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
The news of Barrett's demotion to a ninth-rank capital guard eventually reached Rebecca, who was devastated upon hearing it. Pounding her chest, she cried bitterly and cursed loudly, blaming Aurora for the misfortune and even accusing her of being the cause of Barrett's ruined future.Rebecca sent someone to summon Aurora, but her daughter-in-law ignored the call and directly kicked the maid out. That infuriated Rebecca even more.Tears and snot streaming down her face, she pounded the bed, lamenting, "Barrett, why did you have to marry that useless woman? What a disaster for our family!"Before she joined our family, she came to see me and flattered me so much. She promised that with both of you in the family, you would rise to great heights. And now? You're reduced to a mere ninth-rank capital guard who patrols the city. What future is there in that?"Demotions and reductions in rank were not unheard of in court, but to be reduced straight to ninth-rank was a severe blow. In the
At some point, rumors began circulating in the city about Aurora being captured as a prisoner of war and violated by Westhaven soldiers.Originally, after returning from the Southern Frontier, similar rumors had surfaced, but stated that she had been captured by Sandorian soldiers instead. Back then, the gossip had been quickly suppressed.This time, however, after the apology to the matriarch of the Marquis of Jadehill's family, no more dung was thrown at the Warren family's residence. Yet, the story about Aurora being captured and violated had become increasingly notorious.The rumor spread with such force that within just a few days, it had swept across the entire city and was sure to spill over beyond its borders.Even Hell Monarch Estate was abuzz with discussions about the matter. Carissa found it odd that this issue, which had been buried for so long, was suddenly being brought up again and causing such a stir throughout the city.Could there have been a leak from the milit
Sure enough, within a few days, the rumors about Aurora ceased to spread.The storytellers in coffeehouses and taverns had quickly changed their tune. They now claimed that while Starhaven soldiers had indeed been captured at the Southern Frontier battle, Starhaven's army had also taken many Sandorian soldiers as prisoners. In the end, both sides exchanged their prisoners, and there were no instances of mistreatment or abuse of the captives.To outsiders, it might seem like a minor issue. However, those sensitive to the situation could sense that something was off.The general populace was unaware that Westhaven soldiers had also been sent to assist Sandoria on the battlefield—such military matters were kept confidential. Even if a few knew, it was a minority, and the information would not spread widely unless someone intentionally spread it.Meanwhile, Rafael's household army had been established, including over two hundred men from the Hell Monarch Army, whom Rafael had recovered
This was the first banquet Carissa would be organizing since marrying into the royal family.If it were poorly executed, it could become a laughingstock, especially given how Helen was so concerned about her own birthday banquet. Carissa was certain her mother-in-law wouldn't want any embarrassment to mar the celebration.Thus, Carissa personally consulted Helen on whether there were any essential guests who needed to be invited.Helen pretended to ponder for a moment before saying, "If Dakota and Josephine can come out of the palace, then invite them. As for the others, you can decide."Carissa knew that these two women were indeed necessary guests, especially Dakota.It was curious, though. The concubines favored by the late king, Sigmund, weren't those two, but rather the deceased Shelby and Wanda. So, why had Helen ended up at odds with Dakota and Josephine?The marriage alliance with the Quinton family had improved Helen's relationship with Josephine, but her interactions wi