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On the eighth day of January, Blake submitted a formal application for mourning due to his mom’s passing. He first presented it to his superior, Sophie, who then passed it on to the king.
Salvador took a quick glance at the application and asked, “What do you think?”
Sophie paused, wondering what the king meant.
“I’m sorry, Your Majesty, but I’m not sure what you’re asking.”
‘Military generals don’t observe mourning. There’s a law for that,” Salvador replied.
Sophie understood the reference, but that law applied to military generals stationed on the front lines, not to military officers like Blake, who was based in the capital. But based on Salvador’s words, it seemed like he wasn’t inclined to allow Blake to mourn.
‘Everything is up to you, Your Majesty, Sophie answered, not wanting to say much more.
If she suggested Blake shouldn’t observe mourning, it would imply he wasn’t fulfilling his duty to his mother. But if she said he should be allowed to mourn…
Well, the king had already spoken on it. What else could she say?
Seeing how decisively she had answered, Salvador couldn’t help but smile. “We’ll set it aside for now. He’s still in special training anyway. Whether or not he observes mourning can be decided later.”
‘Yes, Your Majesty. I will take my leave now.”
“Commander Devin, Salvador called after her, gesturing for her to sit. “There are a few things I want to ask you.” Since he addressed her by title, it meant this was a conversation between the monarch and a court official. Sophie bowed her head in acknowledgment, then walked over to take a seat. “Your Majesty, please go ahead.” ‘The Mystic Army currently has the Garrison Unit, the Royal Guard, and the Capital Guard. Not to mention, the Garrison Unit alone is filled with idle noble offspring, just passing their time. Not only are they incompetent, but many are troublemakers. Managing these people must be very difficult for you,” said the king.
The statement was indirect, but Sophie could read between the lines.
He mentioned the Garrison Unit, the Royal Guard, and the Capital Guard, but deliberately avoided mentioning the Crown Guard.
Sophie did as he wished, responding in a way that would please him. If he wanted her to say something, she would do it.
“Your Majesty is wise, I admit, I do feel somewhat overwhelmed.”
Salvador’s expression softened slightly. “I understand your difficulty. After all, this is your first time holding such an important position. I also wish to lighten your burden. Tell me, what do you think would make your duties easier?”
Sophie could tell what he was trying to do. Salvador wanted to separate the Crown Guard from the Mystic Army, but didn’t want to say it outright. He was leaving it to her to bring it up, as if testing her.
After all, he was the king.
Sophie pretended to think for a moment, adopting an expression as if trying to guess his thoughts. She couldn’t just say it outright-that would be the same as telling Salvador they already knew he intended to separate the Crown Guard from the Mystic Army.
“Perhaps the Royal Guard…” she began, watching the king closely as she spoke.
Continuing to look at her intently, his expression didn’t change.
“Oh, or perhaps the Crown Guard…”
A faint smile tugged at Salvador’s lips and his gaze softened considerably. Sophie felt a slight sense of relief, as though she had guessed correctly.
“I believe it would be best to separate the Crown Guard and place it under its own leadership. That way, the burden on me would be significantly lessened,” she suggested.
Salvador furrowed his brow in thought. “Since you put it that way, I see no reason not to be understanding. You’ve worked hard, so endure a bit longer. After the New Year, I will issue an edict to remove the Crown Guard from the Mystic Army. I believe all the court officials will understand. After all, you are a woman, so it’s only natural that there are some limitations.”
Sophie seemed to relax, and she stood to express her gratitude.
Look at that.
If Rafael were still the commander of the Mystic Army, no one would question his abilities. No one would doubt him.
But when it came to her, it was different. She was a woman, and managing the Garrison Unit, the Capital Guard, and the Royal Guard was already a difficult task. Taking the Crown Guard out of the equation was a logical solution.
That way, if anyone thought she lacked the ability, the king would still gain a reputation for showing compassion toward a female official.
The announcement would be made after the New Year festivities, which meant that either a new leader for the Crown Guard would be appointed or Blake would not be allowed to observe mourning for his mom.
After Sophie left, Salvador examined Blake’s mourning application once more before tossing it back onto the desk.
He turned to Derek and asked, “What do you think? Should Blake be allowed to observe mourning?”
Derek bowed respectfully. “Your Majesty, this is a matter of selecting officials. I dare not offer my opinion.”
“Although it’s a matter of appointing officials, this is about someone serving directly under me in the Crown Guard. Speak freely.”
Derek thought for a moment before shaking his head. “I don’t know, Your Majesty.”
Salvador’s eyes sharpened, his gaze growing cold. “Is it that you don’t know, or that you don’t dare say?’
Derek had served Salvador for many years and understood his temperament well. If it were any other official, one whose position could be easily filled or replaced, the mourning application would have been settled long ago, without requiring further discussion with Sophie.
But with Blake, Salvador was clearly looking for someone to support his decision.
Derek couldn’t bring himself to recommend Blake. But even though his opinion had little weight and couldn’t change the king’s decision, he couldn’t say it.
“I’ve always valued your service, but it’s clear your heart belongs to the Devin family,” Salvador said, his voice calm but causing his aide to break out in cold sweat.
‘Your Majesty!” Derek knelt, his voice filled with urgency. “I have been loyal to you. How could I possibly be swayed by the Devin family?”
Salvador’s eyes narrowed, cold and sharp. “Melanie Sullivan saved your life, so you owe her a debt of gratitude that you should never forget. But you shouldn’t forget your place, either.”
Derek’s mind was in turmoil.
How could Savaldor know of that old matter? Had he sent someone to investigate him?
“Rise,” Salvador commanded, his tone still chillingly indifferent. “I know you dislike Blake because of how he wronged Sophie.”
Derek stood, pale as a ghost, and bowed deeply. “I am indeed grateful to Madam Devin for saving my life. And do not like Commander Jaffe. That is why I did not dare give any rash advice-I feared my personal bias would influence your decision, Your Majesty.”
Salvador scoffed. “You still can’t influence my decision.”
“Yes, of course. It was my mistake to overestimate myself,” Derek said, lowering his head.
“Bring me another cup of hot coffee. This one has cooled,” Salvador instructed, picking up his cup.
Derek hurriedly took the cup and, after briefly leaving the room, returned with a fresh, steaming cup of coffee. He placed it on the desk before stepping aside, his posture respectful.