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. The prime minister, recognizing Carissa's capabilities, had no objections.
“The deadline General Yates promised has already passed, yet the reinforcements still haven’t arrived,” Jeremiah pointed out.
Salvador, a bit displeased, excused himself, “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—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. Their contributions arguably surpassed Carissa’s, who had merely assisted Rafael in capturing a city. This 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 him unreliable. However, since the king was determined to support young generals, Davis had held his tongue.
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, none from the Duke of Northwatch’s family were idlers.
Salvador remained cautious about Aurora, as some issues remained unresolved. He had received a secret letter from Rafael mentioning that Westhaven’s forces’ attitude had changed after Starhaven’s triumph at Victory Pass. Though he lacked all the facts, Salvador suspected something was amiss regarding 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 upon her return 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. Much gossip about her divorce circulated among military officials, noble families, and even royal relatives. Let them talk for now.
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 that Rafael would go straight to Simonton City 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 then, news of Carissa’s promotion to fifth-rank Valor General had reached the camp a few days earlier via post rider. She was now a legitimate fifth-rank general; it was not just a temporary battlefield promotion.
However, Barrett and Aurora didn’t know 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 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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