Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 891

The man was Wayne, but his appearance was quite different from when Barrett had seen him at Edgeview Estate. Even his face seemed unfamiliar.

He took a step forward and nodded in greeting. "Commander Warren, I am aware of the passing of your mom and sister-in-law. My condolences."

Though Barrett recognized the sentiment, he still maintained a certain distance, as he did with all strangers, simply saying, "Thank you. Since you don't want to introduce yourself, I'll take my leave now."

Wayne nodded and said, "Commander Warren, my name is Horace. I serve at Hartstone Estate. It was Lady Heather's request that I come to offer my condolences. Considering the unpleasantness between you and Lady Carissa in the past, she felt it inappropriate to visit directly."

Barrett hadn't met many people from Hartstone Estate, but he knew that their steward was named Horace, so this man was likely him.

However, the man before him had a scholarly air about him, far from the typical appearance of someone who handled internal affairs. He seemed more like a scholar—though, of course, as a servant of a royal estate, he must be well-educated.

Barrett hadn't expected Heather to send someone to express her condolences. A wave of mixed emotions swept over him.

"I appreciate Lady Heather's kindness. It's my fault. I've failed... Madam Sinclair and Lady Heather's expectations."

"Would you mind moving to a coffeehouse to talk?" Wayne asked. "Lady Heather has some words she'd like me to convey to you."

Barrett had gone to Victory Pass on the day of his wedding, then returned and separated from Carissa afterward. When Heather hadn't intervened, Barrett had assumed she didn't want the divorce to happen, which gave him an instinctive sense of goodwill toward her.

Moreover, Harvey and his family had always kept a low profile in the capital, so exchanging pleasantries once or twice with them would not raise any concerns.

"Very well," Barrett agreed with a polite nod. "Lead the way, sir."

As the two of them entered the coffeehouse, many eyes hidden in the shadows were watching their every move.

Wayne studied Barrett quietly. He had already been observing him from afar for some time—he had even placed people to keep track of him.

Barrett thought back to how low-key Harvey and his family had been in recent years. It made sense.

Back when Sigmund was still alive, Harvey was the younger brother of the king, Augustus' biological son. If he and his family hadn't kept a low profile, they would have been vulnerable to false accusations of disloyalty. If that happened, wouldn't that have ruined his entire family?

Barrett nodded thoughtfully. "Your words make sense, Horace. I understand, and I appreciate Lady Heather's concern."

Wayne's gaze was filled with sincerity and worry. "So, do you plan to observe the mourning period for three years? Don't you want to consider another approach?"

"Another approach?" Barrett furrowed his brow in confusion.

"Like applying for an exemption," Wayne said with a small smile. "Three years is a long time. Do you know what the situation will look like then? The king plans to make the Crown Guard independent from the Mystic Army, meaning it won't be under Lady Carissa's control anymore. But for that to happen, there needs to be a commander for the Crown Guard. If you remain in mourning, that position will fall to someone else."