Framed and Tortured: General Back for Revenge

I returned from the battlefield, defeated and heavily injured.

On the exact same day, Miranda Shelby knelt in front of His Majesty and presented the evidence of my collusion with the enemy to plot rebellion against the state.

Having my legs broken, I crawled to her on my hands and knees, using my last ounce of strength, hoping she would plead my case and restore my reputation.

But she cruelly stepped on me, a mocking smile on her face.

"Devan, you have always been so na?ve. You stole Brad's position for over ten years. Do you think I would let you off so easily?"

Later, I was personally escorted by her to the enemy nation as a hostage, my body displayed on the city walls as a trophy of war.

Miranda, what were your crocodile tears about?

1

In the third year of my captivity in Haleth Kingdom, Bradley Reginald wrote a peace treaty, which put an end to the war between the two countries.

Miranda Shelby sat in the carriage, pulling back the curtain with her slender fingers. The hazy heat inside highlighted her exquisite features, radiating her brightness and gentleness.

I felt like crying.

When I was five, a blood test confirmed my identity, proving me the fake heir of the General.

My condition changed so dramatically that I was momentarily at a loss for how to react.

Back then, the young Miranda tightly held my hand, speaking in a gentle tone.

"If you're mistreated in the general's mansion, come to the palace. I got you. No one dares to bully you with my presence."

Because of her promise, I had been staying by her side for the past ten years.

But her last time fulfilling her promise was on the carriage that sent me to Haleth Kingdom.

A carriage stopped at the entrance of the battalion, and Miranda immediately spotted me kneeling in the corner.

I held the feed soaked in slop, expressionlessly stuffing it into my mouth.

My toes were red and swollen, left exposed. My whole body reeked of a sour smell.

Miranda's gaze was so cold. And she looked away so fast.

In the past, she was not like this.

Miranda had helped me out at a party when everyone laughed at me, handing me the sweet pastries from the palace with a smile.

But now, she would no longer sacrifice her dignity to protect me.

Because I was the traitor.

Three years ago, I was reinstated as a general, leading fifty thousand troops in a war against the Haleth Kingdom.

Unexpected, someone leaked the information, resulting in the loss of fifteen thousand lives and three cities at the border.

I returned defeated, severely injured.

I had intended to plead with His Majesty before the throne, urging a thorough investigation of the traitors in the army so that I could avenge the fallen soldiers.

To my surprise, Bradley stole a march on me.

He knelt before His Majesty, determination in his eyes.

"Your Majesty, I discovered treasonous correspondence hidden in General Devan's tent. Despite our deep brotherly bond, I cannot cover for him. Now, the witnesses and evidence are both here. Please investigate this matt...