Melody of Strength novel

Melody of Strength 29

Barrett stared at Carissa in shock.

Her combat skills weren’t just a bit better than his–it was leagues beyond. Even ten of him wouldn’t stand a chance against her.

Why had she never mentioned her martial prowess before?

Carissa held the dowry list, smiling at him. Her smile was bright and radiant, like the dazzling sun. But then, with a swift motion, she lifted and dropped the list. It fluttered down like snowflakes in winter, turning into shreds of paper.

Rebecca’s heart shattered at the sight.

Enraged, she shouted, “You’ve destroyed the dowry list! Fine, get out! You can’t take anything from here, not even your clothes!”

Carissa chuckled. “Do you think anyone can stop me if I decide to take something from the estate?”

Rebecca seethed with anger. “You dare? If you take anything, I’ll report you to the officials immediately. Barret divorced you! You can’t take a single penny of the dowry!”

She leaned on her maid’s arm, commanding urgently, “Guards, throw her out! Not even her entourage can leave. They are part of the dowry.”

As the servants hesitated, uncertain whether to intervene, a loud proclamation rang out from the entrance, “A royal edict has arrived!”

Everyone’s expressions changed instantly, their demeanor becoming solemn.

Ignoring Carissa for the moment, Rebecca immediately ordered, “Quick, set up a table and receive the edict!”

Servants hurriedly made the necessary arrangements in the main hall, just as Derek entered the area, accompanied by several royal guards.

Barrett stepped forward and knelt down. “I’m honored to receive the edict!”

“General Warren, please rise. The edict is not for you, but for Lady Sinclair,” Derek replied with a smile.

Barrett awkwardly stood up, having assumed the edict was a reward from the king.

Rebecca, however, anticipated the edict’s content after hearing Derek’s words,

She promptly declared, “It must be because the king learned Carissa opposed the arranged marriage. So, he issued a reprimand. Please inform His Majesty that Carissa has gone against the criteria in the marriage laws and has already been divorced.”

Derek glanced calmly at Rebecca, then at Barrett “You’ve divorced Lady Sinclair?”

Barrett hesitated, unsure of the edict’s details. He was worried that Carissa had sought an audience with the king to overturn the previous marriage edict, which would be disastrous if the king had agreed.

But that didn’t seem likely. Otherwise, the edict would have been directed at him, not Carissa.

After a slight pause, Barrett said, “Carissa has gone against the criteria listed in the marriage laws. Today, I invited representatives from the Sinclair family and a matchmaker as witnesses to divorce her.”

Derek’s smile faded, his tone turning icy, “I see. General Warren, there’s no need for you to bear the stigma of divorcing your wife. His Majesty will make the final decision.”

He raised the royal edict in his hand. “Lady Sinclair, heed the edict!”

Letting out a slow breath of relief, Carissa lowered herself to her knees. “I’m honored to receive the edict!”

Derek unfolded the edict and began to read aloud, “By the grace of heaven, the king decrees: Hector Sinclair, the Marquis of Northwatch, safeguarded our kingdom’s borders for many years. He achieved great military feats, especially in reclaiming the Sky Mountain territory with six junior generals.

“Furthermore, the Marquis of Northwatch and his six sons sacrificed their lives to reclaim the southern borders of our kingdom. In recognition of his contribution’s to the nation, the king confers upon him the title of duke posthumously.”

Upon hearing this, Theodore and Solomon were overwhelmed with emotion.

“The king hasn’t forgotten the sacrifices of Hector and his family…” Theodore muttered, crying tears of joy.

The members of the Warren family, however, wore complicated expressions. Why confer the title of duke only now? It should have been granted posthumously when they sacrificed themselves years ago.

Derek continued reading. “The title of duke shall be hereditary for three generations. However, we’re aware that all male descendants of the Duke of Northwatch are deceased, and only Lady Carissa Sinclair, his daughter, remains.

“So, her husband may inherit the title. If Lady Sinclair’s husband holds another title, they can adopt someone from the Sinclair family as their foster son. Lady Sinclair will hold the power to decide who it will be.”

Stunned, Rebecca nearly fainted on the spot.

Carissa’s husband could inherit the title of duke? Then, if Barrett hadn’t divorced her,

wouldn’t he have been able to gain that title?!

For a military officer, climbing to the rank of duke was incredibly difficult. It might even be impossible in one’s lifetime. Being made a count or a marquis was already a remarkable

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“Furthermore,” Derek continued, “Lady Sinclair reported to His Majesty recently that when General Warren proposed marriage to her, he vowed never to take a concubine in his lifetime. That was why she married into the Warren family.

“Now, General Warren seeks to marry General Yates based on his military accomplishments. So, Lady Sinclair requested a divorce. After consultation with the queen dowager, His Majesty agreed that General Warren was at fault.

“In line with that, His Majesty has issued this divorce edict. Henceforth, both families have no ties, whether in life or death. This is as decreed by the king!”