Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1416

Carissa had known for some time that Barrett had lost an arm while saving Wyatt. Cindy had mentioned it in a letter—not intentionally, but while talking about the Sullivan family's situation and the battle, it came up briefly.

When Carissa read it, she didn't dwell on the matter, nor did she mention it in her reply.

In the chaos of war, it was often impossible to distinguish who saved whom.

She naturally wished for every soldier to return home whole and unharmed, but war was brutal and unrelenting. Blood and sacrifice were inevitable.

While Carissa had acknowledged Barrett's actions, Salvador had only recently learned of them. The latest victory report from Victory Pass detailed Barrett's courageous efforts—how he had fought valiantly, saved lives, and lost an arm in the process.

The earlier reports that came back on horseback had contained only critical updates on the battle's progress, with no mention of individual achievements. Only the detailed victory reports included a list of commendations.

Salvador was pleased by the news and took the opportunity to commend Barrett's valor during a military council meeting. It almost seemed as though he was proving to the court, and perhaps to himself, that promoting Barrett had been the right decision.

Then, as if worried that praising him might upset Carissa, Salvador deliberately kept her back after the meeting and said, "People need to look forward. The grudges between you and him should be let go. Holding onto them will only make you suffer."

Carissa nodded politely. "Yes, Your Majesty."

She said no more.

Thinking she still harbored resentment, Salvador smiled and added, "If you're still angry, I won't recognize his contributions. I'll keep him at Victory Pass for another ten years or so. That should suffice as punishment."

Carissa blinked, startled by his suggestion.

First of all, personal grievances had no place in matters of military merit. If Barrett had earned recognition, he deserved to be rewarded. If he had committed a mistake, he should be dealt with according to the rules.

Secondly, was being stationed at Victory Pass truly a punishment? The Sullivan family had guarded Victory Pass for years. Would that be considered a punishment as well?

The remark left her with more questions than answers.

What puzzled her even more was Salvador's recent behavior. He had taken to keeping her behind after council meetings, often to discuss things that didn't seem urgent. Sometimes, when his concubines sent soups or refreshments, he would insist on sharing them with Carissa, leaving her feeling awkward and uncertain.

"Why are you looking at me like that? Still not satisfied?" Salvador asked with a smile.

Carissa quickly replied, "Not at all, Your Majesty. I didn't mean that. The past between me and Sentry Warren is long gone. As for rewarding military officers for their merits or assigning their posts, it’s not something I can interfere with, nor should any rules be broken because of me."

Salvador chuckled, pointing at her in mock reprimand.