ＣＨＡＰＴＥＲ ２： ＡＣＴ ＩＩＩ
𝑫𝒂𝒎𝒔𝒆𝒍 𝒊𝒏 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔

Rune sprang into action as she coughed sharply, quickly rushing to her side. He tenderly helped her sit in bed, guiding her to lean against his chest. His arm wrapped securely around her, providing the support she desperately needed.

"Is the medicine ready, Zaki?" he asked, concern etched across his face.

Zaki lifts his head. From when he made prescriptions to grinding and boiling herbs, Rune has asked that same question.

"Will be done in a minute," he answered after checking the cauldron pot.

The soldiers couldn't help but worry about their general's situation. The Vermillion Caped General, although a woman, no other general could be on par with her in terms of battle and wits. No one could order the Vermillion Army except the General and the Emperor. And every time they march the capital, the people fear and respect them.

But what would become of them now that their so-called general had fallen?

They can still remember how those old ass generals would pressure them. They have planted many spies that were hard to uproot and even sabotaged their missions many times, only to be discovered and fended off by the female general.

"Here." Inabot ni Zaki ang bowl ng gamot kay Rune. "Careful, it's still hot," he cautioned, concern knitting his brow.

Maingat naman na isinandal ni Rune ang likuran ng dalaga sa unan bago hipan ang hawak nitong mainit-init na gamot. Coeur's eyes, a kaleidoscope of emotions, lingered on the comforting scene, while Zaki watched with a hint of apprehension.

In Zaki's mind, Coeur looks so fragile. He doubts if she could even lift a knife to defend herself. Even if she obediently drinks medicine and nourishment pills-as long as she doesn't have the antidote, her health will continue to decline, and she will be weak.

"How are you feeling?"Zaki asked gently after she managed to swallow the last bit of medicine.

Coeur coughed weakly, a fleeting smile gracing her lips. "I feel a little better," she replied, though her voice trembled with effort.

Suddenly, the door swung open, revealing Theo, a look of flustered urgency on his face. "Lady General!" he exclaimed, drawing their attention.

"Deus has returned from the capital, accompanied by eight skilled doctors!" A deep furrow appeared on Zaki's forehead as confusion clouded Coeur's expression.

Eight skilled doctors? What for?

"General Ishu Hayes is also with them!" Coeur kept a firm expression on her face. It looks like the Emperor had chosen Ishu Hayes to take over the frontier once she traveled to the capital.

She doesn't want to meet those people since it would only cause her trouble. She wants to avoid interacting with them as much as possible. So, she pretended to faint.

***

Outside Coeur's tent stood a tall figure—a man clad in striking armor and a crimson military suit. As he entered, he wore a composed yet slightly amused smile. Rumors had reached him that the Vermillion Caped General had fallen, but no one had prepared him for her captivating beauty.

Inside, chaos unfolded as eight renowned doctors from the capital debated fiercely over her condition. Amidst their urgency and discussions of antidotes, Coeur lay on the bed, her face serene and peaceful, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of voices around her.

Was this truly the merciless killer they spoke of in whispers, he wondered, as doubt began to weave its way into the threads of his beliefs.

Settling into a chair Theo offered, he watched her from a distance, curiosity piqued and questions swirling in his mind. What secrets lay hidden behind her calm facade?

Coeur, on the other hand, clenched her hands underneath the blanket. Kulang na lang ay sumabog siya sa inis dahil sa ingay ng mga doktor sa paligid niya. They've been theorizing about the poison in her body, and everyone is trying to prove their ability. She's had enough.

So, she opened her eyes—stopping everyone. As they laid their eyes on her, horror crossed their eyes. They expected her to point her sword and wring their necks, but she smiled at them instead.

"Who are these esteemed guests, Theo?" Nagkatinginan ang mga ito. Even her manner of speech is different. Rather than sounding rude and barbaric, she sounded soft and formal.

"T-they're Imperial Doctors sent by the Crown Prince, Lady General." Napaatras ang mga ito nang isa-isa silang tingnan ng heneral. Malakas ang kabog ng dibdib ng mga ito at pinagpapawisan.

Yet Coeur's smile remained warm and reassuring. "Please send my regards to the Crown Prince. I'll make sure to visit His Highness as soon as I arrive in the capital." Her calm demeanor made them speechless, and their voices vanished.

Then, amidst the eerie silence, a deep laugh emerged from the young man, quietly observing the unfolding chaos. He couldn't help but feel a thrill of amusement at the fear etched onto their faces, utterly captivated by the powerful presence of the general.

"Pardon my manners," he said, rising from his seat to approach her. "I presume you already know who I am, Lady General?" He walked confidently, his gaze unwavering as she appraised him from head to toe. When her eyes lingered on the crest of his armor, realization dawned upon her.

"The young general of the Silver Serpent Army, Ishu Hayes." A smile danced on his lips as she tried to suppress her smirk.

How could she ever forget him? Beyond his strikingly handsome features, he's a notorious flirty lady-killer. He had built a reputation for quelling civil unrest and handling investigations about the noble's corruption—an unstoppable force, the Emperor's sword.

"To be recognized by the Vermillion Caped General is indeed an honor," he replied, his voice smooth but simmering with unspoken thoughts. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes at his flattering tone, maintaining her warm act.

"The Emperor is concerned about your current situation and your safety," he explained, his tone shifting slightly. "He has ordered me to temporarily oversee your duties and manage the garrison at the frontier. I trust this won't pose any issue for you, Lady General?" She nodded, accepting the situation with measured grace.

Ishu raised an eyebrow in surprise, expecting her to challenge him fiercely. Yet, she was agreeable—too agreeable, perhaps?

"Aren't you worried I might win the soldiers' loyalty and jeopardize your authority upon your return?" he teased, searching for a flicker of emotion on her composed face. Tension crackled in the air as Theo and Rune exchanged glances, drawn into the charged moment.

As she had anticipated, he was far more than just a charming face.

"Look at me, Ishu," she replied, a hint of defiance threading through her voice. She gracefully raised her slender fingers as if dismissing the weight of her title. "At this point, I have become little more than a useless pawn. Whether you earn their trust matters little; their loyalty lies not with me but with the Empire," she challenged, the sharpness of her words rising to meet his.

"True enough," he conceded, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Nonetheless, I wish you a safe journey to the capital, Lady General." Each word felt like a veiled warning, a caution that her path forward was fraught with danger.

Once a fierce general, now she seemed like a damsel in distress who always needed saving.