Filed to story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Violet shot Jacob an exasperated look. “We were having a perfectly good meal. Why make it so exhausting? I’ve returned all the literature knowledge I’ve learned to the teacher, so I’m done with the brain work for now”
Jacob raised his glass. “It’s my fault. I’ll take three drinks as punishment.”
Rafael shot him a warning glance. “Drink less. Your dad is in the capital now and your family is finally reunited, so you should hold back a bit.”
“Of course, I’ll drink less,” Jacob replied cheerfully. “Ever since I returned, my grandfather and mom have been feeling much better. With my dad back in the capital and the family together, I’ve been well??ehaved and have spent every day with them. Everyone is always smiling, which really puts my mind at ease.”
Jacob had never been a heavy drinker, but he enjoyed his share, especially in the evenings, when he would often have a couple of drinks to help him sleep. The worries that had hung over him for so long had made it hard to rest, but now that the family was together, he figured it was time to drink a little less.
As they neared the end of the meal, Rafael asked Travis, “Any news from the surveillance on Hartstone
Estate?”
Travis had people keeping an eye on Hartstone Estate and was quick to respond, “There hasn’t been much movement. They’re basically staying indoors.”
Kyle added, “Harvey is shrewd and cunning, probably far more so than Yuvan. He knows how to bide his time, while Yuvan is the restless one. Yuvan has the advantage of having someone like Wayne around to keep him in check. Otherwise, he would have already messed up.”
“That’s true. By the way, how is Liam doing these days? Rafael inquired.
“The medicine has been delivered, but we haven’t heard back yet on whether it’s effective,” Jacob said.
Kyle, who usually stayed out of political affairs, chimed in, “The situation in Westhaven is complicated right now. Crown Prince Edmund is acting as regent, but their king hasn’t passed yet. Half the old officials in the court oppose Edmund’s aggressive policies Even though Edmund was close with the late crown prince, Arthur, he completely disagreed with his methods. Liam was once a fervent supporter of Arthur, so I’m afraid the situation won’t improve even if he survives.”
The old king sure has a strong will to live.” Violet remarked. “He’s been on the brink of death for ages. What’s keeping him alive and clinging to life?”
Kyle replied, “It’s certainly the chaos in the country. Arthur had the support of the people, and the transition between the old king and the crown prince was almost complete. Now, with the late crown prince gone and a new one in place, the court is mostly filled with Arthur’s supporters Edmund doesn’t even have Liam backing him, and nobody thinks highly of him. It’s a complete mess. I heard a few days ago that the king couldn’t eat anymore, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s already passed. We just haven’t gotten the news yet.”
“Has Winona sent you a message?” Sophie asked, surprised. Her senior guild member typically didn’t involve himself in such matters.
“Yes, she has written to me.”
“But-“
Before Sophie could finish her question, Kyle looked at her with a teasing glint in his eyes. “But what? My junior guild member is already caught up in court affairs. Can I stand by and do nothing? Can everyone in Meadow Ridge remain uninvolved? Even if we keep a low profile, we still have to lend a hand.”
Sophie felt a lump form in her throat. “I’m dragging you all into this. You’ve been enjoying such a carefree life in Meadow Ridge, and here I am, pulling you into the chaos. You used to lose yourself in painting and traveling, and now you’re stuck in the capital because of me. I feel terrible about it.”
Kyle reached out as if to pat her on the back of her head, but instead, he ended up coming into contact with Rafael’s hand. Rafael had seen his movement and already placed his hand on Sophie’s head.
Kyle couldn’t help but chuckle. “There’s more than one way to live a life. While it’s great to enjoy life freely, taking on some responsibilities is part of being a man.”
Sophie sniffled a little. “But I just don’t see you as a man.”
Kyle paused in surprise. “Is that an insult?”
“No, that’s not what I meant!” Sophie rushed to clarify. “I just think of you as a refined gentleman… who is also a man, of course.
Violet chimed in, “To be honest, I’ve always thought a real man had to be tall and muscular. You’re impressive, Kyle, but sometimes when you wear those loose clothes, I can’t help but think you look a bit fragile. You look like you couldn’t even crush a chicken with your bare hands!”
