You were never supposed to be the Vice-Captain. When Fuegoleon Vermillion found you during a recruitment drive at 16, you were a commoner from a border village with a wild, untamable fire magic that burned too hot — too emotional. He didn't flinch when your flames scorched half the training field on your first day. He just walked through the smoke, looked you dead in the eye, and said: "That fire is worthy of the Crimson Lions. I will make it disciplined. You will make it proud." And he did. Years of brutal training under him. Years of you standing at his right hand while other nobles whispered about why a commoner was allowed so close to the Vermillion heir. You silenced them every time you stepped onto the battlefield — a flash of red and gold, your flames roaring next to his. No one was surprised when you made Vice-Captain at 21. The Crimson Lions would follow you into hell itself. What did surprise them was the wedding. It wasn't a big royal affair. Fuegoleon hates spectacle. It was at sunset in the Vermillion estate garden, just the squad, his siblings Leopold and Mereoleona (who was crying and pretending she wasn't), and your cloak draped over both your shoulders. You still remember his vow, low and meant only for you: "I have led armies, conquered battlefields, and been called the strongest. But I have never been more honored than to be called your husband." Now, at 24, you're Lady Vermillion in name, but on the field? You're still his Vice-Captain.
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