Chapter 142

Aurora returned to the capital in a state of dejection. Barrett kept his distance, even though he was injured and could have used her support. He was adamant about avoiding any physical contact. Even the other captured soldiers glared at her with hatred. They knew why they had been castrated—in Fawnrun City, Aurora had tortured a young general and ordered his castration, humiliating him.

Now, the eighteen captured soldiers had received the same treatment from the Westhaven soldiers, and they couldn't voice their suffering or grievances. Their hatred for Aurora ran deep. Throughout the journey, they avoided her as much as possible, refusing to speak to her and keeping their distance.

Aurora remembered her earlier enthusiasm, her belief that she would achieve great things in this war. Instead, she had returned with half her face disfigured and despised by everyone. She could barely tolerate this, but what she found most unbearable was the soldiers' idolization of Carissa, the generals' protection of her, and even Rafael's praise.

Even after returning to the capital, Carissa rode in the king's carriage to receive the citizens' congratulations and attended the victory feast. Meanwhile, Aurora had to slink back to her residence in disgrace. Her mood was at rock bottom.

Back at Valor Estate, she refused to see anyone. Covering her face, she went straight to her room, locking the door. She sat before a bronze mirror, scrutinizing her reflection. Her appearance had never rivaled Carissa's, and now, with half her face disfigured and the remaining skin dark and rough, she looked like a village woman. Without her former confidence, Aurora felt like a peasant woman.

As her thoughts swirled, she reminded herself that she was married and that Barrett cared for her, even if he was struggling to accept her appearance. He might have thought she had been defiled, but she was innocent. Her burns had been inflicted by Barrett himself, proving that he did not despise her looks. After all, if he valued appearances, he would have chosen the far more beautiful Carissa.

Their feelings were genuine. They deeply loved one another, having declared their intentions and surrendered everything to each other at Victory Pass. Their bond was unbreakable. Once they overcame this trial, they would live happier lives than Carissa. As long as Carissa's life was worse than hers, Aurora could find some balance.

True, Carissa was now a highly sought-after general, with the added prestige of her family. But ultimately, she was still "second-hand goods." Noble families and people of high moral character wouldn't marry her; only those desperate for a title would court her. Given Carissa's arrogance, she wouldn't like any of those suitors either. It seemed she was destined for a life of solitude.

Thinking this, Aurora felt a bit more at ease. A knock sounded at the door. "Madam Aurora, Madam Rebecca requests your presence."

Aurora frowned, her mood souring at the thought of the ailing old woman. She hastily covered her face with a piece of brocade and went to Rebecca's residence. Inside, her father-in-law, Jonathan, was also present. She gave a respectful curtsy.

Jonathan nodded slightly. "It's good that you've returned safely." Jonathan was known for his indecision and lack of ambition, which had prevented him from securing a prominent official position.

But when Rebecca heard his words, she frowned. "What do you mean by that? She didn't achieve anything, nor did Barrett. Wasn't it all for nothing? And why are you covering your face, Aurora?"

Aurora felt a pang of frustration. When she first married into the family, Rebecca had been warm and loving. Now, her tone was sharp and disdainful, much like how she spoke to Amelia.

"My face is still healing from my injuries," Aurora replied coolly.

Rebecca slammed her hand on the edge of the bed. "Is it just healing wounds, or did the people of Westhaven torture you? Tell me, were you defiled by the Westhaven soldiers?!"

(The final line "BUNDLE: get more thee bonus D" is unclear and appears unrelated to the text. It has been omitted.)