Chapter 5591

“Lady Fiala,” the general muttered, bobbing in an awkward bow, “these two scoundrels forced the city gate and injured my men. I, uh, took the liberty of binding them and bringing them here for your judgment.”

A sheet of shadow rolled across Yuliana’s face. The courtyard temperature seemed to plummet.

She strode forward and struck—one palm, then the other—each slap echoing like a hammer on bronze. The officer reeled, eyes spinning, palms pressed to burning cheeks.

“You reckless fool! Do you even know whom you dared to shackle? He is Mr. Jared Chance—savior of this kingdom. Touch him again and I will see you stripped of rank—and perhaps of life.”

Color left the officer’s face. Knees buckled, armor clanged, and he collapsed, a dark stain spreading across his trousers as terror overruled dignity.

“Mr. Chance, Lady Fiala, forgive me—I was blind, utterly blind. Please, spare this worthless life!”

Jared’s name had long risen through level seven like sunrise—whispered in taverns, etched into military briefings. Aurelius himself had ordered every soldier to remember that name, for without Jared, Celestia might already lie in ruins.