Chapter 13
Carissa lifted the bowl and drank the soup in one gulp. Her bold gesture made Rafael smile.
“By the way,” he said, “why did the crown prince of Westhaven appear in Fawnrun City?”
Carissa had always been puzzled by this. She knew the prince was highly esteemed in Westhaven, known for his wisdom and virtue. Why had he been in Fawnrun City? He wasn’t a military general.
Rafael explained, “There’s internal strife within the Westhaven royal family. The crown prince was framed by the second prince and forced to flee to the battlefield. Liam knew the crown prince couldn’t fight, so he hid him in Fawnrun City, away from the fighting. No one expected him to encounter Aurora.”
Carissa frowned slightly. “The second prince? With the death of the crown prince, the other princes will vie for the throne. If the second prince becomes crown prince, it won’t be good for Starhaven.” After all, the second prince harbored hostility and malice toward Starhaven.
“Yes,” Rafael added, “but Liam intends to support the third prince’s ascension. The third prince and the crown prince are brothers, but the third prince is not yet a marquis. Liam faces many challenges, and the king of Westhaven is gravely ill and may not last much longer.”
Carissa understood. “So, this time, Westhaven wants to regain some dignity, avenge themselves, and then quickly retreat to handle their internal turmoil. They are concealing the crown prince’s death, but once it’s revealed, they can tell the people of Westhaven that they’ve avenged the prince.”
“That’s one reason,” Rafael said, “but it’s more complex than we can fully comprehend. A great nation has its own considerations.”
Carissa nodded. “You’re right.”
Rafael looked at her solemnly. “Carissa, the Southern Frontier has been reclaimed, thanks to your family’s efforts. Your father and brothers can rest in peace now.”
With reddened eyes and a voice choked with emotion, she replied, “Yes, you’re right.”
Rafael gazed deeply at her. “Your father’s unfulfilled ambitions have been completed with your help. The gates of Ilyrian City and Simonton City were breached under your command. You fought bravely. In the annals of history, the Sinclair family will undoubtedly be honored with a prominent chapter.”
Only now did Carissa understand why Rafael had chosen her to lead the Mystic Army instead of one of the many famous generals. During the war, he had sent a report to the capital to establish her military rank, giving her the official authority to command such a large force. That was the opportunity he had given her. Without the title of general, her command would have lacked legitimacy.
She stood, bowed deeply, and said, “Marshal, I am deeply grateful for your favor and support. I have no way to repay you.”
Rafael’s eyes flickered. “No way to repay? Are you saying you want to repay me?”
Carissa was taken aback. That was just a polite expression. She had given her all in the battles, attacking cities and slaying enemies—that should be repayment enough for his support.
“Uh… do you have any orders for me, Marshal?”
Rafael’s smile widened. “Not now, but who knows, I might need your help in the future, General Sinclair.”
Carissa thought Rafael was speaking casually. After all, as a prince, what help could he need from her?
“Alright,” she replied politely. “In that case, I’ll repay you in the future.”
Rafael gave her a meaningful look. “I’ll remember that. You may go and rest now.”
Carissa stood. “Yes, sir. I’ll take my leave.”
Back at the camp, Violet and Cynthia were fast asleep. Carissa didn’t even bother taking off her shoes and collapsed onto her bed. The moment she lay down, her entire body felt like it was falling apart, exhaustion seeping into every bone. Sleep overcame her instantly, and she slept until the following evening. For those who practiced internal martial arts like them, sleeping was the best way to recover. When she woke up, she felt completely refreshed.
Everyone else woke up one after another. Without saying much, they automatically went out to help clean up the battlefield and comfort the civilians.