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
The city walls were far from the open field, making it impossible for Aurora and the others to sense the inner force Carissa had displayed or see the cracks in the ground. What they saw was simply Michael standing still and being injured by Carissa's spear.To Aurora, that was utterly laughable. It seemed that Rafael was indeed going to great lengths to elevate Carissa!Aurora's laughter faded, replaced by anger. "The Mystic Army is entirely at the marshal's command. They obey whoever he orders them to. But why put on such a farce? Do they think they can toy with the soldiers like this?"Barrett was also puzzled.Rafael's orchestration of such a setup seemed unnecessary. Carissa's skills were undeniably impressive, and even if Michael fought with all his might, he was no match for her.Could it be that Carissa only knew a few moves? Did she have no other abilities?Regardless, today's so-called challenge was nothing but a joke.Barrett felt a pang of anger as well. Fabricating a
Carissa returned to the city after midnight, only to find Aurora waiting for her at the city gate. The distant glow of a campfire illuminated Aurora's face, which was twisted in anger and disdain."Can't you at least put in a bit more effort to save your dignity? You've tarnished the reputation of the Duke of Northwatch's family beyond repair," Aurora taunted.Carissa looked up and icily replied, "What does my family's reputation have to do with you?""Can you stop pretending to be above it all? I saw everything today. It only took a word from the marshal to put you in command of the Mystic Army. So, why the charade with Michael? Do you think that will win over the other soldiers? Do you think everyone is blind?" Aurora snapped back.Carissa stared at her with a cold glint in her eyes. "You're right. Not everyone is blind. Some things can be hidden for a time, but not forever."Aurora's eyes narrowed, her resolve clearly wavering. "What are you implying?""Nothing much."Carissa
When Timothy heard Aurora's words, he immediately interjected before Rafael could speak, "What do you mean by that? The Mystic Army troops will fight the enemy under General Sinclair's command. And you're right, they are indeed the vanguard force, meant to breach the city and lead the charge."Aurora sneered. "The marshal really holds onto old sentiments, huh? If the Mystic Army breaches the city, it'll be due to Carissa's efforts. What's the difference between that and directly awarding her military merit?"Timothy's anger flared. "How can you speak like that? If she leads the Mystic Army to breach the city, the merit is hers by her own effort, not something given to her. Do you believe that in warfare, only one person should charge into battle while the soldiers stay behind, General Yates?""General Farell, are you suggesting that General Sinclair will also be on the battlefield, and not just hiding in the rear with her command authority?" Aurora countered.Timothy was incensed.
Timothy opposed vehemently. "This is a decision that has already been made! There is no need for further challenges. This is not a martial arts arena, it's a battlefield. Such actions are detrimental to the unity of the army."Upon hearing this, Aurora sensed that he was trying to prevent Carissa from losing. This assumption only served to bolster her confidence. "Those who are capable should step up. What's wrong with a challenge? Are you afraid she'll lose? If you think her reputation will take a blow, then we don't need to fight. Just give the command of the Mystic Army to me," she said smugly. Timothy snorted. "What wishful thinking! Just because you led the reinforcements to the battlefield, you think they're all yours? I'm trying to save your dignity by preventing this challenge. Since you don't appreciate my goodwill, do as you please!""No need for more empty words. The Mystic Army won't be under General Sinclair's command unless she defeats me," Aurora said. With tha
Aurora's words moved Barrett deeply. Hearing such a statement from anyone else wouldn't have touched him as much as it did coming from Aurora. She wasn't just an ordinary woman confined to the household; she was a formidable general on the battlefield, a hero who had forced their enemy to sign a peace treaty.For such an extraordinary woman to say she didn't mind washing her hands and cooking for him, it warmed Barrett's heart. Any previous disappointment he had felt towards her vanished instantly.The challenge was set for sunset. Rafael sent Dylan to notify Carissa. He found her still drilling her troops in the open field, and informed her of Rafael's order.She simply nodded. "Got it."Since the entire army knew about this, Violet and the others came looking for Carissa after their training. Each gave her a pat on the shoulder and said tersely, "Beat her."Carissa smiled at them. Beating Aurora would indeed be challenging, not because it was a fight to the death, but becaus
Aurora's voice was loud enough for all the generals and the Mystic Army to hear. Aurora prided herself on being straightforward, and spoke without reservation. However, her words only deepened the disdain of those who already looked down on Carissa. The murmurs of discontent turned into a torrent of insults, overwhelming Carissa.Violet and the others were livid, their faces turning ashen with anger. If not for the military rules, they would have rushed forward to teach Aurora a lesson right then and there. Their anger grew even more when they saw Carissa's calm demeanor. Despite Aurora's blatant provocation, Carissa showed no signs of anger. She simply watched Aurora in silence, like a mute. She didn't respond, and her expression remained unchanged. Only her eyes grew darker."Carissa!" Rafael took a wooden staff from Dylan, and tossed it to her. "Don't use the Rose Spear. Use this."Carissa caught the staff with one hand and tossed the Rose Spear back to Rafael, giving him a m
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