Chapter 81
Salvador first promoted Carissa to fifth–rank Valor General, then promised a future second promotion to fourth–rank Illustrious General. His actions showed just how much he expected from her.
Recognizing that Carissa indeed possessed such capabilities, the prime minister had no objections.
“The deadline General Yates promised has already passed, yet the reinforcements still haven’t arrived,” Jeremiah pointed out.
Salvador was a bit displeased but made an excuse, “Traveling through snow is truly difficult.”
Davis chimed in, “Your Majesty, Lady Sinclair has been promoted to a fifth–rank Valor General, while General Warren and General Yates are only fourth–rank Tactical Generals, which is a rank lower than General Sinclair.”
Barrett and Aurora had accomplished great deeds by negotiating the peace treaty with Westhaven, effectively stopping the fighting and establishing firm borders. By rights, their contributions should be considered as greater than Carissa’s, who had merely assisted Rafael in capturing a city.
That was why Davis pointed out the difference in their military ranks.
“What’s the problem? Didn’t the two of them use their military achievements to ask me for a marriage edict?” Salvador replied.
Davis slapped his forehead, having almost forgotten that detail.
When Barrett used his military achievements to request a marriage edict, Davis already thought he wasn’t very reliable. However, since the king was determined to support young generals, Davis had held his tongue.
It was true that there was a shortage of capable young generals, so the king’s intentions were understandable.
But who could have predicted the sudden rise of a dark horse, Carissa Sinclair? Truly, no one from the Duke of Northwatch’s family were idlers.
Salvador had yet to get to the bottom of some issues, so he remained cautious about Aurora. He had received a secret letter from Rafael, mentioning that the attitude of Westhaven’s forces had changed. after Starhaven’s triumph at Victory Pass.
Though he didn’t have all the facts in hand yet, Salvador suspected something was off about the Victory Pass battle. He had already sent people to investigate secretly, but there were no results yet.
For now, the battle at the Southern Frontier was the priority.
“The battle at the front lines is still fierce. We can discuss the capture of Ilyrian City at the morning court session, but let’s hold off on mentioning Carissa’s achievements. After they achieve victory, I will properly reward her once she returns to the capital. I won’t neglect her contributions, Salvador said.
“Understood, Your Majesty!” Jeremiah and Davis responded.
Salvador was right. It wasn’t wise to celebrate too early or announce Carissa’s achievements. There was still much gossip about her divorce, be it among military officials, noble families, or even the royal relatives.
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Let them talk for now.
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This was a touchstone to see which faces were the most spiteful, and who would shift from scorn to flattery in the end.
After the New Year, on the thirteenth day of the first month, the reinforcements led by Barrett and Aurora finally arrived at Ilyrian City. As they entered the Southern Frontier region, they heard that the city had already been reclaimed.
Barrett and Aurora were anxious, fearing they were too late and Rafael would go straight to Simonton City to reclaim it next. If that happened, their journey would have been for nothing, and they wouldn’t gain any military achievements.
That would be a real pity.
Fortunately, when they arrived at Ilyrian City, the camp outside the city had just been set up. The Starhaven forces hadn’t started fighting Sandoria’s forces for Simonton City yet.
As long as Barrett and Aurora could participate in this final battle, they would earn some merits.
By that time, the news of Carissa’s promotion to fifth–rank Valor General had already reached camp a few days earlier by post rider. She was now a legitimate fifth–rank general; it was not just a temporary promotion on the battlefield.
However, Barrett and Aurora didn’t even know that Carissa was in Ilyrian City. After arriving at camp with the reinforcements, they ordered the soldiers to rest and went to greet Rafael.
When Aurora entered the city, she saw everything was in perfect order. The citizens were going about their duties, living peacefully, with none of the panic typical of wartime.
She felt a bit frustrated. She had imagined the front lines to be chaotic, with everyone there dealing with food shortages and daily anxieties while waiting for reinforcements. She had envisioned the soldiers‘ excitement upon their arrival, expecting even Rafael to personally welcome them.
To her surprise, the scene was quite the opposite, making her feel their arrival was somewhat redundant. When Barrett and Aurora entered the command tent, they found all the generals there, planning the final battle. Carissa was also there, but was obscured by a tall general standing next to her, blocking her from Barrett and Aurora’s view.
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Chapter 82
Barret and Aurora stepped forward to greet Rafael.
“General Warren, reporting for duty!”
