In the side hall, Derek was enjoying the refreshments, sipping a cup of coffee. When he saw Carissa enter, he smiled warmly and rose to greet her.


    “No need for formalities, Mr. Walker. Please, take <b>a </b><b>seat</b>.” Carissa urged, gently pushing down Derek’s hand.


    She knew Derek had helped her and her mom significantly over the years, often in ways she couldn’t openly acknowledge. Today seemed like the perfect opportunity to express her gratitude.


    Once Derek sat down, Carissa bowed her head slightly. “I know you’ve done a lot for my mother and I over the years, Mr. Walker. After I married Raf, I can only imagine how much you’ve spoken on his behalf in front of the king. I truly thank you for that.”


    Derek smiled kindly at her. “Your gratitude is too much for me to bear, Your Grace. Please sit down. I want. to talk with you for a moment.”


    Carissa took a seat, her expression warm and inviting “Please go ahead.”


    “It’s about this position you’ve taken on,” Derek said, his demeanor gradually turning serious as he met her gaze. “You must do your utmost best. Since His Majesty trusts you and is using you, he will definitely give you his full trust.


    “But remember this, Your Grace–no matter what happens, you and His Highness must never let your hearts drift apart. You must trust each other as long as it doesn’t involve betrayal. Alwaysmunicate openly, and never allow disputes to arise from interests or power. Remember, you are one as a couple.”


    Carissa pondered his words.


    How deep <b>was </b>Salvador’s trust in her? It was clear he couldn’t possibly trust her entirely. Even shared interests between people wouldn’t guarantee absolute trust. Moreover, Salvador was inherently suspicious. It was already generous of him to grant any level of trust.


    As for being united as a couple, Carissa understood that all too well. She and Rafael were married. Even if they shared simr goals, they would inevitably have different perspectives on certain matters, which would lead to conflicts or disagreements.


    As themander of the Mystic Army, <b>she </b>had to follow Salvador’s orders. That meant that regardless of the situation, she was expected to be loyal to the throne above all else.


    Since conflicts were inevitable, trust between husband and wife became even more crucial.


    Yet, Carissa couldn’t shake the feeling that there was anotheryer to Derek’s words. His insistence on their unity as a couple made her wonder if Salvador intended to use her position asmander to stir up discord between her and Rafael.


    For now, she brushed off the concern. She hadn’t entered the fray yet, so there was no need to worry too much. As Adrian often <b>said</b>, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”


    If conflicts did <b>arise</b><b>, </b>she and Rafael could resolve them throughmunication. There was no reason to hesitate over something that hadn’t happened yet.


    “With your reminder, I know how to proceed, Mr. Walker. You don’t need to say more. I understand


    everything.” Carissa assured.


    Derek looked at her and sighed inwardly. What a smart and earnest girl she was! She could have probed deeper, but she knew he was in a difficult position. She might think that asking too much would only burden him.


    But… did she truly understand the implications of his words?


    L


    Carissa met his eyes with a clear gaze and added, “You don’t need to worry. I know how to strike a bnce. I’ll remain loyal in my duties. I won’t allow anything to drive a wedge between Raf and me.”


    When Derek heard this, he realized she genuinely understood his message and felt relieved.


    He stood. “There’s not much more I can say. Just make sure to share what we discussed today with His Highnesster.”


    “Of course I will. Thank you, Mr. Walker.”


    Derek waved his hand. “I’ll take my leave now that my tasks here are done.”


    “I’ll see you out. All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Carissa walked with him to the door, where a few royal guards waited outside. As Jacob had been reuniting with his sister, Carissa had personallye out to handle giving some mary gifts to the royal guards.


    However, knowing he wasn’t motivated by that, she didn’t offer any rewards to Derek. She would remember his preferences and send him some giftster on.