Chapter 82

Barret and Aurora stepped forward to greet Rafael.

“General Warren, reporting for duty!” “General Yates, reporting for duty!”

Rafael looked up with a smile. “You’ve finally arrived.”

“Heavy snow blocked the roads, delaying our arrival. Please forgive us, Marshal,” Barrett explained.

“The weather is to blame, not you or General Yates,” Rafael replied.

Glancing at Carissa, Rafael noticed she only looked up briefly and didn't come over to greet Barrett, so he suspected an issue between them.

Meanwhile, Timothy and Owen, veterans of the Duke of Northwatch’s army, scrutinized Barrett. Seeing his handsome and manly demeanor, they were quite satisfied. After all, Melanie had personally chosen Barrett as her son-in-law. How could he be anything less than worthy?

Timothy stepped forward, patting Barrett on the shoulder with a hearty laugh. “General Warren, it’s good to finally meet you! You’re a lucky man to have married such a fine woman.”

Owen also smiled and said, “Congratulations, General Warren. You and your wife have both achieved great things. You’re sure to bring new glory to the Warren family.”

“General Warren, your wife is brave and fierce. She puts us men to shame!” Timothy added.

Barrett was stunned. They all knew about his marriage to Aurora? These were Hector’s former subordinates, yet they were congratulating him on marrying Aurora?

Puzzled, but cautious not to speak out of turn, he simply smiled slightly. “Thank you, generals.”

Aurora felt a sense of pride. It seemed their marriage had indeed gained the respect of the military leaders. She thought a general should be paired with a female warrior for a strong union. Carissa, with her traditional and reserved demeanor, could only bask in the glory brought by men. Aurora assumed the battle-hardened generals understood this well.

Aurora smiled and bowed slightly. “You all flatter me. How can I compare to the esteemed generals here? The triumph at Victory Pass was due to luck, not my bravery.”

Her words left everyone momentarily stunned. They had heard of Aurora, especially since she was credited with the major triumph at Victory Pass. However, they knew that without Dominic’s steadfast presence at the pass, victory would have been difficult. Aurora’s primary credit came from negotiating the treaty. Yet, not long after the treaty was signed, the people of Westhaven appeared on the Southern Frontier battlefield. So, her merit was somewhat debatable.

Regardless, Timothy and Owen had been talking about Barrett’s wife, Carissa. So, why was Aurora speaking so humbly?

Timothy looked at Aurora in confusion, but still praised her: “General Yates, your reputation precedes you. You’ve contributed much to the triumph at Victory Pass.”

Aurora’s eyes briefly flashed with pride, but she maintained her humble demeanor and said, “You’re far too kind.”

Timothy chuckled and turned his attention away from Aurora, giving Barrett a friendly shove. “Why are you just standing there? You see your wife and don’t even greet her? She’s been injured and hasn’t fully recovered yet.”

“You’re injured?” Barrett exclaimed in shock.

“I’m not!” Aurora replied.

Everyone was stunned by their exchange. What was going on? The group looked at Barrett, then at Carissa, who was partially hidden by Dylan.

Carissa stepped forward and calmly said, “General Warren, General Yates, it’s good that you have finally arrived with reinforcements.”

“Carissa?” Barrett looked at her in surprise. “What are you doing here?”

Aurora’s face also changed as she realized the compliments directed at “Barrett’s wife” were meant for Carissa, not her.

Aurora quickly took Barrett’s arm and smiled at Carissa. “So, Lady Sinclair, you’re here too. But why didn’t you inform everyone about your divorce from Barrett? It has caused quite a misunderstanding.”