
She was the daughter of the Duke of Northwatch, a respected general herself with military achievements and the loyalty of the troops. Whether it was the Hell Monarch Army, the Mystic Army, or the Devin Army that her father once led, they all held her in high regard.
Rafael had relinquished his military authority precisely to ease Salvador’s concerns. But marrying her- despite giving up command-would hardly put Salvador’s mind completely at ease.
Was there something she didn’t know?
And did this have anything to do with Salvador’s edict that she marry within three months?
Rafael knew she was perceptive and would inevitably piece things together, so he explained, “No matter whom I marry, my brother will think what he thinks. Given my status, could I possibly marry a commoner or the daughter of some low-ranking official?”
While the reasoning made sense, Sophie felt it wasn’t as straightforward as that.
She could lead troops, something other noblewomen couldn’t do. Marrying her was riskier for him.
“Did you propose to marry me because you knew I didn’t want to enter the palace as a concubine? Were you trying to help me?” Sophie quickly guessed. “His Majesty didn’t actually force you to marry, did he? You’re helping me.”
Sharp as always-wasn’t that exactly what he expected?
Rafael smiled wryly. “You’re mistaken. Even if His Majesty hadn’t pressured me, I returned triumphant. In doing so, received over a hundred marriage proposals. Many women are eager to marry me, Refusing any one of them would offend someone. I’m not afraid of offending people, but I’d rather not if I can avoid it. The best way to navigate this was to settle the matter quickly.
“As for why I chose you,” Rafael’s smile turned more helpless. “You’re my senior. You were being forced into the palace, and I was being put on the spot. So, why not make a match out of it? That’s what I thought.
Lying was exhausting-he couldn’t exactly tell her that marrying her meant he had to relinquish his military power, could he?
That was something he absolutely couldn’t say.
If she knew, she would never agree to marry him.
Even if the truth couldn’t be hidden forever, it would be better for her to find out after they were married.
There were many things she should only learn once they were truly husband and wife, and it would be preferably after they had consummated the marriage.
There were many things Rafael couldn’t say, so he took his leave.
Sophie pondered for a long time. Some things seemed to make sense now, but there were still parts she couldn’t quite grasp.
Lily noticed her distress and hesitated, wanting to approach her. However, Frederick stopped her.
He shook his head at Lily and said, “Prepare some food for Lord Ryan. He’s been practicing his writing for a long time, and must be tired.”
Lily glanced at Frederick, and sighed softly. “Alright.”
She turned and went to the kitchen, while Frederick, limping slightly, followed her. Once in the kitchen, he lowered his voice, “I know you want to talk to Lady Devin, but don’t say anything now. Wait until after the wedding.”
Lily nodded. “I understand. I just saw she was troubled and acted on impulse. I know better than to act rashly”
She sighed again. “I only learned today that Prince Rafael gave up his military power. When I think about everything that’s happened, it’s clear he did it for our mistress’s sake. The king used our mistress as bait to trap His Highness.”
Frederick cautioned, “It’s enough that we know this in our hearts. Don’t let it slip out.”
“Of course, such things can’t be spoken of carelessly. But His Highness’s feelings for our mistress-she doesn’t know at all. Even when he proposed marriage, the late madam didn’t allow her to be told.” Frederick’s expression darkened. “At that time, the late madam was frightened. If His Highness hadn’t gone to the Southern Frontier, she might have agreed. But who could have predicted, after all that careful consideration, she would choose someone as unreliable as Blake.”
Lily’s eyes reddened with sorrow.
“The late madam didn’t choose a nobleman’s son or a civil official because she knew our mistress was too wild for those strict, rule-bound households. And have you ever seen a noble family where the heir doesn’t take concubines? Blake was the only one brave enough to kneel before the late madam and promise never to take a concubine. The late madam was deceived in a moment of weakness.” “Okay, that’s enough,” Frederick urged. “Bring some food to our young lord. Seeing how hard he’s working really breaks my heart. He’s still drinking medicine every day, but he never forgets to practice his writing.”
How could Frederick not feel for Ryan? Ryan was the Duke of Northwatch’s only surviving male heir, and he had suffered so much.
The next day, Sophie took Ryan to the sanctuary hall.
When Sophie first returned to the capital, she had already sent word to Theodore, asking him to gather the members of the Devin family and open the sanctuary hall. The purpose was to erase the words that had been written beside Ryan’s name in the family records which indicated he was deceased.
Since Sophie wasn’t allowed to enter the sanctuary hall, she led Ryan to the entrance and left him in Frederick’s care. She waited outside while Frederick took him in.
There were bound to be many in the Devin family who didn’t believe it. Some had even hoped to have beir own sons adopted into the Duke of Northwatch s family to inherit the title. Even those who did believe might claim disbelief
That was why it was necessary for Frederick to clearly explain the situation, informing the Devin family members present today that the authorities had already handled the case and that the human traffickers had been gradually apprehended.