Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1163

The next day, Barrett learned that the so-called training wasn't about military formations at all—it was farming.

September was the ideal time to plant winter wheat, and since the Southern Frontier had been ravaged by war, resources were still scarce. After years of constant conflict, there were fewer people around, and the soldiers were tasked with helping in the fields.

In addition to winter wheat, they were also planting cabbage, radishes, and melons.

Timothy told Barrett he had arrived just in time for the busy farming season.

From dawn until dusk, Barrett worked tirelessly. Yet, amidst the chaos of planting, he still found a moment to write a letter to Michael.

-

Back in the capital, Michael received Barrett's letter and stared at it blankly for a long time, scratching his head. Had their relationship really been that close?

The letter was long, taking up three full sheets of paper. Much of it was trivial, much like the rambling conversations Michael had heard from Barrett after a few too many drinks.

Barrett mentioned his life at Redstone Manor, describing the lavishness of the place—more extravagant than even the royal palace. He spoke of the countless servants tending to a pregnant mistress who wore nothing but the finest silks, her attire worth a fortune.

He also talked about the heavy farm labor, with soldiers working the fields before they could train. The soldiers were tanned from the work, with the exception of the marshal, who was as pale as a ghost.

After rambling on with all sorts of disjointed comments, he asked to send his regards to Zoey.

Then, he wrote about how he had once been like that—making mistakes—but couldn't bear to see others walking down the same path. And on it went.

Michael quickly saw through Barrett's intentions—Barrett was trying to get him to pass these details along to Zoey, so she could be prepared.

Michael wasn't so sure that was necessary. Someone as shrewd as Zoey surely knew exactly what Oliver was like. Still, the mention of Oliver's opulent lifestyle caught his attention. Michael felt it might be worth discussing with Carissa, who could then bring it to Rafael's attention.

He handed the letter to Carissa, but she didn't take it.

However, things were different in times of war. Aside from the endless supply of food and weapons, the soldiers' pay would be increased, accompanied by pensions and compensation for the wounded. It was a significant expense.

All in all, war was an expensive business.

"I had thought Oliver wouldn't be bold enough to embezzle military funds, but it seems like he has been spending lavishly," Rafael said. "Even if his family emptied their treasury, it wouldn't be enough to support him.

"This is the first I've heard of such concerns. Timothy and Louis' letters only mentioned matters within the army. I know the generals and Oliver don't get along well, but because Oliver wasn't very involved in management, those tensions didn't escalate."

Rafael used to have a few trusted individuals stationed in Redstone Manor. But after Oliver arrived, he definitely moved everyone out. As such, Rafael wasn't clear about what was happening inside the manor.

At the time, it seemed unimportant as long as the situation with the army was clear. But now, it seemed it wasn't that simple. Although many people oversaw the distribution of military funds, Oliver was the Southern Frontier's marshal and could secretly redirect the money. All he needed was a convenient excuse, and that would be that.

"It's likely that Madam Zoey is aware of the situation, which is why she's been making so many preparations. Even if there's no direct connection, just the misappropriation of military funds would be enough to get them into serious trouble," Carissa said.