“General Yates, reporting for duty!”
Rafael looked up with a smile. “You’ve finally arrived.”
“Heavy snow blocked the roads, which delayed our arrival. Please forgive us, Marshal,” Barrett explained. “The weather is to blame, not you or General Yates, Rafael replied.
Glancing at Carissa, Rafael noticed she only looked up briefly and didn’t come over to greet Barrett, so he suspected there was some issue between them.
Meanwhile, Timothy and Owen, veterans of the Duke of Northwatch’s army, scrutinized Barrett. Seeing his handsome and manly demeanor, they were quite satisfied. After all, Melanie had personally chosen Barrett as her son–in–law. How could he be anything less than worthy?
Timothy stepped forward, patting Barrett on the shoulder with a hearty laugh. “General Warren, it’s good to finally meet you! You’re a lucky man to have married such a fine woman.”
Owen also smiled and said, “Congratulations, General Warren. You and your wife have both achieved great things. You’re sure to bring new glory to the Warren family.”
“General Warren, your wife is brave and fierce. She puts us men to shame!” Timothy added.
Barrett was stunned. They all knew about his marriage to Aurora? These were Hector’s former subordinates, yet they were congratulating him on marrying Aurora?.
Puzzled but cautious not to speak out of turn, he simply smiled slightly. “Thank you, generals.“.
Aurora felt a sense of pride. It seemed their marriage had indeed gained the respect of the military leaders.
Naturally, a general should be paired with a female warrior to have a strong union. Carissa, with her traditional and reserved demeanor, could only bask in the glory brought by men. Aurora assumed the blood–soaked front–line generals understood this well.
Aurora smiled and bowed slightly. “You all flatter me. How can I compare to the esteemed generals here? The triumph at Victory Pass was due to luck, not because of my bravery.”
Her words left everyone momentarily stunned.
They had heard of Aurora, especially since she was credited for the major triumph at Victory Pass.
However, they knew that without the steadfast presence of Dominic at the pass, it would have been hard
to win.
Aurora’s primary credit came from negotiating the treaty. Yet, not long after the treaty was signed, the people of Westhaven appeared on the Southern Frontier battlefield. So, her merit was somewhat debatable.
Regardless, Timothy and Owen had been talking about Barrett’s wife, Carissa. So, why was Aurora speaking up so humbly?
Timothy looked at Aurora in confusion, but still praised, “General Yates, your reputation precedes you. You’ve contributed much to the triumph at Victory Pass.” 1
Aurora’s eyes briefly flashed with pride, but she maintained her humble demeanor and said, “You’re far too kind.”
Timothy chuckled and turned his attention away from Aurora, giving Barrett a friendly shove. “Why are you! just standing there? You see your wife and don’t even greet her? She’s been injured and hasn’t fully recovered yet.”
“You’re injured?” Barrett exclaimed in shock.
“I’m not!” Aurora replied.
Everyone was stunned by their exchange.
What was going on?
The group looked at Barrett, then at Carissa, who was partially hidden by Dylan.
Carissa stepped forward and calmly said, “General Warren, General Yates, it’s good that you have finally arrived with reinforcements.”
“Carissa? Barrett looked at her in surprise. “What are you doing here?”
Aurora’s face also changed as she realized that the compliments directed at “Barrett’s wife” were meant for Carissa and not her.
Aurora quickly took Barrett’s arm and smiled at Carissa. “So, Lady Sinclair, you’re here too. But why didn’t you inform everyone about your divorce from Barrett? It has caused quite a misunderstanding.”
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In response to Aurora’s taunting question, Carissa simply smiled and calmly replied, “It was a trivial matter that wasn’t worth mentioning.”
Timothy was puzzled. “Divorce? Why would you get divorced?”
“After we won at Victory Pass, His Majesty issued a marriage edict for me to be Barrett’s second wife. Lady Sinclair couldn’t tolerate it and requested an edict for divorce,” Aurora explained.
Although Aurora’s statement was true, it wasn’t the whole truth. She had deliberately omitted the fact that she and Barrett had used their military achievements as leverage to ask for the marriage edict. Her words made it seem like a jealous Carissa couldn’t accept the royal edict, hence requesting the divorce.
After all, even though Carissa was the legitimate daughter of a duke, she was nobody on the Southern Frontier battlefield.
