Chapter 452: The Smoke of Battle Had Finally Cleared from the Highlands

One month later.

The smoke of battle had finally cleared from the highlands. Adrian Stone completed the troop rotation and was officially transferred to Northland Province Military District. Elena Ward followed him, assigned to work at the district hospital.

As the train slowly pulled away, the scenery outside the window blurred. The land that held their shared memories of life and death gradually faded into the past.

"What? He's not coming back?" General Nathaniel Stone slammed his hand on the desk, sending tea splashing across its surface.

His secretary nervously handed him the documents. "Sir, Captain Stone has voluntarily requested to remain with the local forces..."

Nathaniel Stone's fingers trembled slightly. He had assumed his son, after such distinguished service, would naturally return to the capital. He knew better than anyone the weight of that First-Class Merit—two men holding off forty enemies was nothing short of miraculous. Not to mention the legendary feat of clearing minefields alone, a story now celebrated throughout the military.

And then there was that battlefield wedding...

"Fine." Nathaniel Stone suddenly deflated. "If he wants to gain experience in the field, so be it."

His son had truly grown up.

Northland Province Military District

"Reporting for duty, sir!" Adrian and Elena saluted in unison.

The senior officer smiled warmly at the striking couple. "Well done, son. Finally got you two stationed together." He had deliberately arranged for them to serve at the same base.

After completing their paperwork, they were granted a month of leave.

"Come on." Adrian grabbed Elena's hand.

"Where are we going?"

"The civil registry."

Three hours later, Elena stared at the crimson marriage certificate in her hands, still dazed. Just like that... they were married?

"Stop spacing out. Pack your things." Adrian ruffled her hair. "We leave for the capital tomorrow."

Elena looked up sharply. "So soon?"

"Time to meet the in-laws," Adrian said with a grin. "Besides, the General specifically requested to see the 'battlefield lovebirds.'"

On the train, Elena watched the landscape rush by, her fingers twisting unconsciously in her lap.

"Nervous?" Adrian took her hand.

Elena bit her lip. How could she not be? The woman who had stolen her chance at university—Sylvia Stone—was about to become her mother-in-law.

The thought of calling that woman "Mom" turned her stomach.

And then there was the gnawing fear—would her dream of attending university even be possible at the new hospital?

The rhythmic clatter of wheels against tracks pounded like a drumbeat against her heart.