Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Once everyone else was gone, Blake called in the Crown Guard. Established during the previous king’s reign, the Crown Guard was divided into two units??he Regal Crown Guard and the Sovereign Sentinel. Although their numbers were small, they were all elite.
Blake spotted a familiar face??van. He knew Ivan was a second??ank guard and a member of the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team, and he was also Thomas’ cousin.
Glancing at his notes to see where everyone was stationed, Blake learned that Ivan had been assigned to the Regal Crown Guard unit. Wanting to promote him, Blake decided to transfer him to the Sovereign Sentinel unit, where he would be allowed to carry a sword.
As for the others, they would continue their duties without any immediate changes.
Blake felt a mix of anxiety and responsibility in this new role. Salvador had high hopes for him, but that also meant he had to follow Sophie’s lead. If she decided to make things difficult for him, doing his job would become a challenge. She hadn’t openly challenged him yet, but her lack of warmth unsettled him.
He considered talking to Sophie, hoping to clarify that there was a line between public duty and personal matters. If she still held a grudge against him, he would be willing to apologize.
Reflecting on their past, especially the time of their divorce, he recalled telling Solomon that he hoped she wouldn’t have regrets. Now, looking back, he couldn’t help but find it absurd.
Who was the one truly regretting things now?
Since Blake had just taken office, he needed to work longer hours. He often personally inspected various parts of the palace, except for the inner court.
When he wasn’t on patrol, he could be found waiting by the door of the royal study or back at the Central Command Office, ready to submit his logs when the shifts changed,
The guards on duty were required to record their findings after each patrol. They needed to note down if they found any irregularities. If everything was normal, they also still had to document that. Blake was free to leave the palace at five in the evening, but he often didn’t depart until nearly seven.
As he was leaving, he unexpectedly ran into Yuvan. Blake knew the prince typically entered the palace early in the morning and left before closing time, so it struck him as odd that Yuvan was leaving so early today.
“Your Highness,” Blake greeted, bowing slightly.
Yuvan smiled back at him. “I haven’t had a chance to congratulate you on your promotion, General Jaffe. I’ve always believed you were capable. Previously, your talents were simply overlooked, I wish you continued success in the future.”
Blake felt a bit overwhelmed by the praise. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
With his hands clasped behind his back, Yuvan continued, “When you have some free time, come to Edgeview Estate with your wife for a visit. My wife isn’t familiar with the capital, and if your wife has time to show her around, I know she would appreciate it.”
“I’m grateful for your kindness, but my wife is currently pregnant, so it may not be convenient for her to travel,” Blake replied.
“Of course. Then, why not come by the estate for a chat? We could catch up,” Yuvan suggested with a cheerful smile. “What a joyful time for you! A promotion and a soon??o??e dad! I’d like to congratulate you once again.”
Blake found Yuvan to be quite amiable, but he wondered if the prince’s friendliness was a bit excessive. Not daring to say anything about it, Blake simply thanked him and shifted the topic. “Why are you leaving the palace so early today, Your Highness?”
Yuvan stretched a bit and casually replied, “My mom has taken her medicine and is resting, so I thought I’d leave early. I’m feeling a bit tired today. Otherwise, I would’ve invited you to the estate for a drink. I know you’ve made significant contributions at Victory Pass and the Southern Frontier.”
The mention of Victory Pass sent a shiver down Blake’s spine. “I will surely visit the next time I get the chance.”
Yuvan smiled but didn’t say anything further.
Once they exited the palace, the two men rode the same path for a while before parting ways. Not far behind them, Sophie trailed, catching snippets of their conversation, mostly centered around Yuvan praising Blake.
Blake’s expression was a mix of surprise and caution. While he wasn’t foolish, the approval from someone in a high position flattered him.
Upon returning home, Sophie shared the news with Rafael.
