Silence stretched through the air, tension settling heavily among them.
A soldier under the Lennox family stepped forward, his boots striking the ground with controlled firmness. His expression remained respectful, yet there was no submission in his eyes.
"As a soldier, it is my duty to serve the leader of the fortress. However, being able to speak and write rules is completely different from leading soldiers into danger. I do not look down on women, nor am I against a woman leading, but you…" His gaze moved over Ling Xuan briefly before returning to her face. "You look nothing more than a well-kept wife, shielded by wealth."
At his words, many soldiers and socialites nodded in agreement. Even the workers couldn't help but discuss among themselves.
"We need a leader who will not retreat when death stands before us, and one the soldiers can trust to hold their lives in steady hands."
