Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 997

Michael's wife, Lucille, had no love for Barrett at all. She had someone bring out just a couple of snacks to go with the drinks before quickly retreating, taking the servants with her. The room still reeked, and she wasn't about to stay and serve him.

Barrett drank in silence, barely touching the food. He could see the contempt Lucille had for him, and it only soured his mood. The more he thought about it, the worse he felt.

"You should eat something," Michael said, breaking the silence. "Stop just drinking. What's going on with you?"

Barrett drained his glass in one go, then suddenly collapsed onto the table, his body shaking with quiet sobs. The sound was muffled, like someone pressing a pillow over his face. The sobs were low and strained, barely escaping his chest.

Michael fell silent, focusing on his drink and food. Maybe Barrett just needed a place to let it out, though Michael couldn't tell what exactly he was crying about.

After a long while, when it seemed no one would offer any comfort, Barrett wiped his tears and looked up. His eyes, red and raw from the tears, were now streaked clean, revealing their dark depths beneath, giving him a strangely comical appearance.

The sight made Michael laugh quietly without meaning to.

"You think I'm a joke, don't you, Deputy Commander Brown?" Barrett's smile was hollow, sad. "I'm nothing but a joke. A complete and utter joke."

Michael nodded, acknowledging the truth of it, but then shook his head. He couldn't allow himself to lose all empathy. "Why won't you go home?"

Barrett drained two more glasses. "Go home? Why would I? All I'd get is more scolding, more mockery."

Michael pursed his lips. "Are you really giving up on even your official position? If you anger His Majesty, you'll have no future left."

"Does it matter?" Barrett's voice was flat, defeated. "It was always going to end like this. I never had a future to begin with. Demoted, salary docked for three years... Why go back and waste my time? I'd rather be out here, out of the king's sight."