Barrett pulled on Aurora's hand as he addressed Rafael, "Marshal, please calm down. General Yates was just momentarily impulsive. She didn't mean to challenge your authority.""If you cannot accept military orders, leave the Southern Frontier immediately. I need generals who are absolutely obedient," Rafael replied coldly.Though Aurora was still unwilling to accept it, she dared not speak further and resigned herself to merely giving Carissa a cold glare.As a noble lady from a prestigious family, Carissa was naturally held in high regard. Her inherent wealth and status were far beyond that of a humble general's daughter. Yet, Aurora had earned her position through sheer effort and sacrifice, unlike Carissa, who seemed to have her achievements handed to her.As Aurora reluctantly followed Barrett, she said, "My military rank is low and my background is humble, so I have no right to argue. I will, of course, obey your orders, Marshal."Her statement was clearly a jab at Carissa.
No wonder Carissa knew that soldiers from Westhaven had disguised themselves as Sandorian soldiers and gone to the Southern Frontier battlefield. That was also why she had traveled alone for a thousand miles to bring Rafael the news."Take your time to calm down, then talk to me," Rafael said as he sat down beside her, his tall figure acting like a protective barrier shielding her from the world."What else do you want to know, Marshal?" asked Carissa, who had calmed down considerably.Rafael's eyes were like a dark sea churning beneath the surface. "Everything. Why you suddenly got married, what happened after you got married, and everything surrounding the Westhaven spies massacring your entire household."Carissa didn't know why he wanted to know about her marriage, but she answered truthfully, trying to keep her emotions steady and her recounting as straightforward as possible."When I returned from the Pathfinders Guild, I learned of my father and brothers' sacrifice. I told
Carissa continued, "That wasn't the worst of it. The worst came later."She recounted how the Warren family tried to seize her dowry—even going so far as to accuse her of being disrespectful and jealous, and used that as grounds for divorce."That was the real outrage. But I didn't expect the king to posthumously grant my father the title of duke and allow me to divorce Barrett. Because of that, I could take all my dowry with me."Rafael's eyes burned with anger. "They dared to treat you like that and wrong you?""I don't feel wronged," Carissa said, placing her hands on her knees and turning to look at Rafael. The beauty mark beneath her eye stood out vividly."If I had feelings for him, it would have been different, but I didn't. Leaving the Warren family was a relief for me. Their schemes failed, and you saw how angry Aurora was at me, Marshal. She was upset that I didn't care about the man she coveted."Aurora wanted to humiliate her, but Carissa had left the Warren family wi
The Mystic Army comprised thirty thousand strong troops, all personally trained by Rafael to protect the city. They were elite soldiers who were prepared to defend against any rebellion or attack on the capital. The Mystic Army rarely went to battlefields unless absolutely necessary.Now, reclaiming the Southern Frontier had become a necessity.Mobilizing troops from Riverhold Garrison could provoke the other enemy kingdom, Vesperia, into aggression. So, the troops from Riverhold Garrison couldn't be moved, which was why the Mystic Army had been dispatched.Though the Mystic Army seldom saw battle, it didn't mean they hadn't been on a battlefield. On the contrary, all thirty thousand members were selected from war-hardened soldiers and rigorously trained further.Ten thousand of them were Obsidian Guards. They were responsible for the king's safety and maintaining order in the capital.Another ten thousand handled criminal arrests. They were able to detain suspects, including roya
Barrett chased after her. "You've never been willing to tell me. Back in Fawnrun City, when I was in charge of burning the supply depot, how did you manage to get Westhaven's marshal, Liam, to sign the peace treaty?"Aurora's expression was a mix of irritation and wariness. "Didn't I already tell you? I went around Fawnrun City loudly proclaiming that the Hell Monarch had already achieved victory in the Southern Frontier and was about to head to Victory Pass. Coupled with the supply depot being burned, they panicked and chose to surrender."Indeed, Aurora had given the same explanation many times before.Barrett hadn't thought anything was wrong with it at first—until recently, when Aurora summoned over a hundred soldiers to their wedding.Owen had reprimanded her for it, pointing out that she hadn't asked for permission in advance but had instead arbitrarily got over a hundred soldiers to leave their posts. But Aurora had boldly lied to Barrett's face without so much as blinking,
Within three days, all one hundred and twenty thousand reinforcement troops were all angrily discussing one thing: Carissa had been granted the title of fifth-rank Valor General without any notable achievements, solely relying on the prestige of her father and brothers.Under Aurora's encouragement, the soldiers were incited to keep complaining to each other."If she wanted to ride on the military achievements of her father and brothers, she should stay in the capital and enjoy her life of luxury. Why does she need to come to the battlefield and steal our military merits?""We risk our lives to protect the country, all for the sake of honor and achievements. She did nothing and still got promoted to Valor General. How unfair is that?""It's well known that the marshal is strict in his military discipline. He rewards and punishes without any bias. Who knew that even he could show favoritism, giving such a big promotion to Lady Sinclair for nothing? What's the point of us fighting an
