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At Grace Mansion, the lanterns in the corridors cast intricate shadows on the window frames, resembling beasts looming on the walls.

Carissa Sinclair sat on a chair with her hands folded in her lap, her slender body hidden beneath plain clothes. She looked at the man before her—her husband whom she had spent a year waiting for.

Barrett Warren was still wearing his slightly-worn battle armor. Standing under the dim light, he looked commanding and handsome. His face showed a mix of determination and a touch of regret.

"Carissa, the king has issued a royal edict for this marriage. Aurora will be joining our household. There's no question about it," said Barrett.

Carissa's eyes clouded with confusion. "The queen dowager has said that General Yates is a model for all women in the kingdom. Would she be willing to be a concubine?"

Barrett's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance. "No, she won’t be a concubine. She’ll be my legal wife and equal to you."

"Calling her that doesn't change anything. Ultimately, she’s really just a concubine in disguise," Carissa replied, remaining indifferent.

Barrett frowned. "What does it matter? Aurora and I developed feelings for each other on the battlefield. We earned this marriage through our achievements. I don’t need your approval."

Carissa smiled mockingly. "Developed feelings, huh? Do you remember what you said to me before you left for war?"

On their wedding night a year ago, Barrett had left to lead reinforcements on an expedition.

Before leaving, he had lifted his wife’s veil and promised her, "Carrisa Sinclair, you're the only woman I'll ever love in my life. I will never take a concubine!"

Feeling awkward, Barrett turned away. "Forget what I said. When I married you, I didn’t understand love. I thought you were a suitable match for a wife until I met Rory."

Talking about the woman he loved, his eyes softened and filled with deep affection. He turned back to Carissa and added, "She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever met. I love her deeply. I hope you'll agree to this."

Carissa felt a lump in her throat.

Despite feeling a mix of disgust and unwillingness, she still asked, "What about your parents? Do they agree?"

"They do. It was a royal edict. Besides, Aurora is straightforward, cheerful, and lovable. She visited my mother a while ago."

They agreed? Hah... How ironic! Everything Carissa had done over the past year had all been for nothing.

"Is she currently in the mansion?" Carissa asked, lifting her brow.

Barrett spoke of Aurora Yates with a softness in his voice, "Yes, she’s talking to my mother. She’s made her very happy. Even her health seems to be improving."

"Improving?" Carissa felt a whirlwind of emotions. "When you went to war, your mother was seriously ill. I brought in the best physician to treat her. I managed the estate’s affairs by day and stayed up nights by her bedside. It was only because of this that her condition started to improve."

Carissa wasn’t seeking praise. She was stating the facts of her exhausting year.

"But seeing Aurora has made my mother feel even better," Barrett said earnestly. "I know this is unfair to you, but for the greater good, please support Aurora and me."

Carissa pressed her lips into a thin line as she blinked away the tears in her eyes and sharpened her gaze. "Invite General Yates over. I have a few things to ask her."

"There's no need for that. Carissa, she’s different from any woman you know. She’s a general, and she's above the usual household squabbles. She wouldn’t want to meet you," Barrett refused instantly.

Carissa retorted, "What kind of women do I know? What kind of woman am I to you? Have you forgotten? I'm also the daughter of a noble family. My father and my six brothers died on the Southern Frontier three years ago-"

"That’s them," Barrett interrupted. "But you're a delicate woman suited for the comforts of home. Aurora has no respect for such women. She’s straightforward and unrestrained. If she meets you, she might say things you won’t like. Why put yourself through that?"

As Carissa looked up, the striking beauty mark under the corner of her eye became more evident in the light.

She calmly said, "It’s fine. If she says anything unpleasant, I’ll ignore it. Understanding the bigger picture and acting with dignity are essential virtues for any matriarch. Don't you trust me?"

Chapter 2
Barrett sighed in frustration. “Why put yourself through this? There was a royal edict for this marriage. Even when Aurora moves in, you’ll be in separate wings. She won’t compete with you for control of the household. She doesn’t care about those things.”

