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When Sophie finally got up and dressed, Jacob approached her directly.
*His Highness returned just now and mentioned that the king plans to promote you to the commander of the Mystic Army. You’ll oversee the Capital Guard, the Garrison Unit, the Royal Guard, and the Crown Guard. However, I haven’t quite grasped the king’s intention behind this move.
Sophie could hardly believe it. “A real position with work and authority?”
“Yes!”
She was genuinely shocked. “There’s never been a precedent for a woman serving at court in our kingdom. Even when Freya distinguished herself in battle, she was only assigned to a guard unit. And while I technically hold the title of deputy commander, I’ve never been allowed to interfere with the Mystic Army’s affairs. It’s just a title for a bit of extra pay.”
There was a world of difference between women fighting on the battlefield and serving at court.
Sophie understood she would command not only the Mystic Army but also the Capital Guard, the Garrison Unit, the Royal Guard, and the Crown Guard. The latter was directly tied to the king. While they might feign respect, they would ultimately answer to her. This was a considerable amount of power.
“I don’t know why His Majesty would do this, but I suspect the official appointment will come after the court session. By the way, His Highness mentioned that His Majesty would personally issue a royal edict,” Jacob added.
Though Sophie found it strange, she realized she would accept the position if it truly materialized. While it was rare for women to serve at court during this era, precedents existed in previous ones.
The status of women in this era was rather low, a fact the queen dowager often lamented. So, when Freya became a female general, Victoria was overjoyed and praised her openly.
“Jacob, Raf has always been cautious, reserved, and yielding. The king sees this. He knows Raf is trying to maintain their brotherly bond as well as his loyalty as a subject. However, he also recognizes that Raf doesn’t have to be this submissive, even if he doesn’t rebel, Sophie said thoughtfully.
Jacob sighed. “The king is suspicious, His Highness doesn’t want to create any rifts between them as brothers, as he’s thinking about the bigger picture. If he didn’t, the court would descend into chaos. His Majesty wants to rely on the prince, but he also fears him, which is why there’s such a contradiction. Ultimately, it comes down to trust.”
“So, Raf’s constant concessions only serve to placote His Majesty on the surface. They don’t actually solve anything. In that case, I think it’s better to take decisive action. Whether he doubts or fears us, it won’t change anything.” Sophie replied.
Jacob’s eyes sparkled with a hint of realization. “Is that also how you feel, Your Grace?”
“Have you thought this way, Jacob?”
“His Highness has mentioned something similar to me before, Jacob admitted. “He said since there’s only Lord Ryan to inherit the Duke of Northwatch’s title and estate, we must protect him and help him grow. So, sometimes, it’s better to avoid unnecessary trouble. Plus…”
Jacob hesitated before continuing. “His Highness was worried you wouldn’t want to be dragged into the royal power struggles. He wanted to let you live a peaceful life. He believes you’ve endured too much unhappiness, and hopes for your future to be calm and steady.”
Sophie was momentarily taken aback, realizing Rafael had considered both her and Ryan in his thoughts. Until now, she had only thought Rafael wanted to preserve his brotherly bond with Salvador or keep his household out of the king’s constant suspicion.
A warm feeling surged within her. The thoughtfulness directed her way touched her deeply.
Initially, Sophie often felt that the Hell Monarch’s household was somewhat pathetic. No matter what they did, they first had to consider how Salvador would perceive it. It was hard to do anything.
Moreover, she had been preoccupied with her identity as the Hell Monarch’s princess consort. She was always mindful of her words and actions; so much so that she had nearly forgotten who she truly was. Sophie recalled saying that Blake felt like a part of a past life. Wasn’t her time in Meadow Ridge the same? The vibrant and spirited Sophie of Meadow Ridge felt like a ghost now.
Perhaps it was time to boldly pursue what she wanted in life. Life was too short to hold back.
“Jacob, I’ll have Violet bring Jaina here. After you meet her, take her home to see your grandfather and mother.”
Jacob’s eyes glistened with tears.