Carissa frowned upon hearing those words. She didn't care about rumors, but deliberately creating division and unfairness within the army, as well as disrupting morale before a decisive battle, was a grave mistake.Aurora had been on battlefields and should have known this. She was likely trying to use public opinion to pressure Rafael into sidelining Carissa to stabilize the army's morale."It's only spreading among the reinforcements, right?" Carissa asked.Violet was still seething with anger, her face growing increasingly red. She replied, "Yes, the reinforcements are camped separately from the Hell Monarch Army—the soldiers who were on the Southern Frontier since the start with the marshal. So, they don't know about the rumors. If they did, some of them would surely confront the reinforcement troops."Carissa's frown deepened. After the numerous battles they fought together, many soldiers now respected her. If they found out she was being slandered like this, it wouldn't just
Carissa planted the Rose Spear firmly into the ground and tied up her hair. The biting northern wind whipped her garments around, making a fierce sound.She lifted her chin slightly, her gaze as cold as the snow. "It's fine as long as I win?""That's right!" Michael called out loudly. "If you defeat me, I swear to follow you to the death and never go back on my word.""Good luck, Lieutenant Brown!""Defeat her! She's using the military achievements of her father and brothers to rise above us!""How can she, a mere woman, command the Mystic Army with false merits? Lieutenant Brown, we're all unhappy with this arrangement. Show her who's better!"Michael's voice was cold as he said, "General Sinclair, did you hear that?"Carissa glanced at the roaring Mystic Army before gripping the Rose Spear once more. "Alright, let's get started!"Michael's eyes were filled with disdain. "Don't accuse me of bullying a woman, General Sinclair. I'll let you make the first move!""Thank you!" Ca
Hayden clenched his fists, his anger and helplessness tightening his chest as he followed behind.The physician worked quickly, examining Sonny's injuries. Both of his legs were broken, three of his teeth were knocked out, and his face was riddled with fractures. Despite the pain that twisted his expression, he still grinned at Hayden, forcing a smile through gritted teeth.He tried to assure Hayden with a look that said he would be fine.Hayden turned away, his heart aching. The man who had stood by his side for so many years now lay in such a state. Fury surged within him, but there was nothing he could do.Back in Nerovia, he had ordered an extra emblem to be made, just in case the day ever came when Nicholas stole the original to mobilize Hayden's forces. If Hayden noticed in time, someone could use the duplicate emblem to stop Nicholas.Hayden hadn't expected it to serve its purpose this way, though.The chaos of the riverworks project was swiftly quelled. Cameron was arrest
As dawn broke, Adrian led them to the Glimmering Tower. It was then that Carissa realized they weren't the only ones who had arrived—many guild leaders and elders were present as well. Even Violet and Bun's mentor had come.When Violet spotted her mentor Conrad, she gasped in surprise and rushed toward him. "Sage Conrad, what brings you here? You didn't even send word beforehand!"Conrad smiled warmly as he looked at his beloved apprentice, indulgence in his voice. "I heard you were guarding the capital. Naturally, I had to come and lend you a hand.""Sage Conrad, you're too kind. I'll get another villa for you once we're done here," Violet said, linking her arm with his, grinning widely.Conrad scowled lightly, feigning annoyance. "Why would I need more villas from you? No more, I tell you. However, I did hear about a hot spring at Solitude Peak. I thought of buying it, so your fellow apprentices can soak and strengthen their bodies."Violet nodded enthusiastically. "I'll buy i
The black-clad assailants' Lightfoot Skills were extraordinary, and they scattered in all directions. Adrian could have pursued one of them, but catching all of them was impossible.However, he chose not to pursue anyone at all. Emerging from the shadows, his hand darted out and grabbed Carissa by the ear, twisting it until she yelped in pain. "So bold of you, wasn't it? To engage without proper defenses? Do you think you're invincible? Haven't you heard the saying that there's always someone stronger out there?"Carissa shrieked and flailed in protest as the lamps were lit by Jacob, illuminating the courtyard and revealing the bloodstains on everyone's bodies.Only then did Adrian notice the wounds on Carissa. Yet instead of softening, his grip on her ear tightened, and he hissed, "You couldn't guess what Nicholas was planning? And you didn't think to write for reinforcements from Meadow Ridge? Are you so arrogant now that you've forgotten basic caution? Just wait until your mart
