Perhaps Oliver wanted Barrett to see how grand and impressive his presence was, with people surrounding him and giving him attention whenever he entered or left. After showing off enough, he finally called for Barrett to meet him.


    In less than two years at the Southern Frontier, Oliver had gained a lot of weight. Though he wasn''t exactly obese, his double chin was visible as he sat in the grand tiger-skin-covered armchair.


    He looked down from his lofty position, his eyes filled with a condescending superiority.


    "I''ve heard about what happened between you and Vi," Oliver began slowly, his voice carrying the authority of someone in power. "It''s just as well. A man as ordinary as you never deserved to be with my sister."


    Barrett bowed and lowered his head, keeping his expression neutral, answering only with a soft murmur. He said nothing more.


    Oliver sneered, his voice sharp as he reprimanded Barrett, "I never expected you to be so useless. You were made deputymander of the Nightsteel Guard, yet you were dismissed. The entire Warren family is filled with ipetence. Your grandfather, may he rest in peace, must be turning in his grave after seeing you and your useless kin."


    Barrett remained silent, though a vein throbbed on his forehead, betraying his anger.


    "Don''t even try to argue! Look at the kind of peopleing out of your family. Then look at you-what has one woman done to you? Three women and you couldn''t handle any of them. You''vepletely embarrassed us men."


    At this point, Oliver was clearly pleased with himself.


    He was surrounded by stunning beauties, one of whom was even carrying his child. Before her, he could have any woman he desired in the Southern Frontier. Women had always been the ones to seek his favor. That was why he looked down on Barrett.


    After putting on a show of authority, he finally asked, "Is there anything major happening in the capital?"


    "Nothing of great importance," Barrett replied quietly.


    Oliver ran his hand along the armrest, a slight, cold smile flickering at the corners of his mouth. "Is that so? Then before you came, did you happen to see Zee?"


    Barrett raised his head slightly. "Are you referring to Mrs. Prince?"


    Oliver stared at him, immediately picking up on his intent. He sneered. "What? Are you telling me how to address my women now?"


    "I didn''t mean it like that," Barrett quickly responded. "I just haven''t heard anyone refer to her by that name before, so I was confused. I just wanted to make sure you''re talking about Mrs. Prince." "You''re such a coward," Oliver sneered. "You say one thing, but can''t admit what you said."


    He genuinely looked down on Barrett, yet he continued pressing for information about his family.


    "I''m asking about her. Has my family run into any trouble? Have you heard anything about a shortage of money?"


    Barrett remembered hearing a few


    days ago that the Earl of


    Silverstone''s family had stopped sending money to Oliver, so he replied, don''t know about a money shortage, but I do know that Madam Prince has been ill for some time, and your family has spent quite a bit on medical expenses.


    "As for the other costs... I know you have many children, sir. I''ve heard Vi mention before that their yearly expenses are quite high. They need clothes for all seasons, food, and other necessities. Their dowries and betrothal gifts need to be prepared ahead of time. They say MPs. Prince is a very organized woman, and she''s even thought about the second branch''s needs."


    "Have you heard that she might sell off property-shops, houses, ornd-to make ends meet?" Oliver pressed further.


    Barrett shook his head. "No, I haven''t heard anything like that."


    Oliver made a thoughtful sound but didn''t press the matter further. Instead, he shifted to a different topic.


    "You''ve been around the king for some time. Do you know when the king ns to appoint the crown prince?"


    Barrett quickly shook his head. "I''ve never heard the king mention anything about it."


    Oliver frowned. "Then, what''s your guess?"


    "How could I guess? I wouldn''t dare specte on the king''s intentions," Barrett replied earnestly.


    Oliver scowled. "Pathetic. How can you have been around the king for so long and still not understand his mind?" Barrett could only offer a wry smile. "I truly am slow-witted."


    Seeing Barrett''sck of spirit, Oliver grew bored of his posturing. The power y had lost its thrill, and he wasn''t learning anything new. With a dismissive wave, he said, "Go back to the barracks. There''s nothing else to discuss. Just go join the others and fool around for a bit


    Barrett silently exhaled in relief. "Thank you, Marshal Prince."


    He immediately gathered his things and left, making his way back to the military camp without dy.


    When Timothy saw him return, he said nothing but instructed him to join the training session the next day.


    Barrett was more than happy toply. He had almost forgotten what it was like to be a soldier.


    Just as he was about to leave, Timothy called out to him. "Have you seen the marshal''s concubine while you''ve been at Redstone Manor?"


    "Do you mean the one they call Madam Spencer? Yes, I''ve seen her, though she always wears a veil," Barrett answered.


    Timothy spat in disgust. "Madam Spencer, my foot!"


    Barrett stood still, watching Timothy turn and walk away. For some reason, he had the distinct impression that Timothy and Oliver didn''t get along.