When fate plays its hand (Miranda)

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 cto 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. Cback after a few days. Leave now." 11 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 shupon the Sullivan family." Barrett froze. "My resignation has nothing to do with the Sullivan family." 1/3 Chapter 900 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. “L... 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. Speople weren't evil, but their constant weakness and indecision made them unbearable.

Barrett stared blankly at Derek for a long moment before finally saying, "Thank you for your advice, Mr. Walker." Derek studied his expression, unsure if his words had sunk in. “His Majesty told you to reflect, so go hand do just that. Return in a few days and resyour duties." Barrett nodded and turned to leave, his steps slow and heavy. The March sunlight bathed his pale, haggard face, and his hand clenched around an Eternal Knot. The pain in his chest tightened as he thought back to the day he had left for Victory Pass just after marrying Carissa.

The knot had been with him for years-since the night he married Carissa. He had been ordered to the front lines at Victory Pass immediately after the ceremony. Before leaving, he had untied one of the Eternal Knots and carried it with him.

Back then, the knot in his hand felt warm, almost burning. Her heartfelt gaze as she bid him farewell was like a guiding light, warming his heart and waiting for his safe return.

If only he could go back to that moment.

"I truly regret it." Barrett's steps were slow and heavy, as if he had a huge weight on his feet, and tears rolled down his face.

"I really do. If I had another chance, I would cherish you. I would keep my promises, and I would never take another woman." Meanwhile, Michael accompanied Lucille to deliver shoney cakes to Violet. He had also brought a portion for Rafael and Carissa.

Lucille was skilled in the kitchen, and her delicately crafted pastries we truly ressive. Altho typically avoided overly sweet treats, she found herself enjoying them.

Violet 2/3

In public and private, Violet often praised Lucille for her thoughtfulness. But tonight, noticing her frosty demeanor and the way she En kept giving Michael the cold shoulder, Violer couldn't help but ask, "Michael, did you do something to upset your wife?"

Michael quickly shook his head. “I wouldn't dare, Sage Violet! It's just It's just that I foolishly invited Deputy Commander Warren back to my house for drinks, and Lucille wasn't happy about it." "You had drinks with Barrett?" Violet raised her eyebrow, "I didn't know you two were such close friends."

Michael, knowing Violet disliked Barrett, hastily added, "I heard from the men at the palace today.

Beputy Commander Warren went to the king to resign, and was scolded by His Majesty." Carissa froze, a flash of anger crossing her face. "He resigned? At a tlike this?" "Don't worry, Commander Sinclair. His Majesty didn't approve," Michael quickly assured her.

Carissa clenched her fists, frustration brimming in her tone. "What is wrong with his brain? Has it been chewed up by a dog or something?"