Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair)

After Barrett recovered from his injuries, he officially took up his position.

He began by expressing his gratitude, and Salvador spoke to him for an hour. Amidst the admonishments, Salvador also conveyed his trust in Barrett, leaving him with red–rimmed eyes as he exited the royal study.

The king had established the Central Command Office Since Carissa had to attend to her duties there, Barrett went to pay his respects to her as she was his superior.

They were once husband and wife, yet now, Barrett knelt on one knee to offer his formal greeting.

The Capital Guard’s deputy commander, the Garrison Unit’s chief, the Royal Guard’s commander, and the Crown Guard’s commander were all present, marking the gathering of key figures.

Barrett’s emotions were a tangled mess. He expected Carissa to make things difficult for him, but after the formalities, she simply said, “You may rise. Do your job well.”

He stood, lowering his gaze. “Thank you, Commander Sinclair.”

Michael stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder. “Congratulations, Barrett, or rather,

Commander Warren! When are you treating us to drinks to celebrate?”

Michael had once been Barrett’s superior, and Barrett held him in high regard. He smiled and respectfully replied, “Whenever you have the time, Michael.”

“I’m not the only one. Don’t forget about the rest of the Capital Guard!” Michael laughed.

“Of course,” Barrett replied, awkwardly smiling as he stole a glance at Carissa. “I’ll host a banquet at my home another day and invite everyone.”

“Sounds great.” Alistair nodded. “We’ll definitely show up. I just wonder if you’ll grace us with your presence then, Commander Sinclair.”

Alistair was currently obedient on the outside but not on the inside, so he deliberately asked that question in hopes of putting Carissa on the spot.

Carissa sat in her chair, narrowing her eyes at Alistair, whose bruises still hadn’t faded.

“Alistair, as the commander of the Royal Guard, your skills are lacking. In a few days, I’ll personally conduct an assessment. All twelve divisions of the Royal Guard are required to participate. Make sure to

inform them.”

Alistair frowned, dissatisfied. “Is only the Royal Guard being tested? What about the Garrison Unit and Crown Guard? And the Capital Guard? Aren’t they included?”

Carissa replied coolly, “They will all be assessed, but we’ll start with the Royal Guard. The others will wait their turn. I’ll choose the appropriate time for their evaluations.”

“Why the Royal Guard first?” Alistair pressed.

Carissa was blunt and showed no mercy. “Because I believe your skills are inadequate. If you fail the assessment, you won’t be able to hold your position anymore and I will find someone more capable.”

Alistair shot back, “My skills are sufficient to lead the Royal Guard. But if you insist on comparing yourself

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to me, then who can compete with you?”

Carissa snorted. “Your skills aren’t as good as mine, and your rank isn’t either. So, why are you making such a fuss? It looks like you have a lot of time on your hands, so you should refine your skills to ensure palace security. I’m giving you three days to prepare. After three days, we’ll meet at the Capital Guard headquarters for the assessment.”

Alistair inwardly groaned. Competing against Carissa would be like signing up for a beating. Not only would he take the brunt of it, but the twelve divisions would suffer too–they’d hate him for this.

Women could be so petty.

After Carissa left, Alistair turned to Michael with a pleading look. “You’re on good terms with her–can you put in a good word for me?”

Michael huffed, looking at him with disdain. “I’m just a dog. I can’t even speak. What do you expect me to do?”

With that, he turned on his heel and walked away.

Alistair rubbed his nose. Fine, sometimes men could be even more petty than women.

He rushed after Michael and grabbed the latter’s arm. “That was just a joke! We’ve known each other for years, and we’re both from the Mystic Army. Don’t be so petty!”

“It’s already generous that I didn’t beat you up,” Michael shot back, eyeing him coldly. “Let go.”

“Sorry! I didn’t mean it like that. I just thought it was embarrassing for us men to have a woman in charge. It’s not like I’m against you–who asked you to be so chummy with her at the time?” Alistair retorted.