The Crimson General Desires no Prince! (GL)
Chapter 50 - 46: Congratulations to the General (V).

Chapter 50: Chapter 46: Congratulations to the General (V).

Chapter 46: Congratulations to the General (V).

She picked through the garments, feeling the rich fabric between her fingers. "Now, what shall you wear? Something regal yet practical, I suppose."

Princess Camille sighed, rubbing her arms. The chill of the morning had begun creeping in. "Oh you know, nothing too extravagant..."

Sylvie smirked, pulling out a deep blue velvet cloak lined with silver embroidery.

"Understated, yet elegant. Perfect. This is perfect for you, your highness." She draped it over the princess’ shoulders and clasped it at the front.

"Yes, thank you. You always know what to pick." (Princess Camille) caught her reflection in the mirror and smoothed the fabric, exhaling slowly. The nerves she had been trying to suppress bubbled just beneath the surface.

"Will you help me cook for tonight? I want everything to be perfect." she asked, voice quieter now. "Despite only knowing each other for mere weeks- I’m thankful for everything she’s done and would like to repay her kindness in some way."

Sylvie knelt before her, adjusting the hem of her dress.

"I would be happy to help her highness with this trouble. Anything to make sure you’ll have a perfect dinner to remember." She met Princess Camille’s gaze, her expression softer now.

It was a lovely idea, and Sylvie knew that when it comes to cooking, everything will be alright if both of them will cook.

The princess from a young age would often sneak out very early in the morning to cook for herself when she had the time.

Her skill is that of a private royal chef. Only her siblings and a few selected trusted people in the kitchen knew of that fact. It’s a surprise that they managed to keep that a secret for long.

"All done, your highness."

Once the dress was a perfect fit, Princess Camille ought to be reminded that her personal maid be rewarded with a bonus. "Well then please remember to remind me to give you double your wage for this month for your help."

"Oh my... if that is the case I am at your service, your highness."

Outside, the sound of boots crunching on leaves signaled the soldiers moving about their morning tasks. Somewhere in the distance, the crackle of a campfire and the low murmur of voices could be heard.

Princess Camille took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Then I suppose I’ll trouble you to find a few things for me when we get to the village."

Sylvie patted her hand before standing. "Yes, your highness."

With one last glance at the mirror, Princess Camille rose to her feet, exiting the tent.

===

Outside the Tent

===

The guards and servants were packing, they helped each other carry things into the carriage and shouted along as they worked. "Careful with that trunk! The princess’ things are in there!"

"Everyone pack up your tents make sure nothing is left behind!"

"Get our horses ready for the journey ahead!"

Rowan was already on the lookout and made sure the perimeter was safe, secured and everyone was ready to leave the camp. She smiles seeing someone’s figure getting out of the tent, "Your Highness!"

Princess Camille, hearing that familiar voice, couldn’t hide the smile curving onto her lips. "General Rowan."

The two lock eyes, Rowan tilts her head staring at her dress. "Are you ready to leave? You’re not wearing the horse riding uniform you packed. Still... you look beautiful."

Rowan expected for the two of them to be riding together in her horse, seeing her in a very elegant dress is not suitable for that.

Princess Camille smiles sadly, she has no choice but to wear something proper when it’s time to arrive at the village so she can’t go riding with Rowan this time.

"Oh... of course, I have to dress properly now seeing that we’re near your territory and your people might see me. I want to give a good impression. After all, I am the fiancé of the great hero who has slain the demon lord." Indeed, even if she wanted to break all the rules now that she got out of the palace.

It saddens her that she still has some rules to follow in order to not drag the royal name down into the rut, her father would kill her if he knew she’s been having too much fun.

"They... are going to love and adore you, your highness regardless of what you wear."

"Pfft- really now?"

"Because her highness is pretty in whatever she wears."

"W-Well, thank you! Ahem! It looks like I’ll be inside the carriage then. Don’t miss me too much, General Rowan. I’ll merely be inside."

"Mm... I’ll um... I’ll just be outside if you need me."

"Your highness,"

"Thank you, Sylvie."

