Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Upon hearing Sophie’s words, she remembered how her daughter-in-law had stood up for her yesterday and retrieved the pearls. Now, Sophie wasn’t distancing herself from this situation either. A small sense of reliance began to grow in Helen’s heart.
However, Helen knew this wouldn’t be easy. To be cheated out of so much money-how could they possibly recover it without a fight? There was a good chance they wouldn’t even get their hands on the real account books. Going to The Gilded Tower might end up being a wasted effort.
After that brief comfort of words, Sophie nodded respectfully before taking her leave.
Rafael didn’t involve himself in this matter. Today, he had something even more important-visiting his in-laws’ home.
While it was the servants’ job to prepare the gifts, Rafael insisted on handling them himself, loading the gifts onto the carriage piece by piece.
How could he not take this seriously?
One of Adrian’s apprentices was Winona, a true expert in stealth. For all he knew, she could be hiding somewhere near Hell Monarch Estate and was watching his every move.
It wasn’t that he lacked confidence in himself, but he understood all too well how doting the Pathfinders Guild members were toward Sophie. In fact, if not for the strict discipline enforced by Everett, Sophie would never have been punished for any of her mistakes within the guild.
There were times when Sophie would return after a misdeed, and before Everett could even reprimand her, Adrian would already be punishing her.
But was it real punishment?
No, it was just for show, meant to appease Everett, so that Sophie wouldn’t receive a harsher punishment from him.
As soon as Adrian started punishing Sophie, her guild seniors would rush in to plead for mercy, each taking a portion of the punishment, leaving her with only a few superficial strikes.
But if Everett got involved, that was when Sophie truly suffered. She had indeed endured several severe punishments, which was why she kept her distance from Everett whenever possible.
As Rafael packed the gifts, his mind wandered to the matters concerning the Pathfinders Guild.
He was naturally pleased that so many people were looking out for Sophie. Still, he also wanted Adrian and the others to know that he would protect Sophie from now on, and they no longer needed to worry. Most importantly, he had to tell Adrian one crucial thing today-from now on, he would ensure that Sophie sent at least two letters back to the guild each month. No matter what happened, whether it was something good or bad, the guild members would be informed, so they wouldn’t have to trouble themselves by sending people down to investigate.
After filling three carts to the brim with gifts, he saw Sophie leading Ryan and Lulu out.
Sophie’s face was serene and composed, her calm demeanor only enhancing her beauty. She was dressed in a deep purple dress that accentuated her fair, translucent skin. Two peonies were pinned in her hair, but even the flowers seemed less radiant than she was.
As Rafael recalled the previous night’s events, he felt his blood rush uncontrollably to one place, his deep gaze filled with a turbulent, unreadable emotion.
When Sophie looked up and saw that expression in his eyes, she immediately recognized it.
It had been the same for the past two nights.
These past two nights, he seemed to have entered a state of insatiable desire, like someone discovering a new passion for the first time, constantly craving more and more without end.
Sophie’s cheeks flushed as she avoided his gaze. That look always made her heart race.
Rafael approached her, and took her hand. “The gifts for the visit are all prepared. Shall we go?”
“Okay.” Sophie lowered her gaze, her earlier composure instantly replaced by shyness,
Even though they were already married and had shared such intimate moments, the way he interlaced his fingers with hers still brought an inexplicable joy and bashfulness to her heart.
Ryan looked up and asked Lulu, “Lulu, why does Aunt Sophie blush whenever Uncle Rafael holds herhand?”
Hearing this, Lulu couldn’t help but glance at her young mistress, whose face was indeed redder than arose.
Lulu laughed, and replied playfully, “That’s because when a man holds a woman’s hand, the woman will always blush.”
Ryan then asked, “But I’m holding your hand, so why aren’t you blushing?”
Lulu chuckled. “Because I have thick skin. Even if I blush, you wouldn’t be able to see it.”
“Oh, I see,” Ryan said, his eyes suddenly gleaming with wisdom beyond his years.
They boarded the carriage, the three carts of gifts trailing behind them, returning to Northwatch Estate with great pomp and ceremony.
As fate would have it, they happened to run into Blake and Viola, who were also returning to visit Viola’shome.
Blake was riding his steed when Rafael lifted the carriage curtain, just in time to see him. Blake’s face was so swollen and bruised that he was almost unrecognizable. Rafael instantly knew that Dylan and his men had given Blake quite the beating.
That was what he deserved for his loose tongue.
Blake glanced over as well, narrowing his eyes in anger when he spotted Rafael peeking out.
Rafael let the curtain fall, a faint smile curling his lips.
Good. It was better if Blake held a grudge-served him right for getting what he deserved.
Sophie, who had followed Rafael’s gaze, caught sight of Blake as well, She was puzzled.
“Did he get beaten up by his two wives at home?”
Rafael shook his head. “Not sure, but maybe. After all, those two women aren’t exactly pushovers.” Freya was still Blake’s rightful wife, and naturally held the title of madam as well. However, she would be referred to as a secondary wife or concubine, depending on the situation.
Sophie casually remarked, “They really did a number on him. His face is so swollen, I can barely recognize him.”
Rafael nodded in agreement. “It was a bit excessive. Since we all came back from the Southern Frontier battlefield together, I’ll have Dylan send him some cream for the bruises tomorrow.”
Sophie gave him a surprised look. “Is that really necessary…?”
Rafael’s tone was full of camaraderie, “We were comrades-in-arms!”
After a brief silence, Sophie said softly, “You were the one who ordered the beating.”
There was no need to ask-she was certain of it.
Rafael turned to look at her, but neither confirmed nor denied it.
Frowning, she added, “That was reckless!”
He immediately assumed she was defending Blake, and his tone turned sour, “He deserved it! You don’t know what he said to me on our wedding day.”
Sophie continued to frown. It was clear to her that her guild junior had never been properly disciplined. Such innocence and naivety could only mean one thing-he needed a good thrashing.
“Sage Everett is still in the capital. If you’re going to beat someone up, at least wait until after he leaves. Do you want to be punished?”