Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
“No, that day will never come.”
In the carriage, Rafael relayed Winona’s words to Sophie.
Sophie rested her head on his shoulder. Despite holding back her tears for a long time, they eventually began to fall.
Rafael held her close, resting his chin on her forehead. “Winona truly regards you as her own sister.”
“Yes,” Sophie said, her voice muffled. “When I went to the Pathfinders Guild, Winona took care of me a lot. She dotes on me quite intensely.”
Rafael wondered-who didn’t dote on Sophie at the Pathfinders Guild? Even Everett, when speaking to him in the side hall, had reminded him to take good care of Sophie and had fondly referred to her as a mischievous little monkey.
Everett had shown a hint of sorrow when talking about Rafael’s in-laws, his eyes filled with melancholy and regret.
Everyone was moved by the sacrifices made by the men of the Duke of Northwatch’s family for their kingdom.
Wiping away her tears, Sophie asked, “Rod is going to stay in the capital. Do you have any arrangements for him? He doesn’t want to return to the military.”
Rafael replied, “That’s simple. As a prince, I’m allowed to have five hundred household soldiers. I haven’t assembled them yet, so let him lead and find some people to recruit.”
Previously, when he commanded the Hell Monarch Army, there were only guards in his residence. He had never established a unit of household soldiers.
Sophie wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes, and said earnestly, “That’s fine. Besides, Rod’s martial skills are good, and he’s capable of leading people. He showed considerable authority when leading troops on the southern battlefield.”
She glanced at Rafael and asked softly, “So, how much monthly salary will he receive?”
The soldiers were part of the outer courtyard’s management, so she had no say in their salary, it wasn’t up to her to decide.
“We’ll give him a bit more. He’s had a tough time, supporting an entire guild on his own,” Rafael said generously.
“Okay, that’s great!” Sophie thought to herself that she would also provide some private support.
She had known about the hardships of the Lunar Guild while at the Pathfinders Guild. But at that time, she hadn’t fully grasped the severity of the difficulties.
He will come after Sage Adrian and the others have returned, right?”
“Yes, Violet will come along too. Cynthia and Bun will be returning with the others.”
Compared to Violet,
Cynthia and Bun had less freedom.
As long as Violet wanted to stay, the Inferno Guild would not object. She was a major patron of the guild, so even the guild’s leader had to cater to her.
Without Violet, the Inferno Guild’s situation wouldn’t be much better.
Sophie straightened up. “When we return to the residence, the accounts for The Gilded Tower should be almost settled.”
It was time to confront Jessica.
“This should be considered a lesson for my mother to make sure she doesn’t blindly trust others in the future,” Rafael said.
Sophie’s expression turned icy. “Yes, a lesson is one thing, but Grand Princess Eleanor and Jessica shouldn’t get away with anything. We must reclaim what’s rightfully ours.”
Rafael took her hand in his. “Alright, I’ll support whatever you decide. If anything goes wrong, I’ll take responsibility.”
Sophie’s gaze lingered on their joined hands. His fingers, so distinct and firm, made her heart flutter every time they touched. There was an undeniable sense of intimacy that arose from their connection.
She didn’t know why, but she particularly enjoyed holding his hand. It felt like the true closeness that a married couple should share. Being embraced by him felt entirely different. During that time, they were driven by emotional impulses.
Though she couldn’t fully explain it, she found herself inexplicably drawn to it.
Upon returning to Hell Monarch Estate, the gifts that had been sent to Northwatch Estate were brought back untouched.
Entering the main courtyard, Pearl handed Sophie a hot water bottle and whispered, “Lady Helen has been throwing a tantrum in the accounting room. She has smashed a lot of things. You and the prince should go check on her.”
Sophie looked at Rafael. Seeing his furrowed brow, she understood there had been communication problems between mother and son.
“I’ll go. You should return to the study to handle the documents,” she said.
Although preparations were underway to seal off the court for the New Year and the Supreme Court would also be closing cases, Rafael was still busy reviewing old cases for reference and studying the laws. “Alright, go ahead. If you can’t calm her down, send someone to get me.” Rafael knew his mother very well.
“It’s fine, I can handle it.” Sophie gave him a reassuring look.
It was probably just a matter of Helen discovering a financial shortfall and realizing she had been deceived, causing her to lose her temper.
Sophie first sought out Luke to get a general understanding of the situation and the current status of The Gilded Tower.
Luke assured her that there was no need to worry. They had Eric in their custody and had sent some people to monitor The Gilded Tower, ensuring that no one could slip out to send a warning. Feeling reassured, Sophie headed towards the accounting room.
Helen had not yet finished reviewing the accounts, but the entire room was filled with people kneeling in fear and anxiety. The place was in disarray-anything that could be thrown from the desk was thrown, except for the account books. Several cups had also been smashed.
Helen’s hair was a mess, and her face was pale with anger. Upon seeing Sophie, her feelings of grievance and humiliation reached its peak, and she burst into tears.
“How could they do this to me?!”
Sophie entered the room, and addressed everyone, “Please rise. Everyone except for the accounting staff, leave the room. Gillian, you too.”
There were quite a few accountants employed in Hell Monarch Estate, and there was also a head accountant. All of them were trembling on the ground, having never witnessed such fury from Helen before. The servants, who had been waiting in the room, breathed a sigh of relief as they stood up and left. Eric, still on his knees, was also escorted out.
Sophie approached Helen, and took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears. “Have you finished reviewing all the accounts?”
“There are still this year’s accounts left,” Helen replied, taking the handkerchief to wipe her tears and runny nose. Sophie’s return had calmed her somewhat, but her feeling of being insulted remained strong.
“Even if we don’t consider this year’s accounts, The Gilded Tower made a profit of thirteen thousand silver coins. Yet, she kept coming to the palace asking me for money, claiming continuous losses and needing to cover rent and wages for the workers.”
Sophie helped Helen to her feet. “Let’s get some coffee and eat something. Have the accounting staff finish the rest of the calculations. Once they’re done, I’ll review them. Then, prepare your contract and get ready to go to Harmony Palace to reconcile the accounts with Jessica.”
Recently, Jessica had been staying at Harmony Palace. She hadn’t appeared when Sophie went to retrieve the Mystic Pearls yesterday. But as she was in charge of The Gilded Tower, she had to come out to settle the accounts.
“Can we even get anything out of her, considering we’re practically entering a tiger’s den?” Helen asked resentfully.
“Of course. What belongs to us must be reclaimed.”