Sophie raised her chin proudly. “When it comes to martial arts skills, I’m the best apprentice in the Pathfinders Guild.”
“Not quite,” Travis interjected, looking up from his food to glance at Rafael. “He doesn’t spend much time at Meadow Ridge, but his martial arts skills are impressive. He’s also part of the Pathfinders Guild and is your junior guild member, so doesn’t that mean his talent is even greater than yours?”
Rafael immediately shook his head, “No, Sophie is definitely more talented. You shouldn’t say that, Travis. My skills are impressive because I’ve been practicing since I was three years old and have learned from over a dozen mentors. I’ve picked up the best from each of them.”
Being the best apprentice in Pathfinders Guild was something Sophie was most proud of. How could Rafael take it away from her?
Besides, what Rafael said was true. He had started training when he was just a child and had put in countless hours over the years. In his opinion, his diligence outweighed any natural talent, whereas Sophie truly had a gift for it.
Rafael added, “Sage Everett once said that Sophie is the most naturally gifted apprentice he has ever seen. She can learn many techniques after just seeing them once.”
Kyle chuckled. “Sage Everett did say that, but you left out part of it??e also mentioned that she’s too lazy. All she thinks about is running around the mountains, climbing trees to poke bird nests, digging holes to catch snakes, and waving mouse tails to scare children.”
Travis’ expression remained blank as he replied, “I’m one of those victims. She came at me waving at mouse tail, and when she threw the mouse at me, I ran back to my mentor crying. My mentor punished me, saying a man shouldn’t cry. But the next day, she stormed over to the Pathfinders Guild to demand compensation.”
Violet was familiar with the story and jumped in, “In the end, they reached an agreement and reduced the rent by a year.”
Sophie’s sentimental moment was abruptly cut off, and she felt embarrassed. “Why are you bringing up my childhood when we were talking about Westhaven? Enough of that. Let’s eat!”
Travis put down his cutlery and looked at Violet. “They reduced the rent by a year? Really? How do you know that?”
“Because the Inferno Guild is also based in Meadow Ridge. How could we not know? The whole place is aware of it! Every year, when it’s time to pay rent, your mentor sends you to spar with Sophie, right?”
Travis gasped in shock. “Are you saying that my mentor intentionally sent me to spar with Sophie so I’d get beaten, and then she would confront Sage Adrian to get out of paying rent?”
Violet nodded seriously. “Yep, the whole Meadow Ridge knows about it.”
Travis’ face fell. “No way! My mentor is dignified and steady. How could she do something like that? I lose almost every time I fight with Sophie. My mentor says I get beaten because my skills aren’t good enough, and if I can’t practice well, I deserve to be punished.”
Violet patted his shoulder. “Oh, you poor thing! You didn’t know? But it doesn’t matter. Thanks to all those punches you took, your guild hardly ever has to pay rent. Even when you do, it’s just a little.”
Sophie shook her head. “That’s not right. Sage Adrian said he reduced their rent because their guild is so poor and struggling. Sometimes, he even sends them fabric and blankets. He taught us to always be willing to help others.”
Violet shook her head. “No, that’s compensation.”
She and Travis turned their gazes to Kyle in unison. “So, what’s the story here?”
Kyle raised his glass, a charming smile lighting up his handsome features. “It’s a bit of both- compensation and help.”
Sophie and Travis exchanged glances, both feeling a bit downcast.
I can’t imagine the princess consort was once such a mischievous girl,” said Jacob, intrigued.
Rafael was slightly tipsy by now. His gaze was warm and dreamy as he spoke, “She wasn’t mischievous. She was like a little sprite who wandered into Meadow Ridge??ively and full of childlike wonder.”
Sophie was touched by her husband’s words.
But before the feeling could fully take root, Violet squashed it down by saying, “A sprite? Sophie, he just called you a monster.”
Sophie shot her friend a glare. How could such a lovely compliment come out sounding so twisted from Violet’s lips?
Rafael glanced at Kyle, silently urging him to give Violet a playful smack on the back of the head.
