Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Sophie tilted her head slightly, a smile blooming on her face. “Perhaps the king just had a fleeting idea and will come up with an excuse to dismiss me in a few days.”
Rafael shook his head. “Mr. Walker personally came to deliver the royal edict. Did he say anything to you?”
Sophie relayed Derek’s words to Rafael nearly verbatim, then shared her thoughts, “I feel like overthinking is pointless. No matter what we do, the king will always suspect us. So, we might as well do what we believe is right without being overly cautious. I heard from Jacob that you’ve been holding back because of the Devin family and Ryan, but there’s no need to
Rafael gently pressed a finger to her lips to silence her “It’s not just that. There are many other reasons. But if you enjoy this position, that puts me at ease. Just go ahead and do your job. In fact, doing nothing or hesitating will only make the king more suspicious. It’s better to be proactive.”
Sophie smiled. “Yes, that’s my plan.”
Rafael took her hand and sat down with her. “The Supreme Court is short??taffed. Tomorrow, I’ll ask the king to borrow some people from the Capital Guard to help out, but I can’t be sure he’ll allow us to work together on this treason case. If he doesn’t grant permission, it might be possible to enlist the assistance the Royal Citadel.”
“Right, you can ask him first. Once I’m appointed tomorrow after entering the palace, I’ll take it from there, “Sophie assured, then asked, “You haven’t told me yet??id you manage to interrogate anyone?”
“I questioned a few. We got to talk to Uncle Henry, but he didn’t reveal much.” Suddenly recalling something, Rafael added, “I also interrogated a physician from Harmony Palace. He said Celeste seduced him and instructed him to tamper with Melanie Lester’s medicine, and that she had intended for her to die. Do you think we should inform Carmen about this?”
Sophie was taken aback. “Why would Celeste do that? That’s her mom! Wasn’t she under Grand Princess Eleanor’s control because her mom was in the dungeon? Was she trying to kill her mom to gain her freedom? But that doesn’t make sense. If she didn’t care about her mom, why would she carry out Grand Princess Eleanor’s orders?”
“I don’t know her motives,” Rafael replied. “But that’s not the focus of our investigation. I just thought it was important to mention since I know you and Violet are in contact with Carmen. If the evidence is solid, Celeste could be charged with matricide, and we’d need to apprehend her. But she’s already made a run for it.”
“Claire and the others might know where Celeste is, but I doubt they’re tracking her. After such a big case, they’re likely on standby in the capital,” Sophie said.
“I came back specifically to have them keep an eye on Yuvan’s residence in the capital, Edgeview Estate, as well as on Hartstone Estate. While they probably won’t dare make any moves right now, the production and transportation of those weapons involve a lot of people. Plus, the dungeon wasn’t full, so they are likely still working on getting more. Since Aunt Eleanor has fallen, Uncle Yuvan or Uncle Harvey will have to take over. We need to monitor them closely,” Rafael replied.
“Got it. I’ll talk to Violet about it later,” Sophie promised.
Rafael ordered someone to bring water so he could wash his face and change his undershirt. He still had some time to nap
Jacob was aware of Rafael’s return and had intended to ask him about the case. However, he heard that the prince was resting and would be heading back to the Supreme Court soon. So, Jacob decided to wait and return to the Supreme Court with him.
As the head archivist of a royal residence, Jacob wasn’t part of the Supreme Court, but could offer advice to the prince. With Sophie now holding an official position, the burden of running Hell Monarch Estate would fall to Luke and Lily. Fortunately, Kyle had been around lately, so he could assist with various matters.
Rafael quickly drifted off on the couch. Though he wasn’t particularly tired, he knew that getting a good rest would be a luxury before the case was resolved. Having trained himself on the battlefield to fall asleep at any moment, his body relaxed instantly
About an hour later, Rafael woke up to find Jacob waiting outside
“Lily prepared some snacks for you. Take them back with you and eat some if you get hungry,” said Sophie as she helped her husband into his official attire
“Okay.” Rafael rinsed his mouth with water before giving her a quick kiss. “I’m off now. I probably won’t be back for dinner tomorrow. Get some sleep. Your audience with the king tomorrow is also important.”
“Got it.” Sophie saw Rafael off from the garden, then noticed Jacob waiting with a lantern. “You two hurry along now.”
Lulu handed over the snacks, bowing slightly. “Take care, Your Highness.”
Rafael accepted it and glanced back at Sophie before leaving with Jacob.
