Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
They drank, laughed, and enjoyed themselves. When night fell and they were about to leave, Jeremiah pulled Dominic aside with a heavy sigh.
“This might be our last parting, old friend. Take care of yourself,” he said.
“Take care of yourself too,” Dominic replied with a respectful nod. Though he had drunk a fair amount, he was not too intoxicated and stood firm like a mountain.
Rafael accompanied Dominic to see the guests off, thanking them as they left. When he turned back, he saw Cindy holding Leona’s hand, reluctant to let go. Leona also bid farewell to her grandfather and aunt before leaving with Alana.
After a few more drinks, Cindy was overcome with emotion. A wave of sorrow and longing washed over her, making it hard to bear. Sophie gently linked her arm with her aunt’s and helped her back to the courtyard.
“I know you haven’t looked at the gifts yet, Car, If you don’t want to, you don’t have to. Just leave them aside. When you feel like looking at them, you can. It doesn’t matter. The most important thing is your happiness.”
“I understand,” Sophie replied, her voice thick with sorrow.
The lantern light in the corridor illuminated the white strands of hair at Cindy’s temple. In the blink of an eye, the once lively, resolute woman had grown old.
The next morning, Rafael and Sophie saw them off at the city gates.
When Cindy arrived, she had brought several cartloads of gifts. Now, as she left, it was still the same-cart after cart of gifts, all carefully prepared by Sophie in advance.
Sophie held back her tears as they parted, maintaining a smile the whole time. When they began to disappear from sight, she rushed to the city tower. When the convoy came into view, she finally let out a breath of relief. But soon, even that faded from view, and the dust rising from the road quickly dissipated.
Hot tears streamed down her face.
Rafael gently wiped them away, speaking softly, “Don’t be sad. We can take Ryan to visit them.”
Sophie knew that with both of them now in official positions, it wouldn’t be easy to take time off and visit. Still, she nodded slightly, finding some comfort in his words.
“Let’s head back,” Rafael said, stretching his arms and looking toward the rising sun. Its rays were already bright and harsh. “By the way, Skye Embroidery has opened, so the women’s academy should be put on the agenda.”
Sophie took a deep breath, the weariness in her eyes fading as determination took its place. “Yes, you’re right.”
Skye Embroidery had been fully completed and was ready to take in women at any time.
Davis’ wife, Hannah, had even hosted a garden party to spread the word, and soon, the local people were buzzing with conversation about it. Yet, despite all the chatter, no woman who had been cast out of her home dared to step into the workshop.
Violet was puzzled. According to her investigation with Claire, many of the women who had been cast out lived in poor, secluded nunneries, doing the hardest, dirtiest work. Sometimes, they even went without food for days. For those fortunate enough to return to their family’s home, they still endured harsh treatment from their brothers and sisters-in-law, and their lives were unbearable.
On the 10th of March, the body of a woman was discovered in a river. After the Royal Citadel investigated, they confirmed she had worked as an embroiderer after being cast out for not being able to bear a child.
When Violet learned of the incident, she could no longer stay still. She immediately rushed to the Capital Guard headquarters to find Sophie.
Seeing the anxious look on her friend’s face, Sophie tried to comfort her, saying, “This matter was always going to be difficult. Our workshop hasn’t taken in anyone yet, and no one wants to be the first. Because once they step inside, it’s like telling the whole world that they’ve been abandoned. They just can’t get past that mental block.”
Violet’s heart ached. “But just because they don’t go to the workshop doesn’t mean people won’t know they were abandoned.”
She was deeply frustrated. She had put so much effort into Skye Embroidery, hoping to give these women a chance, a place where they could rebuild their lives. Yet, to her surprise, they would rather die than step into the workshop.
“Patience, Vivi,” Sophie replied. “We knew from the start that this wouldn’t be easy. It’s just the beginning. The woman who jumped into the river was likely heartbroken. She must have been desperate, which is why she took her own life.”