Meeting Aurora’s gaze, Carissa said, “You both achieved great merit at Victory Pass and used it to request a marriage edict from His Majesty. The first thing Barrett said to me upon returning from battle was to ask for my understanding.
“Though I am not one, I believe a gentleman should help others achieve their happiness, as the saying goes. Since you two are truly in love, I requested the divorce edict to fulfill your wishes. I consider it a good deed.”
“What nonsense is this? Achieving military merit should benefit one’s wife and family, not be used to marry another woman! General Warren, you’re heartless and ungrateful!” exclaimed Timothy, furious at this revelation.
Seeing Carissa again filled Barrett with mixed emotions. Even here on the battlefield, arguments about his marriage couldn’t be avoided, and he was sick of it. Inwardly, he blamed his former wife.
Why hadn’t Carissa told the generals about the divorce before he and Aurora arrived? Now, they were put In a difficult and embarrassing position.
Moreover, Timothy was just a fifth–rank general, but was speaking rudely to Barrett just because he held at more senior position in the army.
How truly maddening!
Refusing to accept Timothy’s criticism, Aurora retorted, “We used our military merits to request the marriage edict. I was willing to share the position of Barrett’s wife and didn’t challenge Carissa’s status.
“So, I don’t understand why she couldn’t tolerate me. Barrett and I would have continued fighting on the battlefield to earn more achievements, and you would enjoy the benefits in the end, Lady Sinclair. Wasn’t that a good deal for you?”
Carissa replied politely, “Thank you, but my family doesn’t lack military achievements. You can keep them for yourselves.”
“Yes, the achievements your father and brothers earned ensure you a lifetime of comfort,” Aurora shot back sarcastically.
Carissa smiled faintly. “Yes, their achievements do ensure that I live comfortably. Isn’t that infuriating?”
It was indeed infuriating.
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Fuming, Aurora was barely able to contain her anger. She responded coldly, “It’s true that we can’t compare to them. But unlike you, we have to risk our lives to earn our achievements. What’s there to be proud of in relying on your family?”
“Plenty. I’m proud of them and take pride in their accomplishments,” Carissa said calmly.
Carissa’s casual remarks pissed Aurora off, but she didn’t dare lose her temper in front of Rafael. She turned away and seethed in silence.
Suddenly, Timothy’s fist landed squarely on Barrett’s face.
“You ungrateful wretch! Madam Sinclair had such high hopes for you! She agreed to your marriage with Carissa, yet you didn’t cherish her. Do you realize how much you must have hurt Madam Sinclair?!”
The general’s punch packed a lot of force, causing Barrett’s lip to split and his cheek to swell up immediately.
Panicking, Aurora shouted angrily at Timothy, “How dare you hit him? This is our personal matter! What right do you have to intervene?”
Timothy glared at Barrett and spoke in a voice filled with rage, “You let Madam Sinclair down. I every right to hit you. If you don’t like it, hit back. Don’t hide behind a woman like a coward.”
have
“The woman you speak of is dead! How could he have let her down? The entire Sinclair family is dead, except for Carissa. Didn’t she tell you that?” Aurora snapped, trembling with anger.
She turned to Carissa. “Carissa, what are you doing here anyway? Do y
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Everyone present, including Rafael, was stunned by Aurora’s words. Rafael quickly looked at Carissa, whose eyes were slightly red. She met his gaze and nodded faintly.
Timothy, Owen, and other veterans of Hector’s old army were equally shocked by the terrible news.
“How could this have happened?”
Carissa softly replied, “Eight months ago, Westhaven spies infiltrated the capital. Everyone in my household… except those who accompanied me to Valor Estate, was killed,”
“Oh my god!”
The generals could hardly believe this devastating news. Hector and his six sons had died on the battlefield, and now they learned that even his family had been wiped out. It was a tragedy beyond words!
But why would the Westhaven spies do such a thing?
“Lady Sinclair, you even hid this from them? What are you trying to do?” Aurora continued to provoke.
“Enough!” Rafael scolded sternly. “How many troops did you bring?”
“I brought one hundred thousand Capital Army soldiers, ten thousand Sacred Fire Regiment soldiers, and fifteen thousand troops from the Mystic Army,” Barrett replied, rubbing his cheek.
Rafael turned to Carissa. “General Sinclair, you will command the fifteen thousand Mystic Army troops. General Farrell will lead the Sacred Fire Regiment soldiers. Tonight, settle them in the camp outside the city. Tomorrow, we begin training.”
