Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1163

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The next day, Barrett learned that the so-called training wasn't about military formations at all-it was farming.

September was the ideal time to plant winter wheat, and since the Southern Frontier had been ravaged by war, resources were still scarce. After years of constant conflict, there were fewer people around, and the soldiers were tasked with helping in the fields. In addition to winter wheat, they were also planting cabbage, radishes, and melons.

Timothy told Barrett he had arrived just in time for the busy farming season.

From dawn until dusk, Barrett worked tirelessly. Yet, amidst the chaos of planting, he still found a moment to write a letter to Michael.

Back in the capital, Michael received Barrett's letter and stared at it blankly for a long time, scratching his head. Had their relationship really been that close?

The letter was long, taking up three full sheets of paper. Much of it was trivial, much like the rambling conversations Michael had heard from Barrett after a few too many drinks.

Barrett mentioned his life at Redstone Manor, describing the lavishness of the place-more extravagant than even the royal palace. He spoke of the countless servants tending to a pregnant mistress who wore nothing but the finest silks, her attire worth a fortune.

He also talked about the heavy farm labor, with soldiers working the fields before they could train. The soldiers were tanned from the work, with the exception of the marshal, who was as pale as a ghost.

with all sorts of disjointed comments, he asked to send his regards to

been like that-making mistakes-but couldn't bear to see others walking down

intentions-Barrett was trying to get him to pass

of Oliver's opulent lifestyle caught his attention. Michael felt it

letter to Carissa, but she didn't take

tell me what's important," she

Michael summarized the letter

added,

Manor called

aside. What's really surprising is how luxurious Marshal Prince's residence is. I'm not sure if it's being funded by the Earl of Silverstone's

things vague, showing more of the cunning

She returned and told Rafael about the situation, handing him the

with the circumstances in the Southern Frontier, though the full picture eluded him. The

present, the military in

the national treasury for funding For instance, Victory Pass and the southern outposts had to sustain themselves through

supplies.

was an exception. Having only recently been reclaimed from the Sandorians, the region's army had to assist with agriculture while farming. This meant they didn't have enough manpower to focus on their defense duties. On top of that, the temporary enlistments during the war with Sandoria increased