Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1416

Carissa had known for some time that Barrett had lost an arm while saving Wyatt. Cindy had mentioned it in a letter-not intentionally, but while talking about the Sullivan family's situation and the battle, it came up briefly.

When Carissa read it, she didn't dwell on the matter, nor did she mention it in her reply.

In the chaos of war, it was often impossible to distinguish who saved whom.

She naturally wished for every soldier to return home whole and unharmed, but war was brutal and unrelenting. Blood and sacrifice were inevitable.

While Carissa had acknowledged Barrett's actions, Salvador had only recently learned of them. The latest victory report from Victory Pass detailed Barrett's courageous efforts how he had fought valiantly, saved lives, and lost an arm in the process.

The earlier reports that came back on horseback had contained only critical updates on the battle's progress, with no mention of individual achievements. Only the detailed victory reports included a list of commendations.

Salvador was pleased by the news and took the opportunity to commend Barrett's valor during a military council meeting. It almost seemed as though he was proving to the court, and perhaps to himself, that promoting Barrett had been the right decision.

Then, as if worried that praising him might upset Carissa, Salvador deliberately kept her back after the meeting and said, "People need to look forward. The grudges between you and him should be let go. Holding onto them will only make you suffer."

Carissa nodded politely. "Yes, Your Majesty."

She said no more.

Thinking she still harbored resentment, Salvador smiled and added, "If you're still angry, I won't recognize his contributions. I'll keep him at Victory Pass for another ten years or so. That should suffice as punishment."

Carissa blinked, startled by his suggestion.

in matters of military merit. If Barrett had earned recognition, he deserved to be rewarded. If he had committed a mistake, he should be

had guarded Victory Pass for years. Would that be

with

discuss things that didn't seem urgent. Sometimes, when his concubines sent soups or

you looking at me like that?

past between me and Sentry Warren is long gone. As for rewarding military officers for their merits or assigning their posts, it's not something I can interfere with, nor should any rules be broken because

at

quite sensible, haven't you?" he said, a fondness in his voice, almost

words tugged

Carissa had gone to Meadow Ridge, Salvador would often come to discuss strategies and battle tactics with her second brother, Nathan. Whenever they crossed paths, he had always spoken to her in

a little sister as well. Back then,

changed over the years, as if he was still the

truth was, everything had changed. Too much lay between them now-doubts, suspicions, caution, and wariness toward her and

subject, she couldn't accuse him of being capricious. All she could do was respond with a polite

me more about Meadow Ridge," Salvador said suddenly, as though struck by interest. He motioned

Meadow Ridge just the day before? Was he trying to probe for something? Did

like to know, Your

for

ago, you told me about Kyle. Yesterday, it was

after a

don't you tell me a your other senior guild member, Winona

"Winona?"

Carissa's heart tensed immediately.