“Do you really think I’m attached to managing this household?” Carissa countered.

Running this mansion was no easy task. Just the monthly medicine for Barrett’s mother cost dozens of silver coins. Then, there was food, clothing, and social obligations—all these things required money.

This household was practically a hollow shell. Over the past year, Carissa had used much of her dowry to keep things running.

And this was her reward.

“Enough, I won’t argue with you. I just needed to inform you. Whether you agree or not changes nothing,” said Barrett, his patience wearing thin.

As Carissa watched him leave in a huff, she felt even more bitter.

“My lady, my lord was too much!” said Lulu, Carissa’s maid, wiping her tears away.

“Don’t call him that!” Carissa gave her a stern look. “We never consummated the marriage. He’s not your lord. Go fetch my dowry list.”

“Why the dowry list?” Lulu asked, puzzled.

Carissa tapped her on the forehead. “Silly girl, why would we stay in this house any longer?”

Lulu held her forehead and gasped. “But your mother arranged this marriage, and your father wanted you to marry and have children.”

Tears finally welled up in Carissa’s eyes at the mention of her parents.

Her father had stayed loyal to her mother, never taking a concubine. They had six sons and one daughter. All her brothers followed her father to the battlefield. Three years ago, none returned from the Southern Frontier.

Though she was a girl, Carissa came from a family of warriors and started training as a child. At the age of seven, she was sent to study under a master, where she also learned military strategy.

When she returned home at fifteen, she learned her father and brothers had died a year earlier.

Her mother, who had gone blind from crying too much, held Carissa close and said, "You must live like the noble girls in the kingdom. Find a good husband, marry, have children, and lead a peaceful life. You’re the only child I have left.”

Carissa felt like someone had gouged her heart out. The pain she felt was so intense she couldn't even bring herself to cry.

Determined to please her mother, she spent a year mastering the traditional values and duties expected of a noblewoman. She also learned accounting and how to manage a household.

Not only was Carissa the Marquis of Northwatch's daughter, but she was also known for her beauty. So, suitors flooded their doorstep. Her mother had chosen Barrett because he had sworn he would never take another wife if he married Carissa.

But six months ago, tragedy struck.

All the residents of Northwatch Estate were murdered. No one was spared, not even the children or servants. Each victim suffered numerous knife wounds, and their bodies were brutally dismembered.

Carissa’s youngest nephew had been only two and a half years old, born after the death of her third brother.

The local authorities and garrison unit captured a few of the assailants. After further investigation, they were discovered to be spies from an enemy kingdom, Westhaven.

The war at the front line was raging, yet these spies didn't hesitate to reveal themselves just to annihilate her family. The manner of the murder suggested it was more of a personal vengeance than anything else.

When Carissa received the news, she rushed home, only to find her grandmother’s and mother’s gruesomely dismembered bodies.

Blood stained every corner of the residence, and the dead were left in agonizing states.

Now, Carissa was the lone survivor of the marquis' family. The idea of restoring her family’s former glory seemed impossible—at least to outsiders. They saw her merely as a delicate, fragile woman.

However, Aurora was different. She had earned military merits for her contribution to the war and became the first female general in history. Even the queen dowager had high praise for her.

With Aurora supporting Barrett, his future would be more secure. That was the reason the Warren family readily agreed to the marriage.

Chapter 3
Lulu brought over the dowry list and explained, "This year alone, you've spent over six thousand silver coins to support the household. However, the shops, houses, and estates remain untouched. All the bank savings, along with the property deeds and land titles your mother left, are locked up in the chest."

Carissa glanced at the list. "Alright."

Just looking at the list put her in a melancholy mood. Her mother had given her such a substantial dowry, fearing she would suffer hardships in her husband's home.

"My lady, where can we go? Are we returning to Northwatch Estate? Or should we go back to Meadow Ridge?" Lulu asked, looking distressed.

