Chapter 96

Timothy vehemently opposed. "This decision has already been made! Further challenges are unnecessary. This isn't a martial arts arena; it's a battlefield. Such actions are detrimental to army unity."

Hearing this, Aurora sensed he was trying to prevent Carissa from losing, bolstering her confidence. "Those capable should step up. What's wrong with a challenge? Are you afraid she'll lose? If you think her reputation will suffer, then we needn't fight. Just give command of the Mystic Army to me," she said smugly.

Timothy snorted. "Wishful thinking! Just because you led 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 need for empty words. The Mystic Army won't be under General Sinclair's command unless she defeats me," Aurora declared.

She stood and bowed. "I'll take my leave."

After she left, a confused Timothy turned to Rafael. "Marshal, 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, whispers persist that General Sinclair is unworthy. If General Sinclair loses…"

Rafael cast a cool glance at him. "General Sinclair will not lose. Since some reinforcement troops remain dissatisfied, let them see for themselves whether she is truly unworthy, or if General Yates is merely a name without substance."

He stood, his imposing aura filling the room, his eyes deep as ink. "Furthermore, if one seeks her own disgrace and insists on foolishness, let her have it. Do not stop her."

Though Rafael spoke confidently, unease remained. 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. A draw would be acceptable, but if Carissa were defeated, all her recently gained prestige would be lost.

Later that 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 place was allowed to watch the duel in the open field. The duel's consequences were made clear beforehand.

When Barrett heard Aurora's high stakes, 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. Aurora, you mustn't be impulsive!"

Aurora, fully dressed and determined, said firmly, "Barrett, I'm not being impulsive. I'm fighting for more than just leadership of the Mystic Army on the battlefield. 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 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 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 said calmly. "It's not just Carissa. I don't even see General Farrell and the others as threats! Aside from the Marshal and you, I won't lose to anyone in a solo fight—especially not Carissa. We both clearly saw 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.

(The final line "BIG SALE: 3500 bonus free fou yo" appears to be unrelated and likely spam.)