Chapter 738

Carissa didn't argue. After all, Salvador wasn't asking for her opinion—he was issuing a direct order. He gave her the position of commander, but simultaneously promoted someone with a grudge against the Hell Monarch's household. This move was clearly meant to sow discord between Carissa and Rafael. Perhaps Salvador believed this would enhance his security.

As Carissa left the palace, Derek watched her with a worried expression. He wasn't sure how many more tests of trust she and Rafael could withstand. Salvador could have appointed Barrett directly, without involving the Mystic Army's commander. If he truly wanted Carissa to handle the transfer, a simple notification would have sufficed; it didn't need to go through the Civil Department. But Salvador's need for control made things uncomfortable for everyone, including Barrett.

After leaving the palace, Carissa went straight to the Capital Guard's headquarters. Since it was her first day, Michael and Max were waiting with their men. Fortunately, no one seemed to notice the bruise around her eye, or if they did, they were decent enough not to stare.

The Royal Guard's commander, Alistair (Oliver's cousin), hadn't yet arrived. Carissa knew him; their family had many sons, with Alistair being the most talented. Oliver and Alistair had a poor relationship, mainly because Alistair was highly capable, while Oliver had achieved little since inheriting the earldom. Alistair's swift rise through the ranks to commander of the Royal Guard contrasted sharply with Oliver's lack of success.

Under the previous king, the Royal Guard wouldn't have been part of the Mystic Army, giving Alistair even more authority. While it now technically fell under the Mystic Army, Alistair didn't seem to care. However, with the units merging and his having to report to a woman, he was likely unhappy.

Carissa had thoroughly investigated these key figures, and Rafael had discussed them with her. Therefore, Alistair's absence didn't bother her. She could handle sharp-edged subordinates, as long as they didn't overstep.

Max showed no hesitation in his respect for Carissa. He was Thomas's uncle (Alice, Max and Thomas's mother, had been siblings). When they first met, he confidently said, "Thank you, Commander Sinclair. It's thanks to you and His Highness that Ivan was saved."

"Ivan Lewis? Your nephew?" Carissa asked.

"Yes," Max replied.

+25 BONUS

Carissa smiled. "He did well. Has he been assigned a post?"

"He's serving in the Crown Guard, which is now part of the Mystic Army," Max said.

Carissa was surprised; she knew Felix and Thomas hadn't yet been assigned roles. "What rank?" she asked.

"Second-tier guard, Your Grace," Max replied.

Carissa nodded. "Tell him to do his best."

Ivan's first battle (the Southern Frontier campaign) had ended with his capture. Afterward, he joined the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team and earned merit. Barrett had also distinguished himself at the Southern Frontier, particularly during the recapture of Simonton City after the Victory Pass battle. Yet, Barrett was promoted to commander of the Crown Guard, while Ivan remained a second-tier guard.

This was understandable. Ivan had fought as an ordinary soldier, while Barrett, though repeatedly demoted, had previously held the rank of general. Salvador still held high hopes for Barrett; the king favored such easily manageable individuals.

After meeting her subordinates, Carissa said, "I had an audience with the king today. The Supreme Court is short-handed, so we need to transfer personnel from the Capital Guard. Michael, manage this and report any issues directly to me."

"Understood!" Michael nodded. "I'll take care of it immediately."

"I'll accompany you," Carissa added. "The king instructed me to personally conduct hearings involving nobles."

As they left headquarters, they saw Alistair approaching with the Royal Guard's twelve captains.