Chapter 213
As Barrett began his new role, Aurora hoped to secure an official position for herself, even a minor one in the Capital Guard or as a small team leader in the Mystic Army. She knew her past mistakes would limit her to a lower-ranking post, but given her significant contributions to the victory at Victory Pass, she thought finding a position wouldn't be too difficult. All she wanted was a position that would allow her to hold her head high.
However, Aurora's expectations were overly simplistic. Even Carissa, who held only a nominal title, didn't need to report to Capital Guard Headquarters or participate in Mystic Army training unless specifically required. She had the option to go if needed, but she didn't have to.
Several days later, Aurora received a document from the Ministry of Defense stripping her of her military rank and erasing all recognition of her achievements at Victory Pass. She was no longer a general or even a soldier. All her contributions were nullified, as if she had never been on the battlefield. She was required to return the general's armor, military insignia, and weapons. She couldn't even keep her military uniform.
This shattered her emotional defenses. She considered herself superior because she was different from other women—after all, she had been on the battlefield. She was a soldier, a centurion, a general. She had endured many hardships and had eventually married into the Warren family. She thought her journey was only the beginning and that she would soar to greater heights, pioneering a path for women to serve as officials in the future.
Instead, marrying into the Warren family marked the end of everything she had hoped for.
Aurora went mad, smashing things in the courtyard. She destroyed everything in sight, and the servants dared not approach. They sought out Amelia, who dismissed their concerns, saying she wouldn't interfere with Aurora's outburst in her own courtyard. As Rebecca was still ill, no one dared tell her. Even those who knew wouldn't approach Aurora. Serena took a glance and, with venom in her eyes, cursed Aurora. If not for this vile woman seducing Barrett, Carissa would still be her sister-in-law and wouldn't be marrying the Hell Monarch. This woman was nothing but a calamity!
Eventually, Rebecca learned of the situation. Her gaze was blank for a long time before she let out a bitter laugh.
“Oh? Not only is she no longer a general, but not even a soldier, either? What exactly did our family gain from her? We spent so much money to have her marry into our family, and she’s turned out to be utterly useless—just a worthless shrew.”
Her tone was both malicious and helpless. Besides, she was right.
Despite coming from a distinguished background, Carissa was well-educated and cultured. She was also trained in martial arts from a young age. She was considerate and dutiful, always taking initiative in her responsibilities. Aurora, however, was quite different. She would get angry when things didn't go her way, and although many in the residence resented her, no one dared voice their criticism openly.
The thought of that night, when Aurora was smashing things and fighting with Barrett, was enough to give Rebecca a heart attack. She deeply regretted her decisions.
Carissa's audacity in speaking boldly at Harmony Palace was proof of her substantial influence and power. In contrast, Aurora only dared to be domineering within the confines of her own household. When faced with outside criticism, she wouldn't dare respond. She lacked the confidence and capability to stand her ground.
In the capital, power determined everything. Before the many influential figures, Aurora was nothing. Rebecca had been bedridden for days, and Aurora had never once come to attend to her. Aurora couldn't even display the most basic respect to her in-laws. Her own family had left the capital, clearly avoiding her like the plague.
It was baffling that someone like Aurora had been brought into the Warren family household. Rebecca grew increasingly infuriated, which aggravated her condition. However, there was nothing she could do to change the situation. She even found herself resenting Carissa for concealing her affiliation with her guild. If Rebecca had known that Kyle was Carissa's senior, she would never have allowed Carissa to leave the family!
In truth, Rebecca didn't fully grasp Kyle's influence. She had only seen the admiration people had for him, with a single painting fetching a fortune. Even Eleanor had been stunned for a long time after learning the torn painting was a genuine piece. It was clear that Kyle was a remarkable figure.