While Barrett and Aurora were walking behind the group, he quietly said, "Perhaps you were right that General Dominic truly wants to support Carissa.""How so?" Aurora's eyes brightened. "Have you found someone secretly escorting us?"Barret continued in a low tone, "The supply depot is in Fawnrun City. Normally, we'd have met sentries on patrol along the way, but we haven't seen a single one. We took small mountain paths and passed many villages. How could any of them know the way? I watched closely and found marks left on the trail. That means someone went ahead to scout. They might even be hiding near the supply depot now."Aurora had already doubted Dominic would let his granddaughter risk so much without a plan. Hearing Barrett's words only confirmed her suspicions. She felt a bit disdainful, but also relieved she had come. If she had stayed behind, she would have missed the chance to win glory."You were wise to insist on coming," Aurora said with a note of approval.Barrett
In the end, Bun and Travis carried Barrett, while Cynthia and Violet carried Aurora. The seven of them hurried through the night. When they came upon thick brambles and thorns that blocked their path, they used sickles to clear the way, not wanting to waste too much inner force.The hours passed in a blur of darkness and exhaustion. Aurora and Barrett had lost all pride. They wished they had wings to fly, instead of being dragged along like this. They had truly lost all sense of dignity.And the thing they thought was impossible? By morning, they found themselves at the foot of the mountain outside Fawnrun City.And they had not even come down the easiest mountain. Instead, they had descended from the mountain where the city's resin trees grew, which meant they had crossed one extra mountain.Carissa was not unkind. After reaching the base of the mountain, she let them sit boldly by the roadside to eat their dry rations.Though their clothes were changed to look like the mountain
As they left Stormwatch Keep, Carissa could hear the voices of the two people arguing ahead."I don't understand what you're trying to prove. Do you truly believe this will succeed? You trust Carissa in everything she says, but ignore me entirely. Why must you be so stubborn? Don't forget, your family once produced great generals. If they could see you now, groveling before a woman like this, I doubt they would rest in peace," said Aurora in an irritated tone, clearly angry.Barrett's patience was also wearing thin. "Why must you always speak so harshly? I don't trust her blindly. However, the truth is that our forces are no match for Westhaven's. After two days of fighting, we're barely holding on, and many of our comrades have fallen. If we pull away any of our best men tomorrow, it will only get worse. Her plan to ambush them is the best chance we have—"Aurora cut him off angrily: "Best chance? Have you thought at all about what will happen if it fails? You'll lose your life in
Aurora was in disbelief. It was such a difficult mission, yet they were only planning on sending seven people?Earlier, she had said she would bring Carissa and her friends along on this mission. That was because she hoped that including Dominic's granddaughter would persuade him to appoint more soldiers to the mission. With more men, Aurora could keep herself safe while making sure she completed the mission and earned merit.But now, hearing that only seven people would go, she thought less of glory and more of survival. The risk far outweighed the reward. She was no fool and didn't wish to volunteer.Yet Aurora didn't refuse at once. Instead, she rose and looked at Carissa. "You initially intended to go with only five people, right? Are you certain you can complete the task without fail?"Carissa met her gaze steadily. "Nothing is ever without risk. We can only do our best."Aurora frowned. "And how sure are you?""Probably a sixty or seventy percent chance. But even if we fail
After standing there for a moment, it was Aurora who first thought of something. She pushed aside her earlier sarcasm and stepped forward to ask, "Have you come to volunteer for the mission to burn the enemy's supply depot as well?""You too?" Travis replied, raising a brow.Aurora nodded. "I've noticed your skills in battle. You all move swiftly and strike true. If you and your group wish to come, very well. But know this: all orders will come from me and General Warren."Aurora had taken note of how they fought with grace and courage on the battlefield. Though they had fought in two fierce battles at the front lines, not one of them bore a wound. Had their skills been anything less, they would have died long ago.She also knew that Carissa was Dominic's granddaughter. If Carissa joined the mission, the Grand General would surely send more troops with them. That would halve the danger and increase their chances of success. No matter how she looked at it, this was an excellent chan
Carissa and the others were sent to wait outside while the generals held a private meeting, weighing their options and maybe coming up with other plans.Bun squatted in the corridor and glanced up at Travis. "You're an official now. Tell me, what chance of success do we really have if we go?"Travis looked at Carissa. "What do you think?""It will be difficult, no doubt. But this plan stands a better chance than sending a whole troop, and it carries less risk. Even if we fail, at least we can retreat safely," Carissa answered.Cynthia nodded in agreement. "That's right. Running away is our specialty."Violet shot her a sharp look. "Running away is our specialty? You mean our Lightfoot Skill. We're the best at that."Cynthia grinned. "That's what I said! If not us, then who else? This mission's made for us."Just then, a guard approached and reported that Barrett and Aurora were requesting an audience. Carissa straightened instantly, her eyes wary. They couldn't be allowed to rep