Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Helen was overjoyed. “Really? Bring them in quickly!”
The atmosphere immediately became charged with excitement. Many of the attendees were from noble and cultured families, with ties to literature and the arts. Some were from prominent literary families, while others were high-ranking civil servants. Of course, there were also members of the great aristocratic houses.
Poetry and painting were esteemed arts, and they were eager to witness the best works.
Opportunities like this were rare-perhaps once in a lifetime.
Helen believed she was the one basking in all the glory, However, those who understood the situation knew that the real star of the day was the one who wasn’t even invited-Sophie.
Sophie wasn’t narrow-minded or petty. On the contrary, she was incredibly generous and gracious. There wasn’t a single person present who could match her magnanimity. Even though she wasn’t invited and wasn’t liked, she still managed to be so thoughtful and considerate.
Among the paintings sent over, there were two featuring orchids, and one depicting Victory Pass. In the painting of Victory Pass, the scene was striking-a soldier stood resolutely beneath the city gate. His armor was rusted and worn, and he gripped a long spear, its tip still stained with what appeared to be fresh blood.
The soldier’s eyes were filled with determination. It was a bitterly cold winter day, and the snow had piled up to his calves. His face was darkened, chapped lips dry, and his hair disheveled. It was likely blown by the fierce wind. His hands were blackened and skin cracked, with dirt caked under his nails. His fingers were slightly bent as he clutched the spear, pointing it forward with unwavering resolve. The scenery and the figure in the painting were so lifelike that it felt as though the soldier was standing right in front of them.
For a moment, the noblewomen could almost see the soldiers of Victory Pass and imagine their hardships. They could see how these men, despite being battered by the elements, continued to stand guard at the city gate, protecting the peace and prosperity of the kingdom.
Margaret, whose ancestors were military officers, was especially moved by the painting.
She sighed deeply, and said, “The peace and prosperity we enjoy today were bought with their blood and sacrifice. Soldiers risk their lives, and the generals are no different. The perils of the Southern Frontier battle were likely far greater than we could ever imagine. The Hell Monarch and General Devin are truly loyal servants of the kingdom.”
She deliberately called Sophie by her title rather than her name to remind everyone that Sophie was not just a noble lady from the Duke of Northwatch’s family, but also a warrior who had fought on the battlefield.
For a moment, everyone felt a sense of admiration and guilt, realizing that their earlier gossip about Sophie was truly unwarranted.
Only Eleanor let out a cold laugh. “Wealth and glory have always come hand in hand with danger. They faced danger, but in return, they gained immense wealth and power”
Margaret had never liked her royal in-law, and she didn’t hold back in her retort. “Immense wealth? What immense wealth? If that immense wealth came at the cost of losing your family, would you want it?”
She continued, her tone sharp, “Besides, anyone else could say this, and it wouldn’t sting as much. But coming from you, Grand Princess Eleanor, it’s a slap in the face to all soldiers. You’re enjoying immense wealth and the honor of being the grand princess. How could you possibly understand the dangers of the battlefield?”
Eleanor was left speechless by Margaret’s sharp retort. She was stunned in anger for a long time. Finally, she stood up with a cold laugh.
“You clearly know nothing about art, yet you use this as a pretext to argue. It seems you and I can hardly exchange a single word without clashing. I shall take my leave.”
After finishing her sentence, she shot a fierce glare at Helen.
Helen was momentarily stunned-what had she done to offend Eleanor? After all, it was Margaret who had crossed her. Why was Eleanor glaring at her?
Still, Helen had suffered enough under Eleanor’s hand before. Also, given their business dealings, she didn’t want to provoke her further.
So, she asked, “Your Highness, won’t you stay a bit longer to enjoy the paintings?”
Eleanor walked over to Helen and leaned in close to whisper, though her tone carried a clear hint of threat, “I do intend to enjoy them. After everyone’s finished, you’ll send the paintings to my residence. I expect them delivered by the end of the day.”
With that, she left with Jessica in tow.
Seeing this, Serena hurried to follow them out. Some of Eleanor’s close confidantes hesitated for a moment, but eventually rose to bid their farewells as well.
