Chapter 884 The announcement would be made after the New Year festivities, which meant that either a new leader for the Crown Guard would be appointed or Barrett would not be allowed to observe mourning for his mom After Carissa left, Salvador examined Barrett’s mourning application once more before tossing it back. onto the desk. He turned to Derek and asked, “What do you think? Should Barrett be allowed to observe mourning?” Derek bowed respectfully. “Your Majesty, this is a matter of selecting officials. I dare not offer my opinion. “Although it’s a matter of appointing officials, this is about someone serving directly under me in the Crown Guard. Speak freely,” Derek thought for a moment before shaking his head. “I don’t know, Your Majesty.” Salvador’s eyes sharpened, his gaze growing cold. “Is it that you don’t know, or that you don’t dare say?” Derek had served Salvador for many years and understood his temperament well. If it were any other official, one whose position could be easily filled or replaced, the mourning application would have been settled long ago, without requiring further discussion with Carissa. But with Barrett, Salvador was clearly looking for someone to support his decision. Derek couldn’t bring himself to recommend Barrett. But even though his opinion had little weight and couldn’t change the king’s decision, he couldn’t say it. “I’ve always valued your service, but it’s clear your heart belongs to the Sinclair family,” Salvador said, his voice calm but causing his aide to break out in cold sweat. “Your Majesty!” Derek knelt, his voice filled with urgency. “I have been loyal to you. How could I possibly be swayed by the Sinclair family?” Salvador’s eyes narrowed, cold and sharp. “Melanie Sullivan saved your life, so you owe her a debt of gratitude that you should never forget. But you shouldn’t forget your place, either.” Derek’s mind was in turmoil. How could Savaldor know of that old matter? Had he sent someone to investigate him? “Rise, Salvador commanded, his tone still chillingly indifferent. “I know you dislike Barrett because of how he wronged Carissa.” Derek stood, pale as a ghost, and bowed deeply. “I am ndeed grateful to Madam Sinclair for saving my life. And I do not like Commander Warren. That is why I did not dare give any rash advice–I feared my personal bias would influence your decision, Your Majesty.” Salvador scoffed. “You still can’t influence my decision “Yes, of course. It was my mistake to overestimate myself,” Derek said, lowering his head. “Bring me another cup of hot coffee. This one has cooled,” Salvador instructed, picking up his cup. +25 BONUS Derek hurriedly took the cup and, after briefly leaving the room, returned with a fresh, steaming cup of coffee. He placed it on the desk before stepping aside, his posture respectful. “Barrett’s mistake lies in his failure to keep his word, but do you truly believe Carissa was completely in the right?” Salvador said, his voice thoughtful. “Men often take multiple wives or concubines. Why couldn’t she tolerate Aurora as a rightful wife with the same rank as her? “I granted Carissa leniency and allowed her to divorce, not just for her dad and brothers‘ sake, but also out of respect for the past connection between the royal family and the Duke of Northwatch’s family.” Derek wiped his forehead, not daring to refute Salvador’s words. With the king’s suspicions now turned on him, further arguments would only seal his fate. He could only reply, “Yes, Your Majesty.” Seeing Derek’s obedience, Salvador’s tone softened as he added, “But Barrett is indeed disappointing. I’ve tried to elevate him multiple times, but he’s indecisive and drags his feet, always falling short. It’s a tr he inherited from his domineering mother. Now that she’s gone, perhaps things will change.” Derek once again replied, “Yes, Your Majesty.” Salvador tossed him a list. “Tell lan to have someone keep an eye on him. If Barrett, in his grief, is reluctant to let go of his position in the Crown Guard and associates with those people, deal with him immediately.” Derek took the list, though he dared not look at it. Still, at a quick glance, he caught Yuvan’s name. It was clear Salvador still harbored doubts about him. He folded the list, his hands shaking slightly. “I will take my leave and see lan now, Your Majesty.” Blowing on it gently, Salvador took a sip of his coffee. The cold air in the room meant that, after only a few moments of conversation, the once–steaming coffee had already cooled down considerably.- This was the last chance Savaldor was giving Barrett. On the night of the twelfth day of the New Year, a messenger pigeon arrived at Hell Monarch Estate’s council hall with news–the king of Westhaven had passed away. The crown prince, Edmund, had ascended the throne. The first thing he did as the new king was to imprison his uncle, Liam, on charges of illegally altering border lines, which resulted in the loss of Westhaven territory.