Chapter 996

Max's thoughts were misguided by Carissa. In truth, Salvador wasn't interested in immediately cleaning up the Garrison Unit. As long as things remained under control, he was content to let minor issues slide. Balance was key, especially with the ongoing treason investigation. Although Yuvan and Harvey were under suspicion, the evidence against them wasn't yet conclusive. Purging them prematurely could provoke Yuvan into drastic action. One person's betrayal often brought down entire families.

Besides, Salvador had deeper ambitions. Unable to control the Mystic Army, he preferred to let it self-destruct. This would naturally pave the way for the Nightsteel Guard to assume its role.

Carissa, however, wouldn't tolerate the Garrison Unit's chaos. Those with even a little power often abused it, oppressing the common people. The unit needed either complete disbandment or thorough reform; otherwise, it would remain a gang of thugs on the court's payroll.

Salvador avoided intervention because the problems had been contained. However, a deeper investigation could expose everything, leading to a court hearing and Oversight Department intervention—a situation he couldn't ignore.

Carissa, while unwilling to oppose the king, couldn't allow her subordinates to exploit the people. A tarnished Mystic Army reputation would transform it from a protector into a predatory gang.

Max quickly submitted the list, which Carissa reviewed. That evening, she summoned Violet and Claire. "Look into these people," she instructed.

Winona, upon leaving, had left behind personnel and established a Skywing Spire branch in the capital's Glimmering Tower. Violet, lacking other responsibilities, oversaw this branch.

Two days later, Barrett was forcibly removed from the Ministry of Justice—more accurately, ejected.

Chapter 900

Michael witnessed this, dumbfounded. He had once been Barrett's superior, and though he held little respect for him, seeing Barrett disheveled and filthy, a far cry from his former dignified self, Michael couldn't leave him in disgrace. He reluctantly helped him up.

The stench was immediate, sharp, and unpleasant. Michael recoiled, covering his nose. "How did you end up like this?" he asked, his voice strained.

Barrett, dazed, barely acknowledged him. Finally, he offered a weak, rueful smile. "I must be a joke to you, Deputy Commander Brown."

"I'm not laughing," Michael replied, shaking his head. "What are you still doing here? I thought you'd have left by now."

Michael had heard rumors of Barrett remaining at the Ministry, but didn't understand why. He'd assumed it was temporary, a few days at most, never expecting his forceful removal.

Barrett's gaze was vacant. "They said His Majesty ordered my removal from the Ministry."

"Then go home. Why are you still here?" Michael asked, turning to leave.

Barrett grabbed his sleeve. "Deputy Commander Brown… Could I stay at your house for a few days?"

Michael stopped, stunned. "Stay at my house? Are you out of your mind? Don't you have your own place?"

"I don't want to go back…" Barrett whispered, desperation clear in his eyes. "Please, Deputy Commander Brown."

Michael jerked his sleeve free and stepped back. "What's wrong with you? You have a home, yet you want to stay with me? That makes no sense."

Barrett's dejected posture revealed a childlike sadness. Michael frowned. How could the king still want this man in his service?

Barrett lifted his head. "Deputy Commander Brown, would you mind having a drink with me?"

Chapter 996 (continued)

Michael surveyed Barrett: wrinkled, unkempt clothes, messy hair, gaunt face, lifeless, sorrowful eyes. He felt a surge of frustration and the urge to dismiss him, but sympathy intervened.

He knew he shouldn't feel sorry for him, but he did. With a heavy sigh, he relented.

"You look like you'd be thrown out of a tavern. Fine, let's go to my house."

Michael was curious. Barrett had always been ambitious; why defy orders and remain at the Ministry? Had he given up completely?