Return of the General's Daughter-Chapter 247: Accolades 2

"Kane Mendel," he read, each syllable weighted with surprise, "a courageous soldier who thwarted the enemy’s despicable plans, quelled the unrest of Calma’s elders, women, and children when all others faltered, and an exceptional healer who brought many back from death’s door."

"Interesting," King Heimdal muttered, his eyes calculating.

King Heimdal’s hands came together in slow, deliberate claps, his eyes glittering with intrigue. He leaned toward his knight and whispered. The knight relayed the message to the Minister of Rites.

"The King wishes for Kane Mendel to come up and personally receive the gift from His Majesty."

Lara pivoted, walked the short distance to the platform, and confidently ascended the few steps. When she was at a safe distance from the throne, she gave a graceful curtsy.

Collected gasps echoed through the walls surrounding the courtyard, then a deafening silence.

The Minister of Rites was beside her in an instant. "Why did you do that? Are you insulting the king?" He asked with a face red from anger.

Lara then realized that she had made a blunder. She curtsied and she was disguised as a man.

"You Majesty, asking permission to explain." General Odin said, his voice almost pleading.

The king nodded.

"Your Majesty, Kane Mendel...Lara.. is the daughter I lost two years ago. She luckily escaped and met a benefactor in the mountains. There, she met Prince Alaric, and due to injuries, the prince sent her on a mission to Hainai. It would be difficult for her to parade herself in front of the soldiers, so she disguised herself as a man." General Odin explained in one go. He feared that if he paused, the king might lose interest in his words.

"Girl, you got courage." The King said. He seemed to be in a good mood. "Come here."

Lara obeyed. When she was half a meter from the king, she took the opportunity to study him carefully.

The king’s face, etched with age and wisdom, softened with approval. He stood from his throne.

"This is the Medal of Valor, bestowed only upon those whose bravery transcends expectation." King Heimdal announced, his voice drowning over the murmurs that still lingered, "Kane Mendel of the House of Norse, step forward."

Lara advanced, her steps steady and sure. She knelt before the king, head bowed. The pendant settled around her neck, cool and heavy, the weight of acknowledgment pressing against her chest. King Heimdal’s hand lingered on her shoulder, and his voice dropped to a murmur only she could hear.

"You make your father proud," he said softly. "And perhaps...you surprise him too."

Lara’s eyes flickered upward, catching the faintest curve of a smile on the king’s lips. He stepped back, raising his hand to signal her rise.

As she stood, thunderous and unrestrained applause erupted from the gathered assembly. But not all clapped. Eyes sharp as daggers watched her ascent—some envious, some suspicious. Marlon Norse’s gaze was particularly venomous, his knuckles white against his brown tunic. He had wanted that medal. Hadn’t he done enough?

Lara thanked the king by bowing lower.

General Odin’s eyes glistened, pride carved into the creases of his hardened face. Beside him, Asael and Bener exchanged glances—surprise mingling with begrudging respect.

The ceremony resumed rhythm, and the soldiers, now decorated and recognized, turned to face the audience as the Minister of Rites continued with the succeeding ceremonies.

Lara’s gaze swept across the room and settled on Prince Alaric. He stood among the nobles, poised and elegant. Their eyes locked, their distance collapsing in that single, unbroken gaze. The noise of the court faded to a dull hum, the applause and whispers receding as if they stood alone in the grand hall.

Reuben, who was standing beside Alaric, saw the exchange. He was still shocked from what he learned. Kane Mendal and Lara Norse were the same person? How could that delicate-looking woman be Kane Mendel? Why did he not notice?

However, the truth was just in front of him. He was also troubled by the way the two would interact. Were they that close? Why did he feel that Alaric was showing off to him, that Lara was close to him?

Lara watched the exchange from the platform, her expression composed, but her eyes catching every flicker of discord between the two princes.

She descended the platform, and her father was waiting for her. If not for his warning glare, all his sons would be waiting below the platform, too. But it was not the right occasion for the brothers to vie for Lara’s attention.

Odin’s hand found her shoulder as she stepped back into line, his grip firm and reassuring. "Well done, I am so proud of you. You made me feel the happiest father in the world," he murmured, pride evident in his tone.

"Thank you, Father. I did not do much, actually."

They were heading to their seats when the Minister of Rites, resumed talking.

But the ceremony was not yet finished. The Minister of Rites raised his hand, signaling the assembly to be quiet. "There is one final honor to bestow," he declared, his voice resonating off the marble pillars. His eyes scanned the hall, pausing as if savoring the suspense. "For unmatched bravery and decisive action on the fields of Calma, Asael Norse is now promoted to the 1st rank general and given command of a thousand soldiers. Bener Norse will take his place as the leader of the Eagle Team."

A loud applause covered the entire courtyard.

The Minister of Rites continued, "The battlefield knows not the customs of courts. Valor is valor," he declared. "The king wishes to give Kane Mendel or Lara Norse, a command of her own, but only if she accepts it. She shall lead the Silver Wolf team."

The hall gasped. A command? For a soldier who had only just been recognized as a Norse? For a woman? Whispers hissed through the air, louder this time, unchecked by propriety. Odin’s hand tightened slightly on her shoulder. Lara’s expression remained unchanged, though her eyes burned with something raw and unyielding.