Her Graceful War Song

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 to do it myself!"

Salvador's anger left him speaking recklessly. Barrett had truly disappointed him, far beyond his expectations. If Salvador hadn't personally arranged the marriage and recognized Barrett's military achievements, he wouldn't have promoted him at all. The intention was to give him a chance and salvage Salvador's own reputation, but it turned out Barrett was utterly unworthy.

Not a single official in the court came forward to speak on his behalf, not even Viola's cousin, the Ministry of Finance's senior administrator. Defending Barrett would mean offending the matriarch of the Marquis of Jadehill's family and inciting public outrage.

Barrett was left with the grim realization that he might not even keep his position in the Capital Guard. He felt a mix of complex and difficult emotions, nearly to the point of tears.

He choked out, "I understand my crime, Your Majesty. I beg for your punishment. I will certainly go again to apologize to the matriarch of the Marquis of Jadehill's family and seek their forgiveness."

Salvador's chest heaved with anger. He thought of the old general from the Warren family-if his spirit were watching from the afterlife and saw how useless his descendants were, he would probably be rolling in his grave.

Salvador declared coldly, "Barrett, you have failed to manage your household, allowed chaos in your residence, and neglected your duties. I hereby demote you to the ninth rank, and you're now an ordinary guard. If you make any further mistakes, I will reclaim your estate. Barrett, this is your final chance."

Barrett felt his mind go blank and his face turned pale as death. He knelt on the ground with difficulty and said, "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"

He remained on the ground for aConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

long time, afraid to rise, feeling the weight of every gaze in the court upon him. What made him most uncomfortable was the presence of the Hell Monarch. He didn't want to face Rafael, or more accurately, he didn't want Rafael to see him in such a pitiable state.

On the evening of the second day after his wedding, Barrett had been ambushed in the back courtyard of his estate by a group of men. They had placed a sack over his head and beaten him mercilessly. He knew it was Rafael's doing, and he knew it was because of that brief, tense exchange they had on their mutual wedding day as they passed each other.

However, without evidence, Barrett dared not file a report. Revealing it would not only be humiliating, as it ̧ would suggest that the Warren

family's residence had as much net

protection as a sieve. It would also expose him as a military general who had been covertly attacked in his own home, without even

knowing who was behind it.

If he had proof, however, that would be a different story. He would waste no time accusing Rafael of abusing his status as a prince and war hero to sneak into another official's estate and assault a court official.

"Get out!" Salvador's voice thundered above him.

Barrett quickly stood up and bowed deeply as he slowly retreated. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Rafael standing there, his gaze filled with mockery. Barrett felt a surge of shame and anger, wishing he could just die on the spot.

Back at Valor Estate, he headed straight for Aurora's room in Forsaken Hall. The courtyard hadn't always been called that. Aurora had renamed it after their falling out, just to spite him.

When Barrett stepped into the courtyard, a place he typically avoided at all costs, Aurora's first reaction was shock. But as she noticed the dark fury simmering in his eyes, she instinctively took a step back. "Why are you here?" she asked.