When fate plays its hand (Miranda)

Chapter 996 Max's thoughts were somewhat misguided by Carissa. In truth, Salvador wasn't interested in cleaning up the Garrison Unit just yet.

As long as things didn't get out of hand, Salvador was content to leave these small matters be. Balance was key, especially now, when the treason case investigation was ongoing. Though Yuvan and Harvey had both cinto his line of sight, the evidence against them wasn't solid yet. If these men were purged too early, it could push Yuvan into taking matters into his own hands.

It wasn't uncommon for one person's betrayal to drag down an entire family.

Besides, Salvador, had deeper ambitions. If he couldn't control the Mystic Army, he would let it rot from the inside. That way, it would be logical for the Nightsteel Guard to take its place, something that would naturally occur once the Mystic Army fell apart.

Carissa wouldn't stand by and let these useless men cause chaos in the Garrison Unit. People who held even a modicum of power often abused it, trampling over the common folk.

Either the Garrison Unit needed to be disbanded completely, or it had to be thoroughly reformed. If not, the Garrison Unit would remain a group of thugs living off the court's salary.

Salvador didn't want to intervene because the problems had been kept under wraps, never making it to his doorstep. However, digging too deep could expose everything. Once those things were unearthed, they would be sent straight to the Oversight Department and brought up in the next court meeting. At that point, Salvador wouldn't be able to ignore it, no matter how much he tried.

Carissa didn't want to oppose the king, but as the commander of the Mystic Army, she couldn't let her subordinates exploit the people. If the reputation of the Mystic Army was tarnished, it would no longer be seen as a protector of the people, but as a gang of thugs preying on them.

Max quickly handed over the list, and Carissa went over it. That evening, she gathered Violet and Claire. "Look into these people." When Winona left, she left behind a few people and even opened a branch of Skywing Spire in the capital, located in Glimmering Tower.

With no other duties to attend to, Violet had taken charge of the Skywing Spire branch. Now, the people there all followed her lead.

Two days later, Barrett was thrown out of the Ministry of Justice. To be more precise, he Chapter 900 wasn't just escorted ont-he was practically toned out.

Michael happened to witness the scene and was left dumbfounded.

Ultimately, Michael had once been Barrett's superior. Though Michael had little respect for the man, seeing him now, disheveled and covered in filth, looking nothing like the dignified official he used to be, Michael couldn't just leave him there in disgrace. With a reluctant sigh, he stepped forward to help Barrett up, The smell hit him immediately, sharp and unpleasant. Michael recoiled, lifting his sleeve to cover his nose.

"How did you end up like this?" he asked, his voice strained.

Barrett seemed dazed, barely registering Michael's presence. When he finally did, he gave a weak, rueful smile. "I must be a joke to you, Deputy Commander Brown." "I'm not laughing," Michael replied, shaking his head. "What are you still doing here at the Ministry of Justice? I thought you would've left by now." Michael had heard the rumors that Barrett was staying on at the Ministry of Justice, though he had no idea why. He figured it was just temporary, maybe a few days at most, but he never expected that Barrett would be physically thrown out only now.

Barrett's gaze was empty, as if he didn't quite understand what had happened either." They said His Majesty gave an order... that I'm not allowed to stay at the Ministry of Justice anymore." "1 "Then, you should go home. Why are you still here?" Michael asked, already turning to leave.

Barrett suddenly grabbed his sleeve. “Deputy Commander Brown... Would it be possible forto stay at your house for a few days?" Michael stopped short, stunned. "Stay at my house? Are you out of your mind? Don't you have a place of your own?" "I don't want to go back..." Barrett's voice was barely a whisper, the desperation in his eyes plain to see. "Please, Deputy Commander Brown." Michael jerked his sleeve out of Barrett's grasp and stepped back. "What's the matter with you? You have a home, yet you want to stay with me? What kind of sense does that make?" Barrett let his hands fall to his sides, and Michael couldn't help but notice the childlike sadness in his posture, like someone who had been beaten down by life.

Michael's brow furrowed. How could the king still want this man in his service? Barrett lifted his head again. “Deputy Commander Brown, would you mind having a drink with me?" 2/3 Chapter 996

Michael's gaze swept over Barrett. His clothes were wrinkled and m unkempt, his hair a mess. His face was gaunt, and his eyes were lifeless and full of sorrow.

For a moment, Michael was the overcwith frustration and t urge to kick Barrett out, but then something else stopped him-a flicker of sympathy. Michael knew he shouldn't feel sorry for him, but in that moment, he did. With a heavy sigh, he gave in.

"You look like you'd be thrown out of a tavern the moment you stepped inside. Fine, let's go to my house."

Michael was honestly curious-Barrett had always been the ambitious ious type, so why had the defied sq orders and stayed in the Ministry of Justice? Had he given up on his future completely?