The day he had waited for a long time had finally arrived.
When Violet woke up, the first thing she heard was that Sophie was about to join court as an official.
Sophie would actually become the commander of the Mystic Army and oversee the Capital Guard, the Garrison Unit, the Royal Guard, and the Crown Guard.
Violet felt like she was in a dream. She gasped several times before rubbing her eyes and asking. “Are you really going to be a government dog?”
Sophie chuckled. “Are you talking about being a corrupt government official? Why can’t I be a good one?”
“Then, you must be a righteous official!” Violet propped herself up on her elbow, tapping her chin with her finger. “Alright, you can definitely be a righteous official.”
Sophie remembered the times they had ventured through the martial world together. Back then, like all martial artists, they looked down on local officials, especially those known for their corruption. Those officials were often referred to as “government dogs”.
Of course, they had also encountered righteous officials who were honest and stood up for the people- true parental figures for their communities. They held great respect for those individuals.
It was a pity their journey had lasted only a short time. They had been caught and brought back, and Everett had even locked Sophie up for half a month.
Thinking back on their Meadow Ridge adventures made Sophie’s smile brightly with nostalgia.
“You’re going to be an official, but you’re smiling so brilliantly,” Violet said, her eyes suddenly misting with emotion.
It had been long since she had seen Sophie smile like that.
“It’s not just because I’m going to be an official. It’s because I no longer have to adhere to the rigid expectations of being a virtuous woman, I can step out into the world. I feel much freer, there are so many things I can do now,” Sophie said, her eyes twinkling with delight.
Violet nodded. “That’s true. I felt so frustrated watching you interact with those noble ladies before. You were smiling without showing your teeth. I felt like prying your mouth open!”
Puzzled, she added, “But why does the king suddenly want to appoint you as an official? When you returned after your achievements, your popularity was at its peak. That would have been the right time to give you a real position. Bringing it up now means many ministers will likely oppose it. They won’t want a woman stepping into court.”
“The ministers’ opposition is something the king will have to worry about. As for why he chose to appoint me, I won’t waste my time pondering the reasons. I just need to step out and get closer to him. Only then will he clearly see that he doesn’t need to constantly be concerned or suspicious about the Hell Monarch’s household,” Sophie said.
Jacob had intended to urge Violet to hurry and fetch Jaina, but he was caught up in Sophie’s words. When he heard her say that, he realized her vision was far broader than he had imagined. She was the one without any worries.
Meanwhile, Rafael was preoccupied with the Duke of Northwatch’s household as well as the Devin family, and was constantly overthinking everything.
Violet chimed in, “Let’s celebrate tonight! I’ll get Jaina first. The Marquis of Grovehill’s household is probably in chaos right now, so no one will have time to look after her. I’m also worried she might try to go to Harmony Palace. She hasn’t even been told the truth about the so??alled life??aving grace Eleanor gave her.”
Jacob nodded. “Please hurry, Ms. Spencer,”
“I’m on it. Maybe you should bring your grandfather and mother here too, so they can see Jaina sooner. You haven’t told them yet, have you?” Violet asked.
“Not yet, but it’s probably a good idea. I’ll go get them right away,” Jacob replied, giving Violet a nod again, “Thank you for this. I’ll leave it to you to bring Jaina here, then.”
Violet smiled warmly. “It’s no trouble at all. Sophie and I both love a happy reunion. By the way, has your father arrived?”
“I’ve already sent someone to fetch him. Why don’t you hurry along, Ms. Spencer?” Jacob said, feeling a bead of sweat form as anxiety crept in.
Violet nodded, then turned to Sophie. I’ll celebrate with you when I return!”
With that, she dashed out like a whirlwind.
Jacob had arranged for a house in the capital, and had hired a few maids and servants to care for his grandfather and mother.
His grandfather was aging and in poor health. His mother had been heartbroken and distressed over her sister’s disappearance, which had taken a toll on her health. She had received care from Sebastian over the past couple years, which had helped her improve a little.