Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
“Be careful. Bring along several skilled fighters and disguise yourselves as civilians to gather information. If you can’t rescue him, do not be reckless, understood?”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
Salvador added, “Also, Patrick has gone to Brightmoor District to investigate the case of the family that was annihilated. We now have some clues about the true culprits, so you need not worry about that matter. Don’t let it distract you.”
Rafael nodded slightly.
Salvador continued, “And about Leona, I also don’t wish to interfere too much in the affairs of my ministers’ families. Have Sophie take good care of her. I truly hope that Uncle Harvey…” Salvador trailed off, shaking his head.
He knew all too well what Harvey’s intentions were. The older man wanted to remain in the capital, not out of devotion towards his mother, Megan, but because he was unwilling to leave the wealth and privilege of the capital.
Harvey’s inherent weakness, combined with his scheming nature, was evident. Despite Megan’s old age, he hadn’t even taken her out of the palace to live elsewhere, leaving her with a few other elderly vers concubines. His so-called devotion was merely a facade, and his supposed love for his children was tainted with both cowardice and cunning.
“You don’t have to worry, Your Majesty. Sophie has sent people to look after Leona. With you having reprimanded the Earl of Gracehold today, they should no longer neglect Leona However, Samuel has indeed disrespected his primary wife, and he is not someone who should be trusted with any significant responsibilities,” Rafael said.
Salvador’s eyes were filled with disgust. “I’m well aware of that. I’ll allow him to keep his title, but he’ll never serve in court again. He has now lost the chance to inherit the title of the Earl of Gracehold. Astor selecting a new heir, let the Earl of Gracehold’s family be in chaos for a while. Let them create trouble elsewhere, as long as it does not harm Leona.”
“Your considerations are thoughtful, Your Majesty.”
“Have you heard about that courtesan from a brothel, who’s supposedly the daughter of one of the concubines in Aunt Eleanor’s household?” Salvador asked, looking at his brother. “Yes, I’ve heard about it.”
In fact, it was Winona who had uncovered the information.
Salvador mused, “What do you think our aunt is trying to achieve? A daughter from a grand princess’ household was sent to a brothel and then into a noble family. Was the Earl of Gracehold’s family the only one affected? Or are there other households involved, perhaps under different pretenses?”
Salvador valued family loyalty, but was also deeply suspicious. He had a talent for connecting even the smallest hints into a web of possibilities.
“You might consider sending someone to investigate further. Your Majesty,” Rafael suggested.
Salvador smiled. “It’s not a pressing issue. You may go about your duties.”
“I will take my leave.” Rafael saluted and withdrew.
At Hell Monarch Estate, Sophie was helping Rafael pack his belongings, her expression marked by a hint of worry.
“Why don’t I go with you? I’m not comfortable with you going alone.”
“I won’t be alone. I’ll have Dylan and Jacob with me. You should stay behind to handle Kiera’s wedding arrangements. Besides, Ryan will be going to the academy soon.” “How is Jacob’s martial prowess?”
Sophie wasn’t very familiar with Jacob. Although he was an important figure in the estate, he often seemed rather inconspicuous.
“He’s average in skill but sharp-witted.”
Hearing that, Sophie was still uneasy, considering the dangers of infiltrating the Sandorian border city.
“Then, perhaps Violet should go with you?”
Rafael embraced Sophie, kissing her forehead. Her concern genuinely pleased him.
“No need. I’ve invited my master to accompany me.”
“Sage Everett is going with you? That’s good.”
Everett was highly skilled and elusive. Even when he was far away, he seemed to appear out of nowhere whenever needed, as if he were omnipresent.
“Yeah, don’t worry. I’ll rescue Septimus.”
Rafael placed another tender kiss on his wife’s cheek, feeling reluctant at the thought of being apart for at least a month.
“His name is Septimus Tetra?” Sophie asked.
“That’s right. He sent us intelligence while mingling with the Sandorian supply convoy headed to the Southern Frontier. The fact that Westhaven soldiers had disguised themselves as Sandorian troops was verified through him.
“After we reclaimed the Southern Frontier and returned to the capital, Louis took over coordinating with him. The plan was for him to stay in Sandoria for a year and only return once we were certain there would be no more conflict,” Rafael explained.
“Septimus Tetra… Septimus Tetra,” Sophie repeated. “Is that a codename?”
“No, it’s his actual name. His surname is a little unusual, I know,”
Rafael said, then paused thoughtfully. “A codename? In another language, Septimus means seven, while Tetra means for
Wait… seven plus four is eleven…”
As Sophie pushed him away gently, their eyes met, and an unlikely thought emerged in both their minds.
Almost simultaneously, they exclaimed, “The Farrell family’s eleventh son, Thomas Farrell!”
Rafael’s heartbeat quickened. “Is that possible?”
But why not?
He had heard Timothy mention Thomas several times while on the Southern Frontier battlefield. Thomas had been young and brave-if he hadn’t died on the battlefield, he would have surely been a commanding figure by now.
Timothy had both cherished and respected his cousin.
Rafael recalled, “General Farrell once said that the battle was fierce and chaotic. The Sandorian soldiers launched a surprise night attack and set fire to the camp, resulting in heavy casualties. The soldiers remains were buried in a large pit, many burned beyond recognition.
“Timothy sawThomas fighting fiercely against the enemy in the firelight. Thomas was eventually injured and kicked back into the flames, but the battle was so chaotic that Timothy couldn’t look for him.” Sophie mused, “If Thomas was injured and kicked back into the fire, he might have crawled out unnoticed by Timothy and been captured.”
Rafael nodded solemnly. “That’s a possibility.”
Sophie remembered Thomas’ mother, Alice. Since her son’s death, she had been reclusive. She had attended Helen’s birthday banquet, but seeing her former daughter-in-law, Viola, had been a significant blow.
If Septimus was indeed Thomas, then…
It was unfortunate that he had now been captured by the Sandorian forces and was likely being tortured. Sophie hoped Oliver could stall the negotiations long enough to at least give Thomas a chance to be rescued.
“I hope he remains unharmed. Whether or not he is Thomas, he has contributed greatly to the reclaiming of the Southern Frontier. He must safely return to Starhaven,” she said, her heart aching for him.
On the battlefield, anything could happen, but those who survived the direst situations were few and far between.
“I won’t wait any longer. I’ll leave the city tonight. There could be unforeseen developments,” Rafael declared.