Images of the bloodstained estate and the tragic deaths of her family members flashed through Carissa’s mind, causing a sudden pang of pain in her heart.

"Anywhere is better than staying here."

"If you leave, you’ll be giving them exactly what they want."

"So be it. If I stay, I’ll spend my whole life suffering as I watch those two be affectionate. Lulu, I must live well to give my parents and brothers peace in the afterlife," Carissa replied calmly.

"My lady!" Lulu wept bitterly.

She had been born and raised in Northwatch Estate. The murder had claimed the lives of everyone, including her own family. The images still haunted her, and returning there seemed unthinkable.

"Is there no other way?" Lulu asked desperately.

Carissa’s eyes grew cold. "There is. I could confront the king and use my family’s achievements to force him to reverse his edict. If he refuses, I’ll take my own life in protest."

Lulu was terrified and immediately protested, "My lady, you can't!"

Carissa’s expression softened, and a sly smile appeared on her face. "Do you think I’m that silly? If I manage to reach the king, I’ll only request an edict for an amicable divorce."

Barrett was able to marry Aurora because of a royal edict. So, Carissa should also be issued an official edict to leave. She shouldn't have to sneak away like she was being cast out.

The wealth from Northwatch Estate was more than enough for her to live comfortably for the rest of her life. She wouldn't degrade herself unnecessarily.

Just then, someone called from outside, "Madam Carissa, the matriarch has requested your presence!"

"It’s Jade, Madam Rebecca's maid. It seems like Madam Rebecca wants to try and persuade you," Lulu whispered.

Carissa straightened up, her expression serious. "Then, let’s go."

The evening sun glowed like blood, and the autumn wind was chilly. The late king had bestowed the Warren family's current residence, Valor Estate, upon Barrett's grandfather. Though once prestigious, it had fallen into decline.

Most of the Warren family's men were warriors who fought on battlefields. Only a few were civil servants who worked in the palace. Barrett’s father, Jonathan, didn’t fare well in his official career. His second uncle, Gregory, only held a minor post in the Royal Citadel.

Barrett and his eldest brother, Benjamin, were somewhat successful in the military. But before their recent victory, they were only fourth-ranked majors.

Both families still lived together in Valor Estate. Splitting the family would only hasten their decline.

Accompanied by Lulu, Carissa arrived at Rebecca’s room. Rebecca's complexion looked a bit better, and she was sitting up in bed. She smiled warmly when she saw Carissa.

"You’re here."

Benjamin and his wife, Amelia Morgan, were also in the room. Barrett's sister, Serena, and the other children of the concubines were present as well. Barrett's second aunt, Charlotte Lewis, was also seated nearby. However, her expression was cold and somewhat disdainful.

"Hello, Mother. Aunt Charlotte, Benjamin, Amelia," Carissa greeted them politely.

"Carissa, come here." Rebecca gestured for her daughter-in-law to sit by her bedside.

The older woman held Carissa's hand affectionately and happily said, "Now that Barrett is back, you have someone to rely on. This year has been so hard on you, especially with what happened to your family. You’re the only one left of the marquis' family. Fortunately, all of that is behind you now."

Rebecca was shrewd. She made it clear that Carissa would need to depend on the Warren family in the future, since her family was gone.

Carissa pulled her hand away and calmly said, "Mother, I heard you met General Yates today."

Rebecca hadn’t expected Carissa to be so straightforward. Her smile froze for a moment before she replied, "Yes, I did. She’s rather rough around the edges and doesn’t compare to you in terms of looks."

Carissa gazed at her mother-in-law steadily. "So, are you saying you don't like her?"

Chapter 4
Rebecca forced a smile. "How can I decide that after meeting her only once? But since the king has arranged the marriage, it’s a done deal. In the future, she and Barrett will earn military merits together, while you manage the household and enjoy the benefits of their hard work. Isn’t that nice?"

"Yes, I'm sure," Carissa replied with a smile. "But it’s quite unfair to make General Yates a concubine."

