Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Blake silently exhaled in relief. “Thank you, Marshal Prince.”
He immediately gathered his things and left, making his way back to the military camp without delay.
When Timothy saw him return, he said nothing but instructed him to join the training session the next day.
Blake was more than happy to comply. He had almost forgotten what it was like to be a soldier.
Just as he was about to leave, Timothy called out to him. “Have you seen the marshal’s concubine while you’ve been at Redstone Manor?”
“Do you mean the one they call Madam Spencer? Yes, I’ve seen her, though she always wears a veil,” Blake answered.
Timothy spat in disgust. “Madam Spencer, my foot!”
Blake stood still, watching Timothy turn and walk away. For some reason, he had the distinct impression that Timothy and Oliver didn’t get along.
–
The next day, Blake learned that the so-called training wasn’t about military formations at all-it was farming.
September was the ideal time to plant winter wheat, and since the Southern Frontier had been ravaged by war, resources were still scarce. After years of constant conflict, there were fewer people around, and the soldiers were tasked with helping in the fields. In addition to winter wheat, they were also planting cabbage, radishes, and melons.
Timothy told Blake he had arrived just in time for the busy farming season.
From dawn until dusk, Blake worked tirelessly. Yet, amidst the chaos of planting, he still found a moment to write a letter to Michael.
Back in the capital, Michael received Blake’s letter and stared at it blankly for a long time, scratching his head. Had their relationship really been that close?
The letter was long, taking up three full sheets of paper. Much of it was trivial, much like the rambling conversations Michael had heard from Blake after a few too many drinks.
Blake mentioned his life at Redstone Manor, describing the lavishness of the place-more extravagant than even the royal palace. He spoke of the countless servants tending to a pregnant mistress who wore nothing but the finest silks, her attire worth a fortune.
He also talked about the heavy farm labor, with soldiers working the fields before they could train. The soldiers were tanned from the work, with the exception of the marshal, who was as pale as a ghost.
After rambling on with all sorts of disjointed comments, he asked to send his regards to Zoey.
Then, he wrote about how he had once been like that-making mistakes-but couldn’t bear to see others walking down the same path. And on it went.
Michael quickly saw through Blake’s intentions-Blake was trying to get him to pass these details along to Zoey, so she could be prepared.
Michael wasn’t so sure that was necessary. Someone as shrewd as Zoey surely knew exactly what Oliver was like. Still, the mention of Oliver’s opulent lifestyle caught his attention. Michael felt it might be worth discussing with Sophie, who could then bring it to Rafael’s attention.
He handed the letter to Sophie, but she didn’t take it.
“Just tell me what’s important,” she said.
Michael summarized the letter quickly, then added, “There’s a lady in Redstone Manor called Madam
Spencer, but let’s put that aside. What’s really surprising is how luxurious Marshal Prince’s residence is. I’m not sure if it’s being funded by the Earl of Silverstone’s family, or if Marshal Prince has been using military funds. Or worse, taking them by force…”
Michael didn’t want to be too direct, so he left things vague, showing more of the cunning behavior of an old fox.
Sophie also said little. She returned and told Rafael about the situation, handing him the letter from Michael.
Rafael was somewhat familiar with the circumstances in the Southern Frontier, though the full picture eluded him. The distance was too great, and letters were never clear enough to paint an accurate account.
At present, the military in Starhaven, with the exception of the Southern Frontier and the Capital Army, didn’t rely on the national treasury for funding For instance, Victory Pass and the southern outposts had to sustain themselves through farming and their own resources. Only if the harvest failed did the government step in to provide additional supplies.
The Southern Frontier was an exception. Having only recently been reclaimed from the Sandorians, the region’s army had to assist with agriculture while farming. This meant they didn’t have enough manpower to focus on their defense duties. On top of that, the temporary enlistments during the war with Sandoria increased the number of soldiers. So, the government was required to allocate additional funds for the Southern Frontier’s military funds.
That was the arrangement during peacetime.
