Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair)

Michael said coldly, “I don’t care if she’s a man or a woman. If she’s more capable than I am, I won’t have a single complaint. Besides, she was appointed by His Majesty. If you oppose her, are you trying to go against the royal edict? You’ve been in the Royal Guard for so many years, but you’re still full of yourself and look down on women. If you’re a man with real skills, then defeat her and make her unable to lift her head in front of you. Isn’t that better than any words you could say?”

Alistair replied, “Looks like you’re really mad at me.”

“It’s you who has the temper. I’m not angry at all.” Michael shrugged Alistair off and turned to leave.

Feeling dejected, Alistair returned to the inner hall of the Central Command Office.

Seeing Max and Barrett still there, he plopped down in a chair and asked, “Are you both on her side as well? Max, I know you are–you follow her orders without question. But Barrett, do you really support her? She’s the one who once divorced you and didn’t want you anymore.”

Max shook his head at him. “Alistair, will you die if you don’t say something rude?”

“I’m just being straightforward. I say what I mean to avoid beating around the bush. I’m not good at mind games.”

“Who’s playing mind games with you? Don’t flatter yourself. Being straightforward just means you have a sharp tongue,” Max said, then walked out without another word to Alistair.

There were plenty of matters to attend to in the Garrison Unit–wasting time chatting wasn’t very dignified.

Left behind, Barrett and Alistair exchanged glances.

“Don’t take it to heart, Barrett,” Alistair said in a friendlier tone.

Viola was Alistair’s cousin. Even though Alistair and Oliver had their differences, they were still family and should stand united.

“What I just said was just a comment. Don’t let it bother you. But I trust you’re not truly on board with Carissa, are you?”

Barrett thought for a moment. “What matters most is getting the job done. I’ve heard Viola talk about you, and I know you’re generous and broad–minded. Among the side branches of the Earl of Silverstone’s family, you’re the only one she respects. So, I believe you prioritize your duties.”

Alistair chuckled dryly. “That makes me sound like a petty person.”

He didn’t believe Viola would say something like that. Viola had her nose so high in the air that the only person she truly respected was her brother.

Barrett didn’t want to offend anyone, especially not Carissa. He had just taken office, and if he lost this position, he felt there was no way he could climb back up.

Seeing Barrett silent only added to Alistair’s irritation, so he simply rolled his eyes and left.

The thought of the upcoming assessments was already giving him a headache, and it wasn’t just his own. All twelve captains would be assessed together. This was bound to earn him some resentment.

Once everyone else was gone, Barrett called in the Crown Guard. Established during the previous king’s reign, the Crown Guard was divided into two units–the Regal Crown Guard and the Sovereign Sentinel. Although their numbers were small, they were all elite.

Barrett spotted a familiar face–Ivan. He knew Ivan was a second–rank guard and a member of the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team, and he was also Thomas‘ cousin.

Glancing at his notes to see where everyone was stationed, Barrett learned that Ivan had been assigned to the Regal Crown Guard unit. Wanting to promote him, Barrett decided to transfer him to the Sovereign Sentinel unit, where he would be allowed to carry a sword.

As for the others, they would continue their duties without any immediate changes.

Barrett felt a mix of anxiety and responsibility in this new role. Salvador had high hopes for him, but that also meant he had to follow Carissa’s lead. If she decided to make things difficult for him, doing his job would become a challenge. She hadn’t openly challenged him yet, but her lack of warmth unsettled him.

He considered talking to Carissa, hoping to clarify that there was a line between public duty and personal matters. If she still held a grudge against him, he would be willing to apologize.

Reflecting on their past, especially the time of their divorce, he recalled telling Solomon that he hoped she wouldn’t have regrets. Now, looking back, he couldn’t help but find it absurd.

Who was the one truly regretting things now?