Rebecca laughed. "You silly child, how could she be a concubine? The king’s edict makes her Barrett's legal wife. Also, she’s a military officer who holds an official rank. Officials can’t be concubines. She'll be a legal wife like you. There won't be any distinction between ranks for the two of you."

"No distinction? Is there such a custom in our kingdom?" Carissa asked.

Rebecca’s expression grew a bit colder. "Carissa, you’ve always been sensible. Now that you’ve married into our family, you should prioritize us. According to the Defense Minister, Aurora’s contributions in this battle were greater than Barrett’s. With you managing the household, they'll be able to work together as husband and wife and focus on their military service. In the future, they'll surely become famous generals like his grandfather."

Carissa’s tone remained chilly as she said, "If they’re husband and wife, then I have no role here."

"How can you say that? Aren’t you still in charge of the household?" countered Rebecca, displeased.

"I only managed the household because Amelia was unwell. Now that she has recovered, she should resume her duties. I’ll go over the accounts tomorrow and hand everything back to her," Carissa replied.

Amelia quickly interjected, "I’m still not fully recovered. Besides, everyone is satisfied with how you’ve been managing things. You should continue doing it."

Carissa smiled mockingly. Everyone was satisfied because she had spent her own money to support them. Most of it went towards Rebecca’s medical expenses.

Sebastian Dalton was a renowned physician, and his medicine was costly. Only a few could afford his services. Rebecca’s medicine cost over a hundred coins a month, amounting to more than a thousand coins a year.

As for the other household expenses, Carissa occasionally subsidized them. For example, she would sometimes use fabrics and silks from her family’s business to make new clothes for everyone throughout the year.

She didn’t mind it before, as she had really wished to spend her life with Barrett.

However, circumstances had changed. She no longer wanted to be a fool.

Carissa stood up and said, "That’s settled, then. I’ll hand over the accounts tomorrow and won’t be involved in household matters anymore."

"Stop right there!" Rebecca's face darkened with anger. "Carissa, you’re being unreasonable. Men having multiple wives and concubines is normal. If you can't accept that, people will say you're narrow-minded and jealous."

Carissa’s compliance over the past year had made the Warren family think she was easy to manipulate. They believed a few harsh words would always keep her in line.

Carissa’s expression was calm, a stark contrast to her usual docility. "People can say whatever they want. I'm not concerned about their opinions."

Rebecca was so angry that she struggled to breathe and coughed harshly for a long while. In the past, Carissa would have rushed to help her. She would pat the older woman's back and try to soothe her.

But now, Carissa remained where she was. The soft evening light from the doorway highlighted her delicate, almost ethereal beauty.

"Carissa, look how badly you've upset Mom," Serena said as she stepped forward.

Her round, youthful face puffed with anger as she glared at Carissa. "This isn’t even about you. Do you think your family is still as prestigious as it once was? Your parents and brothers are gone; you're the only one left. Aren't you afraid that Barrett will divorce you if you keep putting on airs like you're a young lady from a prestigious family?"

Carissa looked at her sister-in-law, who was dressed in a pale yellow outfit that Carissa had procured for her in early autumn. Now, wearing the clothes Carissa had provided, Serena dared to question her authority.

How utterly… unsensible of her.

"Take off that dress you’re wearing before you try to lecture me," Carissa said coolly.

Serena’s cheeks flushed with anger. "I didn’t beg you to get this dress for me. You can have it back if you don’t want me to have it."

"Fine. And don’t forget the jewelry you’re wearing. I expect it all to be returned to me."

After Carissa said that, her gaze swept across the room. The only one who seemed pleased with the situation was Charlotte. Everyone else looked grim.

"If there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving."

With that, Carissa turned and walked out decisively.

Chapter 5
The Warren family members exchanged puzzled glances. None expected the usually agreeable Carissa to stand her ground so firmly this time.

She even defied Rebecca, the matriarch of the family!

