Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

After the excitement outside died down, the members of the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team all returned to their respective homes, except for the two from Stonebrook District, Scott and Wilfred. Jacob took them to stay at Northwatch Estate, where they would await the king's summons the next day.

When Thomas stepped into the Farrell family's residence, Alice couldn't stop crying. She clung to her son, sobbing continuously until she nearly fainted from exhaustion. The other family members consoled her while shedding their own tears, and eventually managed to help Alice sit down, allowing everyone to finally speak calmly.

In the Farrell family, there weren't many sons left. Several members of the third branch of the family had fallen in battle. Thomas' return was a great comfort to everyone.

He knelt before each of his elders to greet them. The oldest member of the family, the patriarch of the third branch of the family, broke down in tears. Soon, everyone was wiping their eyes.

After discussing the general events of the past few years with the whole family, Alice and Thomas headed off to talk privately. There was something important she needed to tell him. Once they were in a room, Alice dismissed the servants. Even as she looked at her son, she still felt a sense of disbelief.

She let out a heavy sigh. "Your brother probably told you about your former wife's situation when you were at the Southern Frontier. But as your mom, I need to explain it to you myself. Your dad died on the battlefield, so I understand the hardships of being a widow. It's not easy. But with you and your sister still with me, I had hope.

"However, Viola was different. She didn't have children yet. I thought that since you had died serving the kingdom, it would be best not to hold her back. I discussed it with your sister-in-law and the other family members. We also sent a letter to your eldest brother, and everyone agreed that it was best for Viola to return to her family. We gave her a divorce letter and allowed her to return home."

As Alice spoke, she recalled the sudden news of Thomas' death back then, and it sent waves of panic through her heart again.

She took a sip of water to calm herself before continuing, "Viola didn't want to leave. She said she would remain faithful to you for the rest of her life. Even with the divorce letter in hand, she was determined to stay. I worried that she would suffer when she returned to her family, so I gave her your death pension, along with two shops.

came to return the money and the shops. The shops' value was converted into

you have your life, and she has hers. Even if you have the chance to meet again,

listened quietly as

long moment, he finally replied softly, "I have always felt that I owe her. I won't be a burden to

at his broken expression. "I'll arrange another

head. "Let it

don't plan on remarrying? What are you saying? You don't have

said gently. "Mom, I don't want to discuss

you don't want to marry again?" Alice

and you're already

her own heart grow

he would come back, so whatever he

she add to his

seek Viola out. Don't disrupt the

Thomas replied with a bitter expression. "I promise, Mom. Please don't worry about