Chapter 4

"Dominic Zeller?" Gideon repeated. Frowning, he remarked, "The name sounds familiar to me."

"He's a good friend of Hercule's, sir! Hercule mentioned that to you before."

"I remember now."

When Gideon first captured Hercule and brought him back to Oasis Vale, Hercule claimed that Dominic would be coming to save him.

Dominic had indeed turned up, but it wasn't Gideon he faced. Paul, Ajax, and a few others had given him a thorough thrashing, and he fled with his tail between his legs.

Smiling, Leopold explained, "Somehow, Dominic heard that you'll be coming to Goldspire, so he dared not stick around to act like a big shot here. He came to me and offered Beaker Island to be your residence."

Gideon chuckled. "He's quick-witted and amenable, I see. Did he mention anything about wanting to save Hercule from Oasis Vale?"

"He said he wouldn't dare to and that it would be good for Hercule to undergo some training at Oasis Vale," Leopold replied. "In fact, he said that if given the chance, he'd like to have some fun at Oasis Vale, too."

"Cracking jokes, is he?" Gideon commented, pursing his lips. He figured he'd fulfill Dominic's wish when the opportunity came along.

They walked into the villa and were greeted by the lavish decor that made it look more like a breathtaking palace.

Leopold brought out a list of names and said, "As we weren't sure about your preferences, sir, no arrangements have been made for your team of maids and household staff yet. Here's a list of potential candidates for you to choose from."

Shaking his head, Gideon said, "It's fine. I like my peace and quiet, and I can take care of myself. I don't need any maids. If there's nothing else, you can go now."

"Alright, sir. If you need anything, you can get in touch with me at any time. I wield a certain level of control here in Goldspire, and I can definitely help you with whatever tasks you may have for me."

"Got it."

Once Leopold left, Gideon walked around the entire place. Once he confirmed no one was hiding inside the house, he went to the bathroom. He drew himself a bath and let out a relaxed sigh as he soaked in the water.

Meanwhile, a Jeep made its way onto Beaker Island.

"Ms. Mosley, Beaker Island is a restricted area. Goldspire's local government issued an official directive forbidding people from approaching it."

"I know that," Lavinia replied with a nod before walking up to the villa. "However, the government directive only applies to ordinary civilians. It's not the same for me. I'm here on official business."

"What is it?"

"Do you know who lives on Beaker Island?"

Benny and Derek shook their heads.

With her eyes flashing brightly, and in an awed tone, she declared, "Dominic Zeller, the King of Battle, lives here!"

"What?"

They were thunderstruck.

"The one who single-handedly shot down six of the enemy's war heroes during the fight at the border of the northern wilderness?"

"The one who headed solo into enemy territory beyond the eastern plains and fought through thousands of soldiers to behead the enemy's military command?"

"The one who once vanquished three of the enemy's warships at West Sea?"

Benny and Derek rattled out a list of Dominic's battle achievements, each one more shocking than the other.

Even Lavinia was getting emotional.

"That's right! That's him," she affirmed solemnly. "Even before I became a war hero, he had already made a name for himself. You could even say he's my role model.

"Although he's not part of the military, he has spent much time patrolling our borders. He has contributed greatly to the safety of our nation.

"However, two years ago, Mr. Zeller vanished without a trace. No one knows why! A month ago, I finally got in touch with a senior member of Cipher. I had hoped Cipher could provide leads about his whereabouts, and I finally got one. Mr. Zeller has been living in seclusion here on Beaker Island!"

Lavinia was bursting with anticipation at the thought of meeting her role model.

"Is he really here, Ms. Mosley?" Benny asked.

"There are tire tracks in front of the villa, and they look new. Plus, there are footprints on the steps as well. These all prove that someone stays here, and I'm certain it's Mr. Zeller.

"It won't be easy for me to lead the military campaign against Tylland, but if I can get Mr. Zeller's help, I am certain we can defeat Tylland and bring them to their knees! They won't dare to cross trouble at our border for at least another 50 years!"

After taking a deep breath, Lavinia rang the doorbell. Having failed to receive a response the first time, she tried it again—and again.

Once she'd rang the doorbell four times, she stopped and bit her lip. Then, she shouted, "Mr. Zeller, I know you're in there! I know you're refusing to open the door on purpose! My name is Lavinia Mosley, and I'm a war hero who's currently serving in the military!

"I've come here specifically to extend an invitation to you to join me in launching a military campaign against Tylland.

"Perhaps you have heard about Tylland's deplorable deeds. They have constantly caused trouble along our border, killing and pillaging civilians wherever they go.

"You've once reigned supreme at the border, and you are a hero who fought for this nation. Are you truly willing to stand by and watch as Tylland harms our people and harasses our border?

"I don't know what happened that made you retreat into isolation. Nevertheless, I sincerely hope you will come forth and join me in a quest to defeat Tylland and protect Dasovia! I beseech you to accept my offer!"

Once Lavinia finished her speech, she even bowed to the door.

Alas, silence was the only response she got.

Benny and Derek were outraged. Lavinia had already shown such great humility despite her rank, but Dominic didn't show himself. He didn't even bother responding to her. He was being far too arrogant!

"Let's just forget about it, Ms. Mosley. I bet Mr. Zeller is just a coward."

"Watch what you say!" Lavinia admonished. She took a deep breath and shouted, "I won't give up, Mr. Zeller! I'm going to stay right here in Goldspire. I'll keep coming back until you agree to join me!"

In the end, Lavinia left with a disappointed heart. She had no clue that the person residing in the villa now wasn't Dominic but Gideon—the farmer she looked down on.

Meanwhile, Gideon had dozed off while lying in the bathtub without hearing a single word Lavinia said.

One hour later, he woke up and got changed. Deciding it was time to visit the Seymours, he went to the garage and picked out a BMW before setting off.

…

Things were fairly heated up at the Seymour residence.

Marion Lane wagged her finger at Arnold Seymour and screamed, "What kind of father are you, Arnold? How can you let your daughter marry a farmer? Are you out of your mind?"

"I refuse to marry him, Dad!" Elara declared, her eyes reddened and her expression filled with anger. How could she have a mere farmer for a husband? If word got out about this, how was she ever to hold her head up high in public?

However, Arnold replied in all seriousness, "Before Dad passed away three years ago, he was adamant that this marriage must happen, and I promised to see to it. If I break my promise, he won't be able to rest in peace.

"Furthermore, I heard that Gideon is a nice young man. He's handsome, and he was once the heir of the Snow family. Ella, didn't you have a crush on him? Isn't it a good thing that you get to marry him now? Why are you kicking up such a fuss?"

Elara shot back, "Things are not the same anymore, Dad! Gideon was once one of the most elite young men in Goldspire, but now, he's just a useless farmer. Even the Snow family has fallen from grace. He's not good enough for me!"