Sophie turned back to Lulu. “You should get some sleep too. I’ll be up early tomorrow. You don’t need to wake up to attend to me, Sydney will come by.
“It’s no trouble for me. Tomorrow is your first day in your new position. I want to be up early,” Lulu replied happily.
Sophie laughed. “Go to bed already, you silly girl.”
Before dawn had fully broken the following day, Sophie rose. Sure enough, Lulu came in, her eyes heavy with dark circles. Sydney and Qiana had gone to bed earlier than them so they prepared breakfast.
After Sophie washed up, she put on her official uniform for the first time. When it had arrived, she hadn’t tried it on. While it felt slightly loose, it fit reasonably well once she tightened the waistband.
Sydney helped Sophie tie her hair and turned to inspect her with a smile. “You look truly impressive, Your Grace. If we didn’t know better, we might think a handsome young man had just walked in.”
“How grand!” Lulu chimed in excitedly. “My lady is the commander of the Mystic Army, and she oversees tens of thousands of soldiers!”
Sophie playfully tapped Lulu’s nose. “Look at you, all giddy. What, did you think I wasn’t capable just because I wasn’t a court official before this?”
Lulu grinned. “Of course not! Who can deny how capable you are? You’re a princess consort now, so how could you not be? But being a princess consort is different. As long as the prince loves you, you can be a princess consort. But to hold an official position requires real skill, and you’ve got plenty of that!”
“Who are you talking about that has real skill?” Violet quipped, entering the room with a smile.
Violet’s eyes widened with astonishment. “Oh my! Let me take a good look at this honored person! Where are you off to, Your Excellency? Can I come along?”
Sophie playfully punched her friend’s shoulder. “You showed up just in time. There’s something I can’t do without you.
“Whatever you command, Your Excellency, I shall carry it out,” Violet replied teasingly as she curtsied.
Sophie rolled her eyes. “Can’t you speak normally? Do I need to give you a beating?”
Pulling out a handkerchief and waving it toward her friend’s face, Violet’s tone remained exaggeratedly sweet as she quipped, “Oh dear, you’re being so rude!”
Sophie grabbed Violet by the shoulders and tossed her over her shoulder.
She landed nimbly on her feet, flipping over with a laugh. “Now, now. What’s with the violence?”
Everyone burst into laughter, and Sydney remarked, “You’re just delightful, Ms. Spencer. It’s no wonder Lady Helen adores you so much.”
“Of course! Lady Helen loves me more than she loves herself,” Violet boasted with a haughty air, reminding everyone of Helen.
Sophie shot her an annoyed look. “Can we focus on the important stuff? I need to head out soon.”
Violet composed herself. “Alright. Everyone, step out for a moment. I need to discuss something serious with Her Excellency.”
The others stifled their laughter as they filed out of the room
Once everyone was gone, Sophie turned back with a beaming smile and asked, “So, do I look good?”
“I knew you’d be vain about this! You’re probably thrilled, aren’t you?” Violet grinned. “You look amazing- regal and full of spirit!”
Sophie studied her reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing herself. “I really do look good, don’t I?” Violet cupped her friends cheeks, practically bouncing with excitement. “Sophie, you’re truly remarkable! You’ve set a precedent for women in power! You bring glory to all the people in Meadow Ridgel Sophie couldn’t help but smile, though she tried to suppress it. “I never actually thought they’d give me a real position. To be honest, when the royal edict and appointment letter arrived yesterday, I didn’t feel much. But the moment I put on this uniform, I suddenly felt the weight on my shoulders. Yeah… I’ve got responsibilities now.”
Her expression gradually grew serious. She understood that this role as a commander wasn’t going to be easy, but she couldn’t afford to bring shame to her family.
Violet took Sophie’s hand. “Don’t worry about anything else. Focus on your duties. I’ll stay at the estate. When you need us, Rod and I will be here for you. Should I also ask Bun and Thia to come over? Alana and Leah are in the capital too??ust let us know if anything comes up.”
Sophie shook her head. “No need to get them to come here, at least not for now. I’m worried the king only wants m me to help with this case and will dismiss me once it’s solved. No point in making them travel here for nothing. Besides, you and Claire are around to help.
“Have Claire keep an eye on Hartstone Estate and Edgeview Estate. Both Raf and I think they’re still forging weapons. If they can’t transport them, they’ll likely try to destroy or hide them. We need to figure out where these weapons and armor are being forged. The Supreme Court will investigate too, but Raf suspects the people making them might make contact with Prince Yuvan.”