Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1002

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 success, 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 succeed.

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 deputy commander of the Nightsteel Guard, Kevin was completely stunned.

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

It was Ian who kicked him sharply, muttering with a laugh, "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. "Ian, 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 his comrades 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 planned to rise through the ranks slowly. Instead, fate had dropped a reward right in his lap, leaving him dazed by it.

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

Ian chuckled. "He is still a deputy commander. He's in charge of the Griffinblade Unit, the Shieldbearer Unit, and the Skystriker Unit. You'll take command of the Vanguard Unit, the Eastguard Unit, and the Westguard Unit. Each of you will oversee three units. I know you're capable of it. If you have any decisions you're unsure of, you can come to me or ask your mentor."

"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'll come to you, Commander Ian. I hope you'll be kind enough to teach me."

Ian laughed and scolded, "You fool. You have good connections and still don't know how to use them. Your mentor and Commander Sinclair are close friends. If you go to her and she doesn't know, she'll ask Commander Sinclair. They'll surely point you in the right direction.

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 deputy commander, 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. Congratulations, my friend."

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