Kevin wanted a martial arts mentor for two reasons. The first was because he genuinely loved martial arts. The second was because it was a means to an end, a stepping stone to his promotion.


    But he had plenty of patience. If it didn''t work in three years, he would wait five. If five years passed with no sess, he would wait ten. The longer he stayed at Salvador''s side, the more experience he gained. If he didn''t give up, he would eventually seed. Of course, he had his sights set on specific goals-he aimed to be promoted to deputy captain and then captain within three to five years.


    So, when Salvador summoned him and granted him the position of deputymander of the Nightsteel Guard, Kevin waspletely stunned.


    He had never been caught off guard in court before this was the first time.


    It wasn who kicked him sharply, muttering with augh, "What are you daydreaming about? Don''t you know how to thank His Majesty?"


    Kevin''s trembling hands pressed against his chest as he bowed deeply and said, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your trust and this promotion. I will surely remain loyal and devoted, giving my all in service."


    Salvador smiled at the words, clearly pleased. n, take him out. Have him buy drinks for your men to celebrate."


    Three men had been promoted. Kevin was overjoyed, Galen felt a bit disappointed, and Ivan showed no emotion at all. Having worked as a spy before, Ivan wasn''t one to let anyone read his inner thoughts. Whether he was happy or upset, he kept it all to himself. Of course, Kevin was eager to treat hisrades to drinks. As he walked, he felt like he was floating in the air. He was still unable to fully believe what had just happened.


    He had nned to rise through the ranks slowly. Instead, fate had dropped a reward right in hisp, leaving him dazed by it.


    But even in his stunned state, he didn''t forget to ask, "Wasn''t Deputy Commander Warren the deputymander? Why would they promote me instead?"


    "My mentor?" Kevin had kept his apprenticeship a secret, but he had been spending a lot of time training with Violet recently, so the secret was hard to keep. "I can''t trouble my mentor with my work. If there''s anything I don''t understand, I''lle to you, Commandern. I hope you''ll be kind enough to teach me."


    "But remember, the most important


    thing is to never forget where you started. Always be grateful. It''s His Majesty who promoted you, and


    that''s how you became deputet


    Kevinughed and said he was naturally very grateful to Salvador, as well asn, for his support. He smoothly sidestepped the topic they had been discussing.


    When Salvador was still the crown prince, Kevin had served him as a low-ranking guard. Although he hadn''t achieved much, he had met many people and experienced a lot, learning how to navigate the intricacies of court life.


    This talk about seeking help from Violet and Carissa clearly hinted that his promotion wasn''t just based on merit-it was part of arger scheme.


    Even though Kevin recognized that,


    he wasn''t bothered by it. Rather, he was pleased because this promotion aligned with his goal. He could prove himself capable of the deputymander role. As long as he performed well, Salvador would see it and recognize his abilities, not just credit him because of who his


    mentor was.


    And even if Salvador still doubted his skills, there was nothing to be done. Kevin would just continue following the principles he believed in, living without regret and disappointment in his life.


    That evening, Kevin treated his fellow guardsmen to drinks, inviting Barrett, Galen, and Ivan along. Barrett didn''t refuse and went with them back to Kevin''s estate.


    Barrett was too busy drinking to engage much in conversation, preferring to remain silent as the others joked around.


    However, Galen suddenly remarked with a touch of bitterness, "Tonight, we''re still brothers-in-arms. But tomorrow, we''ll have to call you Deputy Commander Ziegler."


    Galen felt a pang of disappointment.


    He and Kevin had always been


    close, and he had often worried


    about Kevin''s future. But now, Kevin


    had been promoted straight to deputymander, and it felt like things were going too well for him.


    It left a sour taste in Galen''s mouth.


    Kevin raised his cup solemnly, offering a toast. "Thank you for looking out for me all this time. I wouldn''t be where I am today without your guidance and care." Seeing Kevin respect him even after his promotion made the bitterness in Galen''s heart fade.


    He smiled and raised his cup. "Don''t say that. Come, let''s drink to it. Congrattions, my friend."


    As the two of them drank heartily, Galen nced at Barrett. Though Barrett was also a deputymander, Galen looked down on him and secretly coveted his position.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!