The Legend of Carmine

As Allaya was thinking this, she fell asleep. Finally, they reached Inap the next afternoon.

When they met General, Allaya bowed down whereas Owen greeted him. (Note: Allaya is a maid therefore she bow down whereas Owen was in higher status than her). When Owen saw General Armine, he felt that he looked familiar but he just could not put a finger on it. As Armine approached them he just let go of this thought as it would be disrespectful to keep staring at him. On another side, Armine was a bit shock to see Allaya there but did not show any reaction. Then, Owen stated that the majesty had given a decree for him to treat the General wound. Furthermore, the king has sent Allaya as his maid as a gesture of gratitude for his hard work.

Armine gave a sarcastic smile and replied that king Ather is very generous. And he was grateful for it. Then he suggested them to take a rest for now as he will catch up with them in the evening when he finishes his work.

As Allaya was going she turned and gave a warm smile to the General and it was reciprocated by the General as well.

In the evening, Owen and Allaya both visited Carmine. Owen requested to see the wound for treatment.

General bluntly said, "I do not prefer men touching my body. However, I do not mind if this beauty witness and describe the wound for you for the treatment."

Owen was dumbfounded by this response. As he did not wish Allaya to be in an awkward position. So, he tried to give her a chance to voice her opinion beside he did not think she would accept such an absurd request and said, " If she has no problem doing so..., I will abide by it." However, before he could finish his words.

"It does not matter if she wishes to do it or not because she is my maid and her opinion does not matter."

With this been said and decided. Both Carmine and Allaya went to the general's tent whereas Owen waited for them outside. As soon as they were inside the tent, away from the eyes and ears of Owen. Allaya could no longer hold herself and hugged General Armine. She whispers, "I have missed you so much, Princess. I was worried sick when I heard you were wounded. Therefore, I rushed here as soon as I got the decree."

"You haven't changed a bit, have you? I have missed you too Allaya. How is everyone in Palace?"

"Everyone is good."

As they talked in a whisper when Allaya saw her wound which was partially healed. She sobbingly questioned, "How can you bear this pain? You have never been wounded, like this before."

" Allaya, you naive kid, this no longer pains me as much as it pains me to see my people die in the battlefield. It will get better soon."

Allaya wiped her tear and went outside the tent and explained that the wound in General shoulder had healed edges but the wound is still red and swollen in between and has not closed yet.

Then, Owen, who was still outside the tent said, "General, It's been quite a few days for the wound, it should have been healed by this time. By the way, did you went for a sword fight even after the injury? And by any chance are you still practicing sword fighting every day?

From inside the tent, the answer came" Yes, I did and yes I am still practicing"

" General Armine, I will give you medicine to apply in the wound so it will heal faster. However, you cannot practice sword practice for few days until it is fully healed otherwise it may take months for you able to get your full mobility without any pain."

" Impressive Lord Owen, you did not disappoint me at all. I believe this is our second time to see each other."

This stunned Owen, " I am sorry General you must have mistaken me for someone else. I do not remember meeting u, prior to this."( Note Armine's face was not seen by any contestant as she had worn a mask then.)

Armine got dressed and came out of the tent and questioned," Did you not participate in the general position competition?"

As Armine was saying this Owen had a bad feeling about it.

Owen shakingly said, " yes".

"I had seen you then you are a very talented scholar as I had noticed that you were very good with medicinal knowledge as you had scored the perfect score in that test. Of course, I would remember such a rare talent. No wonder royal physician wanted you to be his disciple."

Owen, "Thank you General but you are just overpraising me. I think the main person to be praised has to be Princess Carmine because I heard it was her idea of competition. Without her idea and effort for the competition, how could a commoner like me have such an opportunity to be recognized by them."

Allaya, just silently smiled hearing such words.

As per Owen's advice, Armine stopped his sword practice and used the medicine. In a week the wound had almost healed and it no longer caused any pain to her.

On the 7th day when Allaya was putting the medicine. Armine asked, "Do you like him, Allaya?"

Allaya turned red as an apple and said, "What are you saying, princess?"

No, just asking because when he is with us. Though you will be attending to me. But you always steal some glances at him.

"Princess!!!"