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

his lips. "Are you really giving up on even your official position? If you anger His Majesty, you'll

going to end like this. I 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 time. You

I do? What am I good for?" Barrett laughed bitterly, his voice cracking. "My only talent is disappointing one woman after another. I even gave up my military merits, thinking Aurora and I had something real. In the end, it was all a joke. I even betrayed

being torn

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 Madam Sinclair chose..." "Stop. Enough," Michael interjected sharply, quickly cutting Barrett off when he started talking about Carissa. "Talk about Aurora instead. She's the love of your life. The reason you're

Back then, I just thought she was different. Different from all the other women I'd known.

my eyes? My eyes glow even when I'm silent. If they don't, then maybe

Barrett fell silent immediately.

party. The truth was, Barrett couldn't face reality and couldn't bear to

about nothing.