Aurora screeched, “General Sinclair?! What right does she have to be a general? Did you use your authority as a marshal to give her that title, Your Highness?
“Promotions on the battlefield should be earned, not handed out because of her father and brothers‘ merits. How can the soldiers who give their blood, sweat, and tears to fight respect someone who was appointed general so casually?”
Rafael coldly responded, “General Sinclair has participated in five major battles and killed countless enemies. She was also the one who infiltrated llyrian City and opened the gates during the siege.
“She held off nearly thirty thousand enemy troops with just three thousand of her own, while also guarding the supply depot. Her achievements have been reported to the king. His Majesty himself appointed her as a fifth–rank Valor General, and there are official documents from the Ministry of Defense. to prove it. Would you like to see them?”
Aurora was shocked. “A fifth–rank Valor General? This must be the result of some maneuvering by those. who support her! I don’t believe she has killed so many enemies!”
Rafael’s eyes grew cold. “Whether you believe it or not is irrelevant. Stand down.”
“But we brought the Mystic Army! Why should she command them? I won’t accept it!”–Aurora protested.
The Mystic Army was the most elite force of soldiers Letting Carissa command them was like directly handing her another chance to gain more achievements!
With the Mystic Army under her command, Carissa could simply stay behind and direct them to fight. She
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wouldn’t have to charge into battle herself, but would still be credited with all the glory!
Aurora couldn’t believe that Carissa had accomplished so much in the previous siege. It seemed more likely that her father’s old allies had elevated her. Aurora understood the need to maintain the reputation of military families and let their prestige live on to boost morale, but she refused to accept this outcome.
What qualifications did Carissa have? Just because of her background? As a woman, how could she possibly be competent enough to be a fifth–rank Valor General?
Aurora could easily guess how Rafael and the other generals had exaggeratedly praised Carissa in their reports.
“What did you say? You said you refuse to accept it?” Rafael asked, as if he had not heard her clearly..
“I refuse to accept it,” Aurora repeated, standing tall and lifting her head.
How could she be content after braving storms and hardships on their journey here, only to end up serving someone else’s interests?
Rafael’s eyes were as cold as ice. “I have no need for disobedient soldiers here. If you can’t accept it, return to where you came from.”
Barrett quickly dropped to one knee. “Marshal, we will follow your orders. The reinforcements we brought with us are under your command, and even my wife and I will obey your orders.”
Rafael didn’t even look up. “Of course you will follow my orders. Do you think you’re in a position to override me?”
“Not at all!”
Barrett glanced at his wife, who was still stubbornly resisting, and tried to pull her back.
However, Aurora shouted, “Marshal, you’re underestimating us. We made significant contributions at Victory Pass…”
Rafael cut her off, his voice as sharp as ice, “Who here hasn’t made significant contributions?”
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Chapter 85
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 Carlssa, who seemed to have her achievements handed to her.
As Aurbra 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.
Aurora was even hoping that Carissa would come forward to argue. However, Carissa simply stood silently, tears welling up in her eyes. She looked pitiful and didn’t offer a word in her own defense.
To Aurora, it was clear that Carissa was in the wrong here. The former vowed that she would one day expose the latter’s true nature. She would reveal Carissa’s scheming nature to the world.
When that time came, the fact that her achievements had been gained through the influence of her father’s old allies would earn her disdain from true warriors!
After Barrett and Aurora left the command tent, Timothy knelt and wiped tears from his face.
Hector and his six sons were gone. Even Melanie and her grandson were no longer around. Carissa was the only living member of the Duke of Northwatch’s family.
Timothy wasn’t the only one crying. Several other generals couldn’t help but secretly wipe away their tears, mourning the loss of their comrades and the fall of the Sinclair family. Even Rafael’s eyes were slightly red.
Tears swirled in Carissa’s eyes, but she quickly fought them back. She had cried too many times, and would collapse every time she did. She needed to hold herself together.
With a voice thick with emotion, she slowly began, “Eight months ago, when I was still Barrett’s wife, I was caring for my sick mother–in–law at Valor Estate when received news that my entire family had been slaughtered overnight.
“I raced back to Northwatch Estate, and was met with scenes of bloodshed upon entering. My mother, sister–in–law, nephews and nieces, guards, and all the household servants had been massacred–none escaped.