“She’ll come around. She doesn’t have any other choice,” Rebecca said coldly.

That was true.

With Carissa's family gone, she had no one to rely on except the Warren family. Besides, she was still Barrett's rightful wife, and it wasn’t like she had been mistreated.

-

Early the next morning, Carissa and Lulu returned to Northwatch Estate.

The estate was bleak and covered in fallen leaves. After just half a year of neglect, the courtyard was overgrown with weeds that were taller than a person. Stepping back into the estate, Carissa’s heart ached fiercely.

Six months ago, she had collapsed upon hearing that her family had been murdered. She had wept when she saw the lifeless bodies of her grandmother and mother—their corpses cold and devoid of warmth. Every corner of the estate had been stained with blood.

Memorial plaques for her ancestors and mother had been placed at the estate’s family chapel. Carissa and Lulu prepared flowers to place on the plaques, their tears unceasing.

Carissa knelt before her parents’ memorials. Though her eyes were swollen from crying, they held a determined gaze.

“Dad, Mom, if you can hear me from heaven, please forgive your daughter for what she is about to do. It’s not that I don’t want a peaceful life with a husband and children, but Barrett is not someone I can trust with my life. Rest assured, I promise Lulu and I will live well.”

Lulu knelt beside her, sobbing uncontrollably.

After they were done, they boarded a carriage and headed straight for the palace. It was noon by the time they arrived.

Under the scorching autumn sun, Carissa and Lulu stood like statues in front of the palace gates. They waited for a full hour, but no one came to let them in.

Lulu was distressed and said, “My lady, the king might not see you. Maybe he thinks you’re here to oppose his edict about the marriage. You didn’t eat last night or have breakfast today. Are you holding up okay? Should I go get you something to eat?”

“I’m not hungry.”

The only thing Carissa felt was the unwavering resolve to dissolve her marriage and return home.

“Please don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s not worth getting sick over. Why don’t we just let it go? After all, you’re still the rightful wife and the lady of the Warren family. Even if General Yates is to be a legal wife, she’ll just be a glorified concubine at best. Maybe we should just endure it?” Lulu pleaded.

Carissa’s gaze was cold. “Lulu, if you’re going to talk like that, don’t speak at all.”

Lulu sighed, feeling lost and unsure of what else to do. She had hoped that once Barrett returned, Carissa would find some peace. But the situation had only worsened.

-

In the palace's study, Derek Walker had already reported Carissa’s arrival to the king three times.

“Your Majesty, Mrs. Warren is still waiting outside the palace gates,” he repeated.

The king, Salvador Quinton, set aside the document he was reading and rubbed his temples. “I can’t see her. The edict has been issued, and I can’t take it back. Tell her to go home.”

“The guards tried to persuade her, but she refused to leave. She’s been standing there for over an hour without moving.”

Salvador felt a pang of guilt. “Barrett requested the marriage as a reward for his military service. I didn’t want to agree, but not granting it would embarrass both him and General Yates. They have made significant contributions.”

“If we speak of military achievements, the Marquis of Northwatch and General Sullivan’s contributions surpass all others,” Derek countered.

Salvador remembered the Marquis of Northwatch, Hector Sinclair. When Salvador was a crown prince who had recently joined the military, it was Hector who had guided him. Carissa was a familiar face from those days, though she had been a delicate child. He still remembered her fair skin and endearing looks.

Salvador had fought a bloody path to the throne, paved with death. He understood the struggles of military officers. When Barrett requested marriage as a reward, Salvador had hesitated but eventually agreed.

Apart from his brother who was known as the Devil Monarch on the battlefield, the kingdom had no other capable generals. In the recent war with Westhaven, Dominic Sullivan’s third son had lost an arm. Dominic's seventh son had been murdered, though this had been kept secret.

But Derek was right. In terms of military merit, Barrett and Aurora were far inferior to Hector.

“Alright, let her in. If she agrees to this marriage, I’ll grant her whatever she wants. I'll even give her a noble title or an official rank,” said Salvador.