However, many guests remained-particularly Rosalind, the royal chancellor’s granddaughter. She was utterly captivated by each painting. It was as if she wanted to engrave every line into her memory. There were some who didn’t quite understand the art but chose to stay, not wanting to offend Helen. Reflecting on the earlier confrontations, they found themselves more confused than anything. What they did realize, was that they needed to be cautious of that girl from the Jaffe family. They didn’t want their sons getting involved with her-she was clearly trouble.
Families with sons nearing marriageable age quickly decided to cross Serena off their list. They would rather their sons remain single than marry a woman like her.
Helen propped up her chin and admired the paintings for a while, but soon found herself troubled. She wasn’t well-versed in art, but she knew these paintings were valuable. If she sent them to Eleanor’s residence, they would surely never be returned.
So, should she send them or not? If she didn’t, who knows what kind of trouble Eleanor might stir up? That mother-and-daughter pair was such a headache!
Not long after, Luke came in to report, “Your Grace, ladies, Lady Devin has sent word that if you are still interested in viewing more paintings, you are welcome to visit Northwatch Estate. Lady Devin and Mr. Spencer will be ready to receive you at any time.”
“Il go!” Rosalind exclaimed without hesitation, her voice loud and clear. She didn’t care about maintaining her composure or decorum-meeting Kyle was far more important than worrying about appearances. With the king himself at Northwatch Estate and so many others eager to see Kyle in person, the rest of the guests quickly agreed to go as well.
Luke then respectfully bowed, and asked Helen, “Your Grace, should I prepare the carriage?”
Helen was in a quandary. She wanted to go, but today was supposed to be her day to host. Yet now, it had somehow turned into a gathering at Northwatch Estate. The king and all the civil and military officials had gone, and now the ladies were following suit.
She was vexed, but what could she do? She hadn’t invited Sophie, and yet Sophie had graciously extended an invitation to her instead.
Since the situation had been pushed to this point, she had no choice but to nod and say, “Prepare the carriage.”
As she climbed into the carriage, leading a grand procession of noblewomen toward Northwatch Estate, a sudden thought struck her.
Had she fallen into Sophie’s trap? Had she been outmaneuvered?
Who was hosting an event today, really? Who was the true host today?
How had everything changed with just a few paintings?
The more Helen thought about it, the more she felt she had been played by Sophie. Her anger surged, but now, with all the ladies following her lead, it wasn’t as if she could turn back. Wouldn’t that just make her seem petty and narrow-minded?
No, she had to see this through. And if Sophie dared to show her any disrespect, no matter who was present-the king and all the officials included-Helen was determined to make Sophie pay. Helen’s temper flared, unstoppable once it ignited.
To her surprise, when they arrived at Northwatch Estate, it was Sophie herself who came out to greet them. As Helen stepped out of the carriage, Sophie even extended a hand to help her with a warm smile. “Your Grace, please be careful. Allow me to assist you.
Helen had expected Sophie to play some sort of trick, but instead, she was met with such hospitality that she found herself momentarily disarmed.
Still, she reminded herself that she was the elder and held a higher status. Sophie’s deference was only proper.
So, with an air of entitlement, Helen accepted Sophie’s assistance. Draped in her rich purple and red robes, paired with a fox-fur cloak, she carried herself with the dignity befitting her rank as she walked into Northwatch Estate.
As Helen stepped into the main hall, she noticed that Salvador, Jeremiah, and many high-ranking officials were already there. Even Rafael was engaged in conversation with a handsome young man dressed in a blue coat.
The moment they saw her enter, everyone, including the king, rose to their feet and greeted her.
Helen’s mood instantly brightened. While she was accustomed to being revered by the other ladies, she rarely had the chance to interact with the men of the court. Now, with even the king and the prime minister paying their respects to her, she felt a surge of pride, nearly to the point of overwhelming vanity.
At that moment, she completely forgot the frustrations she had harbored during the carriage ride. After returning everyone’s greetings and gestures of respect, she was promptly escorted to the seat of honor. It felt amazing.
Although Helen had lived a life of unparalleled prestige, never before had she been honored in such a manner being greeted by the court ministers and the legendary figure like Kyle while she occupied the highest seat in the room.
This was a first in her lifetime.
Oh, no.