Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 738

Carissa didn't argue. After all, Salvador wasn't really asking for her opinion—he was practically issuing a direct order.

He gave her the position of commander, but at the same time, he promoted someone who had a grudge against the Hell Monarch's household. It was a move meant to sow discord between Carissa and Rafael.

Maybe Salvador thought this would give him a sense of security.

As Carissa left the palace, Derek watched her retreating figure with a worried expression. He wasn't sure how many more tests of trust she and Rafael could withstand.

The truth was that Salvador could have appointed Barrett directly without involving the Mystic Army's commander. If he really wanted Carissa to handle the transfer, it didn't need to go through the Civil Department—just a simple notification would have sufficed.

But Salvador was trying hard to keep everything under his control, which only made things uncomfortable for everyone involved, including Barrett.

After leaving the palace, Carissa headed straight for the Capital Guard's headquarters. Since it was her first day on duty, Michael and Max were already waiting for her there with their men. Fortunately, no one seemed to pay much attention to the bruise around her eye. Or if they did notice, they at least had the decency not to stare.

The Royal Guard's commander, Alistair, hadn't arrived yet. Carissa knew who he was—Oliver's cousin. Their family had many sons, with Alistair being the most talented among them.

Oliver didn't have a good relationship with his relatives, especially Alistair. This was mainly because the latter was truly capable, while the former hadn't achieved much and wasn't able to bring any fortune or honor to the family after inheriting the earldom. In contrast, Alistair had risen swiftly through the ranks, eventually becoming commander of the Royal Guard.

If they were still under the previous king's rule, the Royal Guard wouldn't have been part of the Mystic Army, which would have given Alistair even more authority. While the Royal Guard technically fell under the Mystic Army now, Alistair didn't seem to care.

But now that the units were officially merging and he would have to report to a woman, he probably wasn't too happy about it.

Carissa had long since investigated these key figures within the Mystic Army, and Rafael had discussed them with her as well. So, when Alistair didn't show up today, she didn't mind. She could accept having sharp-edged subordinates as long as they didn't cross the line.

Max didn't exhibit any doubt toward Carissa. In fact, he was rather respectful. Max and Thomas' mother, Alice, were siblings. In other words, he was Thomas' uncle.

When Max and Carissa met for the first time, he approached her confidently and said, "Thank you, Commander Sinclair. It's thanks to you and His Highness that Ivan was saved."

"Ivan Lewis? That's your nephew, right?" Carissa asked.