Chapter 1076

Viola sat in the chair for a long time before finally compromising. “Can you promise me two things?” she asked. “If you can, I won’t ask for a divorce.”

Barrett sighed wearily. “What are they?”

“First,” Viola said firmly, “you’re never to mention Carissa or Aurora again. At least, not in my presence.”

Barrett fell silent for a long moment before nodding. “All right.”

“Second,” Viola continued, “you must return to the Nightsteel Guard. Regain your position as deputy commander.”

Barrett blinked, clearly surprised. “But I’ve been dismissed. How am I supposed to do that?”

Viola leaned forward, her words quick and insistent. “I’ll ask my sister-in-law to help. All you have to do is agree. Once reinstated, you must fully commit to your duties—work hard, earn a promotion, and listen to me from now on.”

Barrett shook his head. “I can’t ask her. I’ve lost the king’s favor. To help me would cost her a fortune and exhaust her connections. Those resources are better saved for her children—for their futures and marriages. It’s not right to waste them on me.”

Viola’s frustration flared. “What do you mean, waste? I’m the third daughter of the Earl of Silverstone! Her money and influence belong to the family, don’t they? If her children can use them, why can’t I?”

“You’re married and out of the family now.”

“And? Even married, I’m still the third daughter of the Earl of Silverstone!”

Barrett sighed deeply and remained silent for a long time.

“Well?” Viola’s voice rose, sharp with irritation. “Will you agree or not?”

Barrett met her gaze. “Let me ask you this instead. If I return to the army as a common soldier and start over, would you still stay?”

Viola shot to her feet, her disbelief and anger evident. “Are you out of your mind? Go back as a common soldier? How would you provide for this household? How would you maintain this estate? Do you have no sense of responsibility? No backbone?! You’ve spent years climbing to where you were, and now you’ve thrown it all away for that despicable woman—and you expect me to suffer through rebuilding from scratch with you? What kind of woman do you think I am?”

She was frantic, thinking he had lost his mind. To become a lowly soldier—how could he even suggest it? Did he want to join Thomas’s army? What difference would it make to her? Her voice trembled with fury. “I don’t understand—do you even want this marriage to work? Or are you deliberately trying to drive me away?”

Barrett remained outwardly calm, having made a decision. His life had been full of uncertainty, regret, and reminiscence. He was tired of it.

He thought of Carissa, remembering his return from the Southern Frontier. Even after his betrayal and their divorce, she had remained composed. He’d dismissed it as coldness, but now understood her calm determination stemmed from enduring far worse. Calmness was truly important.

Looking at Viola, he saw his past self—not laughable, but pitiful. He looked at her with pleading eyes. “If you’re willing, wait for me for three years. After three years, even if I can’t rise high, I won’t be a nameless nobody.”

Viola let out a sharp, disbelieving laugh. “Three years? You want me to wait three years to see you climb a little higher than nothing? That’s your great ambition?” She jabbed a finger toward him. “My husband can’t be a useless failure!”

Barrett showed little sadness. “Fine. If you’re unwilling, then I won’t hold you back. I wish you happiness and peace in the future.”