Chapter 932

Salvador paused his quill, his voice icy. “That statement wasn’t wrong. I intend to cultivate new generals, but I’m no fool. Even wanting new blood, I’d never abandon veterans who’ve served loyally for half their lives.

“Doesn’t Rafael understand why I want new generals? Though the Hell Monarch Army no longer answers to him, his prestige commands respect. His achievement in reclaiming the Southern Frontier is an immovable mountain I cannot shift. Yet, he dares threaten me.”

With a sharp snap, his red quill broke, the sound cracking the tense silence. He threw it on the desk, his expression darkening.

“I bet Rafael doesn’t want to be accused of treason, but what can I do if he truly has ambitious designs?” Salvador added.

Anxious, Derek said, “Your Majesty, I’m certain the Hell Monarch harbors no treasonous thoughts. He is your brother.”

Salvador’s response was cold. “I know he isn’t planning anything treacherous now. But the longer someone holds a high position, the more likely they are to develop ulterior motives. I keep an eye on him, not because I want conflict, but because I don’t want a rift between brothers. He’d better not harbor such ambitions, or I won’t hesitate to act ruthlessly.”

Though furious at his brother’s defiance, Salvador’s anger subsided after the confrontation. If the prince were truly plotting, he wouldn’t have been careless enough to expose himself over Dominic.

Rafael’s dismissive attitude toward Dominic confirmed his current position—at least for now, he harbored no aspirations of rebellion.

Derek understood the king’s anger stemmed more from his brother’s disrespect than suspicion of treason. Salvador still considered Rafael a potential threat, but concluded the prince harbored no rebellious intent.

Meanwhile, Barrett arrived at the Ministry of Justice, where Patrick personally oversaw his interrogation. He held nothing back, revealing everything about Victory Pass, including his affair with Aurora.

He knew he couldn’t escape. Even with the king’s protection, the truth was obvious. He was the commanding general responsible for the Fawnrun City operation, and his affair with Aurora undeniable. He couldn’t shift the blame.

After confessing, a weight lifted. Accepting he couldn’t avoid the consequences, he only hoped Dominic wouldn’t be deeply implicated. He owed everything to Wyatt, who sacrificed his arm for him, and the Sullivan family.

His time as commander of the Nightsteel Guard was over. Even joining the Capital Guard as an ordinary soldier was impossible. Surviving this ordeal would be a mercy.

The battle at Victory Pass, once seen as the beginning of a glorious future, had ruined his career and tarnished his ancestors’ honor.

Chapter 932 +25 BONUS

Patrick placed Barrett under temporary detention at the Ministry of Justice—not in a dungeon, but in a cell originally intended for Dominic.

After Barrett’s interrogation, Patrick questioned Aurora. She was barely recognizable. Her hair was tangled, her face sallow, her fingers swollen from torture. Every detail testified to her miserable treatment.

But it hadn’t been that bad. To keep her alive, the ministry’s officers had avoided harsher methods.

Patrick’s cold gaze fixed on Aurora. “Commander Warren confessed. Before going to Fawnrun City, you never saw General Sullivan. He’d already been struck by an arrow when the operation began. So, he couldn’t have given you your orders.”

Aurora seemed stunned. “Barrett confessed? You arrested him? No, that’s impossible!”

“Why? He was the general in charge. You committed a catastrophic crime, and he bears responsibility.”

Aurora shook her head violently. “No, that’s impossible. The king plans to groom him. Why drag Barrett into this? Didn’t General Sullivan return to the capital for questioning? If he’s being interrogated, what difference does it make?”

Aurora still assumed Salvador was investigating to explain things to the Westhaven envoys. If so, wasn’t Dominic’s confession enough? Why involve Barrett?