Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
“You’re too kind, Your Majesty. The achievements are not mine alone, they are due to the marshal’s strategic brilliance. I merely shared in the glory. Compared to those who have fought on the battlefield for years, my contributions are truly insignificant,” Sophie responded humbly.
“It’s always difficult, but even more so for women,” Victoria said, her eyes filled with compassion as she looked at Sophie. “Now that the war has ended, what are your plans? If you wish, I could help arrange a marriage for you.”
Sophie quickly replied, “I am grateful for your kindness, Your
Majesty. But what I want most right now is to return home, take a good bath, and have a proper rest. I’m not thinking about marriage for now.”
Victoria sighed. “I understand that a woman’s path is not limited to marriage. Your mother once told me she hoped you would marry and have children.
“Personally, I would prefer to see you become a renowned
Starhaven general. However, I can’t let your mother be unable to rest in peace in the afterlife because she fears for you. She… she was Truly terrified of the battlefield. It took almost everything from her.”
Victoria’s voice was choked with emotion.
When Sophie was very young, she often accompanied Melanie to the palace. At that time, Victoria was still the queen consort.
Victoria and Melanie’s most frequent topic of conversation was that women should strive for themselves, and not spend their entire lives. being subservient to men. They should have their ow thoughts and live their lives to the fullest.
Whenever this topic came up, Victoria would sigh, saying that she was trapped within the high walls of the harem. Though it appeared she lived a life of luxury and wealth, it was also a life without freedom.
Melanie would agree, saying that women didn’t necessarily have to marry and bear children; they could also venture into the world and. carve out their own path.
That was why, when Sophie was seven, she was allowed to leave. home and join the Pathfinders Guild to learn martial arts. With the skills to defend herself, she could explore the world without fearing for her safety.
In an ordinary family, who would be willing to send their precious daughter to learn martial arts?
However, Melanie was different. She even told Hector that perhaps. one day, their daughter might stand on the battlefield.
But later, after the deaths of Hector and his sons in battle, Melanie’s fear of the battlefield grew to an extreme. She began to think that marrying and having children wasn’t such a bad thing. At least it ensured safety and a stable life, which was better than anything else.
Sophie didn’t know how to respond to Victoria’s words. So, she remained silent.
During her time at the Pathfinders Guild, she was lively and enthusiastic. She caused a ruckus every day like a mischievous monkey, believing that the future held endless possibilities. After the series of tragedies at home, her heart seemed to have died. Every day, she lived according to the world’s expectations for women.
After a long pause, Sophie said quietly, “Let’s talk about this some other time.”
Victoria looked at her gently. “Yes, we’ll talk another time. Your should go now. Go and wash up. The stench on you is making my eyes sting a little.”
Victoria’s eyes were truly red. However, she had always been resolute and didn’t easily shed tears.
Even though she wanted to say more to Sophie, the mention of the Devin family brought a particular sorrow to her heart. Once some pains rose to the surface, they were hard to suppress.
Sophie took her leave.
After the celebration feast ended, Salvador called Rafael to his study for a private conversation.
Rafael had already submitted a report on the Southern Frontier battles, but it was a lengthy war over more than twenty cities. spanning several years. The comprehensive details couldn’t be explained in a single report.
Salvador wasn’t only interested in the outcome; he also wanted to know which military officers could be entrusted with significant responsibilities. Most importantly, he needed clarity on the matters. concerning Freya and Westhaven.
He had already investigated some details, but the matter was so shocking that he needed to confirm it from multiple sources.
Rafael, naturally, didn’t hide anything and shared all he knew, which matched Salvador’s investigation.
Salvador was furious. He slammed the report so hard on the desk that it wobbled dangerously.
“So, I can’t punish Freya for this?” he seetred.
Rafael replied, “Westhaven has already avenged themselves, but they are unwilling to make it public. Since that’s the case, how can we rush to acknowledge it? Liam probably thought Freya would succumb to the rumors and take her own life, but he didn’t anticipate that she would never consider suicide.”
“Did Liam not mention the destruction of the villages, either? Even on the battlefield against Westhaven, he didn’t say a word?”
Rafael shook his head.
“Not a word, but everyone was aware of it. Either way, their crown prince is dead, and their king is gravely ill. On top of that, the crown prince had no heirs. The succession struggle is already causing them enough distress. They value the royal family’s reputation above all, and to this day, they haven’t publicly announced the crown. prince’s death. They are likely still crafting a narrative on how to inform the Westhaven citizens of their crown prince’s demise.”
Salvador sighed deeply, his expression inscrutable.
“If it becomes public, Westhaven would be pressed to send their forces to Victory Pass. At that point, with their army pressing in, we would be spread too thin. We have General Sullivan at Victory Pass, but he still hasn’t recovered. Most of our forces have been deployed to the Southern Frontier. Westhaven seizing this opportunity to launch a massive invasion of Victory Pass would be their best move. If I were in their shoes, I would do that.”
Rafael responded, “If they invade Victory Pass under the pretext of avenging their crown prince and the massacred villagers, the Westhaven soldiers might massacre the civilians of Victory Pass in return.
“The Southern Frontier battlefield was different. Until we reclaimed the Southern Frontier, it didn’t belong to us. Even after reclaiming it, the region had endured years of warfare.
“Till the end, Liam was reluctant to harm civilians, adhering to his principle of sparing non-combatants. He is a true warrior.”
Liam was indeed admirable. But if Westhaven’s second prince seized the throne and discovered the truth behind the crown prince’s death, he might not hesitate to send troops to Victory Pass again. The man was a warmonger, and Liam couldn’t restrain him.
After discussing these frustrating matters, the conversation shifted to Sophie and her friends. Salvador was quite pleased, and praised Sophie highly.
Looking at Rafael, Salvador said, “I have already spoken with the queen about bringing Sophie into the palace as a concubine.”
Rafael was still worried about the succession struggle in Westhaven, so he nodded absentmindedly. “Good… Wait, what?”
He sprang to his feet, instantly sober despite all the alcohol he had consumed. His eyes widened in shock as he stared at Salvador. “Salvador, did you say you want Sophie to enter the palace as a concubine?”
“Why are you so agitated?” Salvador gave him a sideways glance. She has now achieved military merit and is the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Northwatch. She manages the entire duke’s estate. In time, her father’s generals will obey her commands. Women can sometimes be easily swayed. If someone tries to manipulate her, she might act in ways that hurt her father’s reputation for loyalty and integrity. Bringing her into the palace is the best option.”
Rafael was visibly agitated, and his voice shook as he said, “I never expected you to be so worried about that, Salvador. This is her first time on the battlefield. For the next two or three years, there will be no wars in the kingdom. Why are you so apprehensive?”
“Preparing for a rainy day is always better than mending the fold after the sheep are lost.”
174
Salvador’s expression darkened as he looked at Rafael.”Also, you’re overreacting. Though she is under your command, her marriage is not for you to decide. If I want to take a concubine, you have no right to oppose it.”
Rafael’s handsome face clouded with anger. “Have you asked her for her opinion? Does she want to enter the palace? Can a woman like her be confined in the harem? If you truly fear her amassing power, then edict a marriage for her!”
He paced anxiously.
“Besides, her amassing power is an unfounded concern. Why go to such lengths?”