Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
On this day, a sudden change occurred in the capital.
Albert York heard from a servant he sent to buy things that there had been some kind of commotion. He instructed the servant not to get involved or pay attention to any of it. His grandson was serving as the head archivist at Hell Monarch Estate, so they shouldn’t mix with anyone related to political affairs or even discuss them.
Of course, Albert didn’t believe the events would affect his family in any way. Since they started living in the capital, they followed a principle of caution in their words and actions to avoid causing trouble for Jacob.
After breakfast, Albert settled in the small courtyard to soak up the sun. As winter approached, the weather gradually turned colder, and sunny days became especially rare.
Jacob’s mother, Ethel, approached and spoke respectfully to her father??n??aw, “Father, I heard from Daisy that you didn’t eat much at breakfast. Are you unwell?”
“My appetite’s just a bit off. It’s nothing to worry about, Albert replied, opening his eyes. Noticing the his brow. “Another nightmare?”
weary expression on his daughter??n??aw’s face, e
“I’ve been dreaming about Jaina lately. I don’t know what’s going on,” Ethel replied, unable to hide her sadness
Albert sighed, knowing that his daughter??n??aw’s dreams weren’t as simple as she implied. They were nightmares filled with Jaina enduring various forms of torture??ne moment she was having her limbs severed, the next she was drowning, and then she was engulfed in flames.
“What you dream of reflects your waking thoughts. You’re too worried. Think positively. Perhaps she’s married now, raising children, and living a peaceful life,” said Albert.
Ethel opened her mouth, but hesitated. Seeing the sadness in her father??n??aw’s eyes, she realized he was only trying to comfort her and didn’t truly believe it either.
She nodded. “Yes, I should think positively. But the heavens were to show mercy and allow us to see her one more time, I would pay any price for it.”
Albert reassured, “Don’t dwell on it too much. Many things in life can’t be forced. If you don’t push too. hard, who knows? You might be surprised one day.”
In truth, everyone held on to their own obsessions. They found solace in comforting one another through their shared sorrow.
“Speaking of which, we must start making arrangements for Jacob’s marriage soon. It’s been delayed for so many years and he’s already turned thirty,” Albert added.
Ethel sighed helplessly. “Every time he comes home, I urge him to settle down but he never listens. He always says… He always says he needs to find his sister before he can start a family.”
“If he doesn’t marry and have children, how will our family’s legacy be carried on?” Albert lamented. Forget it. That child is stubborn and Impossible to persuade. I don’t want to force him into anything. Our family has suffered enough. Let him live as he pleases
Jaina’s heart sank. “What do you mean?”
Violet spoke in a low voice, “Our suspicions were correct. She arranged for those bandits. The trouble. your troupe was facing? That was her doing. She aimed to bring you to the capital and intended to hand you over to Lord Henry. But for some reason, she didn’t go through with it.”
“Oh my my god, it’s true,” Jaina said, her hands going cold. “What about Lucas? She didn’t take care of him, did she?”
“We sent someone to investigate. You hadn’t been gone long when Lucas was killed in his sleep. They slit his throat with a sword.”
Violet refrained from telling her Lucas had starved to death. That would be too brutal for Jaina to bear. Being killed in his sleep sounded less torturous.
It was what Violet, Sophie, and the others had discussed before. When they picked up Jaina after their operation during the Emberfest Festival, they would break the news to her gently. Lucas’ death would be hard for her to accept, but at least she would be reunited with her family, which could somewhat ease the pain of the loss.
After a long moment of stunned silence, Jaina trembled and finally asked, “Was it Grand Princess Eleanor?”
“She had someone else carry it out, but yes, it was her. She’s likely responsible for many deaths, and now, she’s been implicated in treason. Don’t be too upset. At least Lucas’ death has been avenged.”
Jaina buried her face in her hands and cried uncontrollably. “I’m such an idiot! How could I have been so stupid? She kept me locked away the entire time. How could I have believed she would treat Lucas well? It’s my fault he’s dead…”
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Violet loved happy reunions, but she dreaded the heart??renching pain of separation and death. Unsure how to comfort Jaina, she gently patted the latter’s back.
“Don’t cry. Life and death are fated. Lucas had suffered from illness for so long. Death may not be a good release, but at least he passed without prolonged suffering.”
At that moment, Violet truly wished Lucas had died peacefully in his sleep.
Initially, Jacob had suggested telling Jaina that Lucas had died of his illness. However, both Rafael and Sophie disagreed. Jaina had the right to know who was responsible for Lucas’ death.
Violet shared this sentiment. If someone had killed her mentor??ust hypothetically??he would want to know her enemy rather than remain blissfully unaware
As Jaina continued to cry sadly, Violet reassured, “Don’t be sad. I’m taking you to see Jacob, your grandfather, and your mother. Your father is on his way to the capital too. I’m sure Lucas’ spirit will be happy to see you reunited with your family.”
Even the thought of meeting her family didn’t ease Jaina’s sorrow. She had longed for this day since Violet mentioned that her brother was in the capital. She had been trying hard to recall memories from before she turned seven. She remembered several family members, including her grandparents, parents, and brother. Gradually, their faces began to materialize in her mind.
One memory stood out her mom hitting her palm with a yellow wooden ruler. It had hurt so much. But after each punishment, her mom would wipe away tears, and Jaina would playfully lean in, making faces to cheer the older woman up.
Suppressing the aching in her heart, Jaina used her handkerchief to dry her tears. She knew they had been searching for her for eighteen long years, and those years had been difficult. She couldn’t bear to make them cry anymore.
Yet, thinking of Lucas brought another wave of pain.
Anger flickered in her eyes as she asked, “Will Grand Princess Eleanor be executed?”
“She committed treason. Even if she doesn’t die, her life will be no different from death. It might be better if she died,” Violet replied.
As she fixed Jaina’s hair, Violet reassured, “Don’t worry, Evil deeds have a way of coming back around. Someone will avenge Lucas. You just need to be happy, and that will please him.”
Jaina’s tears spilled over again.
Violet gently wiped her face. “Don’t ever think it’s your fault Lucas is gone. Remember, it was Grand Princess Eleanor who caused his death. Don’t carry that burden. If you must hate someone, hate her, not yourself.”
After Violet’s somewhat irrational comfort, Jaina’s emotions stabilized slightly.
Upon arriving at Hell Monarch Estate, they stepped out of the carriage, and the gatekeeper informed them that Jacob was already inside.
Jaina instantly felt nervous. She gripped Violet’s hand tightly as she took a deep breath.
“Don’t be nervous. They’re waiting for you,” Violet encouraged, pulling her along as they entered.
Jaina followed; each step seemed heavier than the last, as if her feet were lead??illed. The moment they turned around the intricately carved partition screen, Jaina spotted an elderly man with white hair standing in the corridor. In front of him stood a young man, supporting a woman clad in a stone??lue dress.
When their eyes met, Jaina felt like she had been struck by thunder and froze in place.
The blurred images in Jaina’s mind began to take shape??er mother, a woman with a sharp tongue but a soft heart. The older woman had been young and beautiful, exuding an air of authority with each step she took.
Her grandfather had only a few gray strands in his hair when he was younger, and had sported a beard. Jaina remembered pulling at his beard as a child, when it was still black. He still had a beard now, but it had turned white.
And her brother… Was that really him? No??e resembled their father, who always carried himself seriously, yet had eyes filled with warmth and affection.
Tears streamed down her face, blurring her vision.