Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1001

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

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 days later, 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.

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

Though Ian had taken on the role of commander, he had other matters to attend to. With Barrett proving to be so ineffectual, it looked like they would need to promote another deputy commander.

After sending Barrett on his way, Salvador summoned Ian.

Ian recommended two men—Galen and Kevin.

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 relationship with his family is far from harmonious. He is driven to make a name for himself," Ian 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 Unit. 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.