Chapter 82: A Soldier’s Legacy

Chapter 82: Chapter 82: A Soldier’s Legacy

Inside the private room, the sound of approaching footsteps reached everyone’s ears.

A faint smile curved Vaelen’s lips.

I knew she’d come.

Barek let out a derisive laugh.

"Who would’ve thought she’d be so shameless? Then again, that’s a Hartwell family trait, isn’t it?"

One of the young noblemen chuckled.

"Well, when the Hartwell family was at the height of its glory, Barek was always following Young General Asher around. I suppose he’d know their traits better than anyone."

The casual remark instantly darkened Barek’s expression.

"What exactly are you implying?"

The young man looked puzzled.

"Nothing. I was only stating the facts. Weren’t you always—"

Before he could finish, the friend beside him jabbed him with an elbow and shot him a warning look.

Only then did he realize he had said something he shouldn’t have.

But it was already too late. Tha damage had been done.

Barek’s face flushed red with anger.

"Asher Hartwell? He was nothing but a useless fool!"

"He was only fortunate enough to be born into the Hartwell family and have a famous General as his father. What achievements did he have of his own? None!"

"People only called him ’Young General’ out of respect for his father. Without the Hartwell name, he was nothing."

He finished with a contemptuous snort.

His loud voice carried clearly beyond the door.

Standing outside, Elysia heard every single word.

Her expression instantly turned cold.

Her hands slowly clenched into fists.

Asher...

Was her eldest brother.

These accusations were exactly the same as those she had heard in her previous life.

Back then, she had thrown a cup of wine into Barek’s face and scolded him in front of everyone.

Instead of defending her, Vaelen had reprimanded her for behaving without dignity.

Even so...

She had never once believed she was wrong.

From the time Asher was barely taller than a sword, he had followed their father and uncles onto the battlefield.

He carried supplies.

He tended to the wounded.

He did every task the soldiers needed.

When he was only thirteen years old, his small stature allowed him to slip through enemy lines and deliver crucial intelligence.

That single mission had saved hundreds of soldiers and turned the tide of the battle.

After returning, he collapsed from exhaustion and remained unconscious for two full days.

As he grew older, he was always the first to charge into battle.

Every scar covering his body had been earned with his life.

Every reward and every military stipend he received was shared with the soldiers under his command.

That was how he earned their absolute loyalty.

And yet...

Barek dared to call him a nobody.

A man who stole another’s glory.

Who only rode on his father’s coattails.

A surge of fury rose within Elysia.

Without another thought, she pushed the door open.

The sudden movement drew everyone’s attention.

Several people looked over with knowing smiles.

Barek raised an arrogant eyebrow.

"Well, well. If it isn’t Elysia. What a sur—"

Splash!

Before he could finish speaking, Elysia strode forward, picked up a cup of wine from the table, and poured it directly over his head.

The entire room fell silent.

Deborah gasped softly.

"Lady Elysia! What are you doing? His Highness is here. Aren’t you showing complete disrespect?"

Vaelen frowned.

"Elysia, you’re being unreasonable."

Elysia met his gaze calmly.

"My brother fought and bled for this kingdom until his final breath. Barek slandered him in front of everyone, yet Your Highness said nothing..."

"But the moment I punish the person insulting my brother, I’m the one who’s unreasonable?"

She held his gaze steadily.

"My grandfather certainly didn’t teach you that. I doubt His Majesty did either."

Vaelen’s expression darkened.

Barek wiped the wine from his face, his eyes blazing with rage.

"Elysia! Your grandfather is dead. Your brother is dead. You—"

Slap!

Before he could finish, Elysia struck him hard across the face.

The sharp sound echoed throughout the room.

Barek stared at her in disbelief.

"You dared to hit me?"

Elysia didn’t bother answering.

Instead, she raised her hand once more.

Slap!

His head snapped toward the opposite side.

Both cheeks immediately turned bright red.

Humiliation and fury boiled over.

"You crazy woman! I’ll kill—"

"Enough!"

A deep, commanding voice thundered from the doorway.

The room instantly fell silent.

Everyone turned toward the entrance.

Bran slowly wheeled Cassiel into the room.

"Uncle!"

Vaelen immediately rose to his feet.

Everyone else hurriedly stood and bowed.

"Your Grace!"

Cassiel acknowledged none of them.

His gaze rested solely on Elysia.

A faint smile softened his handsome features.

"Come here."

The anger in Elysia’s heart quietly subsided.

She walked over without hesitation and stopped beside him.

Watching the scene unfold, Vaelen felt an inexplicable tightness grip his chest. The closeness between them...

Was becoming increasingly unbearable to witness.

Suppressing his emotions, he asked, "Uncle... What brings you here?"

Cassiel replied leisurely, "I’ve come to attend to your meal."

Vaelen blinked. "I... I don’t understand."

Cassiel rested his chin lightly on one hand.

"Weren’t you the one who said every servant in the tavern should attend only to you? And that if anyone had a problem with it, they should come and tell you to your face?"

The colour drained from Vaelen’s face.

He wished he could swallow those words back.

How could he possibly allow his uncle to "serve" him?

Even if he had ten lives...

He wouldn’t dare accept such treatment.