Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 997

Michael's wife, Lucille, had no love for Barrett at all. She had someone bring out just a couple of snacks to go with the drinks before quickly retreating, taking the servants with her. The room still reeked, and she wasn't about to stay and serve him. Barrett drank in silence, barely touching the food. He could see the contempt Lucille had for him, and it only soured his mood. The more he thought about it, the worse he felt.

"You should eat something," Michael said, breaking the silence. "Stop just drinking. What's going on with you?"

Barrett drained his glass in one go, then suddenly collapsed onto the table, his body shaking with quiet sobs. The sound was muffled, like someone pressing a pillow over his face. The sobs were low and strained, barely escaping his chest. Michael fell silent, focusing on his drink and food. Maybe Barrett just needed a place to let it out, though Michael couldn't tell what exactly he was crying about.

After a long while, when it seemed no one would offer any comfort, Barrett wiped his tears and looked up. His eyes, red and raw from the tears, were now streaked clean, revealing their dark depths beneath, giving him a strangely comical appearance. The sight made Michael laugh quietly without meaning to.

"You think I'm a joke, don't you, Deputy Commander Brown?" Barrett's smile was hollow, sad. "I'm nothing but a joke. A complete and utter joke." Michael nodded, acknowledging the truth of it, but then shook his head. He couldn't allow himself to lose all empathy. "Why won't you go home?"

Why would I? All I'd get is more scolding, more

you really giving up on even your official

never had a future to begin with. Demoted, salary docked for three years... Why go back and waste my time? I'd rather be out here, out of the king's sight." Michael frowned deeply. "You don't have to waste your

is disappointing one woman after another. I even gave up

despair. "Every time I close my eyes, I have nightmares. dream about her being torn apart by the Westhaven people, her bone's shattered, covered in blood, begging me to save her. Sometimes, I dream she's

then continued, "I used to have hope for the future. Back then, I thought I was favored by fate. So many noble families in the capital came to Northwatch Estate to ask for her hand in marriage. Yet, it was me whom

know about love? Back then, I just thought she was different.

"Oh, do you want to see my eyes? My eyes glow even when I'm silent. If

Barrett fell silent immediately.

was, Barrett

about