Chapter 1163
The next day, Barrett learned the so-called training wasn't 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 remained scarce. Years of conflict had thinned the population, leaving the soldiers to assist in the fields. They were planting winter wheat, cabbage, radishes, and melons. Timothy informed Barrett he'd arrived just in time for the busy season.
From dawn till dusk, Barrett worked tirelessly. Yet, amidst the planting, he found time to write to Michael.
Back in the capital, Michael received Barrett's letter and stared blankly, scratching his head. Had their relationship truly been that close? The letter, spanning three full sheets, contained much trivial detail, reminiscent of Barrett's rambling post-drink conversations.
Barrett described life at Redstone Manor, its extravagance surpassing even the royal palace. He detailed countless servants attending a pregnant mistress adorned in the finest silks, her attire worth a fortune. He also mentioned the strenuous farm labor, soldiers toiling in the fields before any training. The soldiers were tanned from the work, except the marshal, pale as a ghost.
After rambling comments, he sent regards to Zoey. He wrote of his past mistakes and his reluctance to see others repeat them. The letter continued in this vein.
Michael quickly discerned Barrett's intention—to relay this information to Zoey, preparing her. Michael wasn't convinced it was necessary; someone as shrewd as Zoey likely already knew Oliver. However, Oliver's opulent lifestyle piqued his interest. Michael felt it warranted discussion with Carissa, who could inform Rafael.
He gave Carissa the letter, but she refused. "Just tell me what's important," she said.
Michael summarized the letter, adding, "There's a lady at Redstone Manor, Madam Spencer, but let's set that aside. What's truly surprising is Marshal Prince's luxurious residence. I'm unsure if it's funded by the Earl of Silverstone's family, or if Marshal Prince is misusing military funds—or worse, seizing them…"
Michael remained vague, employing the cunning of an old fox. Carissa was similarly reserved. She reported to Rafael, giving him Michael's letter.
Rafael was somewhat familiar with the Southern Frontier's situation, though the full picture eluded him. Distance and the vagueness of letters hindered accurate accounts. Currently, the Starhaven military, excluding the Southern Frontier and Capital Army, didn't rely on the national treasury. Victory Pass and southern outposts sustained themselves through farming and their own resources; government aid only came during harvest failures.
The Southern Frontier was an exception. Recently reclaimed from the Sandorians, its army assisted with agriculture, hindering its defense capabilities. The temporary wartime enlistments further increased the soldier count, necessitating additional government funding. This was the peacetime arrangement.
War, however, was different. Besides endless food and weapons, soldier pay increased, along with pensions and compensation for the wounded—a significant expense. War was costly.
"I thought Oliver wouldn't dare embezzle military funds, but his lavish spending suggests otherwise," Rafael said. "Even his family's treasury wouldn't suffice."
"This is news to me. Timothy and Louis' letters only mentioned army matters. Oliver and the generals clash, but his limited involvement in management prevented escalation," he continued.
Rafael formerly stationed trusted individuals at Redstone Manor, but Oliver's arrival saw their removal. Rafael lacked clear insight into the manor's happenings. It had seemed unimportant as long as the army situation was clear, but now the simplicity was gone. Oliver, as marshal, could secretly redirect funds with a convenient excuse.
"Madam Zoey is likely aware, explaining her preparations. Even without direct connection, misappropriation of funds would cause serious trouble," Carissa stated.