Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Though no open battle had yet occurred, the air was thick with tension, the scent of war hanging over the city. The city gates were now under constant scrutiny. It was unlikely that the true mastermind behind the rebellion would stay away from the capital.
His life and wealth were at stake, so how could he command remotely?
Sophie suspected that the true mastermind might already have returned to the city. However, Violet, who was still living at Willowbrook Estate, had seen no signs of anything unusual.
The only people around Hayden were the two elderly servants, while the other household servants were busy with various tasks. The servants who left to buy the daily necessities were being closely watched by Bun and had no contact with the outside world.
It was a headache, to say the least. Sophie needed to take a moment to breathe.
The Prince family had been dealt their punishment. All the men were to be exiled, and even Cedric would not escape this fate. Exile to the Southern Frontier wasn’t so bad, at least. There, they would have some protection.
As for Zoey, Viola, and Evelyn, they weren’t in a position to purchase a large estate right now. Though Zoey had left money with Isaac, the current situation meant they had no choice but to take up residence in Skye Embroidery.
At first, Sophie had feared that Viola would protest living in such humble conditions, as she had always held herself above such things. But the harsh reality of Astral Prison had a way of softening even the sharpest of edges. Viola had said nothing, silently accepting her circumstances.
As for Courtney, Sophie had plans to settle her at Hell Monarch Estate, where she could spend time with Roxana. Roxana was a martial arts prodigy, while Courtney was a sharp, intelligent girl. Though they were of different ages, Sophie felt they could easily become fast friends-one a scholar, the other a warrior. Courtney had been demoted to a commoner, but she had not been enslaved. This meant she could still return to Gracewood Women’s Academy. In fact, a commoner woman could easily attend the academy if she wished.
As for Luna’s daughters and the daughters of Oliver’s concubines, Sophie had asked them what they wanted to do. They said they wished to remain at Skye Embroidery and learn embroidery from Camila. An education might not always guarantee a livelihood for a woman, but working with her hands was a skill that could ensure she never went hungry.
Sophie didn’t press them. After all, they were literate, and Zoey had never treated them poorly. Even Oliver’s concubines had always respected a lady of the house who showed such kindness to their children.
In the main hall, Sophie and Zoey spoke.
The latter seemed much more at ease, her demeanor calmer now that she knew her brother-in-law and son had been exiled to the Southern Frontier. Though the journey would be arduous, she took comfort in the fact that there would be people to help them along the way and care for them once they arrived. There was still hope, even if the path ahead was difficult.
She wore a simple cloth gown, looking refreshed. Her energy was completely different from the heavy, worn-out expression she had once worn.
She curtsied deeply to Sophie, her voice thick with emotion as she said, “If it weren’t for you, I fear we would still be suffering in Astral Prison, Your Grace.”
Sophie smiled gently. “Zoey, you flatter me. You’re more than capable of managing a household. You’ll be invaluable at the workshop, helping with both the internal and external matters. I’ll be counting on you.” Zoey nodded solemnly. “I will do everything I can to manage the workshop. If no one wants to go out and sell the embroidered goods, I can do it. I’m no longer afraid of stepping out into the world.” “With you here, I can rest easy,” Sophie said sincerely.
She truly meant it. Lately, she had been running around like a whirlwind, and the workshop and women’s academy had both suffered for it.
Now, aside from the Prince family members, there were over ten women living at Skye Embroidery. Some of the women, having learned there was a place that would take them in, had chosen to leave their marriages rather than endure any further hardships.
Though the numbers were still small, Sophie was optimistic. Progress was progress; they had to take things one step at a time.
Viola was still recovering, so she hadn’t come to meet with Sophie. It might have been an excuse, as Rowan had said she was no longer in serious danger.
Sophie suspected that Viola didn’t quite know how to face her. After all, she had once been her imagined rival. However, Sophie wasn’t bothered. She believed that if Viola stayed stubborn, Kayla’s next visit with supplies would only make it harder for her to face Sophie.
