Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair)

The next day, Barret didn’t manage to buy the Evergreen Pills after finishing his shift. So, he asked Amelia to buy eight Evergreen Pills at Arcane Sanctumn the next day, as well as to look for a wet nurse and a midwife.

Amelia agreed. After all, she needed to get Snowdrop Pills for Rebecca as well. Though Amelia had been neglecting the household duties due to her illness, she understood that there wasn’t much money left in the family, though their estate remained looking as grand as ever.

Before heading out to buy medicine the next day, she went to the accounts room to withdraw some money, only to find that there were only ten silver coins left in the account.

She knew they were low on funds, but was shocked to discover that such a small amount was all that remained. She had thought there would be at least two or three hundred silver coins left, especially since the second branch of the family hadn’t split off yet, and most of their funds had been turned over to the family fund.

Adding her husband’s, father–in–law’s, and Barrett’s salaries, plus the 100 gold coins they had received as a reward, surely they should still have two or three hundred silver coins remaining

Yet, there were only ten silver coins.

As Amelia went through the accounts, she realized that some of the dowry for Serena had been paid out, Aurora had withdrawn some, and Viola had considerable monthly expenses. On top of that, Rebecca needed medicine, and the household staff had their monthly allowances. Each entry in the books was accounted for, with not a single coin unrecorded.

However, Viola’s spending was quite excessive. She consumed a pound of royal jelly every month, not to mention other supplements. The household had a stock of nourishing foods–many had been sent over after Barrett’s injury, including a generous supply from Viola’s family.

So, why did Viola feel the need to buy more when there was so much in the estate already?

Determined to get to the bottom of it, Amelia went to Grace Mansion to ask Viola. Amelia was known for her timid nature, and she didn’t mean any offense by asking the question. But when she asked, Viola misunderstood.

She believed Amelia was criticizing her for spending so much during her pregnancy. In a fit of anger, Viola scolded her. She even handed Amelia a pair of scissors, urging her to stab her abdomen to terminate the pregnancy and save some money.

Horrified, Amelia rushed out of Grace Mansion. She could hear Viola’s sobs behind her. Just as Amelia was trying to regain her composure, a maid came to say that Rebecca was calling for her, saying that she was feeling unwell and needed Amelia to fetch a physician immediately.

“If she has ordered it, then you should go and get one! Why do you need to tell me?” Amelia snapped, frustrated.

The maid was startled by Amelia’s sudden outburst, as the latter was usually so kind.

Quickly, the maid explained, “Madam Rebecca says it’s serious this time. She wants Sebastian from Arcane Sanctum and insists you fetch him personally.”

“What right do I have to summon Sebastian?” Amelia felt like she was on the verge of breaking down.” Even when I go to buy medicine, I have to watch my tone. You all know that!”

The maid fell silent, her face pale as she stood awkwardly to the side.

Amelia pressed her palm to her forehead, trying to collect her thoughts, but each passing day felt like torture. When would this nightmare end? They had no money and no dignity, and the problems just kept piling up.

Remembering Barrett’s request for Evergreen Pills and to find a wet nurse and a midwife, she felt the weight of it all. Each of these necessities required funds, not to mention the Snowdrop Pills for Rebecca.

Setting aside everything else, Amelia had to buy those Snowdrop Pills first. Gritting her teeth, she withdrew the ten silver coins, then pulled out what little personal savings she had left. She also took some of her more valuable jewelry to pawn off.

When she emerged from the pawnshop, it felt like her heart was bleeding. She hardly had any decent jewelry left. The finer pieces had all been gifts from Carissa, and Amelia had already sold some of those. Now, all that remained were a few trinkets that she couldn’t bear to part with. Regardless, she was left with no choice but to pawn them for quick cash. She intended to redeem them back later.

As Amelia made her way to Arcane Sanctum, tears streamed down her face. The only piece of gold jewelry left in her hair was a single hairpin given to her by her mom as part of her dowry when she got married.

Now, her jewelry box contained only gold–plated pieces. Here she was, the mistress of the grand Valor Estate, reduced to living like an ordinary commoner. The thought broke her heart.

How could she not feel sorrow over this?