The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne Chapter 728 A Test of Skill
Previously on The Hidden Extra: The Lazy Prince Refuses to Ascend The Throne...
"Princess, what are we to do? The Hero of Light—"
A sturdy soldier approached Roseline, starting to speak, but she immediately silenced him.
"Fear not. Someone else will stand in the hero's stead on the battlefield."
"Huh?" The soldier blinked, clearly taken aback. "Someone to take the hero's place? Who might that be?"
Roseline simply offered a faint smile. "The answer will be revealed to you shortly."
In the very next moment, the sound of footsteps approached from behind, accompanied by a woman's clear, composed voice.
"Reporting for duty, Your Highness!"
Roseline turned—and there stood Evalyn, clad in shining silver armor.
The smooth metal plates covered her chest and torso, while her lower body was protected by more robust armor designed for actual combat.
Her silver hair was neatly pulled back into a ponytail, and she clutched an iron helmet, ready to don it the moment she entered the fray.
Roseline's eyes widened in surprise and admiration.
"Wow… Evalyn, you look absolutely magnificent."
Evalyn already possessed a heroic aura, likely an inheritance from Rei.
Now, adorned in this armor, she truly resembled a genuine hero.
"Thank you," Evalyn replied with a smile and a slight bow.
"Speaking of which," Evalyn continued, "who will be assisting me during this war?"
Roseline smiled, casting a glance towards the soldier.
"He will be your companion. His name is Reinard."
Evalyn turned to face him, extending her hand.
"It is a pleasure to meet you. I anticipate needing your assistance on the battlefield."
While confident in her own skills, she believed fostering good relations with the soldiers was always beneficial.
"This…" Reinard hesitated, uncertain how to respond.
He looked Evalyn up and down, estimating her age to be in her early twenties.
And this woman was expected to assume the role of the Hero of Light?
Could the princess possibly be jesting?
"Is something amiss? Do you doubt my judgment?" Roseline inquired, raising an eyebrow.
"Not at all, Your Highness," Reinard hastened to explain. "It is simply that I find the situation somewhat perplexing. In my view, it seems rather unreasonable for her to replace the Hero of Light."
He was unfamiliar with Evalyn and her capabilities.
How could he possibly feel at ease allowing her to lead their forces in this critical war?
"Hmm…" Roseline mused, stroking her chin. She could understand Reinard's reservations. To be truthful, she herself had not yet witnessed Evalyn's abilities directly.
Nevertheless, due to Evalyn being Rei's descendant in the future timeline, Roseline placed her trust in her.
"Shall I offer a demonstration?"
Evalyn's calm voice cut through the tense silence.
"A demonstration?" Roseline asked, intrigued. "How so?"
Evalyn shifted her gaze to Reinard, a spark of playful challenge in her eyes.
"Engage me in combat. Should you manage to defeat me, I shall relinquish this command. However, if you are bested, you will offer no further objections. What say you?"
Roseline looked towards Reinard, awaiting his decision.
"Very well!" Reinard agreed instantly, a slight smirk gracing his lips. "But do not hold me responsible if you sustain injuries, understand?"
Evalyn merely rolled her eyes. It remained to be seen who would be the one to suffer any harm.
Soon thereafter, the two took their positions, standing three meters apart, facing each other.
The soldiers who had been preparing for battle were swiftly drawn to the unfolding scene.
"What is transpiring here?" one soldier inquired.
Another soldier provided an explanation, and the news rapidly circulated among the gathered troops.
"That young woman intends to take the hero's place?" a tall soldier exclaimed in surprise. "Is the Princess merely toying with us?"
"Heh! I find it equally baffling. But no matter. We shall soon see her true capabilities. Whether she can overcome Reinard or not," the soldier beside him chuckled.
Roseline positioned herself between Evalyn and Reinard. She issued a stern warning, stating, "Refrain from using your full strength. My intention is for neither of you to be harmed. Do you comprehend?"
"Understood!" Both acknowledged in unison.
Roseline stepped back five paces and raised her right hand.
"Commence!"
Reinard surged forward, unleashing a powerful punch aimed directly at Evalyn's face.
"Do not expect me to hold back if you get injured, young lady!"
Yet, Evalyn remained unfazed, not showing the slightest sign of intimidation. She took a step back, gracefully evading the blow.
Refusing to yield, Reinard threw another punch, but Evalyn expertly dodged it once more.
Growing irritated, Reinard adopted a combat stance before lunging forward, executing a swift horizontal kick towards Evalyn's right cheek.
This time, Evalyn did not evade. She raised her right arm, effectively blocking the kick.
"What?" Reinard's eyes widened in disbelief.
Before he could even process what had happened, Evalyn moved with astonishing speed, seized his neck, and slammed him forcefully to the ground.
Thud!
Reinard's body impacted the ground with a resounding crash. Fortunately, his armor absorbed most of the force, mitigating severe pain.
"Argh!" Reinard cried out, attempting to break free from her grip on his neck, yet it proved to be futile. Evalyn's hold was astonishingly strong, like being ensnared by iron talons. After a brief struggle, Reinard finally apprehended the undeniable reality. Her strength far surpassed his expectations, and he was utterly outmatched. With a sigh, he lifted both hands in surrender. "I... concede defeat." Evalyn released him and offered a slight smile. "Good. Then, as we agreed, no one will challenge my command. Understood?" Her smile vanished, replaced by an icy gaze directed at the assembled soldiers. They instantly stiffened, a flicker of panic crossing their features, and promptly lowered their heads. "We understand!" Roseline could only observe, utterly dumbfounded. Evalyn possessed remarkable intelligence. These soldiers were notoriously proud and arrogant. The only effective method to subdue them was to completely shatter their inflated egos. And that was precisely what she had accomplished. "Congratulations, Evalyn," Roseline said gently, approaching her and patting her shoulder. "The responsibility of leading this battle now falls to you. I must apologize for placing such a significant burden upon you. I sincerely hope you will emerge victorious." Rei was incapacitated, and in his absence, no one could truly contend against the formidable Demon General Malgrion. While Evalyn's prowess had yet to be fully demonstrated, she at least presented a viable chance for success. After all, Evalyn was Rei's descendant and, by extension, hers as well. "Rest assured, Your Highness," Evalyn replied, placing a hand over her heart. "I shall lead us to triumph!" She had always yearned to experience combat on a genuine battlefield, particularly in a war against the demonic forces. Now that the opportunity was within her grasp, she was determined not to let it pass her by. Shortly thereafter, Reinard escorted Evalyn to the waiting soldiers. He harbored doubts about their chances of victory, but as a soldier, he could not betray even the slightest hint of uncertainty. Any faltering in his morale would inevitably undermine the resolve of everyone else. As Evalyn's figure gradually receded into the distance, Roseline exhaled a lengthy sigh and whispered softly, "...May we be victorious."