Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 4

Rebecca forced a smile. “How can I decide that after meeting her only once? But since the king has arranged the marriage, it’s a done deal. In the future, she and Barrett will earn military merits together, while you manage the household and enjoy the benefits of their hard work. Isn’t that nice?” 

“Yes, I’m sure,” Carissa replied with a smile. “But it’s quite unfair to make General Yates a concubine.” 

Rebecca laughed. “You silly child, how could she be a concubine? The king’s edict makes her Barrett’s legal wife. Also, she’s a military officer who holds an official rank. Officials can’t be concubines. She’ll be a legal wife like you. There won’t be any distinction between ranks for the two of you.” 

“No distinction? Is there such a custom in our kingdom?” Carissa asked. 

Rebecca’s expression grew a bit colder. “Carissa, you’ve always been sensible. Now that you’ve married into our family, you should prioritize us. According to the Defense Minister, Aurora’s contributions in this battle were greater than Barrett’s. With you managing the household, they’ll be able to work together as husband and wife and focus on their military service. In the future, they’ll surely become famous generals like his grandfather.” 

Carissa’s tone remained chilly as she said, “If they’re husband and wife, then I have no role here.” 

“How can you say that? Aren’t you still in charge of the household?” countered Rebecca, displeased. 

“I only managed the household because Amelia was unwell. Now that she has recovered, she should resume her duties. I’ll go over the accounts tomorrow and hand everything back to her,” Carissa replied. 

Amelia quickly interjected, “I’m still not fully recovered. Besides, everyone is satisfied with how you’ve been managing things. You should continue doing it.” 

Carissa smiled mockingly. Everyone was satisfied because she had spent her own money to support them. Most of it went towards Rebecca’s medical expenses. 

Sebastian Dalton was a renowned physician, and his medicine was costly. Only a few could afford his services. Rebecca’s medicine cost over a hundred coins a month, amounting to more than a thousand coins a year. 

As for the other household expenses, Carissa occasionally subsidized them. For example, she would sometimes use fabrics and silks from her family’s business to make new clothes for everyone throughout the year. 

She didn’t mind it before, as she had really wished to spend her life with Barrett. 

However, circumstances had changed. She no longer wanted to be a fool. 

Carissa stood up and said, “That’s settled, then. I’ll hand over the accounts tomorrow and won’t be involved in household matters anymore.” 

“Take off that dress you’re wearing before you try to lecture me,” Carissa said coolly. 

Serena’s cheeks flushed with anger. “I didn’t beg you to get this dress for me. You can have it back if you don’t want me to have it.” 

“Fine. And don’t forget the jewelry you’re wearing. I expect it all to be returned to me.” 

After Carissa said that, her gaze swept across the room. The only one who seemed pleased with the situation was Charlotte. Everyone else looked grim. 

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving.” 

With that, Carissa turned and walked out decisively.