"Yes, I'm sure," Carissa replied with a smile. "But it's quite unfair to make General Yates a concubine."

Rebecca laughed. "You silly child, how could she be a concubine? The king's edict makes her Barrett's legal wife. She's also a military officer of official rank; officials can't be concubines. She'll be a legal wife, just like you. There will be no distinction in rank between you two."

"No distinction? Is there such a custom in our kingdom?" Carissa asked.

Rebecca's expression grew colder. "Carissa, you've always been sensible. Now that you've married into our family, you should prioritize us. According to the Defense Minister, Aurora's contributions in this battle were greater than Barrett's. With you managing the household, they can work together as husband and wife and focus on their military service. In the future, they'll surely become famous generals, like his grandfather."

Carissa's tone remained chilly. "If they're husband and wife, then I have no role here."

"How can you say that? Aren't you still in charge of the household?" Rebecca countered, displeased.

"I only managed the household because Amelia was unwell. Now that she's recovered, she should resume her duties. I'll go over the accounts tomorrow and hand everything back to her," Carissa replied.

Amelia quickly interjected, "I'm still not fully recovered. Besides, everyone is satisfied with how you've been managing things. You should continue."

Carissa smiled mockingly. Everyone was satisfied because she had spent her own money supporting them—mostly on Rebecca's medical expenses. Sebastian Dalton was a renowned, and expensive, physician. Rebecca's medicine cost over a hundred coins a month, more than a thousand a year. Carissa also occasionally subsidized other household expenses, such as providing fabrics and silks from her family's business to make new clothes.

She hadn't minded before; she'd genuinely wanted to spend her life with Barrett. However, circumstances had changed. She was no longer willing to be a fool.

Standing up, Carissa said, "That's settled, then. I'll hand over the accounts tomorrow and will not be involved in household matters anymore."

"Stop right there!" Rebecca's face darkened with anger. "Carissa, you're being unreasonable. Men having multiple wives and concubines is normal. If you can't accept that, people will say you're narrow-minded and jealous."

Carissa's compliance over the past year had led the Warren family to believe she was easily manipulated; that a few harsh words would always keep her in line. Her expression, however, was calm, a stark contrast to her usual docility.

"People can say whatever they want. I'm not concerned about their opinions."

Rebecca, so angry she struggled to breathe, coughed harshly for a long time. In the past, Carissa would have rushed to help; she would have patted Rebecca's back and soothed her. But now, Carissa remained where she was. The soft evening light from the doorway highlighted her delicate, almost ethereal beauty.

"Carissa, look how badly you've upset Mom," Serena said, stepping forward. Her round, youthful face puffed with anger as she glared at Carissa. "This isn't even about you. Do you think your family is still as prestigious as it once was? Your parents and brothers are gone; you're the only one left. Aren't you afraid that Barrett will divorce you if you keep putting on airs like you're a young lady from a prestigious family?"

Carissa looked at her sister-in-law, dressed in a pale yellow outfit Carissa had procured for her in early autumn. Now, wearing Carissa's clothes, Serena dared to question her. How utterly unsensible.

"Take off that dress before you try to lecture me," Carissa said coolly.

Serena's cheeks flushed. "I didn't beg you for that dress. You can have it back if you don't want me to have it."

"Fine. And don't forget the jewelry you're wearing. I expect it all returned."

Carissa's gaze swept across the room. Only Charlotte seemed pleased; everyone else looked grim.

"If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving."

With that, Carissa turned and walked out decisively.