servants would gossip and say that Rafael and Carissa were disrespectful.


    Helen didn''t enjoy dining with her son. Their tastes were too different, and the conversation rarely went beyond a few words. But Victoria always insisted, reminding Helen time and time again that, once a month, she had to sit down with him for a meal. Otherwise, the Helen sighed. That was just how life was constantly bound by all sorts of obligations, never able to follow one''s heart''s desire.


    Gillian always said Helen didn''t know how to appreciate her blessings, but she didn''t believe there was such a thing as a truly carefree life. Even in the best of times, there were problems to worry about. Even the wealthiest, most powerful people had their burdens to bear. She would enjoy the good moments when they came, and when she was troubled, she would keep to herself-she had every right to her worries.


    Rafael and Carissa weren''t the chatty types, so they would ask Violet to join them for meals. Violet had a knack for lightening the mood, turning a dull meal into something lively and entertaining.


    In the end, Barrett didn''t resign. A few dayster, he reluctantly donned his official attire and returned to his duties.


    Salvador summoned him again, hoping to see some spark of determination in his face, but there was nothing. Barrett looked like a defeated dog, radiating misery and despair.


    Salvador was inwardly furious. He had originally hoped to mold Barrett into a loyal minister, someone useful for the future. A military man like him, who had fought bandits, been on the battlefield, and had fallen on hard times, was someone who could be trusted. At least he was loyal.


    Now, Salvador realized that while loyalty was valuable, it meant nothing without capability.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    He had once hoped that Barrett would turn things around, make a name for the Nightsteel Guard, and bring the Royal Guard under itsmand. But it seemed that relying on Barrett wasn''t going to work. Everything still depended onn.


    Thoughn had taken on the role ofmander, he had other matters to attend to. With Barrett proving to be so ineffectual, it looked like they would need to promote another deputymander.


    After sending Barrett on his way, Salvador summonedn.


    "Your Majesty, Galen and Kevin have been with you since you were crown prince. Galen is sharp and


    quick-witted, while Kevin is loyal and ambitious. He''s now Ms. Spencer''s direct apprentice and has been steadily improving his martial skills."


    Salvador raised an eyebrow. "Kevin Ziegler, from the Marquis of Elderglen''s family? His cousin is Lawrence, the Earl of Dunewind, right?"


    "That is correct, Your Majesty,"n confirmed.


    Salvador paused, mulling it over before asking, "I recall there was someone from the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team who joined the Nightsteel Guard-what was his name?"


    "You must be referring to Ivan Lewis, Your Majesty. He''s currently a second-rank guard in the Nightsteel Guard, stationed at Regal Gate."


    Salvador narrowed his eyes, his long fingers lightly tapping on the table as his mind raced through the pros and cons of choosing either Galen or Kevin.


    Galen was certainly capable, but he had too many tricks up his sleeve. The Nightsteel Guard didn''t need someone like him promoted at the moment.


    Kevin was from the Marquis of Elderglen''s family. Rafael had once saved Lawrence''s life, and Kevin had be Violet''s apprentice, which meant he was already halfway tied to Rafael''s household.


    There were risks involved.


    "How''s Kevin''s ambition?" Salvador asked.


    "Kevin is certainly ambitious, Your Majesty. He sought out a martial arts mentor to improve his chances for advancement. As far as I know his rtionship with his family is far from harmonious. He is driven to make a name for himself," fan answered respectfully.


    Ambition and personal interests-it was exactly what Salvador needed. With those traits, the risks were manageable.


    Salvador made his decision. "Kevin it


    is, then. As for Ivan, promote him to


    a first-rank Nightsteel Guard and


    assign him to the Vanguard Unitet


    The Vanguard Unit still needs a


    captain, so Galen will take that post."


    If Kevin had been Carissa''s apprentice, the risk would have been too great. However, Violet was his mentor. As it was someone from the Spencer family, Salvador was more than capable of handling them.