Filed to story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
“Your Majesty, with the Quinton family and the eldest prince, your position is unshakeable,” Lydia continued, trying to persuade her “As for His Majesty’s affection, it’s better not to expect too much and spare yourself the heartache.”
Kylie’s smile turned bitter. “Not expect? Lydia, a person’s heart doesn’t always follow their own will. The king is my husband. How could I not desire his love?” She sighed.
“Enough of this! Help me with my hair. I need to see Her Majesty.”
At Serenity Palace, Victoria was listening to a report from Ruth’s chamberlain, Oscar. After he was done, Victoria sighed softly.
“I understand. Have the royal physicians do everything they can. Use the best herbs available.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” Oscar replied, his eyes red-rimmed. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Why was this not reported to the queen?” Victoria asked calmly.
Oscar explained, “I’ve already reported it. The queen said it’s a natural part of aging and that it was bound to happen. She sent some food over and told Lady Ruth not to worry, and that everything would be taken care of. I didn’t dare to repeat this directly to Her Grace.” Victoria frowned slightly. “I see. Yes, there’s no need to mention it. What needs to be done will be done. But for now, we must do all we can to provide treatment.”
Oscar’s voice was hoarse as he said, “With Your Majesty’s words, I am at ease. With the royal physicians attending her, at least Lady Ruth will be more comfortable.”
“Go now. I will visit her later myself,” Victoria instructed.
Oscar, deeply moved, bowed in gratitude before stepping out.
“Keith,” Victoria called out, her tone now tinged with mild anger. “Go to the Royal Medical Department and inquire whether the queen has refused the physicians from attending to Ruth.”
Keith acknowledged the order and was on his way out when he was informed that Kylie had arrived. Turning back, he glanced at Victoria. She nodded, signaling for him to continue his task. So, he hastily left.
Kylie entered the hall, accompanied by Lydia. She curtsied and respectfully said, “Greetings, Your Majesty. May you be in good health and peace.”
Victoria nodded. “No need for such formalities. Have you come with matters to discuss?”
Kylie stood up and smiled, “Mother, are you saying that I wouldn’t come to greet you if I had no reason to see you?”
Victoria had someone bring refreshments. “It’s rare to see such devotion from you, Kylie. I heard you’ve been unwell. Are you feeling better now?”
Though Kylie had been under house arrest, the official excuse had been her illness. However, everyone knew the truth. Still, Victoria was willing to offer her a semblance of grace.
“I’m fully recovered now, thanks to your grace and blessings, Mother.”
“Good. The weather is cold. Now that you’re well again, you should rest more. Don’t expose yourself to the wind.”
Kylie gave a small, somewhat embarrassed laugh. “Of course.”
Such casual words might seem trivial, but they always made Kylie overthink.
This was always the case. Victoria never spoke too sharply, but her words, though gentle, often left one with the sense of a hidden meaning. It was only when one thought carefully about her words that it became apparent they were not as innocent as they seemed,
The more Kylie thought about it, the more she couldn’t be sure if there was another meaning behind it. It left her puzzled and unsure.
Take Victoria’s latest words of telling Kylie she should rest and not expose herself to the wind, for example. It sounded like a caring suggestion, but Victoria knew well that it was not Kylie’s health that kept her confined-she had been under house arrest. So, the words either carried a hidden meaning or were simply an attempt to give Kylie an easy excuse.
Regardless, Kylie could not shake the uncomfortable feeling in her chest, as though a thorn were lodged in her throat-neither easy to expel nor to swallow.
After a few more idle exchanges, Kylie turned the conversation to the Gracewood Women’s Academy.
“When they first entered the palace, I tried to persuade them gently, encouraging them to send their daughters back to the academy. Studying and becoming well-educated surely nothing could be more important than that?”
Victoria gave a slight nod. “You’re right, and your counsel was wise.”
Kylie stole a glance at her. Seeing no noticeable change in Victoria’s expression, she cautiously ventured, “I have heard that the Gracewood Women’s Academy plans to accept students from merchant families and commoners. Has Sophie mentioned this to you?” Victoria replied calmly, “I am unaware of this matter. What is your opinion on it?”
Kylie had expected a sharp rebuke, but instead, Victoria asked her thoughts with an unexpected calmness.
What could she say? Naturally, she thought it was all a joke. But seeing that Victoria wasn’t angry and didn’t show any sign of agreement, how could she answer?
“Well?” Victoria repeated, resting her elbow on the armrest. “What do you think?”
Kylie had no choice but to grit her teeth and answer, “I believe…it is not quite appropriate.”
“Not appropriate in what way?” Victoria’s tone remained gentle, clearly urging her to explain further.
Hearing this, Kylie felt a slight relief and sat up straighter.
“Historically, true academies only admit men. Men study to serve in the court, to help the state, and to enlighten the people. The national examinations held every three years are the hope of many scholars who have spent years in study. Some families spend nearly everything they have to send one son to study., which shows just how valuable education is.
“If academies like Gracewood Women’s Academy lower their tuition fees, education will lose its prestige. Everyone will think it’s something anyone can do, even women. That would cause chaos.
“Furthermore, common women are often rough in temperament and unwilling to follow proper conduct. Many of them even look down on scholars, seeing them as heartless. If we accept them as students, we could end up with all sorts of scandals and unruly behavior from women acting out of line.”
Upon hearing these words, Victoria raised an eyebrow slightly, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
“I recall before you married the king, you were renowned throughout the capital for your scholarly accomplishments. You’ve read so many books, yet now you claim that women shouldn’t study? You were just praising the benefits of learning, and yet here you are, contradicting yourself. Are you unaware of this?”
Kylie was taken aback. “I… I didn’t mean it in that way. It is not that women should not study. Indeed, it is a good thing for ladies of noble families to broaden their knowledge for their refinement. After all, they are guided by family rules and propriety. Education just adds to their virtues.”
Victoria’s smile remained, but her voice turned pointed. “I’ve noticed that you often speak of propriety and rules. Do you truly enjoy being bound by such things?”
Kylie was momentarily stunned. “Mother, surely, this is the foundation upon which women are meant to stand. How could one speak of liking or disliking it? Those who follow proper conduct must, of course, adhere to it.
“It is like the laws of Starhaven, which restrain the people from committing evil. Those with malicious intent may resent such laws, but for those who live honestly, they will never feel oppressed by them.”
Victoria chuckled. “So, this is how you see it. Quite interesting.”
Kylie couldn’t catch a hint of praise in Victoria’s words, and she felt a sense of unease growing in her chest. “Mother, have I spoken incorrectly?”
Victoria’s smile deepened. “Such conversations between mother and daughter-in-law rarely have a right or wrong. We speak as we see fit.”
“Is this not what you believe as well?” Kylie was increasingly perplexed by Victoria’s cryptic tone.
Victoria ran a hand through her meticulously arranged hair, her eyes distant. “What I believe matters little, and what others think matters even less.” Kylie was confused and pressed on, “Then what is truly important? I’m afraid I’m not clever enough to understand, Mother. Please enlighten me.” “There is no need for enlightenment. Just do what you’re supposed to do in the position you’re in.”
Victoria clearly wasn’t interested in discussing the matter further and seemed to lose interest.
However, Kylie was not there to discuss such matters. She had come to complain about Sophie. She hoped to convince Victoria that Sophie’s actions were misguided.