As Tomas arrived on the scene of the battle, he witnessed the combatants engaged in a fierce duel. It was an impressive display, both fighters demonstrating remarkable skill. All the troops ceased their activities to observe the combat.
The soldiers of the king's army watched in disbelief at the prowess of the two combatants, their faces still concealed. It was known they were leaders of the shadow company, their combat skills were unmatched, both exceedingly adept, and this was without their captain, Lucifer.
Javier wondered why all the soldiers were gathered in a circle as he approached to see two soldiers fighting. This was no drill, he surmised; they must be clashing over some serious issue. So he called out to them, halting the fight. Carlos and Valery both faced General Lorens with a semblance of curiosity in their expressions.
Javier: Both of you, uncover your faces.
Recognizing Valery as the higher-ranking officer, the soldiers aligned themselves behind her with Carlos joining her side.
Valery / Demon: General Lorens, we are training. Why do you interrupt?
Javier: Did you hear me, captain?
Valery / Demon: Yes, general. I did. I am Captain Demon of the Shadow Company, Roberson's army.
Upon hearing this nickname, Javier stared intently at the captain, and of course, Valery met his gaze unflinchingly, undaunted by anyone.
Javier: So you are the Demon, and you?
Carlos / Ghost: I am Ghost.
Javier looked into their eyes, not knowing who they were – either could be one of his nephews. He sighed, challenged by the uncertainty. Engaging the captain in a training duel, he then said:
Javier: Shall we spar, Captain Demon?
Valery / Demon: Only if you insist, general. But do take your age into account.
Javier smiled and the fight commenced. His strength and dexterity were impressive. Javier, an excellent soldier, had never seen war, unlike Valery and her comrades. At one point, Javier noticed his opponent easing their assault. He looked into their eyes and then ceased the fight.
Javier: It was an honor to spar with you, Captain.
Valery approached her uncle and whispered: The honor is mine, Uncle.
Javier's eyes widened in realization. He turned to Valery again, astonished that his niece was the one fighting him, while he had thought it was either Dikson or Jaiden. He internally praised Lucas for training Valery well and for her role as a leader of the shadow company.
The general then left with his men to their designated sector.
Soldier: Captain, you spared the general's life.
Valery: He's a general; he must have the respect of his troops. Remember, we are merely guests here.
Soldiers: Yes, Captain.
Valery and her fellow soldiers unmasked and began discussing various topics before departing on their horses.
Carlos: Val, your uncle is proficient, but you could have won.
Valery: He's my uncle, and he's a general. Keep in mind, General Vigo Mortens, that leech, escaped me on the battlefield.
Carlos: Be careful with Vigo; we all know what he's capable of.
Valery: At the first chance, I'll take his head.
As they rode off, Tomas watched them go, his jealousy mounting, when Javier approached.
Javier: She is a formidable warrior. Do you still consider her a marital prospect?
Tomas: Yes, Javier. She is one-of-a-kind, and I love her. I proposed, and she accepted.
Javier: Are you aware that a woman like her will never be subdued?
Tomas: I've known since she was six. I don't desire a puppet; I want a wife.
Realizing Thomas’s intent, Javier understood his own daughter Renata would never compete with Valery because Tomas sought an independent partner.
Back home, Valery went straight to her room, removed her soldier's attire, and saw a dress on her bed. She sighed and opted for something more comfortable instead.
Greta: Valery, why haven't you put on the dress I left on your bed?
Valery: It's not me.
Greta: Are you attending Prince Leonardo's wedding?
Valery: Yes, Greta, but as captain.
Greta sighed, continuing with the dinner preparation, still thinking of Valery as a scared little girl hiding behind a soldier's garb.
At Prince Leonardo and Princess Diana's wedding, all the nobility with their daughters and high-ranking officers were present. Octavio scanned the crowd until he saw General Roberson with his family and the esteemed Valery. He had seen Valery in combat before, they had even fought together, and if not for General Vigo Mortens, she would have injured him.
Vigo noticed where the prince's gaze lay: Still considering her as a princess and future queen?
Octavio: She's the only woman worthy of me.
Behind him stood German, overhearing their talk and realizing it was about Valery.
Dorothy: How dare you arrive like this?
Valery turned to her aunt, about to respond when another voice interrupted.
Octavio: Captain Roberson, an honor to see you again.
Valery met his gaze: Prince.
Dorothy, once again addressing her niece: You are disrespectful.
Octavio: Madam, who might you be?
Dorothy: Duchess Ferre.
Octavio: Then you must not be acquainted with Captain Roberson, Duchess.
Dorothy: I know her; she's my niece. But I doubt anyone would want to marry her; she's no lady.
Octavio: The men in your realm must be blind, for I would be proud to call Captain Roberson my wife.
As he spoke, he looked Valery in the eyes, and as she was about to reply, her father addressed her.
Lucas: Valery, come here, pardon us, Prince Octavio.
Dorothy was flabbergasted by the northern prince's words.
Lucas: What was the prince saying, Valery?
Valery: That man is mad; I almost killed him in battle, and now he wishes to marry me? Over my dead body. Besides, I already accepted a marriage proposal.
Her father gave her a look of utter confusion until Greta nudged him. Lucas gave his daughter a serious look.
Lucas: I wish to meet this young man, Valery.
Valery: Father, Tomas is a village man with no title, just what I yearn for – a simple life away from all this.
Lucas understood that his daughter had always desired a life away from high society's hypocrisy, and he would support whatever made her happy.
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