Chapter 95
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 will 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. “That’s absurd! As the vanguard force, a general must lead the troops. There’s no such thing as a general hiding in the rear while holding command.”
“Her? Lead the troops?” Aurora laughed coldly, as if she had heard the greatest joke. After a few moments of mocking laughter, she added, “A woman who’s never been on a battlefield is going to lead the Mystic Army to attack the city? I’d say it’s the generals here who will be leading her and the Mystic Army in the assault.”
“How can you say she’s never been on a battlefield? Didn’t she fight in those previous battles?” Timothy retorted.
Aurora sneered and said sarcastically, “I’m sure everyone here knows exactly how she won all those previous battles.”
Looking directly at Rafael, she dropped to one knee. “I, Aurora Yates, request to lead the Mystic Army in the siege. Marshal, if you insist on having Carissa in command, then I ask to fight her. I brought the Mystic Army to the Southern Frontier. I can’t stand by and watch them risk their lives in vain by following a commander who knows nothing of warfare.”
The assembled generals could barely contain their outrage. Though they wanted to hold their tongues out of respect for Rafael, they couldn’t help but voice their disapproval.
“General Yates, how can you speak like that? If General Sinclair didn’t have the ability, would the Mystic Army follow her orders?”
“You even talk about lives being needlessly sacrificed before the battle has begun. That’s truly absurd!”
“If you claim she knows nothing of warfare, then how did she win previous battles?”
“Besides, the marshal has already issued orders for General Sinclair to command the Mystic Army. She has been training them since yesterday.”
“General Yates, you’re being far too arrogant. You compare yourself to General Sinclair, but you might not even measure up.”
Ignoring the generals’ scornful remarks, Aurora continued to address Rafael directly. “Didn’t you say anyone who is unhappy about the arrangement can challenge her, Marshal? I request to challenge Carissa. If she loses, the Mystic Army will fall under my command.”
Aware of Rafael’s strictness, the generals found Aurora’s direct challenge to his orders incredibly audacious. They expected him to be furious. But to their surprise, Rafael simply nodded lightly.
“I permit you to challenge Carissa. If she loses, the Mystic Army will be under your command. However, if you lose, you will receive fifty lashes with a military rod for violating my orders and for your disrespectful words. Additionally, all the military merits you earn at the Southern Frontier will be stripped from you, and your name will not be mentioned if our forces win.”
Aurora was momentarily stunned, then immediately protested. “That is unfair. If I lose, I face fifty lashes and lose all my military merits, but she faces no punishment if she loses. You’re showing clear favoritism, Marshal.”
Rafael’s gaze was icy. “If she loses, she will have lost the Mystic Army. How is that not a punishment? Furthermore, her command of the Mystic Army was by my order. If she is replaced in the midst of battle, her reputation will suffer, and her authority will be diminished in the eyes of both the generals and soldiers. How can that not be considered a punishment?”
“But you yourself said that anyone who is unhappy with the situation can challenge her, Marshal,” said Aurora, growing agitated.
Rafael’s eyes narrowed slightly. “That’s right. The penalty for losing a challenge is thirty lashes. But your challenge isn’t just about questioning her; it’s about taking the Mystic Army from her. You’re challenging her for personal gain. If you fail, you naturally have to face consequences. Otherwise, everyone would question my authority. So, will you carry out this challenge you wanted, or not?”
Considering Carissa’s slender frame, Aurora believed the other woman would be no match for her. So, she gritted her teeth and agreed.
“Very well. I will challenge her tomorrow.”