Her Majestic Battle Cry

Chapter 1163

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.

After rambling on with all sorts of disjointed comments, he asked to send his regards to Zoey.

mistakes–but couldn’t bear

was trying to get him to pass these details along to Zoey, so she could be

sure that was necessary. Someone as shrewd as Zoey surely knew exactly what Oliver was like. Still, the mention of Oliver’s opulent lifestyle caught his attention. Michael felt it might be worth discussing with

attention.

the letter to Carissa, but she didn’t take

tell me what’s important,”

“There’s a lady in Redstone Manor called Madam Spencer, but let’s put that aside.

+26 BONUS

ustapler (163

I’m not sure if it’s being funded by the Earl of Silverstone’s family, or

direct, so he left things vague, showing more of the cunning behavior

said little. She returned and told Rafael about the situation, handing him

from Michael..

somewhat familiar with the circumstances in the Southern Frontier, though the full picture eluded him. The distance was too great, and letters were never clear enough to paint an

didn’t rely on the national treasury for funding. For instance, Victory Pass and the southern outposts had to sustain themselves through farming and their own resources. Only if the harvest failed did the government step in to

Sandorians, the region’s army had to assist with agriculture while farming. This meant they didn’t have enough

war with Sandoria increased the number of soldiers. So, the government was required to

the

in times of war. Aside from