“My mother and sister–in–law had been hacked to pieces, while some bodies‘ heads were severed. My second brother’s son, Ryan, had his head cut off…”
She took a deep breath, choking on her sobs. She couldn’t speak further, the pain crashing over her like a landslide. The memory of that night was seared into her mind.
“Who did it?” Rafael asked.
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Carissa took a moment to control her emotions before she managed to utter a reply, “Westhaven spies.”
Rafael’s eyes flashed with fury. Everything made sense now.
Eight months ago, Aurora had slaughtered civilians and captured Westhaven’s prince. So, the massacre of Carissa’s family was intimately connected to Aurora’s actions at Victory Pass and Fawnrun City.
“Generals, please step outside. I need to speak with General Sinclair alone,” Rafael said softly.
Wiping his tears, Timothy glanced back at Carissa with a look of deep sorrow and sympathy. He seemed to be about to say something but ultimately remained silent as tears slid down his cheeks.
He and the others turned and left.
Rafael poured a glass of wine and handed it to Carissa. Sit down and have a drink.”
After taking over llyrian City, wine was no longer a rarity.
Carissa took the glass and drank deeply. The sharp, spicy liquor slid from her mouth down her throat, igniting a fiery trail that burned all the way to her stomach.
Rafael reached out and gently touched her forehead. He had no idea she had experienced so much tragedy. He had thought that the loss of her father and brothers was the source of her greatest sorrow.
To his surprise, she even had to face the massacre of her entire household, as well as her husband’s betrayal.
How had she managed to endure all this?
As Rafael reflected on it, he felt a tightness in his chest. The sensation of suffocation slowly passed, leaving behind a lingering ache in his heart.
It was no wonder she was no longer the vibrant young woman from the Pathfinders Guild that he remembered. He had previously wondered why her eyes always seemed shrouded in a hint of melancholy, but had assumed it was due to the death of her father and brothers.
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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 sples massacring your entire household.”
Carissä 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 my mother I wanted to go to the Southern Frontier battlefield, but she refused.
“My father and brothers‘ deaths hit her hard, and she cried so much she nearly went blind. She forced me
promise to stay in the capital, get married, and lead a stable life. I was used to the wildness of the Pathfinders Guild, so she had people teach me etiquette for a year before she started arranging my marriage.”
Rafael looked at her. “I remember you weren’t someone who followed orders so easily.”
A hint of confusion flashed in Carissa’s eyes.
He was right, but how did he know that?
“Yes, but after my father and brothers passed away, only the elderly, women, and children were left in our household. So, I agreed with my mother. I tried to learn to be a proper lady and let her choose a husband for me.
“Among the many suitors, she chose Barrett. Although she originally didn’t want me to marry a military man, she feared I wouldn’t fit into a noble family.
“Noble families have strict rules and much infighting among the ladies in the family. She thought I couldn’t handle it, that I would either be bullied or end up bullying others. That kind of life wouldn’t be
stable.
“She said that scholars weren’t suitable for me either. Aside from strategic military books, I’ve never liked reading anything. Books about etiquette make me sleepy, and I know nothing about poetry or songs. I wouldn’t have anything in common with a scholar, and the differences in our interests would make it hard to be happy.
Carissa smiled bitterly as she continued, “In the end, she chose Barrett for two reasons. First, he swore never to take a concubine, even if I couldn’t bear children. Second, although he comes from a military background, his family was in decline.
“Given the state of the Warren family at the time, it would be hard for Barrett to rise. He wasn’t likely to be sent to war, and at most, he would hold a minor position in the capital, Also, his family situation was simple.
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“His father and elder brother hold low–ranking positions, his mother is chronically ill, and his eldest sister- in–law is an introverted, indecisive person. He has a younger sister who will eventually marry out, so she wouldn’t be a problem. That’s why my mother chose him.”
Rafael nodded slightly, his bright eyes now dimmed. “If I were your mother, I would have chosen the same for you.”
“Yes, I understood my mother, so I obeyed and got married. But on the day of the wedding, we received an urgent report from the Ministry of Defense stating that they needed reinforcements at Victory Pass. General Ward had fallen seriously ill, so Barrett led the reinforcements.
“Although we completed the wedding ceremony, we never consummated the marriage. He told me to wait for his return and promised to treat me well.”
Carissa recounted these events without any expression, as if it had all happened long ago and no longer stirred any emotions within her.
“I waited for a year. During that year, I cared for his mother and managed the household. Valor Estate was falling apart, and there wasn’t enough money to cover expenses.
