Chapter 171
In Novigrad, there had never been a precedent for an unmarried woman becoming a female general.
The truth was, Celine wasn’t the only female general in Novigrad’s history.
But generally, these women only became generals after marriage, following their husbands onto the battlefield. Once they achieved military success together, their promotions to general came naturally.
Yet even as female generals, people out there still addressed them by their husbands‘ last names.
Only within the military would the troops address them as “General.”
Yet as an unmarried woman, Jessica sought nothing less than an official military commission as General.
“Jessica,” the King said, his expression grave. “Do you understand that you must lead troops into battle once you become a general? Otherwise, the title would be in name only, and that would be deceiving the crown.”
Andrew also chimed in, his tone full of concern, “Ms. Yates, you must think twice about this. As a general, you’d be constantly on the battlefield, leaving little chance for marriage or starting a family.”
After all, no family would want their son to marry a female general. Even if they did, she’d constantly be away on deployments, making having a child nearly impossible.
The King said gently, “Jessica, if you wish to follow in your mother’s footsteps and defend the kingdom, you may do so after you are married, campaigning alongside your husband. At that time, you two can fight together. Wouldn’t that be even better?”
“Your Majesty,” Jessica said firmly, “after breaking off my engagement with Prince Waldo, I withdrew my wandering heart and cultivated my nature, no longer entertaining thoughts of romantic affairs. I’ve shown you my courage and resolve in the Vrahmont Mount campaign. If that is still not enough, I am willing to wait. One day, I will prove that I am no less capable than any man and can become a true general without relying on any man.”
The King and Andrew exchanged a meaningful glance.
The King had come to recognize Jessica’s strategic brilliance and wisdom.
‘Prince Waldo had always been invincible, but he failed this time. The decisive factor is Jessica,‘ the King thought.
Rumors had long circulated that Waldo’s legendary military successes were all owing to Jessica’s strategies. Though the King had always dismissed such talk, he had to acknowledge the truth this time.
The King frowned and thought about it for a long moment, and Jessica waited a long time.
Outside, night had fallen, and Monica was also waiting outside the palace gates.
Monica waited anxiously, her gaze locked on the palace gates. After what felt like an eternity, Jessica finally emerged, walking toward her with measured
steps.
“Ms. Yates!” Monica immediately rushed forward.
Jessica shook her head, and Monica didn’t say anything more.
They boarded the carriage and left the palace in silence.
After they returned to the Yates family’s residence and the carriage pulled up outside Moonchase Hall, Monica finally blurted out, “Ms. Yates, what did the King say to you?”
“How dare you pry into the King’s words? Do you want to die or something?” Jessica said, gave a faint smile, and headed straight into the courtyard.
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Chapter 171
“But you always told me before, didn’t you? You’d never share the real secrets anyway, Monica sald, and followed closely behind here to
It wasn’t that Jessica refused to speak. She didn’t say it immediately because she didn’t want to explain things twice. After all, she knder Gerblich waiting too.
As expected, when Jessica entered the parlor, she found Garbisch still sitting there after hours of anxious waiting.
“Jessica, what did the King say to you?” Garbisch asked, his voice full of worry.
Jéssica’s solo journey to Stone Forest to rescue Prince Waldo from miles away became the talk of the town after she returned, Garbisch thought, The King must have heard all about it by now.‘
“Did he ask you about you and Prince Waldo?” Garbisch wanted to ask, too, but he always held back, afraid it would upset his sister.
But now, he had no choice but to ask. “Jessica, be honest with me. What are you thinking? Was it for Prince Waldo that you wanted me to volunteer for going to Kabury County? Do you still have feelings for him?”
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