Violet and the others had stayed at Willowbrook Estate for so many days, turning the place upside down. Yet, they found nothing.
She had decided it was time to leave.
Spending every day following Hayden’s indulgent routine of eating and drinking had become tiresome. Violet felt as if the days were slipping away, especially now that Sophie was so busy and she hadn’t been able to help.
It left her feeling unsettled.
At dinner that evening, she turned to Hayden and said, “I’ll leave tomorrow.”
Hayden glanced at her with a smile. “What’s this? Haven’t I treated you well with good food and drink? Why the sudden departure?”
Violet answered honestly, “The food’s been too good-every day, it’s either mountain delicacies or seafood.”
Hayden laughed heartily.
“You’re like a wild boar, unable to appreciate the finer things!” He waved it off. “Fine, if you’re tired of it, then go ahead.”
He called for Sonny. “Sonny, go to the storeroom and pick out some gifts. When they leave tomorrow, make sure they have something to take with them.”
“Certainly, Your Highness,” Sonny replied.
Gordon was standing outside the door. He overheard and said, “Your Highness, I’ll go.”
Hayden gave him a casual glance and waved his hand. “Alright, you go. Pick something nice-don’t embarrass me.”
“Of course, Your Highness,” Gordon responded before turning to leave.
Violet looked up, almost calling out to Gordon, but hesitated. It seemed strange to bring gifts after having stayed for so long, especially when they’d come to just enjoy the food and hospitality. She felt a pang of guilt.
As she watched Gordon’s retreating figure, something caught her attention. His posture-straight and dignified had never seemed so noticeable before. She hadn’t really paid attention to how he walked, with one hand casually resting behind him, his fingers slightly curled. It gave him an air of someone accustomed to noble treatment, someone almost graceful in his manner.
For a moment, she was lost in thought. Then, she remembered how he had always spoken in a graceful and somewhat arrogant manner in front of Hayden and the others. It hadn’t stood out before, but now with Sonny ahead of him and Gordon behind, the contrast was apparent.
“Violet, what are you daydreaming about?” Hayden’s voice broke her reverie.
Violet quickly snapped back to attention and hurriedly smiled. “I was just thinking it’s too much. We’ve been imposing for so long, and now you’re giving us gifts? It makes it seem like we’ve come just to take advantage of you.”
Hayden chuckled, his tone teasing. “I know you’re wealthy and lack for nothing, but when I offer something, you should take it without being so polite. Don’t act like a stranger.”
Violet laughed lightly. “Well, since you insist, I’ll accept with thanks.”
Hayden looked at her with a thoughtful expression, his gaze lingering a moment longer before he returned to his food.
Violet ate with her mind elsewhere, the food barely registering as she poked at it absentmindedly. After finishing her meal, she excused herself and took Bun and Cynthia for a walk in the garden.
The lamps in the garden flickered softly, their light shimmering in the night. They looked both close and distant, as if the truth were just the same always just out of reach, yet present in every moment. Cynthia, still with a cheerful smile, chattered about how curious she was to see what gifts Hayden might give them. Young girls, after all, always enjoyed receiving presents. Even the smallest token, no matter how insignificant, brought joy simply because it was given by someone else.
It was Bun who broke the silence, noticing Violet’s preoccupation. “Vivi, don’t you think there’s something off about Gordon?”
Violet looked up sharply. “What do you mean? What have you noticed?”
Bun paused before replying, “His martial arts skills are unusually high.”
Violet blinked in surprise. “He knows martial arts? I didn’t think so.”
From his footsteps to his breathing, she had never noticed anything that suggested he was trained in combat.
“Yesterday, when we were out with
Prince Hayden, carrying all those parcels, Gordon was giving orders to the servants to prune a tree. The young men who were carrying the items didn’t notice him, and they were about to crash into him. Just as was about to shout, he spun around and sidestepped them, barely missing the collision.”