Faced with Chen Zhennan's conditions, Ivanov did not hesitate at all. His answer was decisive and resolute, which shocked Elena.
Elena's eyes were filled with disbelief, as if she had witnessed the most impossible thing ever.
Her voice trembled slightly as she asked, "Ivanov, must saving the empire depend on me marrying Ai Zijun?"
Her words carried a hint of resentment and doubt, as if she were seeking an answer.
A hint of anger flashed across Ivanov's face, but his eyes revealed an undeniable authority.
He said coldly, "Elena, you are my subordinate, a general of the empire, and you must obey my orders. Do you want the flames of war to reignite?"
His words carried a hint of reproach, as if reminding Elena of her duties and mission.
Ivanov's words hit the nail on the head. Elena certainly didn't want the war to reignite, but could sacrificing herself as a woman really bring peace?
Elena wasn't sure.
Elena was filled with conflict and struggle. She took a deep breath, changed the subject, and asked, "Did you send someone to assassinate Sergei? How could Sergei die at the hands of his own people? Did you order it?"
Ivanov was slightly taken aback, a hint of panic flashing in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it.
After a moment's thought, he quickly denied it, his voice carrying a hint of firmness: "Sergei is my subordinate, a cavalry general. How could I possibly harm my own people?"
His words contained some explanation and euphemism, making it sound as if the matter had nothing to do with him.
Upon hearing Ivanov's denial, Elena immediately turned to look at her deputy, her eyes filled with a resolute expression.
"Bring up the captured guard captain!"
Her words carried an undeniable firmness, as if announcing the impending truth.
The atmosphere inside the tent became even more tense following Elena's command.
The lieutenant left quickly and soon returned with a bound guard captain.
The captain of the guard had a look of fear and unease on his face, and his eyes revealed a hint of despair.
Elena stood up, her figure appearing exceptionally tall in the firelight.
Her eyes held a scrutinizing gaze as she fixed intently on the captain of the guard.
"Now, I ask you, who sent you to assassinate Sergei?"
Her words carried a hint of pressure, as if she were forcing the captain of the guard to tell the truth.
The captain of the guard was pale, his body trembling slightly, under immense pressure.
His voice trembled slightly: "It was... General Elena, no one, it was my own idea!"
His words carried a hint of fear, as if he were afraid of the punishment that was about to come.
Elena had guessed he would say that, and patted him on the shoulder.
Elena stood in the center of the tent, her figure appearing exceptionally resolute in the flickering firelight.
Her gaze was piercing as she stared directly at the bound captain of the guard, her voice carrying an undeniable authority: "Captain of the guard, now I demand that you tell the truth. If the murderer is indeed Ivanov, I, Elena, swear by this sword that I will make him pay for his crimes in blood!"
Her words were filled with determination, as if she were proclaiming a just judgment.
Upon hearing Elena's words, Ivanov's face turned pale instantly. He stared in shock, as if he were witnessing the end of the world.
His eyes were filled with disbelief, and his voice trembled: "Elena, what do you mean by this? Do you intend to betray the Empire?"
Ivanov's voice carried a hint of threat as he warned Elena, "I am the marshal leading the Imperial front. Are you, Elena, trying to rebel?"
His words carried a hint of arrogance, as if reminding Elena that his position was not to be challenged.
Upon hearing this, Elena was enraged. Her eyes flashed with anger, and without hesitation, she slapped Ivanov across the face.
The crisp sound of a slap echoed through the tent, like a thunderclap in winter, deeply moving.
Elena's face was filled with rage, and her voice was like thunder as she declared, "I never intended to rebel, but you, Ivanov, as Marshal, have betrayed the Empire! I, Elena, will never stand idly by in the face of your crimes!"
Ivanov was stunned by the slap. He stared at Elena in disbelief, the burning pain on his face rendering him speechless.
His heart was filled with shock and fear; he had never imagined that Elena would dare to lay a hand on him.
Elena turned to look at the captain of the guard, her eyes filled with encouragement and determination.
"Captain of the Guard, don't be afraid, just tell me what's going on. As long as you tell the truth, I, Elena, as a general, guarantee that I will spare your life."
Her words carried a hint of promise, as if giving the captain of the guard courage and strength.
After hearing Elena's words, the captain of the guard looked at Ivanov, then at Elena, his eyes flashing with hesitation and fear.
But after weighing the pros and cons, he finally decided to tell the truth.
His voice trembled, but carried a hint of determination: "General Elena, I was given direct orders by Ivanov to assassinate Sergei. The real culprit is Ivanov himself!"
His words carried a hint of relief, as if he were unloading a heavy burden.
As the captain of the guard finished speaking, the atmosphere inside the tent became even more tense.
Everyone's breathing became cautious, as if they were waiting for an important moment.
Elena's expression grew even more serious. She turned and looked coldly at Ivanov, asking in a chilling voice, "Ivanov, now, what do you have to say?"
Her words carried a tone of judgment, as if she were proclaiming Ivanov's crimes.
Ivanov's face was pale, and his body trembled slightly, as if he were under tremendous pressure.
"Elena, you can't believe this traitor's words! He's slandering me!"
His words carried a hint of defense, as if he were trying to clear himself of suspicion.
"Believe you? Why should I believe you?"
"Just because I am the marshal of the empire, and you, Elena, are my subordinate!"
Upon hearing Ivanov's words, Elena couldn't help but sneer.
"Ivanov, have you forgotten that I am no longer your subordinate? I am now the Princess of Zhenbei!"
After saying that, Elena grabbed the sword that had been deflected by the bullet and slit Ivanov's throat without hesitation.
Everyone in the tent was stunned. Even Chen Zhennan hadn't expected that Elena would kill Ivanov so decisively.
Blood slowly dripped from the sword. Elena sighed deeply and slowly turned to look at Ai Zijun.
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