The events in the capital were unknown to Carissa, who was far away at the Southern Frontier.The war was long over, but the troops could not fully withdraw yet. The first reason was the severe cold, which made marching difficult. The second reason was that many areas of the Southern Frontier were in ruins after years of conflict, and the soldiers were helping with the reconstruction.Since the end of the war, rumors about Aurora's capture and disgrace had spread throughout the army. No matter how much she denied it, there were many soldiers who had rushed into the wooden hut and seen her state that day.It was not a secret that could be hidden.Aurora had sought out Zeke and the others to testify on her behalf, but what could they say? Having endured brutal beatings and mutilation, they could barely say whether Aurora had been violated or not.Besides, Zeke was furious with his cousin and refused to even speak with her. Meanwhile, the other soldiers who had once been grateful to
As spring arrived and the ice and snow melted away, the soldiers stationed in Simonton City prepared to return to the capital. Violet and the others were torn between whether to go back to the capital with them or return to Meadow Ridge."Meadow Ridge will always be there, but a triumphant return happens only once in a lifetime. We should go back and receive the people's praise," Travis said.They didn't have grand ambitions; their greatest aspiration was to perfect their martial arts skills. They didn't seek to be invincible, only to be able to defeat any opponent they faced.Suddenly hailed as heroes of the Southern Frontier, they found the new height of their status a bit overwhelming.-With Aurora's injuries nearly healed, it was time for her to face her punishment.During her time at the Southern Frontier, her relationship with Barrett had been in a peculiar state. Her husband seemed to constantly avoid her, yet would still assist her when necessary.For instance, when she
Carissa entered briskly. After greeting Rafael, she felt a strange unease.What was wrong with Dylan? Why was he looking at her with such an odd look on his face?When Rafael gave Dylan a cold look, the latter chuckled and said, "I'll take my leave, then."Once outside, Dylan didn't stray far. He hid just beyond the entrance to eavesdrop."Have a seat," Rafael told Carissa.Rafael cast an irritated look at the entrance. It was obvious someone was eavesdropping. Even if Dylan wanted to do so, couldn't he have hidden better?Aware of Dylan's presence, Carissa sat down and gave Rafael a questioning look, then pointed at the door, wondering why Dylan was still there.Rafael shook his head with a smile. "Ignore him. What brings you here?"Carissa straightened and asked earnestly, "Marshal, I know we're preparing to return to the capital. Before that, may I visit the place where my father and brothers fell? I'd like to pray for their souls to accompany us back to the capital."The r
The next day, news that Barrett had taken the punishment meant for Aurora spread throughout the entire camp. Since Aurora’s capture, rumors about the two of them had circulated widely, and nearly everyone at the Southern Frontier knew about it.At first, Aurora tried to ignore the gossip, going about her day as if to silence the criticism with indifference. But as the murmurs grew louder and the stares more curious, she could no longer tolerate it and used her lingering injuries as an excuse to withdraw and hide away.On the other hand, Barrett bore the brunt of it silently. He heard the whispers, but could offer no response or explanation. He knew the issue involved more than just personal scandal—it connected to the Victory Pass battle, the Westhaven civilians slaughtered by Aurora, and…These were matters that could not be explained away and any attempt to do so would only worsen the situation.The soldiers, however, were unaware of these complexities. They simply believed that
The melody stirred every heart, making blood surge and eyes blaze with heat. As the drums' final, heavy beats signaled the end of the performance, silence fell over the crowd.Carrying Hector's memorial plaque, Rafael lifted it high as if to let Hector enter the city first. With the plaque raised, he stepped forward into the city, followed by the others. Everyone holding a plaque remained silent and solemn.Once inside the city, they knelt before Salvador.“I, Rafael Sanford, together with the late Hector Sinclair and our soldiers, have returned victorious. Thanks to your blessings, Your Majesty, as well as the blessings of Starhaven's ancestors, we have fulfilled our mission and reclaimed the Southern Frontier,” Rafael loudly declared.His voice echoed through the city gates, resonating through the capital.Like an explosion, the crowd erupted into cheers, filled with both joy and tears.Salvador felt his eyes burn as he personally stepped forward to help Rafael to his feet. Gaz
Lulu was the happiest and the most tearful.She practically flew as she chased after the king's carriage, crying out, "My lady! My lady...!"Carissa glanced at her helplessly. Lulu was laughing and crying at the same time, showing no restraint at all.Sitting beside Carissa, Rafael glanced at Lulu and said thoughtfully, "Her name is Lulu, isn't it?""You still remember her, Your Highness?" Carissa asked in surprise."Yes," Rafael replied with a slight smile. "I remember one year when I went to the Pathfinders Guild, I saw that girl picking apples from a tree. When she saw your senior and I, she was so frightened she fell off the tree."Carissa was even more surprised. "You've been to the Pathfinders Guild before?""Yes. Before I was deployed to the Southern Frontier battlefield, I used to go to the guild once a year," he said softly.The June sunlight shone brightly in his eyes, but his gaze quickly dimmed as he continued, "I haven't been there since.""I didn't know about tha
Aurora returned to the capital in a state of dejection.Barrett kept his distance from her, even though he was injured and could have used her support. He was adamant about avoiding any physical contact with her. Even the others who had been captured with her glared at her with hatred.They knew why they had been castrated—it was because in Fawnrun City, Aurora had tortured that young general and ordered his castration, humiliating him.Now, the eighteen soldiers who were captured had been treated the same way by the Westhaven soldiers, and they couldn't voice their suffering or express their grievances. Their hatred for Aurora ran deep.Throughout the journey, they avoided her as much as possible. They didn't want to speak to her, and even when they saw her, they kept their distance.Aurora remembered her earlier enthusiasm, believing she would achieve great things in this war. Instead, she had returned with half her face disfigured and despised by everyone. She could barely tole
Aurora froze for a moment, then snapped, "Who said that? Who said I was defiled?""Just answer the question," Rebecca said, her face turning dark with anger. "Word has already spread all over town. Who needs to ask? Everyone is talking about it!"Aurora hadn't expected news of the Southern Frontier events to reach the capital. Her mind went blank.She raised her voice defensively, "I wasn't defiled. Yes, I was captured, but I only endured physical suffering. My purity remains intact."Jonathan interjected, "Then, you should find someone to vouch for you. Weren't there others with you when you were captured? They can testify for you."Aurora's frustration grew as she thought about her cousin and the other soldiers. Barrett had questioned them, but they all claimed ignorance. They had all been locked up together in the wooden hut, so how could they not know?Their claims of ignorance led Barrett and everyone else to believe that Aurora had been defiled.Unable to find anyone to pr