Melody of Strength novel

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 capital, were there even ninth–rank officials? Even a minor clerk would look

down on him.

Barrett sat quietly to the side, feeling as though he had lived a lifetime since the events of the past. He could barely remember the details of the time when he brought Aurora back home.

He only recalled telling Carissa that his mother liked Aurora very much and that any children he and Aurora might have would be entrusted to Carissa to raise. Moreover, the authority over the household would not be taken from her.

At the time, he had believed he was being quite generous.

Now, looking back, it seemed almost laughable. It was as if he had told a wealthy person, “Here’s a copper coin. You should be grateful.”

Barrett had never truly understood Carissa. He knew she had been sent off to learn martial arts, but had thought that given her noble status, what skills could she possibly learn?

Aurora’s remarks about women had completely overturned his perceptions. He had no idea such self- reliant and strong women existed, let alone someone with such exceptional character and resilience.

He thought Carissa couldn’t compare, but was unwilling to let her down, which was why he only sought to marry Aurora as a secondary wife. It was only when the situation became unbearable that he decided to get a divorce.

At the time, Barrett had been eager to marry Aurora because, as a man, his career was crucial, especially with the heavy responsibility of revitalizing the Warren family. Beyond his genuine affection for Aurora, he also hoped to gain her support.

But he had never imagined that things would turn out this way.

Faced with his mother’s furious reprimands and tears, he felt a bitter lump in his throat, unable to utter a single word.

This mess was indeed his doing.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

He and Aurora, once full of self–assured love, had grown to despise each other.

Marrying Viola had been a calculated decision, made to gain support from the Prince family, Barrett knew very well that the king had given him a chance. But now, due to Aurora’s taunts calling Mary an old beggar, he had been reported.

And because of Viola’s orders to break the arm of the culprit who had thrown dung at Valor Estate, the king had reproached the Warren family for setting up a private torture chamber.

These charges piled up against him, making any hopes of promotion seem bleak.

Feeling disheartened and dejected, Barrett remained silent, unable to argue even a word against his mother’s scolding.

He knew that he could have had a promising future. Why had Carissa hidden her true abilities? True, he had promised Melanie that he wouldn’t ever take a concubine. But when he made that promise, he had not expected to meet Aurora on the battlefield.

Military life was harsh, difficult, and torturous. He had merely found someone with whom he shared common ideals. They often comforted each other–their bond was not merely a physical one, but a vow under the moon and the heavens.

It was all due to Carissa’s lack of tolerance.

Barrett wondered if she would also cause a scene and seek a divorce when Rafael took a concubine. If she didn’t, it would only prove that she was greedy for power and looked down on Barrett.

How long would Rafael refrain from taking in a concubine? Helen was already living in his residence, and this year, she would surely arrange for Rafael to expand his family. When that happened, Carissa had better be prepared to request another divorce edict.