As spring arrived and the ice and snow melted away, the soldiers stationed in Simonton City prepared to return to the capital. Violet and the others were torn between whether to go back to the capital with them or return to Meadow Ridge.


    "Meadow Ridge will always be there, but a triumphant return


    happens only once in a lifetime. We should go back and receive the people''s praise," Travis said.


    They didn''t have grand ambitions; their greatest aspiration was to perfect their martial arts skills. They didn''t seek to be invincible, only to be able to defeat any opponent they faced.


    Suddenly hailed as heroes of the Southern Frontier, they found the new height of their status a bit overwhelming.


    With Aurora''s injuries nearly healed, it was time for her to face her punishment.


    During her time at the Southern Frontier, her rtionship with Barrett had been in a peculiar state. Her husband seemed to constantly avoid her, yet would still assist her when necessary.


    For instance, when she was to be punished, Barrett pleaded with Rafael on her behalf, only to be ignored. After failing with the marshal, he turned to Carissa, hoping she might intercede on Aurora''s behalf.


    "I know it''s presumptuous," Barrett began, "but we''re about to return to the capital. If she endures this punishment now, she won''t be able to withstand the hardships of the journey. All mistakes are mine, I have wronged you..."


    Carissa cut him off coldly, "If you know it''s presumptuous and


    +IS BONUS


    acknowledge your fault, then how do you have the nerve to ask me to intercede for her? And don''t you know that my entire family was ughtered because of her? I''m the one who most wishes for her death. Yet, youe to me to plead on her behalf? Are you sure there''s nothing wrong with your brain?"


    Her words left Barrett speechless.


    He stood there, dumbfounded, staring at the cold-faced woman before him. In his mind, he saw the face he had glimpsed on their wedding night-radiant and vibrant under the ca. dlelight. His heart ached with bitterness.


    "I know I was wrong. I''ve failed you, but I can''t fail her as well," he said.


    Carissa found the situationughable.


    "If that''s the case, why don''t you take the punishment for her? It''s only natural for a husband to take responsibility for his wife."


    Uninterested in witnessing his disy of guilt and emotion, Carissa turned and left, heading to Rafael''s tent to request an audience. Rafael was engrossed in carving something, which he immediately covered with a silk cloth upon hearing Carissa''s request. "Let her in."Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Dn hesitated for a moment before saying, "I just saw General Warren speaking to General Sinir. I''m afraid she might be here to plead for Aurora."


    Rafael nced at him dismissively. "Do you think General Sinir would plead for General Yates?"


    Dn shrugged, his youthful face disying a naivety about love." Maybe she thinks this is a way to win Barrett back?"


    Rafael paused, then beckoned Dn closer. "Come here."


    When Dn stepped forward, Rafael smiled faintly, continuing to gesture. "Come closer, squat down. I see something on your face."


    Dn touched his face, finding nothing but still crouched down. "It''s been a while since I washed my face..."


    His smile vanishing, Rafael pped Dn hard across the face and said, "It was dirty."


    Shocked by the p, Dn stared wide-eyed at Rafael. "Did I say something wrong?"


    Rafael picked up his carving knife and tapped it lightly on Dn''s head. "Does General Sinir even think highly of General Warren now? You''re speaking nonsense. Let her in." "Yes, sir." Dn rubbed his head and stood up.


    Rafael''s eyes narrowed as he issued a warning, "Do not let what you said slip outside. If you do, I''ll have your scalp removed."


    Dn gulped nervously. "I understand, sir."


    It seemed Rafael hadn''t forgotten what he said to Mnie before the campaign. However, things were different now-Carissa had been married, and her purity was questionable.


    If Rafael still harbored such thoughts and his mother found out, she would surely be furious.


    Moreover, since she wasing to Rafael''s tent after Dn had seen her talking with Barrett for quite some time, Carissa was definitely here to plead for Aurora.