Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Barrett looked at Viola, his heart heavy as he recalled her two deceased maids.

"I'm sorry about Julia and Yvonne. It's my fault, I couldn't protect them."

Viola clenched her fists and demanded, "Tell me, what is my place in your heart? Don't change the subject."

Leaning against a nearby tree, Barrett took a deep breath to steady himself and tried to calm the anger that had flared up.

He spoke softly, "I'm not changing the subject. I just... deeply regret and mourn their deaths. As for your place in my heart, it is naturally that of a primary wife."

"Just that?" Viola pressed, tears welling up in her swollen eyes. "Do you feel no affection for me? Don't you have any feelings for me at all?"

Barrett was momentarily stunned by the question.

He looked at Viola and opened his mouth, intending to explain that their marriage had been arranged by Natalie with the king's blessing, and that it was simply a union of families. As long as they treated each other with respect, that was enough.

But seeing the tears welling up in Viola's eyes, he couldn't bring himself to say it. He had never expected her to ask about his feelings.

Seeing him unable to speak, Viola understood everything and smiled bitterly. "So, there's no affection, only the duties of a married couple."

"As your husband, it

me was it only out of

it's only natural for me to protect you," Barrett said, feeling guilty as he thought of how he had

sister, and even endured

her question. He just stared at her blankly for a long while before

you really asking me that?" Viola laughed through her tears, her composure completely gone. "Your salary, combined with your father's and older brother's,

ask me what you should do? All I ask is for a bit of sincerity. Are you really so clueless, or do you just not care? Or is your heart entirely with

utter a word. He couldn't bear to hurt Viola, yet he

money to support the residence I work hard to earn more. Make sure Julia and Yvonne's families are well taken care of. there isn't enough money in the household, I'll

that, he stumbled away, enduring the pain

spoken openly, and he should at least have given some response, even if

-

that moment, Carissa was

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

offering a respectful salute with her fist over her heart. Given her official position, she

smiled at her. "Have a