Chapter 29

Barrett stared at Carissa in shock. Her combat skills were leagues beyond his—even ten of him wouldn't stand a chance. Why hadn't she ever mentioned her martial prowess before?

Carissa held the dowry list, smiling radiantly. Then, with a swift motion, she shredded it. The pieces fluttered down like snowflakes.

Rebecca's heart shattered. Enraged, she shouted, "You've destroyed the dowry list! Get out! You can't take anything from here, not even your clothes!"

Carissa chuckled. "Do you think anyone can stop me if I decide to take something?"

Rebecca seethed. "You dare? If you take anything, I'll report you to the officials immediately. Barrett divorced you! You can't take a single penny!"

Leaning on her maid's arm, she commanded, "Guards, throw her out! Her entourage is part of the dowry; they leave too."

As the servants hesitated, a loud proclamation rang out: "A royal edict has arrived!"

Everyone's demeanor became solemn. Ignoring Carissa, Rebecca ordered, "Quick, set up a table and receive the edict!"

Servants prepared a table in the main hall as Derek entered, accompanied by royal guards. Barrett stepped forward and knelt. "I'm honored to receive the edict!"

"General Warren, please rise. The edict is not for you, but for Lady Sinclair," Derek replied with a smile.

Barrett awkwardly stood, having assumed the edict was a reward from the king. Rebecca, however, anticipated its content after hearing Derek's words.

She declared, "It must be because the king learned Carissa opposed the arranged marriage. He issued a reprimand. Please inform His Majesty that Carissa has gone against the marriage laws and has already been divorced."

Derek calmly glanced at Rebecca, then at Barrett. "You've divorced Lady Sinclair?"

Barrett hesitated, worried Carissa had sought a royal audience to overturn the previous marriage edict. That seemed unlikely; otherwise, the edict would have been directed at him.

After a pause, Barrett said, "Carissa violated the marriage laws. Today, I invited representatives from the Sinclair family and a matchmaker as witnesses to our divorce."

Derek's smile faded; his tone turned icy. "I see. General Warren, there's no need for you to bear the stigma of divorcing your wife. His Majesty will make the final decision."

He raised the edict. "Lady Sinclair, heed the edict!"

Relieved, Carissa knelt. "I'm honored to receive the edict!"

Derek unfolded the edict and read aloud: "By the grace of heaven, the king decrees: Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch, safeguarded our kingdom's borders for many years. He achieved great military feats, especially in reclaiming the Sky Mountain territory with six junior generals. Furthermore, the Marquis and his six sons sacrificed their lives to reclaim the southern borders. In recognition of his contribution, the king confers upon him the title of duke posthumously."

Theodore and Solomon were overwhelmed with emotion. "The king hasn't forgotten the sacrifices of Hector and his family…" Theodore muttered, crying.

The Warren family wore complicated expressions. Why confer the title of duke only now? It should have been granted posthumously years ago.

Derek continued: "The title of duke shall be hereditary for three generations. However, we're aware that all male descendants are deceased, and only Lady Carissa Sinclair, his daughter, remains. So, her husband may inherit the title. If Lady Sinclair's husband holds another title, they can adopt someone from the Sinclair family as their foster son. Lady Sinclair will decide."

Stunned, Rebecca nearly fainted. Carissa's husband could inherit the title of duke? If Barrett hadn't divorced her, wouldn't he have gained that title? For a military officer, climbing to the rank of duke was incredibly difficult, perhaps impossible in a lifetime. Being a count or marquis was already a remarkable achievement.

Derek continued: "Furthermore, Lady Sinclair reported to His Majesty that when General Warren proposed marriage, he vowed never to take a concubine. That's why she married into the Warren family. Now, General Warren seeks to marry General Yates, so Lady Sinclair requested a divorce. After consultation with the queen dowager, His Majesty agreed General Warren was at fault. In line with that, His Majesty has issued this divorce edict. Henceforth, both families have no ties, whether in life or death. This is as decreed by the king!"