“But living is what matters most!” Violet said, feeling disheartened. “Why are they so foolish?”
Sophie rubbed her back and continued to soothe her, explaining, “We can’t judge their choices as foolish or as an escape unless we’ve walked in their shoes. We know that living is the most important thing, but their experiences and perspectives are different from ours. We can be disappointed or regretful, but we must not lose hope. The workshop needs to continue, no matter how hard it gets.”
“Our path is the path to survival,” Violet commented, her tone softening. She had always listened to Sophie.
“But why should they believe us? We’re strangers to them,” Sophie said.
Violet sighed. “I know you’re right. It’s just that it’s such a shame. She was an embroiderer by trade. If she had just stepped into the workshop, it would have been the best thing for her. Once that first step is taken, others will follow.”
Sophie thought for a moment, then spoke, “Here’s an idea. There has to be a first step. Have Claire keep an eye out. If she hears about any women who’ve been cast out, have her let us know. We’ll go talk to them and try to guide them.”
“Good plan.” Violet nodded eagerly. “Once the first one steps in, it’ll be easier.”
“There’s one more thing,” Sophie said, her expression turning serious. “It’s something we’ve overlooked. The emotional wounds of these women, they’re not easy to heal Even if they’re willing to enter the workshop, they’ll likely go through a period of sadness and despair. They’ll need someone to comfort and guide them. Only once their hearts are healed can they truly begin to live again.”
“I’m no good at comforting people, but Mrs. Lloyd should be able to,” Violet said.
“Zoey seems to care quite a bit about the workshop, right?” Sophie asked. “Yeah, she even came by during the repairs to check on things,” Violet confirmed.
Sophie nodded thoughtfully. She felt that while Zoey and Luna seemed to have different personalities, they would be perfect for the task. One was strong-willed and good at guiding others, while the other was gentle and adept at soothing. If they were willing to help, they could do a lot of good.
It seemed like she would need to visit them personally.
Violet sighed again. “Sophie, there’s a huge stigma surrounding women who’ve been cast out. People refuse to associate with them, as if even speaking to them would taint their own reputation. I have another worry-once the workshop takes in these women, who’s going to buy the embroidery they make?”
“It’s not like I haven’t thought about that too, but we’re not there yet. So, let’s not worry about it for now. If things don’t work out, we can always sell the embroidery in other regions. It’s not a huge problem. The real issue is that we haven’t even taken the first step yet,” said
Sophie.
“True. I didn’t expect it to be this difficult. Do you think the women’s academy will be just as hard?” Violet asked.
“No, the demand for spots at the women’s academy will exceed the supply,” Sophie replied.
Violet rested her chin in her hand. “Well, alright then. I’m in a bad mood now, so tonight, I’ll have my four apprentices train harder.”
Sophie laughed. “Sage Violet, go ahead and send out the notice. Your apprentices are all eager to learn martial arts.”
Violet chuckled. “Kevin’s the most diligent. That kid is relentless and his progress is fast. He’s a great candidate for martial arts. If he had a mentor when he was younger, his skills would be impressive by now. As it is, he’s a bit behind. But still, he’s making progress.” Later that evening, Sophie visited Silverstone Estate while Violet, with a small whip in hand, had her four apprentices train even harder.
After hearing Sophie’s request, Zoey agreed to help and was happy to do so.
Sophie sighed in relief, her face lighting up with a smile. “With your help, I can finally rest easy.”
“Life is hard for women. If we can help, we should. It’s a way of doing good deeds,” Zoey replied.
There was a deep sadness in her eyes, one that Sophie hadn’t seen before. When they had last met, Zoey had been helping with an investigation at Valor Estate, and her expression had been far less troubled.
Sophie couldn’t help but ask, “Madam Zoey, has something happened? If you’re comfortable sharing, perhaps I can help.”
She genuinely wanted to return the favor and repay Zoey for all her previous help.
Zoey smiled bitterly and shook her head. “It’s just a couple of minor things, nothing that needs your help, Your Grace.”