Chapter 18
Lulu scoffed. “Ten thousand silver coins worth of betrothal gifts? Do they think the Warren family is that rich? When you married into this family, your mother only asked for a few hundred silver coins. It was such a loss.”
Carissa sighed dramatically. “I agree. My mother settled for too little.”
Lulu laughed, but tears welled up. Carissa had endured so much marrying into the Warren family. Carissa had believed Barrett’s grand promises—he’d sworn he’d never take a concubine. In the end, it was all lies, and Carissa’s life was ruined.
Wiping her tears, Lulu fetched the watercress and chicken soups, inviting the other maids to share. The king’s edict for an amicable divorce remained undisclosed, but Carissa’s loyal family members knew what was happening and needed preparation. Lulu worried the king might not approve the divorce.
A divorce unilaterally decided by the husband and an amicable divorce were vastly different; a woman divorced by her husband couldn't reclaim her dowry. Why was the edict delayed? Was the king waiting until after the wedding? That would be torture. Lulu wanted to leave immediately.
Later, Carissa called Amelia to review the accounts. The recent chaos had delayed this necessary task.
Amelia was reluctant. She sympathized with Carissa, but her husband, Benjamin, believed Aurora's marriage into the Warren family would greatly benefit them. Aurora was key to Westhaven’s surrender, a detail not lost on the Ministry of Defense. Barrett and Aurora’s contributions had secured the marriage edict, preventing alternative arrangements. The king, focused on promoting young military talent, saw Aurora’s addition as advantageous to the Warren family's influence.
Furthermore, Carissa was the legitimate daughter of a marquis, her family having made significant contributions to the court. Their military merits were unmatched, except perhaps if Salvador’s brother, the Hell Monarch, recaptured the Southern Frontier.
Chapter 18 +25 BONUS
“Amelia,” Carissa said, handing her the account books, “here’s the current balance for Valor Estate. The annual rents and land incomes are detailed here. This year’s income has been completely spent, leaving only nine hundred silver coins—what I lent to the family. I’m reclaiming it. Any objections?”
Amelia was shocked. “You’re taking it back? But that would leave the accounts completely empty!”
Carissa replied calmly, “If other family members contribute, we’ll manage. With Father, Benjamin, and Barrett’s monthly salaries, we’ll get by if everyone tightens their belts.”
Amelia was bewildered. “How can we be this broke?”
She didn’t doubt Carissa; the household had struggled before her marriage. Many servants had been dismissed, and Carissa’s dowry had allowed for more staff and guards, covering expenses including Rebecca’s medicine.
“I’m not sure,” Carissa replied, though she knew the reasons well. Rebecca’s chronic illness and expensive treatments had drained resources. The family had also mismanaged their businesses, selling off shops and squandering the proceeds instead of trying to revitalize them. The estate’s income now mostly came from renting a few shops and some land, plus Jonathan, Gregory, Benjamin, and Barrett’s salaries. Without the estate granted by the late king, they’d barely afford a house. Many officials in the capital couldn’t even afford homes; the Civil Department’s vice minister only bought a decent three-yard house last year after borrowing money.
Amelia felt overwhelmed. “Carissa, I can’t handle these finances. You should keep managing them.” Asking other family members for contributions wouldn’t be easy.
Carissa smiled reassuringly. “No worries. Just handle it for now. Once General Yates moves in, you can use your health as an excuse and hand over the household finances to her.” Amelia agreed this was the best plan.
Carissa, once easygoing, now spoke with a gentle firmness that left no room for negotiation.