Chapter 104

After Aurora's failed challenge, she faced considerable criticism from the soldiers. Generals punished for trusting her now treated her with disdain.

Fortunately, the soldiers under her command still held her in high regard, especially the three hundred who had fought alongside her. Their loyalty remained unwavering, largely due to the substantial reward earned for their victory at Fawnrun City. Despite the murmurs of outsiders, their loyalty to Aurora was steadfast. Moreover, they shared a secret bound by an oath of silence.

After two days of emotional turmoil, Aurora slowly began to recover her composure. Though she had no personal achievements, she found solace in the fact that Barrett's success would bring glory to them as a couple. She planned to lead her troops alongside Barrett to fight and gain merit. After Barrett's victories, she hoped he would speak on her behalf.

Excitedly, she approached Barrett and said, “Barrett, when the battle begins, I'll lead my troops to help fight the enemy. Your victories will be mine as well. When it comes to rewards, just mention me to the king. I refuse to believe the marshal can control everything.”

Barrett remained silent for a long time, before finally giving her a curt nod.

Seeing his listless demeanor, Aurora raised an eyebrow. “Barrett, are you having regrets?”

“Regrets about what?” he asked.

“Regrets about marrying me.”

Barrett avoided her gaze. “No.”

Aurora placed her hand on his shoulder, looking into his eyes, a hint of redness in her own. “I didn’t come from an illustrious background like Carissa. I didn’t have a master as skilled as hers to teach me martial arts, nor the reputation of a father and brothers like hers to protect me. She didn’t remain the noble lady of a duke’s family as she should have. Instead, she came to endure hardships on the battlefield, attempting to surpass me and make you regret your choice. Don't let her succeed.”

“I understand,” Barrett said, nodding. “Let’s not talk about this anymore. It’s time to focus on training.”

“Barrett!” Aurora hugged him around the waist, her cheek resting on his shoulder. “I feel like you’ve become much colder towards me. Do you really regret it?”

Barrett remembered the harsh words he had spoken to the Sinclairs while they moved out of the Valor Estate. He even told them to pass a message to Carissa—that she shouldn’t regret her decisions. He smiled bitterly, feeling a sharp sense of irony. “Why would I regret it? I don’t. Don’t overthink it.”

Sensing the unusual tone in his voice, Aurora grew anxious. “Promise me you’ll never leave me.”

“I promise.” Barrett’s voice was hollow.

A smile finally appeared on Aurora’s face, though it was tinged with a teasing edge. “Remember your promise! If you ever grow tired of me, I’ll have your heart.”

The word “promise” struck Barrett with heavy impact. He had once made a promise to Melanie Sinclair as well.

Lately, he found himself recalling their first meeting. Carissa's beauty was unlike anything he had ever seen; her demeanor was dignified and graceful, and every smile and frown imbued with the elegance of a noblewoman. At that time, he thought that marrying Carissa would fulfill all his desires.

He did marry her, but on their wedding night, he was urgently called to serve the court and lead troops into battle. Although reluctant to leave Carissa, he believed she was his and that his career demanded his focus.

When he met Aurora on the battlefield, he was struck by her bravery and resolve. He began to think that while numerous noblewomen like Carissa existed in the capital, someone like Aurora was truly unique.

He developed feelings for Aurora, completely forgetting his promise to Carissa's mother about not taking a concubine if he married Carissa. He rationalized that Carissa was already his wife; even if he took Aurora as a wife, Carissa would only throw a tantrum temporarily before relenting.

His feelings for Aurora were deep and strong, and he saw Carissa as somewhat rigid and uninteresting in comparison. He even convinced himself that his initial fascination with Carissa had been superficial, and that his true affection lay with Aurora.

Yet, when Carissa left him so decisively, he felt a sudden emptiness in his heart. Even now, recalling her departure still brought a sense of panic.