After the excitement outside died down, the members of the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team all returned to their respective homes, except for the two from Stonebrook District, Scott and Wilfred. Jacob took them to stay at Northwatch Estate, where they would await the king''s summons the next day.


    When Thomas stepped into the Farrell family''s residence, Alice couldn''t stop crying. She clung to her son, sobbing continuously until she nearly fainted from exhaustion. The other family members consoled her while shedding their own tears, and eventually managed to help Alice sit down, allowing everyone to finally speak calmly.


    In the Farrell family, there weren''t many sons left. Several members of the third branch of the family had fallen in battle. Thomas'' return was a greatfort to everyone.


    He knelt before each of his elders to greet them. The oldest member of the family, the patriarch of the third branch of the family, broke down in tears. Soon, everyone was wiping their eyes.


    After discussing the general events of the past few years with the whole family, Alice and Thomas headed off to talk privately. There was something important she needed to tell him. Once they were in a room, Alice dismissed the servants. Even as she looked at her son, she still felt a sense of disbelief.


    She let out a heavy sigh. "Your brother probably told you about your former wife''s situation when you were at the Southern Frontier. But as your mom, I need to exin it to you myself. Your dad died on the battlefield, so I understand the hardships of being a widow. It''s not easy. But with you and your sister still with me, I had hope.


    "However, Vi was different. She didn''t have children yet. I thought that since you had died serving the kingdom, it would be best not to hold her back. I discussed it with your sister-inw and the other family members. We also sent a letter to your eldest brother, and everyone agreed that it was best for Vi to return to her family. We gave her a divorce letter and allowed her to return home."


    As Alice spoke, she recalled the sudden news of Thomas'' death back then, and it sent waves of panic through her heart again.


    She took a sip of water to calm herself before continuing, "Vi didn''t want to leave. She said she would remain faithful to you for the rest of her life. Even with the divorce letter in hand, she was determined to stay. I worried that she would suffer when she returned to her family, so I gave her your death pension, along with two shops.


    "She''s remarried now. A few days ago, someone from the Earl of Silverstone''s family came to return the money and the shops. The shops'' value was converted into silver coins since we''ve already transferred the ownership. That marked the end of any ties between our families."


    Alice looked at her son with a grave expression. "I''m telling you all this because I hope you won''t go and disturb her. From now on, you have your life, and she has hers. Even if you have the chance to meet again, just act as if you don''t know each other to avoid causing her any trouble."


    Thomas listened quietly as his mom spoke.


    After a long moment, he finally replied softly, "I have always felt that I owe her. I won''t be a burden to her."


    Alice looked at her son, her heart aching at his broken expression. "I''ll arrange another marriage for you..."


    "That''s not necessary." Thomas smiled bitterly, shaking his head. "Let it be. I don''t n on remarrying."


    Alice was taken aback. "You don''t n on remarrying? What are you saying? You don''t have any children. How can you not remarry?"


    "We can talk about itter," Thomas said gently. "Mom, I don''t want to discuss this anymore."


    "Is it because you feel guilty towards Vi that you don''t want to marry again?" Alice asked, her voice trembling.


    "Mom, I just returned, and you''re already bringing up marriage. It''s really not appropriate."


    Hearing the sadness in her son''s tone, Alice felt her own heart grow heavy. She had never even dared to


    dream that he woulde back, so whatever he said now was what mattered.


    Why should she add to his unhappiness?


    "Just remember what I told you don''t seek Vi out. Don''t disrupt the life she has now," Alice reminded softly.


    "I won''t," Thomas replied with a bitter expression. "I promise, Mom. Please don''t worry about it."N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    "That''s good," Alice said, unable to hold back her tears. "It''s my fault If I hadn''t encouraged her to leave, she would still be your wife. Everyone else is reunited with their spouses, and only you..."


    Thomas interrupted her gently, "Mom, I''m feeling a bit tired. I think I''ll go bathe."


    Alice watched him, a deep sigh escaping her lips. It seemed that it would be difficult for him to let go right now.


    "I just want to add onest thing:


    when Madam Zoey came to return your death pension and the money for the shops, she mentioned that the Prince family were worried about Vi clinging to you. I feel there''s Something strange about it."


    Thomas pondered his mother''s words for a moment, then said, "Alright, I understand."