Afterward, she quickly clarified, “Just to be clear, I’m only concerned because he’s my subordinate and now serves as the Crown Guard’s commander by His Majesty’s side. That’s why I’m nervous… Wait, I’m not nervous. I mean, that’s why I paid attention to these things.”
Rafael chuckled and pinched her cheek lightly. “No need to explain. Do you think I’m that petty? You should be cautious about anyone who gets too close to Yuvan now. You’re doing the right thing.”
Sophie linked her arm with his. “I was just worried you might misunderstand. I know you’re not petty at all.
Rafael removed his outer cloak and handed it to Sydney before pulling Sophie down to sit beside him. “I hear you’re planning to assess the Royal Guard. Are you thinking of getting involved personally?”
“Word travels fast. Did Michael tell you?”
“He did. Is it because Alistair challenged you?”
Sophie laughed lightly. “Not entirely. Since taking office, I’ve been busy with the treason case and haven’t had a chance to conduct any assessments. The Civil Department evaluation is coming up at the end of the year, and as their superior, I have to write their performance reviews. This assessment won’t just be for the Royal Guard. The Garrison Unit, the Capital Guard, and the Crown Guard will be included as well.” “Surely the assessment won’t be limited to just martial skills?” Rafael asked.
Sophie knocked her fists together, a rare, playful sparkle in her eyes.
“Not strictly, but martial skills will definitely be the priority. Alistair shouldn’t be too much of a problem; he used to manage the entire Royal Guard himself. But now, there’s a new commander over him, so he’s bound to feel some resentment. I need him to adjust to having a superior. If he’s not on board, the Royal Guard won’t be either. If there’s a real emergency and I can’t mobilize them, it could lead to disaster.”
Rafael chuckled. “Oh, sounds like someone’s about to get a beating.”
On the day of the assessment, Sophie ordered that all leaders of the Mystic Army, even if they were just captains, had to be present unless they were on duty.
At first, Alistair thought this was a direct dig at him. After a long rant about Sophie to his wife, he finally stepped out the door.
Women could be so petty! With someone as small??inded as Sophie in charge of the Mystic Army, who knew how many troubles were going to arise in the future?
When he arrived at the Capital Guard headquarters, he quickly learned that the day’s assessment wasn’t just about him??t was tied directly to the Civil Department’s evaluations.
That realization made him nervous.
He had offended Sophie. If he performed poorly today, he could face penalties like a salary deduction or even a demotion. If he had known, he would have prayed more before leaving the house and sought blessings from his ancestors.
Blake was also there, but he wasn’t participating in the assessment since he had just taken office and wasn’t required to undergo evaluation yet. Having witnessed Sophie’s skills on the Southern Frontier battlefield, Blake knew that Alistair stood no chance against her. Alistair could only hope to survive a few exchanges.
Sophie wasn’t in her official uniform today. Instead, she wore a blue brocade attire and a crown, exuding a scholarly air instead of an authoritative one.
Standing on the stone steps of the training grounds, she called out, “I will personally assess you today. Feel free to show me everything you’ve got. The deputy commanders must last at least 50 exchanges under my hand. If you can’t, you’ll all face special training. The other captains need to last 20 exchanges, and if you can’t manage that, you’ll face special training as well.”
Her voice echoed clearly in everyone’s ears. Some people laughed, while others furrowed their brows. Those laughing clearly had never witnessed Sophie’s martial prowess, while those frowning included Alistair, Blake, and a few other deputy commanders.
Lasting fifty exchanges against her was impossible.
In other words, attending this special training was unavoidable.
“I’ve also arranged for your special training instructor,” Sophie said, casting a cold glance over the crowd. Once everyone fell silent, she called out for Violet.
When everyone turned, they were surprised to see a beautiful woman in red.
She was here to be their special training master? A woman?
Violet gestured for a chair to be brought out to the front. With a graceful sweep of her feet, she settled into the seat, her posture casual yet haughty.
She scoffed inwardly. She was here to accept apprentices today.