Her Graceful War Song

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 a matter of compassion-it was about avoiding further public outrage and trying to quell the situation quickly. Now that the man's limbs were broken, Barrett feared that this incident would only escalate.

He stared at Aurora, his tone unwaveringly stern. "I'll check with Vi. When I come back, you'll still need to apologize."

Aurora managed a bitter smile. "Vi? It's been a long time since you've called me Rory. Now, it's just my name. Barrett, I truly made a mistake."

Barrett turned away, remaining silent for a moment before saying, "Who hasn't?"

Aurora stifled a sob, quickly swallowing the sound. She refused to bend or break. She had to maintain her dignity. Yet, the walls she had built around her heart, once fortified by his past affection, were crumbling.

The news of Carissa and Rafael's marriage had already started the collapse.

How could she ever regard Viola as a threat?

Aurora had never seen Viola as a rival because she knew, deep down, that Viola would never compare to Carissa in Barrett's eyes.

What was lost would always be the best thing.

Aurora's true rival would always be Carissa, never Viola. Viola didn't even warrant comparison.

Barrett strode out with determined steps.

Viola was already aware that the man whose legs had been broken had reported the incident to the authorities, hence why the Royal Citadel had sent officials to the residence.

When the steward reported that the officials had arrived, Viola panicked. She avoided meeting the Royal Citadel representatives and hid inside the house, instructing the steward to handle the situation.

Barrett arrived just in time toText property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

overhear the steward briefing the chief constable, "We never intended to break his limbs. We only meant to give him a good beating to teach him a lesson. Unfortunately, the guards were too harsh."

Barrett approached and nodded respectfully, then asked, "Is there any possibility of resolving this matter amicably?"

The chief constable returned the gesture. "General Warren!"

After addressing him, the chief

constable continued sternly, "Whether this can be resolved depends on your negotiations. Our superiors have instructed us that if a resolution can be reached, that's best. If not, both the instigator and the assailant will be sent to prison."

Barrett furrowed his brow. "But the man was throwing dung at my gates! He provoked and insulted us first. Given the circumstances, shouldn't compensation for medical expenses and an apology from the assailants suffice?"

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The chief constable replied, "Rest assured, General Warren. We will take strict action against him for throwing dung at your gate. Once recovers, we will detain him. However, the beating he received, resulting in a broken arm and leg, is also something we must address according to the law."

Barrett lowered his voice, "I'd appreciate it if you could help me handle the situation. I will..."

The chief constable took a step back, a cold smirk forming at the corners of his mouth. "General Warren, are you attempting to bribe me? That won't do. We handle cases with integrity and strictness, and we don't accept bribes."

Feeling awkward, Barrett could only watch as the chief constable's stern demeanor confirmed his fears. He knew that the Royal Citadel's governor, Anthony, would not let this matter slide easily.

Anthony's sister was the late wife of the Sinclair family's deceased second son. She was also Ryan's mother. Anthony would likely be eager to stand up for Carissa.

Barrett had no choice but to send the steward and the guards who had participated in the beating to the Royal Citadel. Before they left, he gave the steward a meaningful glance.

The steward's face turned pale, and after hesitating for a moment, he followed the Royal Citadel officials.