“I used my dowry to pay for my mother–in–law’s medicine. After a year, Barrett returned victorious, and the first thing he did was use his military merits to request to marry Aurora as his rightful wife.”
Rafael gazed at Carissa intently. “You disagreed, of course. With your personality, how could you agree? And he swore to never take a concubine.”
“Not exactly.” Carissa smiled mockingly. “If he had discussed it with me beforehand, I might have agreed. But he didn’t. He sought the marriage edict without consulting me, then came back to inform me and force me to accept it.
“He condescendingly promised to have a child with me first, so I would have some prospects in his family. Then, he expected me to continue as his wife, care for his and Aurora’s child, and be dutiful to his parents.”
Rafael’s eyes flashed with anger. “That’s outrageous!”
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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 ! didn’t care about the man she coveted.”
Aurora wanted to humiliate her, but Carissa had left the Warren family with all of her dowry, without shedding a single tear. And she even enjoyed the status of being a duke’s daughter. That infuriated Aurora.
Moreover, judging by the looks and words exchanged between Aurora and Barrett earlier, their marriage was far from loving. In fact, it seemed somewhat strained.
Rafael gazed at Carissa for a long time before speaking slowly, “Nobody from the Duke of Northwatch’s family ever bows down to anyone, Carissa. Stay strong!”
He paused, then continued, “His Majesty will be looking into the battle at Victory Pass. The truth will come out and someone will be held responsible, but it might not be in the way we wish.”
Carissa understood.
The people of Westhaven highly valued their reputation. They would rather retaliate in such a way than admit their prince had been captured, humiliated, and tortured, then chose to commit suicide upon release instead of seeking revenge.
They wouldn’t acknowledge the incident or admit their prince had been captured. To cover it up, they had even hidden the massacre of the villagers by Aurora, Since they chose to coneeal it, there would be no negotiations with Starhaven about it.
Even if the king discovered the truth, he wouldn’t publicize it. If he did, itwould reveal that a highly respected female general had violated the agreement between the two kingdoms to not harm civilians.
If the truth wasn’t made public, Aurora couldn’t be prosecuted for it, nor could it be linked to the massacre of the Duke of Northwatch’s entire household.
For the sake of the bigger picture, the king wouldn’t agree to that. The likely outcome was predictable.
How would the public react?
In a war between the two kingdoms, if Westhaven hadn’t killed a single civilian while Starhaven had kidnapped a prince and massacred civilians, wouldn’t the citizens of Starhaven believe their country was at fault?
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Secondly, what would be said to Westhaven? If the incident was acknowledged, Westhaven would have grounds to demand an explanation and compensation from Starhaven. What price would need to be paid
to settle this matter?
If Aurora had only massacred villagers, Westhaven could still make a fuss. But she had humiliated and tortured a prince of Westhaven.
Aurora was lucky enough to have escaped retribution, but it was a misfortune for all the people in
Northwatch Estate, as well as the soldiers on the Southern Frontier battlefield, all of whom had died due to Westhaven’s vengeance.
Westhaven chose to exact revenge by allying with Sandoria to kill Starhaven soldiers on the Southern Frontier battlefield and seize Starhaven territory.
Moreover, if this incident was brought to light, Carissa’s maternal grandfather, as the main commander at Victory Pass, would bear unshirkable responsibility. What kind of disaster would that bring to the Sullivan family?
Carissa had thought about this repeatedly, which was why she chose not to tell the king. Not only could she not speak, she also had to feign ignorance in front of the king.
But as for the soldiers who participated in the village massacre with Aurora… Carissa could foresee their
fate.
Rafael understood the stakes even better than she did. But that was fine; he would find a way to get justice for the Duke of Northwatch’s family.
After a moment of silence, he said, “I’ll take you to inspect the Mystic Army. From today, you will be the deputy commander of the Mystic Army.”
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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,
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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 royal family members, without public trials. They only needed to report directly to Rafael.
The remaining ten thousand monitored officials, often disguised as commoners and mingling with servants in noble households.
Now, fifteen thousand soldiers from the Mystic Army had arrived at the Southern Frontier–five thousand from each division. Rafael took Carissa to where the Mystic Army troops were and ordered them all to assemble.
The fifteen thousand soldiers were clad in black iron armor. They were all about the same height, with their ages ranging from twenties to forties. They formed a neat, solemn, and imposing lineup, embodying the qualities of elite troops.
