Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 889 After collecting his thoughts, Salvador was struck by a question-why had his mom suddenly sent someone to treat his uncle? He paused, deep in thought, then asked, "I heard from the palace servants that Aunt Helen cby today." Victoria chuckled. "Yes, I asked her to come. The Treasury Office sent over a batch of new jewelry, and among them was a pure-gold and seven-colored gemstone tiara. Kylie and Sylvia both wanted it, so I was caught in a dilemma.

"Kylie is the queen, so if she liked it, it should've gone to her. But Sylvia is carrying your son, which gives her great merit. I couldn't decide who to give it to, so I gave it to your aunt. Little did I know, she was like a thief-she not only took that tiara, but also snatched up seven or eight other pieces. I really regret it." Salvador laughed along with her. "If she likes it, then it's good. If she's happy, then you're happy, Mom." He wasn't concerned about material wealth. Making his mom happy was what mattered most.

After dinner, Salvador excused himself and left. Victoria went out for a walk with Solana and Summer by her side. It was a habit she had maintained for many years. No matter how cold the weather, she would always take a short rest after dinner before going for a stroll.

The cold northern wind howled through the air as she lifted her gaze to the endless rows of palace lanterns. The further the lanterns stretched, the more they seemed to dissolve into mist, their lights blurry and distant, like glazed glass submerged in water.

Solana thought Victoria might say something, but they walked all the way to the Royal Garden in silence. The only sounds were the wind and their footsteps, and not once did the queen dowager even sigh.

Solana knew that Victoria had long been worried about Salvador's suspicions regarding the Hell Monarch, which could cause a rift between the brothers.

Though Victoria and Salvador shared a deep bond as mother and son, when it cto political matters, she had to be cautious with her words. Anything she said carried weight, and because of that, she had to speak carefully, lest Salvador think that Rafael had used smethod to sway her loyalty.

Meanwhile, Helen gave Carissa the pure-gold and seven-colored gemstone tiara, while Violet received a crystal bead bracelet. Helen kept the rest of the jewelry for herself as a reward. She would use them and dress up every day.

Victoria had said it before-no matter the circumstances, a woman should always dress well within her means to please herself.

Salvador had dispatched people to keep an eye on both Barrett and Hartstone Estate. Likewise, Hell Monarch Estate was keeping a close watch on both parties as well.

Barrett found it strange. He had already submitted a mourning application, so why was Salvador still sending him to the Capital Guard headquarters for special training? So many things had happened recently. His sister-in-law was gone, as was his child, and even his mom too. All the deaths left him emotionally shattered.

He thought to himself that perhaps this was just how his life would be-three years of mourning, and then either a position with the Crown Guard or back to the Capital Guard. He might even be sent to guard the city gates.

His future seemed bleak, but for sreason, he felt a strange sense of relief. However, it didn't last long. His second aunt still insisted on splitting the family, while his dad was avoiding responsibilities. And his elder brother, having lost his wife and status, had beccompletely listless. Viola's gaze nowadays was filled with hate and irony, and Aurora was still hiding away in Blessed Haven, unwilling to offer any support. All of it weighed on him.

After selling off many of the servants, Valor Estate felt cold and empty. It no longer felt like a home, but more like a desolate tomb.

The moment Barrett stepped through the door, the suffocating feeling would hit him, making him feel as though the air was being squeezed out of his lungs. Every step forward felt like he was drowning. There was a tightness in his chest, and a suffocating sense of helplessness would overwhelm him.

He knew he couldn't go on like this, but what hope did his family have left? What hope did he have? He drank, and once drunk, he passed out and slept for two full days in his study, completely indifferent to everything around him. Emptying his mind of thoughts felt oddly comforting-peaceful, even.

On the third day, he called for more wine. As he poured a glass, he stared at the rippling liquid. He longed for it. yearning for the numb tranquility of drunkenness that felt like a different world. He realized he was craving alcohol and that numbing escape it brought with it. The longing frightened him. Every the craved something. things seemed to get worse. A chill ran through him.

He couldn't keep going like this. If he did, the Warren family would truly be doomed. So, he spent the night in his e study, not touching a drop of alcohol, his mind swirling with the events of the past days, as well as the words Sebastian had spoken to him. The next day, he took inventory of his mom's treasure vault, leaving behind one or two items and selling off the rest.

After Rebecca passed, Charlotte had arranged the funeral. Now, she was still insistent on splitting the family e' because she was deeply disappointed in Barrett. He agreed to the split, but any debts owed to his second aunt had to be repaid. The accounts were muddled and impossible to sort, but he would sell whatever he could and pay her accordingly.