However, things were different in times of war. Aside from the endless supply of food and weapons, the soldiers’ pay would be increased, accompanied by pensions and compensation for the wounded. It was a significant expense. All in all, war was an expensive business.
“I had thought Oliver wouldn’t be bold enough to embezzle military funds, but it seems like he has been spending lavishly,” Rafael said. “Even if his family emptied their treasury, it wouldn’t be enough to support him.
“This is the first I’ve heard of such concerns. Timothy and Louis’ letters only mentioned matters within the army. I know the generals and Oliver don’t get along well, but because Oliver wasn’t very involved in management, those tensions didn’t escalate.”
Rafael used to have a few trusted individuals stationed in Redstone Manor. But after Oliver arrived, he definitely moved everyone out. As such, Rafael wasn’t clear about what was happening inside the manor.
At the time, it seemed unimportant as long as the situation with the army was clear. But now, it seemed it wasn’t that simple. Although many people oversaw the distribution of military funds, Oliver was the Southern Frontier’s marshal and could secretly redirect the money. All he needed was a convenient excuse, and that would be that.
“It’s likely that Madam Zoey is aware of the situation, which is why she’s been making so many preparations. Even if there’s no direct connection, just the misappropriation of military funds would be enough to get them into serious trouble,” Sophie said.
–
Rafael paused for a moment, then asked, “By the way, did Isaac agree to Madam Zoey’s request?”
“I spoke to him about it. He said he would think it over, but he hasn’t made up his mind yet,” Sophie replied.
“I think you should tell him the full story and let him decide for himself,” Rafael said. “After all, he’s the one who bought some of the properties Madam Zoey had released previously. It’s clear he wants to help the Earl of Silverstone’s family in some way.”
Sophie nodded, but then shook her head and corrected him. “Not exactly to help the Earl of Silverstone’s family. More to help those who care for him…and perhaps the children.”
The more she learned, the more Sophie began to suspect that Evelyn had been involved in David’s plans years ago. But perhaps, in time, Evelyn had experienced a change of heart, leading her to visit Isaac only to find him dead in the fire. Feeling guilty, she had blamed David as she was unwilling to carry the weight of that remorse.
conscience.
That was probably why, after meeting Isaac, she made up a story to ask for his forgiveness and didn’t really care about how he had been doing. Even after promising to compensate him, she hadn’t bothered to send anyone to check on him. She only wanted to ease her Since Isaac was the child who hadn’t grown up by her side, Evelyn didn’t feel the same deep attachment to him as she had for Oliver and Viola.
Sophie nodded. “I’ll talk to him.”
After listening to what Sophie had to say, Isaac scoffed coldly. “What is this nonsense? Was he sent to the Southern Frontier to enjoy himself? He’s even got a child now? And he married the lady? What about his primary wife? Is she supposed to act like a nursemaid?” “Madam Zoey probably already knows about it, which is why she made such a request. Now it’s up to you to decide,” Sophie said.
Isaac didn’t hesitate anymore and said, “Tell her that we’ll begin tomorrow. Transfer everything that can be moved, and don’t keep it quiet. Let everyone know that their family’s expenses are too high to keep up with and that they need to sell off their properties.” This would create the impression that Oliver cared nothing for his family’s well-being, focusing only on his pleasure and that of his concubine. His family had been sending him money for his spending all along, and they could no longer afford it. So, they were forced to sell off their properties.
Sophie nodded. “Alright. I’ll send Mabel right away to tell her.”
These tasks could be done quickly or slowly-it all depended on having the right people in the right places. As long as one had their connections in the right spots, getting it done wouldn’t be a problem.
Sophie turned to Ryan’s uncle, Anthony, for assistance. With his influence, the matter was resolved in no time. Within days, the deeds were in her hands.
The contracts were all properly executed, with the sale conducted at the standard market price. Zoey had even arranged for a ledger to be kept, recording every transaction. The proceeds from the sale were directed toward settling the family’s old debts.