Chapter 819
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 complain. Besides, she was appointed by His Majesty. To oppose her is to defy a royal edict. You've served in the Royal Guard for years, yet you're still arrogant and prejudiced against women. If you're truly skilled, defeat her; prove your superiority. Isn't that more effective than words?"
Alistair replied, "You seem angry."
"You're the one with the temper. I'm not angry," Michael said, shrugging Alistair off and leaving.
Feeling dejected, Alistair returned to the Central Command Office's inner hall. Finding Max and Barrett still there, he slumped into a chair. "Are you both on her side? Max, I know you are—you blindly follow her orders. But Barrett, do you really support her? She's the one who divorced you."
Max shook his head. "Alistair, must you be so rude?"
"I'm straightforward. I avoid beating around the bush; I'm not good at games."
"Who's playing games? Don't flatter yourself. 'Straightforward' just means you have a sharp tongue," Max retorted, leaving without another word. There was plenty of work to do in the Garrison Unit; wasting time on idle chatter was undignified.
Barrett and Alistair exchanged glances.
"Don't take it to heart, Barrett," Alistair said, softening his tone. Viola, his cousin, and Oliver, despite their differences, were family and should be united. "It was just a comment. But I trust you're not truly on Carissa's side?"
Barrett considered this. "Getting the job done is paramount. I've heard Viola speak of you; she respects your generosity and open-mindedness. Among the Earl of Silverstone's relatives, you're the only one she respects. I believe you prioritize your duties."
Alistair chuckled dryly. "That makes me sound petty." He doubted Viola would say such a thing. She was highly opinionated, respecting only her brother.
Barrett, wanting to avoid offending anyone, especially Carissa, remained silent. His new position was precarious; losing it would be difficult to recover from.
Alistair's irritation grew at Barrett's silence. He rolled his eyes and left. The upcoming assessments were already causing him a headache—all twelve captains would be assessed together, inevitably causing resentment.
Chapter 819 +25 BONUS
After everyone left, Barrett summoned the Crown Guard. Established under the previous king, the Guard was divided into two units: the Regal Crown Guard and the Sovereign Sentinel. Though small, they were elite.
Barrett recognized Ivan, a second-rank guard, member of the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team, and Thomas's cousin. Checking his notes, Barrett found Ivan assigned to the Regal Crown Guard. He decided to promote Ivan to the Sovereign Sentinel unit, where he could carry a sword. The others would remain in their current positions.
Barrett felt a mix of anxiety and responsibility. Salvador had high expectations, meaning he had to follow Carissa's lead. If she made things difficult, his job would be challenging. She hadn't openly opposed him yet, but her coldness unsettled him.
He considered speaking with Carissa, clarifying the line between duty and personal matters. If she still harbored resentment, he'd apologize. Reflecting on their past, particularly their divorce, he remembered telling Solomon he hoped she wouldn't regret it. Now, it seemed absurd. Who was truly regretting things?