Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 999

In the royal study, Salvador's brows twitched with barely contained fury as he glared at Barrett, who was kneeling before him. His voice was icily cold.

"Resign? Have you really thought this through?"

Barrett lowered his head, his voice trembling. "Your Majesty, I am guilty. I have failed your expectations and the Sullivan family's. I am ashamed before both."

Salvador's anger flared, a headache pounding behind his eyes. "If you know how much I've placed my hopes in you, then you should focus on doing your job well, not throwing a tantrum and resigning!"

Barrett bowed his head lower. "Your Majesty, I am not throwing a tantrum. I have come to realize my incompetence and inability to live up to the role of deputy commander of the Nightsteel Guard. I ask for your mercy and understanding."

Even Derek couldn't watch any longer.

To speak so much about guilt was to question the king's judgment. Was that what Barrett was implying?

Salvador's voice grew even colder, "Go reflect on your actions. Come back after a few days. Leave now."

Left with no choice, Barrett stood and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."

As Barrett exited, Salvador's face darkened, his expression like storm clouds. "Derek, go speak to him. If he feels guilty toward General Sullivan, he should not be resigning at this critical moment."

Derek had wanted to speak up long before but had held back, knowing it wasn't his place unless the king said something. Now that Salvador had spoken, Derek could no longer stay silent. He quickly followed Barrett out of the study, catching up to him.

"Deputy Commander Warren, wait!"

Barrett's shoulders were hunched in exhaustion. He paused and turned to face Derek. "What is it, Mr. Walker?"

Seeing the vacant expression on his face, Derek straightened his back and said firmly, "Deputy Commander Warren, have you lost your mind? If you resign now, how does that reflect on the Sullivan family and the other officers? You're a court official—if word gets out, people will think you were dismissed in disgrace. If you must resign, at least wait until this storm blows over. Otherwise, you'll only bring more shame upon the Sullivan family."

Barrett froze. "My resignation has nothing to do with the Sullivan family."

Derek's eyes narrowed, his words sharp. "Think about it. If you resign in shame, what are the Sullivan family's generals supposed to do? Should they also submit letters of apology and resign? Whose command were you following when you went to Fawnrun City?"

Barrett's eyelids fluttered, a deep pang of realization hitting him. "I... I hadn't thought of that."

"Then, start thinking," Derek snapped. "If not for yourself, then for others. Stop living like a burden and dragging everyone else down with you."

Derek rarely spoke so harshly, but dealing with someone so frustrating had pushed him to his limit. Some people weren't evil, but their constant weakness and indecision made them unbearable.