Rafael stood with his hands behind his back, the setting sun casting a golden glow on his face.
“Listen up! From today on, General Sinclair will be your deputy commander. Here at the Southern Frontier, you will follow her orders. If she commands you to charge, you will charge without hesitation.”
“Yes, sir!”
Their thunderous response echoed across the camp outside llyrian City.
Carissa stood tall, meeting their resolute gazes. With soldiers like these, she had no reason to lose.
Barrett and Aurora watched from a distance. The sunset seemed to make the face of each mighty Mystic Army soldier glow, making them look like divine warriors.
“We led the reinforcements here! Why should they be under Carissa’s command?” Aurora complained. You shouldn’t have held me back. The marshal clearly intends to support her.”
Barrett replied calmly, “Even if not her, they wouldn’t be under us. The Mystic Army reports to the marshal. As reinforcements, we ultimately follow his orders.”
“Not necessarily. Didn’t we lead our troops at Victory Pass? Aurora retorted.
“That was different. General Sullivan had been holding Victory Pass for a long time before we arrived, and
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he was seriously injured. Remember our first battle at Victory Pass? We were completely overwhelmed. If not for…” Barrett trailed off.
If not for Carissa’s third uncle’s timely intervention, Barrett would have died on the battlefield. However, it had cost Wyatt Sullivan a limb.
The memory darkened Barrett’s mood. He owed Carissa a great deal.
“On the battlefield, it’s all about saving each other. You don’t owe Carissa anything; if you owe anyone, it’s General Wyatt Sullivan,” Aurora said.
Barrett didn’t want to dwell on these thoughts. He was afraid he would regret his decisions if he thought too deeply. He had achieved his goal of marrying Aurora and now was on the Southern Frontier battlefield. As long as he fought bravely, he could restore the Warren family’s glory.
“I just think it’s unfair. I’m sure my comrades will feel the same,” Aurora added.
Barrett grabbed her wrist. “What are you planning? Don’t spread this among the troops. It will disrupt morale.”
Aurora shook off his hand. “I don’t need to say anything. Everyone can see for themselves! Are you defending her?”
“I’m not defending her. With a major battle imminent, we cannot afford a disruption in morale,” Barrett explained.
“Is that so?” Aurora smirked coldly, looking at the setting sun. “Maybe a little chaos will expose Carissa’s incompetence.”
Barrett’s heart sank. “Aurora, I’m warning you–if you dare spread dissent, you’ll face military punishment/
Aurora’s expression was filled with arrogance. “I was the hero of Victory Pass and am Starhaven’s first
female general. I haven’t committed any major crimes. Who would dare punish me?” 1
Chapter 89
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, claiming she had asked for permission and that Owen had granted it.
So, reflecting on the Victory Pass triumph, Barrett felt something was off.
Especially now, with three hundred thousand Westhaven soldiers disguising themselves as Sandorian troops to fight Starhaven at the Southern Frontier. It made Barrett increasingly suspicious about the supposed victory at Victory Pass.
How could Westhaven amicably set a boundary, then immediately send three hundred thousand troops to the Southern Frontier to oppose Starhaven?
It didn’t make any sense.
Unless, from the moment the treaty was signed at Victory Pass, the people of Westhaven harbored great resentment.
Seeing his uncertain expression, Aurora turned back to look at him with eyes full of grievance and said, Barrett, I’m your wife. Don’t you trust me?
“The battle at Victory Pass can withstand any scrutiny. Westhaven voluntarily surrendered, and it was Liam who personally signed the peace treaty in their own city. There’s no way it could be fake.
“If they hadn’t surrendered voluntarily, how could I, leading just three hundred men, have forced them to sign? You know how violent Liam is.”
Barrett thought about it and realized she had a point. Lam had signed the treaty himself.
Considering the forces stationed in Fawnrun City at the time, the few hundred men under Aurora’s command were hardly significant. If it came to a fight, Liam could have withdrawn from the main battlefield and easily wiped out Aurora and her soldiers.
When he thought about this, Barrett felt a wave of guilt for doubting his wife.
He gently said, “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have suspected you. Don’t be angry.”
“I’m not angry. I’m not so petty,” Aurora replied with a broad smile, though her tone was laced with
sarcasm.
