Chapter 999

In the royal study, Salvador's brows twitched with barely contained fury as he glared at the kneeling Barrett. His voice was icily cold.

"Resign? Have you truly considered this?"

Barrett lowered his head, his voice trembling. "Your Majesty, I am guilty. I have failed your expectations and those of the Sullivan family. I am ashamed before both."

Salvador's anger flared, a headache pounding behind his eyes. "Knowing how much I've invested in you, you should focus on your duties, not on throwing a tantrum and resigning!"

Barrett bowed lower. "Your Majesty, I am not throwing a tantrum. I have realized my incompetence and inability to fulfill the role of deputy commander of the Nightsteel Guard. I beg your mercy and understanding."

Even Derek could watch no longer. To speak so much of guilt was to question the king's judgment. Was that Barrett's implication?

Salvador's voice grew even colder. "Go reflect on your actions. Return in a few days. Leave now."

Left with no choice, Barrett stood and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."

As Barrett exited, Salvador's face darkened, his expression like a storm cloud. "Derek, speak to him. If he feels guilty toward General Sullivan, he should not resign at this critical juncture."

Derek, who had wanted to intervene earlier but hadn't felt it was his place, now acted. He quickly followed Barrett, catching up to him.

"Deputy Commander Warren, wait!"

Barrett's shoulders slumped with exhaustion. He paused and turned. "What is it, Mr. Walker?"

Seeing Barrett's vacant expression, Derek straightened. "Deputy Commander Warren, have you lost your mind? Resigning now reflects poorly on the Sullivan family and other officers. You're a court official—if this gets out, people will believe you were dismissed in disgrace. If you must resign, wait until this crisis passes. Otherwise, you will only bring further shame upon the Sullivan family."

Barrett froze. "My resignation has nothing to do with the Sullivan family."

Chapter 900

Derek's eyes narrowed. "Think about it. If you resign in shame, what are the Sullivan family's generals to do? Should they also submit letters of apology and resign? Whose orders were you following in Fawnrun City?"

Barrett's eyelids fluttered, a deep pang of realization hitting him. "I… I hadn't thought of that."

"Then start thinking," Derek snapped. "If not for yourself, then for others. Stop being a burden and dragging everyone else down with you."

Derek rarely spoke so harshly, but Barrett's frustrating weakness and indecision had pushed him to his limit. Some people weren't evil, but their constant weakness and indecisiveness were unbearable.

Barrett stared blankly at Derek before saying, "Thank you for your advice, Mr. Walker."

Derek studied him, unsure if his words had registered. "His Majesty told you to reflect, so go home and do just that. Return in a few days and resume your duties."

Barrett nodded and left, his steps slow and heavy. The March sunlight illuminated his pale, haggard face, and his hand clenched an Eternal Knot. The pain in his chest tightened as he remembered leaving for Victory Pass immediately after marrying Carissa.

He'd carried the knot for years—since his wedding night. He'd been ordered to the front lines at Victory Pass immediately after the ceremony. Before leaving, he'd untied one of the Eternal Knots and taken it with him.

Back then, the knot felt warm, almost burning. Carissa's heartfelt farewell was a guiding light, warming his heart and awaiting his safe return.

If only he could return to that moment.

"I truly regret it," he whispered, his steps slow and heavy, tears rolling down his face. "I really do. If I had another chance, I would cherish you. I would keep my promises, and I would never take another woman."

Meanwhile, Michael accompanied Lucille in delivering honey cakes to Violet, bringing some for Rafael and Carissa as well. Lucille's delicate pastries were impressive. Though Violet usually avoided sweets, she enjoyed them.

Violet often praised Lucille's thoughtfulness, publicly and privately. But tonight, noticing Lucille's frosty demeanor and cold shoulder toward Michael, she asked, "Michael, did you upset your wife?"

Michael quickly shook his head. "I wouldn't dare, Sage Violet! I foolishly invited Deputy Commander Warren to my house for drinks, and Lucille wasn't pleased."

"You had drinks with Barrett?" Violet raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know you were such close friends."

Michael, knowing Violet disliked Barrett, added, "I heard from men at the palace today. Deputy Commander Warren went to the king to resign and was scolded."

Carissa froze, anger flashing across her face. "He resigned? At a time like this?"

"Don't worry, Commander Sinclair. His Majesty didn't approve," Michael reassured her.

Carissa clenched her fists. "What's wrong with his brain? Has a dog chewed it up or something?"