Hayden gestured for her to lower the sword. "Not tonight. Neither side is ready."Chaya frowned, confused. "Why? Didn't you say Mr. Russell was formidable? If he's taking action, surely he can capture Prince Nicholas?""He won't capture him," Hayden replied, rubbing his temples. "General Farrell has Valken surrounded, but he hasn't launched an attack because he knows Mr. Murphy has already undermined Prince Yuvan's authority. "A portion of Valken's population has joined the so-called rebel forces. If the capital falls now, the officials in Valken and Nerovia will find an excuse, under the court's banner, to slaughter the townsfolk. That would spark even larger uprisings. That's why Lady Carissa can't act prematurely."Chaya hastily tossed the sword aside. "And why isn't it the right time for Prince Nicholas, then?""It's simple," Hayden said. "He needs Mr. Murphy to first defeat General Farrell in a decisive victory. Once General Farrell is dealt with, he'll move on to General Mu
By the early hours of the morning, the rain had lessened to a gentle drizzle, leaving the air cooler and the night more serene. The quiet respite lulled many into a deeper, more peaceful sleep.Seven or eight shadowy figures darted through the curfewed city, their movements light and swift. They barely left a trace as they touched down on rooftops, their steps silent.They arrived at the Capital Guard headquarters. The outer guards had already retreated for the night, leaving only Carissa and her companions waiting in the main hall, tense and alert.With a quick exchange of glances, the group gripped their weapons. The assassins had arrived!The dim light of the hall flickered, and as the black-clad figures descended, a gust of wind extinguished the lamps. Darkness enveloped the room, plunging it into an impenetrable black where even an outstretched hand became invisible.Amid the darkness, the faint sound of breathing and the subtle rhythm of movements became the only clues to
The damp, oppressive heat of summer seemed to weigh heavily on the spirit, stoking an inexplicable irritation in the air.Hayden, clearly affected by the weather, barely touched his dinner. After a few cursory bites, he set his cutlery down and announced that he was heading back to the study to practice his calligraphy to clear his mind. He gestured for Chaya to follow, and the two left the room.Before departing, Chaya made sure to take two heaping plates of snacks with her. After all, she wasn't about to let herself go hungry.Nicholas, still in his Gordon disguise, watched Hayden leave but made no move to stop him. It didn't matter where Hayden went—his every step was being monitored. Besides, Nicholas had far more pressing matters to attend to tonight.Back in his room, Nicholas locked the door behind him and methodically prepared for the night's mission. He changed into his stealth attire, then sat before a mirror. Opening a small wooden box on the table, he revealed an array
By evening, tensions finally erupted.The Waterworks Department had stationed soldiers to oversee the workers, ensuring work continued on schedule. Yesterday's heavy rain had halted all progress, but with today's rare overcast skies and no rain, Cameron ordered the workers to make up for lost time. In fact, he demanded they finish the project three days ahead of schedule.The workers were already agitated, and they refused. Tempers flared, and heated arguments broke out between them and the Waterworks Department officials. In a fit of rage, Cameron picked up a club and struck one of the workers. That single blow ignited an uncontrollable fury among the workers. Over a hundred men turned on the officials, attacking them in a chaotic melee.Fortunately, Carissa had already stationed people nearby to keep an eye on the situation. Word was immediately sent to Max.Max was wary, suspecting this might be a calculated ploy by Nicholas. However, based on their investigation, not all th
Adrian had also brought a cannon with him, though it had to remain outside the city for now. It couldn't be transported in just yet. This cannon, an improvement on the red canon of Nerathia, was the same one that had destroyed Everett's courtyard back then.In a few days, nearly all the martial factions that had been invited to Adrian's birthday banquet would arrive, each disguised in various ways. Knowing that martial artists would be thoroughly questioned at the city gates, they all decided to change their appearances completely.Adrian had specifically chosen people from Coldmoon Guild to keep watch at the Capital Guard headquarters and Hell Monarch Estate in shifts. There was a reason for this. The people from Coldmoon Guild rarely moved within the martial world, and they seldom visited the capital. Nicholas' men likely had never encountered them, which made them perfect for keeping Carissa safe without drawing suspicion.Adrian was certain that Nicholas' next move would be to
After the group entered the city, Michael was momentarily distracted by another merchant caravan arriving at the gates. He made sure to inspect them thoroughly, confirming that there were no issues before allowing them to pass.As he turned back, he noticed the merchant caravan was following closely behind the group he had just checked. Among them, a familiar figure caught his eye—a figure whose silhouette seemed unmistakable. It resembled Carissa's martial uncle from the Pathfinders Guild.The man's name was Everett, if Michael recalled correctly. But then again, the face didn't match. He thought about it for a moment, but the resemblance was only in the figure. The features—absolutely not. Still, Michael felt uneasy and decided it was worth investigating further.He instructed a few men to follow the caravan and watch for any unusual activity. An hour later, they reported back that the group had settled in a manor on Eastland Avenue. That area was known for being home to powerfu