Derek breathed a sigh of relief. “As always, you're wise, Your Majesty!”

Chapter 6
Carissa knelt in the study with her head bowed.

Salvador remembered the Sinclair family. Knowing that Carissa was now the only one left stirred a feeling of pity in him.

"Rise and speak," he commanded.

Carissa bowed deeply with her hands clasped. "Your Majesty, I know it's presumptuous of me to seek an audience today. But I also wish to implore for your grace."

"I have already issued the edict. It's impossible to revoke it," Salvador said.

Carissa shook her head gently. "Your Majesty, I implore you to issue another edict. I want to divorce General Warren."

The young king was taken aback. "What? You want a divorce?"

Salvador thought she had come to ask him to rescind the marriage edict. He never expected a plea for a divorce.

Holding back tears, Carissa pleaded, "Your Majesty, General Warren and General Yates sought the marriage edict with their military achievements.

"Today is the death anniversary of my father and brothers. I wish to seek an edict to divorce my husband based on my late family's military merits. Please, Your Majesty, I'm begging you."

"Carissa, do you know what you'll face after the divorce?" Salvador asked, a complicated expression on his face.

Carissa hadn't heard Salvador call her by name in a long time.

When he was still the crown prince, he used to occasionally visit Northwatch Estate. He would always find some interesting little gifts to give her when he did. After Carissa later went to Meadow Ridge to study under her master, they never saw each other again.

"I do," she affirmed.

There was a hint of a smile on Carissa's stunning face. But no matter how one looked at it, the smile seemed tinged with irony.

"I'm sure you know the saying that a true gentleman appreciates and helps others to fulfill their aspirations, right? Even though I'm not a gentleman, I don't want to hinder General Warren and General Yates from being together," Carissa added.

"Carissa, there's no one left at Northwatch Estate. Are you really going to go back there? Have you thought about your future?" Salvador asked.

"I returned to the estate today to visit my family's memorial plaques. Seeing how the estate has fallen into disrepair made me want to live there again. I'll adopt a son for my father's sake, so there will still be someone to honor his memory," Carissa explained.

Salvador had thought she was being impulsive; he hadn't expected her to be so considerate.

"You're Barrett's legal wife. Aurora can't undermine your position. You really don't need a divorce."

Carissa looked up with tear-filled eyes that were firm with resolve. "Your Majesty, that's meaningless. I don't want to waste my life like this. I'm the only one left from the Marquis of Northwatch's' family. My father and brothers lived honorably and bravely throughout their lives. I don't want to settle for a life of mediocrity."

"I know you have feelings for Barrett. Are you willing to let go?" Salvador asked.

Feelings? Not really.

Carissa simply admired military men, and her mother had wanted her to marry and lead a stable life. That was why she had agreed to the marriage.

Carissa smiled. At this moment, she looked like a strong woman who would be able to flourish even in the most challenging circumstances.

"If he can let go of me, then I can let go of him," she declared.

Beneath her delicate appearance, she possessed an unyielding backbone.

This stunned Salvador. He had never seen such a woman before.

He felt a pang of confusion, remembering the carefree little girl who used to smile all day long. Now, she was married and soon to be abandoned.

To the world, divorce still meant abandonment. This was especially true in Carissa’s situation, as Barrett had publicly sought the marriage edict.

Being a woman was already difficult, and she would have it even harder.

How would she negotiate future marriages? There was no one left in her family to do it for her.

Thinking of this, Salvador recalled Hector's merits, especially how they had saved each other on the battlefield, and his heart softened towards Carissa.

"Alright, I agree. You may leave now. In a few days, the edict of divorce will be sent to the general's residence," Salvador said.

Carissa breathed a sigh of relief and bowed her head. "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"

As Salvador watched her, he was suddenly reminded of when she was a little girl, and his heart softened further.

"Carissa, if anyone mistreats you in the future, come to the palace and see me."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Carissa bowed once again.

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