Filed to story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Thomas had merely invited those troublemakers to be present when he came to propose. He hadn’t resorted to any underhanded tactics, nor would Sophie. Everything was done properly and by the book.
She instructed Max to bring everyone back, then had them punished with the charges of spreading rumors and causing chaos. Either they would pay fines or face corporal punishment-everyone on Jacob’s list was held accountable.
As for the Quinton family, they had also mobilized their people to deflect attention with the intent to harm Rosalind. So, Sophie handed over the evidence she had gathered to Meredith, who in turn passed it to Irvin, her father-in-law and the Oversight Minister. Before the court recess, he submitted an official complaint about the Quinton family.
Though Malcolm claimed to know nothing about the matter, Salvador still imposed a fine of six months’ salary, withholding even the end-of-year rewards.
When Derek delivered the rewards to Hell Monarch Estate, Sophie personally received him and invited him for coffee.
Ryan had already been brought back from the academy, and Sophie led him out to greet Derek.
Ryan had grown quite a bit this year. He resembled his father more and more. After attending the academy, he had become much more composed, polite, and well-mannered.
Derek looked at him with great satisfaction. “Wonderful. Not only do you look good, but you’re learning well, too.”
“Mr. Derek, please have some coffee,” Ryan said politely, taking the plate of pastries from Lulu and serving it himself. “These are the spiced fruit cakes I like the most. Please have more. Lily says they’re good for warming the stomach.”
“How wonderful!” Derek smiled, his eyes narrowing into slits. He ate a piece of cake and took a sip of coffee, then gently asked Ryan, “Are you going to your uncle’s place this year, or staying at Hell Monarch Estate for the New Year?” Ryan answered brightly, “I had planned to go to the palace with Aunt Sophie, but she said it’s better to go to my uncle’s. My grandparents have been missing me.”
Derek smiled. “Lord Ryan, you’re truly a devoted child.”
Derek’s smile had a touch of sadness and tenderness. After chatting with Ryan for a while, Sophie sent him off.
“Are you hoping to keep him away from Prince Connor, Your Grace?” Derek asked.
Sophie nodded. “You’re right, Mr. Walker. Prince Connor has been reprimanded because of Ryan. The palace banquet is lively and festive, so it’s best to avoid anything that would ruin the atmosphere.”
“The queen is under house arrest,” Derek said softly. “She won’t be attending the palace banquet this year. They’re telling everyone it’s because she caught a cold.”
Sophie asked, “Is the house arrest because of the Gracewood Women’s Academy matter? Did the queen dowager order it?”
“The queen dowager didn’t issue any formal orders,” Derek replied. “She simply invited the king for a meal. After the king had dined, he sent word to Everspring Palace, telling the queen to remain indoors until after the New Year.”
Sophie understood. Victoria rarely punished the consorts. She and the king seemed to share an unspoken understanding-many things didn’t need to be said aloud. If the king was called to dine with his mother, he would comprehend her intentions without her needing to say a word.
Victoria rarely summoned Salvador to her table. More often than not, it was Salvador who would visit her, demonstrating his devotion to his mom.
There was one question Sophie needed an answer to, so she dismissed the others and spoke privately with Derek.
“Mr. Walker, could you tell me was the trouble at Gracewood Women’s Academy the king’s decision, or the queen’s?”
She knew she had phrased it wrong.
From what Kevin had said, Salvador didn’t seem to have much regard for Gracewood Women’s Academy. But she wanted to know who was behind such a vicious act-whether it was Salvador or Kylie, as there was a difference.
If it had been Salvador’s will, with his immense power on the throne, nothing could endure without his consent.
But if it was Kylie’s doing, Sophie believed the academy could survive, even if it faced some turmoil for a while. Derek thought for a moment, carefully choosing his words.
“The women’s academy was the queen dowager’s idea. His Majesty has always been dutiful, and he would never wish to destroy it. Oset course, His Majesty also likes keep a firm grip on many things and people, which is the only way he can feel assured.”
At those words, Sophie understood.
Salvador had likely intended to create obstacles for the women’s academy, keeping it lukewarm and under strict control, from its student body to its curriculum. But this incident’s aim was different-it was to destroy the academy and ruin Rosalind.
That meant it was Kylie’s doing.
After seeing Derek off, Sophie exchanged a few words with Jacob before joining Violet and Isaac to roast sweet potatoes by the fire.
Jacob had taken charge of the matters at the gentlemen’s retreat and would keep an eye on things.
The two of them were discussing Gerald’s situation.
Violet shook her head, clearly still in disbelief. “If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have believed it.”
Isaac, who had traveled widely, was equally stunned. “I’ve seen all sorts of things, but nothing like this. A man of his age, with such a high position-why would he go to such a place?”
From what they had observed, Gerald’s visit to the gentlemen’s retreat hadn’t involved anything truly scandalous he had simply called for a few courtesans, had a drink, listened to some music, and perhaps enjoyed a bit of light touch.
Gerald had been Sigmund’s teacher. Sigmund, who was known for his disdain for anything related to male attractions-so much so that it bordered on revulsion.
As Sigmund’s mentor, Gerald had naturally assisted him in governing the kingdom after he ascended to the throne. Given the cautious and humble nature of the Quinton family in their earlier years, one would expect Gerald to share Sigmund’s aversion to such things.
But now, in his later years, it was as if something had been lifted from him. He no longer cared, recklessly venturing into the gentlemen’s retreat without a second thought.
Sophie sat down, picking up a sweet potato and tossing it between her hands. Isaac reached over, took it from her, and gently blew on it before rubbing it between his palms to peel it. He handed her the peeled potato.
“Hurry and eat. It’ll warm you up.”
Sophie smiled and thanked him, taking a bite of the soft, sweet flesh. The warmth and sweetness filled her mouth, and she blew on it a couple of times before swallowing.
Violet, watching the exchange, raised an eyebrow and glanced at Isaac in surprise. “You’re quite thoughtful, aren’t you?”
Isaac shrugged nonchalantly. “It’s nothing. I can peel one for you, too.”
He pinched another potato between his fingers and began peeling it. After a moment, he handed half of it to Violet. “Here, eat.”
Violet hesitated for a second before accepting it. “I could’ve peeled it myself, but since you’ve done it, I’ll take it. Thanks.”
“If someone else peels it for you, just eat. Everyone can peel some potatoes, you know?” Isaac shot her a look. “You’re always nosy and talk too much.”
Violet chuckled softly. “I have a senior guild member too, but he’s not as thoughtful as yours.”
“Your senior guild member is afraid of you,” Isaac remarked, wiping his hands. “He agrees with everything you say. After all, the entire Inferno Guild relies on your money.” He turned to Sophie. “How’s the sweet potato? Is it good?”
“It’s delicious, Sophie replied, already finishing half of it. She slowly peeled the rest. “You were talking about Lord Gerald earliernet right? About how it’s hard to understand why he would risk going to such a place at his
“Don’t you find it strange?” Violet asked as she ate.
“If it was just to find a courtesan, yes, it’s odd. But the Quinton family has no reason to associate with those Sandorians. There’s no need for it.”
“Isn’t that obvious, then?” Violet retorted. “He did go looking for a courtesan.”