The Duke’s Substitute Bride is a Maid - Chapter 31

Chapter 31: Close Combat

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Ronald raised his head and saw that the person standing in front of his desk was Irene, who was supposed to get into the carriage and head to Murcia.
Ronald put down the defensive map in his hand and walked quickly to Irene.
The two of them looked at each other for a long time before Ronald pulled Irene into his arms. “Didn’t I ask Wen Shaoqing to send you back to Murcia? Why are you here?”
“You pushed me away whenever you’re met with difficulties. Do you think I’m just a burden? Is it better for you If I leave? Aren’t we husband and wife? No matter what happens, shouldn’t we face it together?”
Ronald stroked Irene’s smooth long hair and finally felt completely relieved. He would be most at ease with her by his side.
Irene withdrew from his arms and said with a burning and determined gaze, “Let me help you look at the defensive map. I reckon that this time, not only are there Celt’s soldiers, but there should also be my father’s army.”
Ronald was a little moved. He smoothed her hair by her ear. “My wife is amazing to consider a lot of things for me. I’ll send someone to get the defensive map now.”
Irene enjoyed the rare moment of warmth with Ronald, but she felt uneasy on the inside.
Ronald had kidnapped her in public and killed the soldiers of Murcia. Even if it was to show off the power of the country, her father would never let it go. Now that Ronald’s side was clearly outnumbered, she had to think of a way to ensure his safety.
The next morning.
Ronald’s golden hair was even more dazzling under the sunlight. His deep blue eyes were calm as he stared at the general across from him.
He rode on the sleek back of the horse. The warhorse stomped on its hooves, waiting for its master to give the order for it to gallop away.
Behind him were the soldiers in the barracks. All of them were full of fighting spirit. Although the swords in their hands had not been unsheathed, their eyes were already sharp.
Ronald took the lead and rushed out. The soldiers of the two countries rushed forward, causing dust to fly everywhere.
Ronald rode on the horse. The wind whistled past, but what sounded in his ears was Irene’s words this morning. “I’ll wait for you to come back.”
The soldiers of the two countries engaged in a battle. The sound of cold weapons clashing, the cries of soldiers, and the neighs of horses intertwined.
The sound of long swords stabbing into bodies stimulated every soldier. After a while, the air was filled with the smell of blood. The dust that had been scattered was also absorbed by the blood on the ground.
Ronald fought directly with the general of Celt. “Ronald! Our prince died by your hand, and we don’t want to cause a disaster for the people. As long as you hand over your head, this matter will be considered to have passed. From now on, we of Celt and Croce, will not interfere in each other’s affairs!”
“In your dreams!”
The soldiers of the two countries engaged in a chaotic battle. On the battlefield, Ronald was like a lion that had awoken. He broke free from the general of Celt’s attempts to corner him, and killed several Celt’s soldiers in a row. His moves were ruthless, and he killed them with a strike.
The Celt army could not withstand Ronald’s attack at all, and they retreated in defeat.
Ronald had just killed one of the soldiers of the Celt army. When he turned his head, he saw the long sword in the hands of the soldier of the Celt army about to stab at his own soldiers.
Ronald did not have time to react. He just pounced on the soldier by instinct and rolled to the side with the soldier in his arms. Then, he killed the soldier of the Celt army with a backhand sword strike.
Although Croce had fewer people, each and every one of the soldiers was well-trained and good at fighting. Hence, they gradually had the tendency to overwhelm the opposing army.
Celtic saw that the situation was disadvantageous to them, and quickly withdrew his troops.
After winning the battle, the morale of the army was high.
However, Ronald knew that he had the upper hand now because Celt’s backup had not arrived yet. Therefore, they had to seize the opportunity and finish the battle as soon as possible.
Celt’s general also knew that it was impossible to win in a head-on battle. He had to try his best to stall for time and wait for the reinforcements from Murcia to arrive.
Caesar, who was watching the battle from the sidelines, received a report from his informant. “The Croce army has very few people. It was all thanks to the valor of the soldiers that Celt was forced to retreat continuously. Your Majesty, shall we send out our troops?”
It seemed that Croce’s king did not support Ronald. This was also within Caesar’s expectations.
Croce, no matter how powerful, would not offend both countries for the sake of a general, not to mention that Murcia held Croce’s bread and butter.