Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Who was Adrian Russell?
The Russell family had once been a powerful family in the capital, but they eventually withdrew from the circles of power to establish their own guild. Some insightful individuals claimed that, although there was no formal leader of the martial arts world, Adrian’s position was essentially equivalent to that of a leader.
Why?
Because Adrian was both wealthy and highly skilled.
His combat skills were exceptional-one could only guess at the extraordinary experiences that had honed his abilities to such a level.
As for his wealth, it was beyond measure. Having accumulated their fortune over generations, The Russell family had bought so much land and property that even Adrian might not be able to keep track of it all.
a
Just look at Meadow Ridge. It wasn’t just a single piece of land-it stretched for hundreds of miles, with countless estates and fields. Adrian also owned any properties elsewhere, including numerous shops in the capital.
The people he had brought with him today were unlike the typical martial artists one might expect. They lacked the rough, unruly demeanor commonly associated with such individuals, displaying a sense of refinement and propriety instead.
This shattered the common people’s preconceptions about martial artists.
The common people had always thought of martial artists as mere brutes, not worth much consideration. After all, many apprentices from various guilds were merely bodyguards or protectors-hardly worthy of high regard.
The second most talked-about topic was the dowry the Pathfinders Guild had brought.
The dowry items were displayed for everyone to see. It included numerous chests filled. with gold bars and ingots. The purity of the gold was unquestionable, familiar to those used to handling such treasures. As for the rare and exotic treasures, some were things they had never seen before.
Just take the Mystic Pearls-how large were they? To put it into perspective, if anyone even owned a single one of those, it would be the talk of the town for quite some time. But here, there were four or five jars full of them.
This wasn’t just a dowry-it was clearly meant to support the Hell Monarch’s princess. consort for ten lifetimes. Even if Rafael took many concubines and wives in the future, filling his home with children, they would never be able to shake Sophie’s status as the primary princess consort.
Even Helen was astonished. Overwhelmed by her love for these precious items, her hands trembled as she examined the dowry, and she kept muttering, “Oh, Heavenly Lord. However, when Rafael led his bride out to make the ceremonial toasts, Sophie. immediately became the center of attention.
It was said that when angered, a man would go to great lengths for a beautiful woman. In this case, many would agree that the beautiful woman in the saying referred to Sophie.
Today, she shone with an almost otherworldly beauty, like a dazzling gem. Wherever she went, whether among the distinguished gentlemen or young ladies, all eyes were irresistibly drawn to her. Especially when she blushed and smiled shyly, it was as if everyone’s gaze was magnetically fixed on her.
Many of the royal relatives and officials present had seen Sophie before, at the celebration feast after the soldiers returned victorious from the Southern Frontier.
At that time, describing her as messy wouldn’t have been enough to explain her appearance. The people present that day had preferred to keep their distance to avoid being affected by her presence. Her skin had been tan, dry, and peeling. It had been better to not look at her at all.
Who could have imagined she would turn out to be so stunning-a beauty who could captivate a nation, breathtakingly exquisite, and enough to make anyone’s heart flutter?
Everyone was puzzled. They had seen what Freya looked like, and wondered how Blake could bear to abandon such an exquisite wife for another woman. It was truly baffling.
Sophie’s flushed cheeks were not due to makeup, but because of a certain someone holding her hand.
So, this was what holding hands felt like.
When Rafael had gone to Northwatch Estate to escort her, he had held her hand. However, she had been reeling from so many emotions then, so the feeling hadn’t registered completely. But now, as they moved from table to table, he never once let go of her hand, their fingers always intertwined.
Having drunk quite a bit, Rafael’s face was flushed. From her angle, Sophie could see his profile and the line of his jaw. She warned herself to not look any longer, or her heart might no longer belong to her alone.
After three rounds of toasts, Adrian and the apprentices from the Pathfinders Guild stood up to offer their own. It wasn’t just Adrian whom people were impressed by-even if only Kyle were present, their presence commanded respect. When they came to make toasts, even the prime minister stood up to reciprocate.
Trevor was the one who had initially secured this marriage, so Adrian toasted him. Adrian drank the entire cup, while Trevor only took a small sip, which was enough to show his respect as the royal chancellor. Also, considering his health, excessive drinking wouldn’t be advisable.
Sophie’s eyes reddened as she watched the Pathfinders Guild members rise to make toasts.
They were undoubtedly there to support her. Even though the occasion was hosted by Rafael’s household, the Pathfinders Guild members wanted to show everyone that this place would also be Sophie’s in the future.
Though such customs were not typically observed in high-society marriages, they were martial artists. Who would dare to challenge their traditions?
Moreover, Adrian came from a noble background, and Kyle was also present.
Who would refuse them?
Who would dare criticize their actions?
As for Eleanor and Jessica, their expressions were dark throughout the event. Even when they weren’t frowning, their demeanors were cold and sarcastic.
Taking the opportunity, Eleanor sat next to Helen and sighed softly. “Helen, I’m concerned about your future. With such a powerful daughter-in-law, you, as the mother-in-law, might find it hard to enforce any rules.
“She might even refuse to perform the post-wedding ritual tomorrow. You’ll need to be careful in your interactions with her. If your words cause offense, you might face retaliation.”
Helen’s emotions today were too complex for her to fully understand Eleanor’s words.
Certainly, Hell Monarch Estate was the center of attention today, and she was pleased by Sophie’s extensive dowry and connections. She felt happy for the benefits it brought. However, this fortune fell to Rafael, not directly to her.
Now, with Eleanor’s provocation, Helen felt an even deeper, more indescribable turmoil.
Would she really have to live under her daughter-in-law’s shadow in the future? Was there even such a rule? If a daughter-in-law showed any disrespect, the ethical officials monitoring and enforcing moral and ethical conduct would be quick to come after her.
But how could today’s scene be judged by ordinary standards?
Helen was worried that Sophie might appear dutiful on the surface while secretly undermining her, which would be troublesome.
Helen had some self-awareness. She had been pampered all her life, and after she entered the palace as a concubine, her elder sister had protected her. So, she hadn’t really had to use her brains much. If Sophie were a master of manipulation, Helen would indeed be in for a rough time.
Her initial excitement faded, replaced by worry. Living in Rafael’s residence now seemed dull and uneventful.
During the banquet the other day, Helen had noticed that many people didn’t seem to regard her with much importance. As an honored concubine, she had expected to have a stronger influence, and hoped that the lack of immediate warmth from others could be attributed to her past failures to cultivate these relationships.
But with Sophie’s grand entrance, where would Helen fit in Hell Monarch Estate in the future?
Helen felt disheartened.
Seeing that her brief provocation had worked, Eleanor inwardly called Helen a fool and signaled Jessica, who had been standing by.
Jessica smoothly said, “Mom, I don’t agree with what you said. No matter how influential Sophie’s background is, our kingdom is governed with kindness and respect. Being disrespectful to our elders is a grave offense. Even as a princess, I must respect my mother-in-law.
When I entered my husband’s family, I adhered to the rules for a full year.”
This statement made Helen’s spirits lift again.