Extra Chapter 6:

In the blink of an eye, Lu Yu’s four years at the military academy had flown by. Just before graduation, Lu Yu submitted an application to her superiors to be deployed to the front-line battlefield.

As a top student for all four years, Lu Yu had earned such an opportunity. She had been working tirelessly for this very moment.

But her application was rejected.

Staring at the two bold words "Not Approved" on her application, Lu Yu had no idea what the problem was. She had no intention of accepting this outcome and went straight to find the dean.

The moment he saw her, the dean knew exactly why this little troublemaker had come.

’In the end, it’s all on me,’ he thought.

"Uncle Dean, my application was rejected. I want to know why." Lu Yu was direct, voicing the question on her mind without the slightest hesitation.

The dean had originally planned to start with some small talk, but seeing the young female had no intention of it, he had no choice but to say, "Lu Yu, I understand how you feel right now. But after comprehensive consideration, we still feel you aren’t suited for the front-line battlefield. If you’re willing, you could stay on as an instructor after graduation. Or, you could pick any of the seven military regions and become a regional administrator. We feel such work is more suitable for you, and much safer."

Lu Yu understood. "So, Uncle Dean, the reason is simply because I’m a female, isn’t it?"

Because she was a female, she wasn’t allowed to go to a dangerous place like a battlefield.

The dean didn’t answer, but silence was often the best answer of all.

Lu Yu said, unwilling to accept it, "I’ve been first in my class for four consecutive years. I’ve worked just as hard as anyone else. On what grounds? Just because I’m a female, you think I’m unsuitable and reject me? Uncle Dean, if that’s the only reason, then I refuse to accept it! I will keep applying until you approve it!"

After speaking, Lu Yu turned and ran off!

The dean couldn’t help but sigh. They were truly in a difficult position regarding Lu Yu. Her excellence was plain for all to see. If possible, they would have been glad to send such an outstanding student to the battlefield; she would undoubtedly be a great asset.

But the status of a female was simply too precious.

The dean had just returned to his office and sat down when he received a voice call request from Admiral Kelan.

Evidently, Lu Yu had sought Admiral Kelan’s help. Coincidentally, he had also been wanting to talk to the Admiral.

So, after accepting the call, he asked directly, "Is this about Lu Yu?"

Admiral Kelan chuckled on the other end. "It seems you’ve already guessed. Her application was rejected, and she’s quite angry!"

"Yes. She was just here telling me that if her application was rejected because she’s a female, she refuses to accept it. I have to admit, Lu Yu is brilliant and hardworking. We’ve all seen it over these four years. It’s just that females are too precious. I assume you feel the same way, Admiral Kelan?"

"No, I think we shouldn’t be so conservative. Lu Yu is already prepared to be a qualified soldier. We can’t stifle her. Otherwise, what were her four years for? Just to live out a dream at the academy? I’m calling to persuade you to approve her application and let her go to the front. There are civilian posts at the front, too; not everyone has to rush onto the battlefield. I’ve already spoken with Fred. Lu Yu can intern under him. If she fails the internship, she’ll come back. But if she passes, it will prove she can withstand the trial!"

The dean was completely surprised that Admiral Kelan, her Father, would have such an opinion.

"Are you really willing to let her go?"

Admiral Kelan sighed. "My feelings aren’t important. What’s important is Lu Yu’s will. I don’t want to see her efforts go unrewarded, nor do I want to see her disappointed. No matter what, I hope she can achieve her wish. Even if it’s just a trial run, at least she will have participated, right? Besides, with so many outstanding soldiers, are you telling me we can’t protect one young female?"

After hearing Admiral Kelan’s words, the dean was silent for a long moment before saying, "You’re right. We have been too conservative. In that case, we’ll do as you say, Admiral. The matter of Lu Yu’s assignment will be handed over to the First Military Region."

"Good. Thank you for your trouble."

"Don’t be so formal with me."

After finishing his call with the dean, Admiral Kelan contacted Lu Yu. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Lu Yu, who had been anxiously waiting for his call, answered in a flash. "Father, did Uncle Dean agree?"

"Yes, he agreed. Your assignment will be handled by the First Military Region from now on. But, Lu Yu, are you truly ready?"

"Father, I am always ready!"

"Good. Once you’ve settled things at the academy, report to the First Military Region."

"Yes, Father!"

A smile finally bloomed on Lu Yu’s face.

Lu Xiao heard the news of Lu Yu going to the front lines from Admiral Kelan. She wasn’t surprised. On the contrary, she had always understood that all of Lu Yu’s hard work was for this very moment.

"Father, since this is Lu Yu’s choice, all we need to do is respect it."

Admiral Kelan wasn’t surprised that Lu Xiao would say such a thing. He smiled. "I knew you would agree. I also don’t want her hard work to go unrewarded in the end. Besides, I think Lu Yu might just become the Empire’s one and only female Admiral."

Lu Xiao was surprised that Admiral Kelan held Lu Yu in such high regard. She laughed. "You shouldn’t be telling me that; you should tell Lu Yu. If she knew you thought so highly of her, she’d be ecstatic!"

"I don’t want to put too much pressure on her. Her own drive is enough."

"When is she leaving? Has a date been set? Let’s have a family gathering."

"Mm, I’ll tell her. It’ll still be a while before her appointment orders come through. Coincidentally, aren’t Lu Huan’s orders due soon as well? Let’s do it together."

That’s right, Lu Huan had also been permitted to go to the front-line battlefield to support the garrison for a three-year term.

However, Lu Huan wasn’t going to the First Military Region, but the Third. The two of them weren’t lucky enough to be assigned together.

Moreover, Lu Huan was going as a military doctor. Compared to Lu Yu’s objective, her post was much safer.

With both of her younger sisters heading to the battlefield, it was impossible for Lu Xiao not to worry. But she also knew clearly that these were their own choices, and she was happy that they were realizing their dreams.

With the two of them about to leave, Lu Xiao prepared gifts for them in advance—all useful items for the battlefield, purchased on Ares’s recommendation.

After Admiral Kelan told Lu Huan and Lu Yu about the dinner, they both asked the same question at the same time: "Sis... she didn’t say anything, did she?"

Admiral Kelan smiled. "What do you think she could say? Of course she respects your choices. Since it’s what you both want, she would only respect that. Don’t you know her by now?"

Hearing this, Lu Huan and Lu Yu both chuckled. "Of course we know that Sis respects our decision. But we also know she must be very worried. Don’t worry, Father. We’ll be extra careful."

Admiral Kelan looked at the two young females before him, now fully grown. "Good. Your sister and I will be waiting for your safe return."