Zerin_Lee

A festive day, a week have the kingdom of Polestin celebrated for their victory with the crimson general leading their army.


The soldiers who served have been guaranteed a spot inside a local bar of the capital city. 

Clank!



"The Crimson General despite being a woman is a talented warrior! Three cheers for the general!"

"That woman saved me when I needed it! All hail the general!"

"She's like a sister to all the soldier! All hail our general!" 



Every warrior kept on drinking as the news reached them that the war with their neighboring kingdom was over, the ruler raised their white flag as they asked for mercy- being beneath the crimson general. 



"General! Come drink with us!" 

"..."

The Crimson General, for how she got her name is because of her crimson hair that became the trademark of her legendary name already spreading across the many kingdoms. 

"I don't drink." she denies the invitation her comrades and just sat down on the table watching the others enjoy themselves.


"Enjoy, general! You might even find a man here that suits to your liking! You know... your type I think...! The general would love a soft-spoken man!"

"...No."

"Hah! That's a shame! In any case I heard that you'll be receiving a reward for helping win the war!"


"A reward... I wonder what could it be."

...


The reward:

"You can choose any of my children to marry you. I have the finest royal princes for you to choose. That is my reward." The King motions to his left side showing his sons who smiles, sitting in their throne meeting her gaze..


"Eh?"


"My liege, forgive me but this is..."


"Are my children not good enough for you? General, I applaud your accomplishment. Isn't marrying into the royal family a good enough reward for the general?" The King asked the general who swallowed the lump in her throat looking at the princes in display.

"I choose-!"

Everyone stopped and waiting for the girl to continue. 




"I choose the princess instead!"

The Crimson General Desires no Prince! (GL)

The moment the carriage stopped, the Dregs seemed to pause with it. Eyes that had long learned to be wary turned toward the gilded crest on the door, some with curiosity, others with skepticism. The merchants pulled their wares closer, beggars straightened, and the children- ever the boldest- crept closer, bare feet silent against the dirt.

Then the guards moved, stepping down from their horses with practiced ease. But instead of drawing weapons, they pulled open the trunk at the back of the carriage, revealing bundles of food, water jugs, neatly folded clothes, and small wooden toys.

Princess Camille slides down the saddle gracefully turning to the growing crowd in front of her. "Good afternoon. I want to offer you these gifts. We mean you no harm, this comes from our hearts, a small gesture to help you live and endure."

Chapter 32: The Dregs (II).