Chapter 590

After the excitement outside subsided, the members of the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team returned to their respective homes, except for Scott and Wilfred from Stonebrook District. Jacob took them to Northwatch Estate, where they awaited the king's summons the following day.

When Thomas entered the Farrell family residence, Alice wept uncontrollably. She clung to her son, sobbing until she nearly fainted from exhaustion. Other family members comforted her, also shedding tears, and eventually helped her sit down, allowing everyone to speak calmly.

Few sons remained in the Farrell family; several members of the third branch had fallen in battle. Thomas's return was a great comfort to everyone. He knelt before each elder to greet them. The oldest member, the patriarch of the third branch, broke down in tears, and soon everyone was wiping their eyes.

After discussing recent events with the family, Alice and Thomas spoke privately. She needed to tell him something important. Once they were alone, Alice dismissed the servants. Even looking at her son, she felt disbelief.

She sighed heavily. "Your brother probably told you about your former wife's situation while you were at the Southern Frontier. But as your mother, I need to explain it myself. Your father died on the battlefield, so I understand the hardships of widowhood. It's not easy. But with you and your sister, I had hope.

"However, Viola was different. She had no children. Since you died serving the kingdom, I thought it best not to hold her back. I discussed it with your sister-in-law and other family members. We also wrote to your eldest brother, and everyone agreed it was best for Viola to return to her family. We gave her a divorce and allowed her to return home."

As Alice spoke, the memory of Thomas's death sent waves of panic through her heart. She took a sip of water to compose herself before continuing. "Viola didn't want to leave. She said she would remain faithful to you for life. Even with the divorce, she was determined to stay. I worried she would suffer returning to her family, so I gave her your death pension and two shops.

"She's remarried now. A few days ago, someone from the Earl of Silverstone's family returned the pension and the shops (their value converted to silver coins; we've transferred ownership). That ended all ties between our families."

Alice looked at her son gravely. "I'm telling you this so you won't disturb her. You have your life, she has hers. Even if you meet again, act as if you don't know each other to avoid causing her trouble."

Thomas listened quietly. After a long moment, he replied softly, "I've always felt I owe her. I won't be a burden."

Alice's heart ached at his expression. "I'll arrange another marriage for you…"

"That's not necessary," Thomas said, shaking his head. "I don't plan on remarrying."

Alice was surprised. "You don't plan on remarrying? You have no children! How can you not remarry?"

"We can talk later," Thomas said gently. "Mom, I don't want to discuss this anymore."

"Is it guilt toward Viola that keeps you from marrying again?" Alice asked, her voice trembling.

"Mom, I just returned, and you're already bringing up marriage. It's inappropriate."

Hearing his sadness, Alice felt her own heart grow heavy. She'd never dreamed he'd return; his feelings mattered most. Why add to his unhappiness?

"Just remember: don't seek Viola out. Don't disrupt her life," Alice reminded him softly.

"I won't," Thomas replied, his expression bitter. "I promise. Please don't worry."

"That's good," Alice said, crying. "It's my fault. If I hadn't encouraged her to leave, she'd still be your wife. Everyone else is reunited, and only you…"

Thomas interrupted gently, "Mom, I'm tired. I'll bathe."

Alice watched him, sighing deeply. Letting go seemed difficult for him.

"One last thing: when Madam Zoey returned your pension and the shop money, she mentioned the Prince family worried about Viola clinging to you. Something seems strange about that."

Thomas pondered this. "Alright, I understand."