The Legend of Carmine

Carmine, who had already gotten up could not help but grip one end of her dress with her hands because she knew exactly where this conversation was going.

Cyanx said, "The lady who is standing here is none other than the Princess of Lapen, Princess Carmine. (This was another shocking blow to all of the guests). After the death of the legendary General Rogue. She single-handedly created an opportunity for herself and convinced the entire Lapen court and the King to bestow her the title of General to defend her country."

Cyanx turned to Carmine and said," Princess Carmine; No; General Armine, I must hand it to you, I would not have believed it myself if today I had not seen in person that you really are a woman of such formidable aura and strength."

Then another official voiced, " How is that possible we saw the dead body of Princess Carmine. She cannot be the Princess."

Cyanx squinted his eyes as if he detested it and replied, " Are you doubting my investigation?"

Everyone was silent.

General Rulean, who knew Carmine's identity beforehand but had no idea about the invitation situation. He was not surprised with everything happening at the banquet. But he detested Carmine to his bones and now, even more, when it was known to everyone that he was defeated by this woman. He bore deep grudges with her. So, to just vent off his anger he wanted to insult her by using the situation to throw her out of the banquet. Then he said innocently, " Your, Imperial Highness, I understand and truly believe the authenticity of the situation. But why have you invited Lapen's General or Princess of Lapen to our Norand's banquet?

Cyanx had thought of discussing this matter after the banquet but since Rulean raised the issue now, he could not dodge it. Cyanx could clearly see where his intentions lied.

Carmine had been searching for this answer for few days but was not able to find the answer.

Cyanx had to either throw her off the banquet or explain the situation why she was invited.

He gave a calm smile and said, "Do not worry General Rulean I have invited her to this banquet to appoint her as one of the General for the Norand and assign her to be posted on Shar ( border between Lapen and Ouran). Hence. she is no longer an outsider but one of us."

This was the third and the most massive blow to all the guests as well as to Rulean himself.

Rulean could not believe his ears and his head was going haywire. He had worked and done everything to acquire Lapen and he had no doubt that Emperor Cyanx would appoint him the post in Shar. So, he could continue his conquest towards Ouran.

But, now Cyanx has thought of assigning it to her. He just felt that what he had done had gone to waste.

Carmine was also utterly speechless and surprised. She had thought of every possible situation this banquet could lead including her horrible death, but this. She could not think straight and she kept wondering Cyanx's motives.

Cyanx turned to Carmine and said, " General Armine, I am expecting you to be very happy with this." But Cyanx could feel Carmine was reluctant to accept it.

So, Cyanx said," If you refuse to work under me to serve this nation, you can imagine the consequences of it. You are a smart person, I do not need to spell it, now, do I?"

Carmine who was still standing on the red carpet replied firmly, "Okay, I will work as General for you if you reinstate me to my previous comrades and soldiers."

All the officials and ministers in the banquet expressed that it was a bad idea to allow her to work as General with her own comrades and soldiers. Because how could they trust her loyalty to Norand as they had just conquered Lapen. And reinstating her to her own comrades means a sure thing for rebellion against them.

Carmine had no intention of rebellion because she had seen and known that the war had brought enough suffering to her people. And if she rebelled this only meant chaos for her people as it is a difficult task to defeat Norand. And especially now as they have already infiltrated most parts of the country. She had asked to be reinstated to her own soldiers and comrades because she knew she cannot defend the border by herself. She needed the soldiers who would trust her ability as a leader to lead in a battle. It is impossible to defend a border by a person itself. It requires a team effort. However, she understood their standpoint as well.

Carmine knew that Cyanx is demanding her to accept the General position and there was no place for rejection. She also knew that if she did accept it, if she cannot fulfill her duties as General she will fail miserably. And with the current situation, it was apparent that Cyanx does-not seem to be thinking of assigning her to her old comrades going against his Officials and Ministers.

Furthermore, in this situation when he has clearly shown everyone that the Great General of Lapen is a woman. This news would travel far and wide, which will make it even harder to make the Norand's soldiers abide by her commands.

Finally, Carmine turned to Emperor Cyanx and said firmly, " Your Imperial Highness; Since there is a lot of rejection from the subjects for my acceptance of the General position. I would like to make a suggestion to solve this problem. I purpose to have a fair and square competition with their selected person by the subjects in 3 of their chosen games. And if I win I will accept the General post and I get the rights to train as I please my soldiers. And I also get the right to remove those soldiers from my enlisting if I find them unworthy.

However, if I lose in the competition, the subjects will get the upper hand over Emperor Cyanx decision and can choose what they want to do regarding my life.

By saying this she clearly was accepting Cyanx's General position and she was also implying to him to keep her father alive as she is accepting his proposition.

Emperor Cyanx was taken aback by Carmine's proposal. He accepted the proposal because he also needed his subjects to support his decision to make her General because he can give the command for her to be the General but it will solely depend on her capability to be respected as one in this circle. All the Officials and Ministers loved the idea and accepted the challenge.

Rulean was burning with rage as he felt time and time again he has been defeated by Carmine. He conquered Lapen but still felt defeated for not able to be the General to guard Shar. He did not like it. In his mind, he knew that the position belonged to him and him only. He just did not seem to understand why Cyanx has decided to give it to Carmine. Hence, Rulean stood up and volunteered as the opponent for the match. All the guests ponder on it for a while and agreed to it. As they knew he would be an excellent opponent and a no match to Carmine. They were certain if Rulean competed, it will be the end of Carmine. They all supported Rulean wholeheartedly.

Cyanx had this wicked smile on his face as he agreed for Rulean and Carmine to have this duel. So, it was decided that the competition would begin after 2 days. And 3 duel would be 1) sword-fighting 2) arrow shooting and 3) a game of chess.

When this was all settled. Finally, Cyanx formally started the banquet. The atmosphere of the banquet was awkward. Though Carmine stayed at the end on her designated seat but throughout the banquet, she could feel all the eyes were boring on her. She thought if those eyes could literally make holes she would have thousands of holes in her body throughout this banquet. When the banquet was over, as Cyanx was walking out, he stopped midway and said," Alor, please escorted Princess Carmine to her room and look after her until the competition day. I do not want any accidents happening to her."

This was a clear warning to all his subjects not to do any underhanded job. But he was also giving her a way to get out of this the most awkward banquet she had ever attended.