Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
He said, “Let’s follow Lady Sophie’s suggestion.”
The tall guard and maid exchanged a glance, apparently surprised at how smoothly things were going.
Moreover, it wasn’t the Hell Monarch himself who had spoken, but the Hell Monarch’s princess consort. It~ was clear that the young lady was addressing the Hell Monarch, and her charming behavior naturally attracted men but could annoy women.
So, Violet and Sophie got into the carriage.
The maid expressed countless thanks as she helped her young mistress into the carriage. When she attempted to board as well, Violet said coolly, “A maid doesn’t ride in the same carriage as her mistress. You will sit outside with the driver.”
The maid hesitated.
What kind of rule was that? In high society, if a young lady traveled alone, her maid was typically allowed to accompany her in the carriage. How could she attend to the young lady otherwise?
The maid protested, “My mistress is frail. I need to be inside to care for her.”
“There’s no room,” Violet said matter-of-factly. “If you’re needed, we’ll call for you. For now, just sit outside.”
The carriage was spacious enough for four people, but Violet’s decision was final.
“But-“
Sophie furrowed her brow. “Why are you arguing so much? If you don’t agree, unhitch the horses, and we’ll go on our way.”
The maid didn’t dare say anything more, and quietly replied, “I understand. Then, please take care of my mistress, my ladies.”
As the carriage set off, Rafael’s horse trailed on the right side of the carriage. Although he knew both Sophie and Violet had sufficient self-defense skills, he was still uneasy. Thomas was traveling in close proximity to the carriage. He focused on observing the maid, the guard, and the driver.
Even though a single woman might not warrant such vigilance, they were dealing with a prince and the general who had reclaimed the Southern Frontier.
It was better to be cautious.
As with the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team’s past years of experience, it was preferable to take extra precautions than to risk making a mistake.
As the carriage rolled along, the strong wind and intense sun made the heat almost unbearable. Despite the sweltering conditions, the maid showed no sign of discomfort. She seemed quite resilient. Typically, a maid attending closely to her mistress would be delicate and avoid heavy labor.
However, this one was different.
Wasn’t this little act of hers a bit disrespectful?
Thomas sighed and chose not to dwell on it further. They were accustomed to living on the edge, and such tricks were beneath their notice.
–
Inside the carriage, Carmen had removed her veil, revealing a face strikingly similar to Celeste’s-beautiful yet distinctly cool.
With the maid outside, she spoke softly, “Lady Sophie, please save my mother.”
Sophie responded gently, “But clearly, that wasn’t your only reason for stopping us.”
“You’re right.” Carmen shook her head, a hint of shame on her otherwise composed face. “My mother ordered me to ruin your relationship with the Hell Monarch.”
She half-knelt and bowed, her eyes filling with tears. “Please have mercy, Lady Sophie.”
“Why should I help you?” Sophie asked, her gaze steady.
She noted Carmen’s tears, but understood that they could be as much a tool for manipulation as a sign of genuine sorrow.
Carmen lowered her voice and said, “I can offer you a trade. What I know—“
Suddenly, Sophie pulled her to sit beside her. Carmen froze for a moment before quickly putting her veil back on.
At that moment, the maid lifted the curtain and peered inside. Then, she asked, “My lady, are you feeling better?”
Carmen replied, “I’m much better now.”
The maid glanced briefly, and then let the curtain fall back into place.
Sophie exchanged a look with Violet, trying to gauge the truthfulness of Carmen’s claims.
With little conversation to go on, they couldn’t yet make a judgment. Regardless of whether Carmen’s story was true or false, Sophie and Violet needed to discuss it further and find an opportunity. That evening, they stayed at an inn. After dinner, Sophie deliberately instructed Dylan, “Go and find out where we can buy more horses.”
Dylan nodded and left.
The maid and the guard exchanged a glance before asking, “Do you not wish to travel with us, madam?”
Sophie replied, “For your mistress’ sake, it wouldn’t be appropriate. Our group is mostly men, and traveling together might harm her reputation since she’s still unmarried.”
The maid became anxious, and said, “It doesn’t matter. You are all good people, and with so many of you, it would be safer for her to travel with you. There’s safety in numbers.” “You have your own guard, don’t you?” Sophie countered. “Moreover, we’ll be traveling not too far apart even if we separate. We can still keep an eye on each other if needed.”
The maid couldn’t refute this point. However, she seemed increasingly distressed and repeatedly glanced at Carmen.
Carmen gracefully nodded, and said, “Lady Devin understand it’s an inconvenience. However, with the long journey ahead, having you with us would ease my mind. Besides, the cost of horses is quite high, and my funds are running low. might not be able to afford them.”
Sophie frowned and asked, “I see. Which family do you come from? If we know them, we might be able to lend you the money for the horses. You can repay us when we reach the capital.” Before Carmen could respond, the maid had already bowed and answered, “My mistress is from the Lester family. We live at the eighth house on Petal Alley, and the family runs a business.
“My mistress was visiting some relatives, and she initially had a male relative accompanying her.
Unfortunately, he was injured in a fall from his horse and had to stay behind to recover, so we had no choice but to hire a guard for this journey. However, we have encountered many difficulties along the way and are afraid of facing more troubles. That’s why we earnestly request your kindness to allow us to travel together.”
Sophie noted how the maid’s movement was smooth and decisive, with no hint of fear. She didn’t seem like a typical maid from a wealthy family. She was more like a seasoned attendant from a noble household.
Carmen had already revealed her identity, but the maid claimed she was from the Lester family and was the daughter of a merchant in the capital.
If this wasn’t a deliberate slip-up, it seemed Carmen truly intended to betray Eleanor.
Sophie pretended to discuss the matter quietly with Rafael. They spoke in hushed tones, inaudible to others. As the maid and the guard couldn’t hear anything despite straining to listen, their anxiety was palpable.
After a considerable pause, Rafael finally nodded.
“Alright then, we’ll head to the capital together,” said Sophie.
The maid sighed in relief. “Thank you, Lady Devin. You are truly a saint.”