Chapter 96
Timothy opposed vehemently.
+15 BONUS
*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 ne
need for more empty words. The Mystic Army won’t be under General Sinclair’s command unless she defeats me,” Aurora said.
With that, she stood up and bowed.
“I’ll take my leave.”
After she left, a confused Timothy turned to Rafael.
“Marshal, the command of the Mystic Army has already been given to General Sinclair. Why allow General Yates’s request? Although the troublemakers in the reinforcements are gone, there are still whispers that General Sinclair is unworthy. If General Sinclair loses…”
Rafael cast a cool glance at him. “General Sinclair will not lose. Since there are still those dissatisfied with her among the reinforcement troops, let them see for themselves whether she is truly unworthy, or if General Yates is just a name without substance.”
“Furthermore…” Rafael stood up, his imposing aura filling the room, his eyes deep as ink. “If one seeks her own disgrace and insists on foolishness, let her have it. Do not stop her.”
Though Rafael spoke with such confidence, everyone still felt uneasy. They had witnessed Carissa’s bravery, but Aurora was a general praised by the empress dowager herself. Having achieved great merit. at Victory Pass, her martial skills should be formidable.
It would be acceptable if they ended in a draw, but if Carissa were to be defeated, all the prestige she had built up recently would be lost.
Later in the afternoon, Rafael issued an order: Aurora would challenge Carissa for the position of deputy commander of the Mystic Army.
This decision was announced to the entire army. Anyone who could find a spot was allowed to watch the duel in the open field.
The consequences of the duel were made clear in advance.
When Barrett heard how high Aurora was betting, he immediately opposed her. “Carissa is highly skilled in martial arts. Even with just a few moves, she could defeat you. I’ve witnessed her abilities personally. Autora, you mustn’t be impulsive!”
Aurora, already fully dressed, was full of determination.
“Barrett, I’m not being impulsive. I’m fighting for more than just the leadership of the Mystic Army on the battlefield,” she said firmly. “If I can command fifteen thousand armored soldiers, I’ll be their deputy commander once we return to the capital. Think about it! After our merits at Victory Pass, neither the king nor the Ministry of Defense assigned us any positions. After the Southern Frontier battle, there will be no wars for years. Without official positions, how can we succeed?”
She wasn’t just vying for a battlefield command, but also for future leadership of the Mystic Army. With fifteen thousand soldiers under her command, she could walk confidently in the capital!
However, Barrett thought she was being naive. If there were no wars, Rafael would also return to the capital. At that point, all the Mystic Army would be under his command, not hers.
Worried, he said, “We’re relying on this battle to gain merit. If you’re defeated, you’ll lose your achievements and face military punishment. Once you’re flogged in the army, you’ll lose all respect as a general. How will you lead in the future?”
In other words, her career would be ruined.
“Lose to her? Barrett, you’re underestimating me.” Aurora’s expression was calm. “It’s not just Carissa. I don’t even see General Farell and the others as threats! Aside from the marshal and you, I won’t lose to anyone in a solo fight–especially not to Carissa. We both saw clearly how she fought Michael in the open field.”
Barrett grabbed her arm, and looked her in the eyes. “What if, just what if, you lose? If you lose, you’ll have nothing. Would you be content staying at home as a housewife?”
“What’s wrong with washing my hands to cook for you? Aurora teased.
Despite her words, she was certain she wouldn’t lose.
