Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Zoey arrived ahead of the Valor Estate party, accompanied by her maid and servants.
As she entered, she first greeted Helen. Upon seeing Yuvan’s family present, Zoey’s face paled. This was a significant blunder.
Guided by Lulu, Zoey stepped into the side hall and immediately offered her apologies to Sophie. “Lady Sophie, please forgive me. Viola’s reckless behavior has offended both you and Lady Helen. I sincerely apologize on her behalf.”
Sophie waved her hand dismissively. “Mrs. Prince, you’ve arrived at the right time. Please take her back with you. I’ve sent someone to Valor Estate, but I doubt anyone will come to Hell Monarch Estate from there now. It’s best if you handle it.” Viola raised her tear-streaked eyes to look at Zoey, who shot her a cold glare before turning back to Sophie. “Of course, I’ll take her back now. I’ll come to apologize in person another day.”
Zoey stepped up to Viola, her expression icy. “Are you going to walk back on your own, or do I need to have someone escort you?”
Viola glanced at the burly servant standing behind Zoey. Despite Viola’s indignation, she knew she had no choice but to stand up and follow.
Sophie said coolly, “This can’t happen again. I won’t be so lenient if it does.”
Viola turned back, wanting to say something to salvage her dignity. But under Sophie’s frosty gaze, the words died in her throat. When Zoey pushed her slightly, she stalked off in frustration.
Once they were outside, Zoey turned back to Sophie and bowed. “Lady Sophie, I truly apologize…”
“You were the one who did it, didn’t you?” Sophie interrupted her. “You informed Thomas about her and Silas, right?”
Zoey nodded. “Yes, Your Grace. I’m sorry for dragging you into this.”
Sophie understood Zoey’s character, but hearing her admit it still impressed her. It took a strong sense of justice to separate personal ties from principle. Dealing with a sister-in-law like Viola was no small challenge.
“It’s fine. We’ll have coffee together another day. For now, take her back. Our estate enforces strict rules. The people in Hell Monarch Estate won’t leak any of today’s events. But there were guests in the main hall when she arrived. You noticed that too, right?” Zoey felt utterly exhausted. She never imagined Viola would suspect Sophie, or dare to burst into the royal residence like this.
“I truly have no idea why she thought you were the one who said anything, Your Grace. It’s completely unfounded. Ultimately, it’s still my fault for not managing the aftermath properly.”
Sophie explained, “The other day when she went to Arcane Sanctum, she saw Silas and me together. It’s likely she suspects that Silas informed me, and then I told
Thomas. This isn’t your faultel
Prince. You didn’t know we had that chance encounter at Arcane
Sanctum.”
“Now it makes sense,” Zoey sighed, her composure slipping as fatigue and helplessness surfaced on her face. “Of course, she’s always been a bit brainless—just because she can think of something doesn’t mean she can actually do it. I’m truly sorry techave involved you, Your Grace.”
“That’s enough formalities. You should take her back now.” Sophie understood the weight of Zoey’s exhaustion. She had once managed a troubled household like the Jaffe family, and knew how frustrating it could be to deal with unreasonable people.
“By the way,” Sophie recalled, needing to give one last piece of advice, “Prince Yuvan’s family is outside. They’ve witnessed today’s events, but they didn’t actually hear anything. If anyone tries to use this situation to get close to you or for any other purpose… Well, to your discretion to handle.”
leave it
“Thank you for the warning, Your Grace. I’ll take my leave now.” Zoey nodded, and exited.
As she stepped outside, Zoey felt there was more to Sophie’s words than met the eye.
What did she mean? If Yuvan and his family hadn’t noticed anything amiss and were merely there for the spectacle, why would they come calling?
Still, Zoey tucked that thought away, knowing it was wise to be cautious. Some things were better to prepare for, whether they were anticipated or not.
As soon as Zoey left, Violet entered the room.
Sophie rubbed her temples. “Aren’t you supposed to be out in the gardens with Lady Fiona?”
“I couldn’t care less about her,” Violet replied as she took a seat, her expression tense. “I had Lily and a few maids accompany her. She’s not getting away from Lily’s watchful eye.” Violet then turned her gaze to Sophie. “So, what was that crazy woman doing here?” Sophie glanced outside to ensure no one was eavesdropping before recounting Viola’s ridiculous antics.
By the time she finished, Violet was livid, her temper flaring. “She’s carrying Blake’s child and still wants to cling to my godbrother? How shameless can she be?! Thankfully, her sister-in-law is sensible. If not, my god brother might have felt guilty enough to take her in!” “Calm down. There’s no need to shout. Your godbrother knows the truth now, and will steer clear of Viola,” Sophie reassured her.
“I’ve never seen someone so shameless,” Violet huffed. “And there’s another shameless one sitting outside. I can’t stand the sight of her!”
Sophie knew Violet was referring to Molly. “That’s her choice. Don’t let it get to you. We just need to focus on our own lives.”
“My cousin isn’t foolish. Can’t she see Yuvan’s intentions?” Violet asked, crossing her arms.
“Maybe she sees them all too clearly, which is why she’s so eager to marry him,” Sophie suggested.
Violet widened her eyes in disbelief. “That can’t be!”
“Who knows? Come on, you’re still cousins, after all. Go out and face her. Once they settle down in the capital, we’ll see them often. Besides, let’s wait and hear what gossip circulates in a few days. They’ll likely be singing praises for our family, especially since Prince Yuvan came to visit Raf. Do you think the king will be pleased to hear all this?”
Violet nodded, her expression contemplative. “No wonder they came here. After their exhausting journey back from the fief, they didn’t even bother to settle in first before rushing to Hell Monarch Estate.”
“By the way, has Carmen sent someone to invite them?” Sophie inquired.
“Yes, she has. They should be arriving soon,” Violet replied.
“Good. Let her make an appearance in front of Prince Yuvan to show that our relationship is still solid. We’ll see how things unfold from there.”
Violet followed Sophie as they headed out. “Has Prince Rafael looked into it?”
Sophie nodded. “We’ve done our research. Carmen is generally trustworthy, but that’s beside the point. We can’t fully rely on her in this kind of arrangement. She won’t completely trust us, either. We’ll both keep our cards close to our chests.”
Violet nodded in understanding. Just as they stepped outside, they saw Carmen enter, accompanied by Greta.
“Greetings, Lady Sophie, Ms. Spencer,” Carmen greeted respectfully.
Sophie inclined her head slightly. “You’re here.”
“Yes, Ms. Spencer asked me to come,” Carmen replied.
Violet interjected, “That’s right, I invited her. The other day, I saw her blend dancing with swordsmanship, and I thought it was beautiful. So, I wanted to ask her to teach me a few moves. Ms. Lester, let’s go this way.” Greta tried to follow, but Sophie stopped her and asked, “Is your mistress getting married soon?”
“My mistress is not getting married soon and has not been betrothed either, Your Grace,” Greta answered.
Sophie frowned slightly. “Alright. You’re dismissed.”
“Understood, Your Grace.” Greta retreated a couple of steps before turning to rejoin Violet and Carmen, a smug smile creeping onto her face. It seemed the Hell Monarch must have mentioned Carmen Otherwise, the Hell Monarch’s princess consort wouldn’t have asked about her.
Fiona happened to be in the back courtyard and spotted Carmen and Violet walking together, engrossed in a lively discussion about swordsmanship and dance.
Seeing this, Fiona smiled softly and said to Lily beside her, “I’m feeling a bit tired. I think I’ll head back to rest. It’s probably about time for Prince Yuvan and Lady Molly to return home as well.”