Chapter 1000

Violet possessed a unique perspective. After a moment of silence, she turned to Carissa and asked, "Is he throwing a tantrum and resigning because the king demoted him and cut his salary?"

She wasn't sure if Barrett truly behaved this way, but she knew she would. Whenever her family or mentor offered less than expected, she'd dig in her heels and quit, using retreat as leverage.

Seeing Carissa's displeasure, she quickly added, "Let's drop it. He's a nuisance. Since the king won't let him resign, there's nothing more to be done. He can't make a fuss."

The others nodded, shifting the conversation to lighter topics. They ate their honey cakes, and when Rafael didn't return, Lulu suggested saving some for him.

After everyone left, Violet turned to Carissa and said, "Actually, his resignation might be a good thing. A man like him doesn't deserve to be the deputy commander of the Nightsteel Guard."

Carissa sighed. "Right now, anyone connected to Victory Pass should keep their heads down. We don't need more gossip or attention. Whether he resigns or the king dismisses him, it will draw attention to my grandfather and uncle. It's the perfect opportunity for someone with ulterior motives to twist things and stir up trouble."

Violet nodded. "Right, but what kind of trouble?"

Calming down, Carissa explained, "Yuvan has been trying to get the Sullivan family to withdraw from Victory Pass. The situation in Fawnrun City has caused a huge stir in Westhaven and Victory Pass. It's clear Yuvan and Westhaven are collaborating. Now that Aurora has been sent to Westhaven for her crimes, my grandfather, as commander of Victory Pass, will be blamed for inadequate troop supervision. Barrett is partially responsible for leading his men to Fawnrun City. This doesn't implicate my uncles, so on the surface, it seems fair. But if Barrett resigns in shame, Yuvan could use that to spread rumors, claiming the Sullivan family knew of the guilt but clung to their power. That would tarnish the family's reputation."

Violet stared at Carissa, her thoughts swirling. A complicated feeling, mixed with a subtle ache, filled her. This feeling had been present since their first meeting on the battlefield.

Chapter 1000

Back at Meadow Ridge, Violet had considered Carissa slightly more skilled martially, but believed herself wiser in experience, knowledge, and understanding of the world. She felt adept at navigating people and relationships, while Carissa seemed naive and lacking. At least, that's how Violet had seen it.

But now, Carissa had learned everything. She saw the bigger picture, calculated every move precisely, and possessed unwavering emotional stability, approaching everything with calm, rational thought.

How much would someone have to endure for such a drastic personality change? The thought brought Violet close to tears.

Noticing Violet's teary expression, Carissa quickly asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Violet replied, concealing her emotions. "I just find Barrett infuriating."

Carissa smiled gently. "It's alright, I'm not upset anymore. I know what he's like, so it's no surprise. The feeling will pass."

"Yeah!" Violet hugged her, sniffing. "No matter what, we'll always be together."

"Of course." Carissa patted her back, surprised by Violet's sudden emotion. Why was Violet so emotional?

Lulu poked her head in, seeing them hugging, but wasn't shocked. Back at Meadow Ridge, they'd been inseparable, always close and affectionate.

"Prince Rafael should be back soon," Lulu said. "Also, Lady Helen wants you to join her for dinner."

Carissa nodded. "Alright, we'll head over soon. Oh, and send some of Mrs. Brown's honey cakes to Mother."