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Barrett continued in a soft voice, “Of course you’re not
After a pause, seeing his wife smile, he added, “We came here as reinforcements. We don’t know what happened in the previous battles, so it’s best if we don’t concern ourselves with Carissa’s achievements or the marshal putting her in charge of the Mystic Army.”
Aurora laughed dryly. “Can I control anything here? Most of the generals here were her father’s former subordinates. Even my father once served under Hector. She’s the daughter of a duke and a noble lady. How many people here are eager to help her gain military merits? I wouldn’t dare offend her.”
Barrett had seen Carissa’s martial arts skills, but he knew that on the battlefield, martial prowess alone was not enough. In the chaos of battle, martial arts skills could only help kill a few more enemies and slowly accumulate military achievements.
But Carissa hadn’t been at the Southern Frontier for very long. Even if she had fought in battles, she wouldn’t immediately be promoted to fifth–rank Valor General in such a major war.
So, there were indeed elements of favoritism. But if Rafael was willing to support her, there was nothing Barrett and Aurora could do. After all, the world was inherently unfair.
“We can’t provoke her, but we can avoid her, right?” Barrett said, feeling a mix of helplessness and melancholy.
Aurora sneered. “Why should I avoid her? I earned my military merits through hard work. What does she amount to?”
“Aurora, what are you planning to do?”
“Nothing!” she called out as she walked away.
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Chapter 90
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 and killing on the battlefield? The enemies we kill might end up as her achievements.”
“The Southern Frontier is in urgent need of support. We’ve trudged through snow, rain, and wind, with many soldiers falling ill along the way. Yet, we didn’t rest for a moment. We marched day and night to reach the front lines.”
“General Yates even endured her old injuries to avoid wasting the military medics‘ supplies, fearing there wouldn’t be enough at the front lines. She would rather suffer herself, only for the marshal to scold her upon arrival and accuse her of being jealous of Lady Sinclair. He even handed over command of the Mystic Army to a divorced woman. If word gets out, wouldn’t it be the biggest joke in Starhaven?”
“Exactly! General Yates made decisive contributions at Victory Pass with just three hundred soldiers. Even so, she’s still only a fourth–rank Tactical General, while Lady Sinclair, who was elevated by the marshal, is a rank higher.”
“Why do we go through such hardships? Ultimately, we’re just here to serve as someone else’s stepping
stone.”
Such rumors and grievances led to extreme dissatisfaction among the reinforcements.
Even within the Mystic Army, some were indignant, feeling that it was unacceptable for their elite force to be led by a woman with no achievements or virtues. However, despite their discontent, they didn’t dare voice it. It was Rafael who had put Carissa in charge of them, and they needed to obey him without question. So, they could only harbor their resentment silently.
But when Carissa came to train with the troops, most of them were uncooperative and looked at her with contempt.
Carissa and Violet had been busy planning the training schedule these past few days, unaware of the rumors circulating among the reinforcements.
Confused by the Mystic Army’s lack of cooperation, Carissa paused the training and asked Bun and a few others to investigate if something had happened recently. The findings left Violet and the others fuming.
“This is outrageous! I’m Violet Spencer, a lady of a prestigious family in Ebonflow and an apprentice of the renowned Inferno Guild. How dare they call me Carissa’s maid? Violet exclaimed, slamming her palm on the table.
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Cynthia was equally furious, ranting, “I’m an apprentice of the Crystal Bloom Guild and was appointed as a battalion commander by the Hell Monarch himself. Now, they say I’m your foot–washing maid!”
Bun was also full of anger and grievance as he added, “Apparently, I’m your attendant, along with Rod. They say that when you go to relieve yourself, we have to stand guard nearby and not let anyone approach,”
Carissa was dumbfounded. “That’s so absurd!”
“Of course it is! They also say you’ve never earned any military merits, that the marshal promoted you because of your father and brothers. They claim the other generals‘ achievements were credited to you. They’re shouting about their dissatisfaction and threatening to report to the marshal.”
Violet snapped her whip, her expression icy. “It was Aurora’s soldiers who started this. They called you a decorative pillow–pretty but useless.
“Damn it! When we were attacking the city, you were the first to leap up and destroy the crossbow
machines, then jumped down to open the gate, leading three thousand men to defend the supply depot. They wouldn’t have full bellies now if it weren’t for you. The food they brought could only last a few days.”
Cynthia angrily added, “Who does Aurora think she is? She’s just a troublemaker! Let them go complain to the marshal. We’ll see what good it does them.”
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