On the following morning, during the court assembly, Irvin and his deputy, accompanied by several senior inspectors of the Oversight Department, presented a series of reports.The reports accused Samuel of consorting with a courtesan while his legitimate wife was pregnant, favoring his concubine over his wife, and mistreating his wife. Furthermore, they condemned the Warren family for their disrespect towards the matriarch of the Marquis of Jadehill's family, leading to public outrage. The resulting anger had led to people throwing excrement at Valor Estate. The Warren family members had caught the culprit, dragged him inside, and broken his limbs. The culprit had now filed a complaint at the Royal Citadel, confessing to the act and demanding compensation.Barrett had not been allowed into the court and had to stand outside with lower-ranking officials. Although he was supposed to be out of earshot of the discussions, the loud arguments from the inspectors penetrated outside, and h
Salvador's roar echoed throughout the court, "Who do you think you are?! How dare you set up your own torture chambers and break the limbs of a civilian? If the Warren family can do that, why do we even need the Royal Citadel, the Ministry of Justice, or the Supreme Court?"Barrett had no knowledge of this matter. But given the Oversight Department's accusations, it was clear that someone had gone to the Royal Citadel to lodge a complaint.He had no other defense to offer, and could only plead repeatedly, "Your Majesty, forgive me. Please, Your Majesty, calm your anger.""Calm my anger?" Salvador's voice rose in fury. "I told you to take Aurora and apologize to the Marquis of Jadehill's family, but when the marquis refused you entry, you simply walked away. Is this your attitude towards giving someone an apology? Not only did you fail to earn forgiveness, you also had the audacity to vent your frustrations on the common people?! You deserve to be pelted with dung, and I almost want
Barrett advanced and grabbed Aurora's wrist. "Let's go. We're going to Jadehill Estate."Aurora pulled her hand away forcefully. "I'm not going!"Barrett's expression darkened as he stood in the courtyard. "If you don't come willingly, I'll drag you there! You can either walk, or I'll tie you up and make you carry thorn branches on your back."Carrying thorn branches on one's back was a traditional act of penance, where an individual who had committed a serious offense would bear thorny branches as a symbolic gesture of remorse and submission. The practice was a way to visibly demonstrate their sincere repentance and willingness to atone for their wrongs."You wouldn't dare!" Aurora's anger flared, her voice trembling with indignation. "All I did was say a few words—what crime have I committed that's so unforgivable I need to beg for forgiveness with thorn branches on my back?"Barrett gritted his teeth in frustration. "You know what you've done! Your crimes are so severe, carryin
Barrett was struck once again by the crushing weight of his situation.Suddenly, he felt as if he had lost all sense of direction. His energy and spirit seemed to drain away, leaving him feeling as if he were adrift with nowhere to turn.He had previously viewed Viola as dignified and virtuous, a cultured and considerate woman who was also highly respectful towards the servants. After all, she came from the Earl of Silverstone's family and had married into the Farrell family—a family of military prestige, with Thomas Farrell being a respected figure among the generals.He had expected Viola to be as honorable and forthright as her late husband, someone who would be both courageous and kind-hearted. Yet now, just a single order from her had led to the breaking of a man's arm.While Barrett also resented the people who had thrown excrement at the estate, giving them a beating and letting them go after would have been good enough. Why go so far as to break their limbs?It wasn't
In the sitting room, Barrett and Viola sat facing each other. The latter dabbed at her tears with a handkerchief, avoiding her husband's disappointed gaze.She choked on her words as she tried to explain, "I was overwhelmed with anger that day. I had just returned from my family's home and saw the Hell Monarch's princess consort's carriage leaving our estate."Dear, I was just so upset. I suspected that the people who threw dung at our estate were sent by her. I had no proof, so I only said a few words to her. I didn't expect her to insult me in return. When I got back to the estate and saw one of the culprits had been caught, my anger led me to order that his arm be broken. I didn't know the servants would be so harsh and also break his leg."Barrett seized on one detail from her words, asking, "Carissa came by Valor Estate yesterday?""She definitely didn't enter the estate," Viola responded. "But as soon as she left our alley, the person who threw dung was caught. If there had b
Upon hearing Viola's heartfelt declaration, Barrett felt no joy whatsoever. It seemed he had never truly understood her.Initially, when the Farrell family allowed her to return to the estate without the obligation of remaining a widow, he had assumed it was due to her gentle nature. Now, he found himself perplexed.The steward did not return, nor did the guards who had accompanied him. The person who had been attacked refused any resolution, demanding that his assailants be severely punished. The steward eventually confessed, admitting it was his order. His action spared Viola.The Royal Citadel detained all of them. While the criminal aspect was dealt with, the man who had his limbs broken could still claim compensation for medical expenses.Viola was eager to resolve the issue swiftly, hoping to prevent further complications. To that end, she sent a thousand silver coins to the injured man.Upon learning of this, Rebecca reprimanded, "Is it true that his limbs were broken? Why
Barrett once again took Aurora to Jadehill Estate. This time, he arrived with a substantial number of gifts and even knelt at the entrance to request an audience.Fortune was on his side—the Marquis of Jadehill was not at home, and upon learning of their arrival, Mary graciously invited them in.Aurora maintained a sullen expression throughout, showing no intention of apologizing. However, Mary seemed unbothered and instructed her servants to serve refreshments. Mary's daughter-in-law, granddaughter-in-law, and great-granddaughter-in-law stood to the side, all casting hostile glances at Aurora.Barrett knelt and greeted, "Good day, Madam Clayton. I am Barrett Warren, and I wish you health and happiness."Aurora reluctantly followed suit and knelt, but said nothing, her mouth hidden behind her veil as if it were sealed.Mary dismissed their formalities and invited them to sit."Madam Clayton, my wife spoke thoughtlessly and offended you. I hope you can forgive her," Barrett said,
Aurora's expression shifted dramatically as Mary's words struck at her very core, hitting the mark precisely.She had been seeking an opportunity to surpass Carissa, to prove that she was superior. This obsession tormented her day and night, robbing her of sleep and appetite, and filling her with a persistent rage.Yet, despite her daily resentment, it seemed as though Carissa paid her no mind?She couldn't believe it!Clenching her fists, Aurora said, "Madam Clayton, have you ever encountered someone so deceitful that they practically embody hypocrisy? Have you seen someone climb to the top by stepping on the achievements of others?"Someone who feasts on the military honors of their family and is never satisfied? Someone who disregards their comrades' lives, allowing them to be captured and mistreated? And yet, such a person becomes a princess consort. Do you really think the heavens are watching?"Mary smiled, her wrinkles deepening her expression into a look of gentle kindnes