"Everyone, let’s be off! The village is near!"

===

Rosewood Village

===

The journey back home was quick, it took them only four more hours before they saw the village gates.

"We’re here." (Jonathan) could almost kiss the gates upon seeing them, it’s been so long since he’s been home. "Home sweet home!"

Rowan chuckles seeing her friend who couldn’t contain his excitement, "Jonathan we’ve only been gone for a week."

"You don’t know how hard I got it Rowan, it’s not like I was allowed to stay at the palace. I was so lonely... and I miss my dogs." The two got down on the horses seeing two guards approached, one senior soldier squinted his eyes and gasped in shock realising that their general had come back home.

"General Bonheur! You’ve returned!" He yelled.

The other guards smiled and ran off to greet Rowan, placing their hands in their chest for a proper salute. "Thank goodness you’re here safe and sound! Welcome back, General Bonheur."

Rowan nods, feeling a little flocked with all of these soldiers gathering up around her, "I’m sorry if it took me a while to come back home, everyone. How’s the village? Is everyone alright?"

"Everyone is doing well! The repairs on the walls have been going steady!"

"The financial assistance of the family of the deceased has been delivered and so much more..."

"We’ve been training really hard to show off when you get back too!" They all shouted their achievements, hoping for praise.

Truly they admired the woman who saved their kingdom from a disaster, not only was she strong but the great general was also kind.

"Mm... thank you for all of your hard work. Can you open the gates? I have an important guest that will be staying with me for a while." (Rowan) glances at the carriage where the princess must’ve been waiting.

She can’t wait to show her everything the village has to offer.

The guards blinked in surprise and took a peak at the fancy looking carriage with the royal symbol engraved on the side.

"The rumors were right! The general is with someone! And a royal carriage-?!" They covered their mouths looking shocked.

Could it be... someone from the royal family is actually here?!

"I would like to explain in great detail but since we don’t have time, I’ll keep it short. Someone from the royal family will be staying with me from now on." She explained.

All of the soldier’s eyes glistened with curiosity and expectancy, someone from the royal family with General Rowan is such a huge scoop of news!

Jonathan laughs, wrapping his arm around Rowan after seeing the bunch of these young lads become so curious he wanted to join in the fun. "And it’s the eldest princess too~ her highness Princess Camille Nyle Kastil. You guys should’ve been there, it was a fun ceremony."

"I thought it was just... a ceremony to give the general some well deserved reward? So why is someone like the princess here-" The soldier rambled his mouth until meeting Rowan’s eyes, did he seem guilty, "My apologies for speaking too much..."

It’s been a week after the audience with the king, the news has been announced has already spread on the capital city like wildfire but apparently not at Rosewood Village, Rowan thought. "I’m surprised that the news hasn’t gotten to the village. The eldest princess is... engaged to me. They have given me a noble title and an engagement into the royal family."

"Engaged?!"

They all look at each other feeling mixed emotions from confusion, happiness and shock.

"Does that mean you’re part royalty now, General?!"

"H-How do two women getting engaged work even?"

"I-I thought the general was engaged with a prince not a princess! I thought that part was a false rumor!" They all had their questions, they wanted to know what really happened when the general was away.

She was always kind to reply after all they didn’t hesitate to ask.

Rowan smiles tingly, glad to have his brothers in arms wanting to know more and welcoming her home but the princess needs to rest inside the village. "...I know you must have many questions. I’m sorry but I cannot answer them right now."

"Our apologies, general!" The soldiers lower their heads a little looking rather ashamed after realising that they were holding her up. "W-We’ve heard but... we thought it was all a mere prank just to mess with us. The sources we got that from weren’t reliable."

"What do you mean by not reliable sources?"

They all point at a quiet and an awkward Jonathan who squirms, waving his hand around trying to defend himself.

"Erm... you see-"

"Jonathan..."

"What?! The whole kingdom already knows so... sooner or later the whole village is also going to know. I’m just here to deliver the message early." He pouts, honestly he just wanted to spread the news that his buddy finally landed a woman who’ll take care of her for the rest of her life.