Larissa, once renowned as the fiercest mercenary captain, had achieved a glorious victory in a war she'd entered as a countess. But her triumph turned to ashes with her husband's betrayal, leading to her unjust death. She awoke to find herself reborn as the young daughter of a hunter. Her peaceful new life, however, was short-lived; to protect her twin brother, she disguised herself as a boy and enlisted in the army.... more>>

***

The recruits, grimy and unwashed after days on the road, already looked as though they'd endured weeks of grueling military life. The sight of them stirred a familiar memory of dust and sweat from a life she’d left behind.

‘Here we go again.’ Though she'd steeled herself for this, actually being there, seemingly treading the same path as her past life, brought a pang of regret.

‘This must be fate. I vowed to protect this family. Let's see where this road leads. I won't run. I won't turn away.’

***

After joining the army, her exceptional skills quickly garnered attention, yet the Duke, the highest military commander, regarded her with open disdain.

“Who are you? What is your purpose here?”

“If you fail… you will be expelled from the army.”

Why the suspicion? If only he knew she was the one who'd saved his life! <<less