Melody of Strength 19
After handing over the household management rights, Carissa shut herself in her mansion and refused to see anyone. She only met with the people from her own family, avoiding everyone else.
She even had her meals cooked in the small kitchen of Grace Mansion. Her servants, Lily and Holly, would personally buy ingredients and cook for her.
Once Carissa called back her staff, the entire Valor Estate plunged into chaos. Amelia had to step in, hastily promoting capable servants to fill the gaps left by the departing ones, trying to follow the old routines.
But with the upcoming wedding, there simply weren’t enough hands. The servants Carissa had recalled left a noticeable void. Now, every part of the estate was left shorthanded.
Reporting the situation to Rebecca, Amelia saw the older woman grip her forehead in frustration.
“I never thought she’d be this inconsiderate. I must have been blind to treat her so well. I never even made her follow any rules,” said Rebecca.
When Amelia heard this, she didn’t feel the situation was unfair. When she herself married into the family, she had to follow the strict rules. But Carissa’s situation was different. She had come in with a substantial dowry, managed the household, and personally taken care of Rebecca.
Of course, Amelia couldn’t say this in front of her mother–in–law.
Instead, she worriedly asked, “Mother, we’re already short on funds. Where will we get the money to hire new servants?”
Despite her anger, Rebecca still hoped to squeeze some coins out of Carissa.
After pondering for a while, she suggested, “Ask someone from the second branch of the family to talk to her. They have a good relationship with her.”
“I’ve asked Aunt Charlotte, but she said she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Besides, she’s still trying to figure out the betrothal gifts,” Amelia replied.
“Has she found a solution yet?” Rebecca asked.
“She said the only–option is to sell the remaining shops.”
“Sell the shops?” Rebecca frowned.
They had been selling off assets over the past few years to cope with financial difficulties. And now, there were only a few left.
After thinking it over, Rebecca made up her mind.Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.
“Then, sell them. We can buy them back later. Barrett and Aurora will continue earning military merits.”
+25
The rewards for military achievements were plentiful. Carissa’s family had amassed immense wealth through military exploits. At their young age, Barrett and Aurora had already achieved significant victories. Surely, the king would continue to favor them in the future.
Despite being a woman, Rebecca understood that after Carissa’s father and brothers died in battle, there were not many young generals left.
The Hell Monarch had been fighting in the Southern Frontier for over two years, and it was uncertain if he would return. Hence, the king was sure to favor Barrett and Aurora–their path to wealth and honor seemed inevitable.
“Then, I’ll arrange to sell the properties,” Amelia said as she took her leave.
The news of the Warren family selling their assets reached Carissa through Holly.
Carissa was at her desk, practicing her calligraphy.
When she heard Holly’s words, she looked up and commented, “Well, that’s really their only option right now.”
“When the household had no money before, they made you use your dowry to cover the expenses. Why didn’t they sell the properties then?” Holly grumbled.
“How could that be the same?” Carissa smiled. “They’re counting on Aurora joining the household and working with Barrett to earn more military merits. They think they’ll be unstoppable and able to get whatever they want once that happens.”
Lulu, who was fanning a small stove, snorted. “Back then, you used your dowry to help out, hoping that the general would win more rewards from the king to make up for it. Who knew he’d use his achievements to arrange a marriage instead?”
Tired of writing, Carissa set her brush down. “Well, I was foolish to think that way. I just hope the edict for our divorce comes soon, so we can leave this place and not hear any more about their affairs.”
But days passed–three, four days–and still no edict. 1
Instead, news came that Rebecca had fallen ill again. Without Sebastian’s help or the pills he prescribed, she was suffering from chest pains.
Carissa sighed, feeling a twinge of sympathy. “If it helps us part on good terms, I might ask Sebastian to continue treating Rebecca. But I won’t pay for it. They can pay him themselves if they can afford it.” ”