After Andrew Reece and Jason Hoult entered the special room that Andrew had mentioned earlier, James Gardner took a deep breath. Riley said impatiently, "You don't think that Jason Hoult is General Mackenzie's son, do you?" James, who was stretching his muscles, replied, "Why not? You can see for yourself, right?" "See what? What do you mean?" Riley didn't understand. James sighed, "Wood, you ranked first, but it turns out your thinking is really slow. How did you get that position?" Oh, it wasn't that James didn't recognize Riley's greatness, but he was just annoyed because his roommate didn't immediately understand the situation that was happening. "I don't want to play guessing games with you, James," Riley replied and the young man looked away in annoyance. James spoke again, "Hey, Wood. If you weren't my roommate, I would have ignored you." "I'd rather be ignored by you, thank you very much," Riley replied. James smiled instead, "Oh, I'm very happy to have a suitable inte
After the door was closed again by Andrew Reece, Jason Hoult immediately asked, "What did he say? Why do you look so upset?" Riley Mackenzie smiled half-forcedly, "It's nothing important." Jason didn't fully believe it so he asked again, "He didn't insult you or say annoying things to upset you, right?" "No, he did not. Hm, even if he says annoying things, I'm used to it," Riley said. Jason stared in surprise, "How do you get used to it?" "We share a dormitory and happen to share a room. So ... hm, you know what I mean, right?" Riley said. Jason looked surprised, "Oh, your luck is really bad. Sharing a dorm with that annoying person? He must be testing your patience." Jason shook his head and added, "If I were you, I'm not sure I could survive being in the same room with him for one night." Riley just chuckled. "Hm, okay, I have to go back to the dormitory. General Reece asked me to go back to the dormitory straight away," Jason said. Riley nodded and let Jason go. He was now
Andrew held his breath a little, waiting for Riley's answer, who he estimated was William Mackenzie's son after he saw the young man succeed in taking first place with a perfect score. However, he then saw Riley raise his face and smile at him, "Of course, General Reece. How could I not know about the strongest war general that has ever existed in the Ans De Lou Kingdom?" "I really idolize him, General. I even read all the books that discuss him." Riley took a moment to pause and continued, "And the reason I enlisted as a soldier here was also because of him. I also trained hard because I wanted to be one of the people who wore the same armor as General Mackenzie." Andrew was stunned and not long after he smiled at Riley. "You really seem to really idolize General Mackenzie," Andrew said. Riley nodded vigorously, "He is the number one person to follow in his footsteps, General." Of course it was. William Mackenzie was his father. He not only wanted to follow in his father's foot
"What? How is that possible?" Riley said in disbelief. Mary Kesley once again looked around her and after making sure that no one had actually seen them, the young girl immediately took Riley's hand and led him to an unguarded place. Riley, who was still very confused, couldn't help but immediately asked Mary, "So, how did you do it?" Mary sighed, "We can't be here for long, so I'll just get to the point." Riley also listened carefully. "My mother and your father used to be good friends. My mother was Amanda Clark, who used to be a palace secretary," Mary said. Mary then asked, "Have you ever heard my mother's name? Did your father ever mention my mother's name?" Riley nodded quickly, "When my father returned to the palace, the only people who knew him were Andrew Reece and Amanda Clark. She was also the one who gave my father the name 'Bill Stewart'." Mary smiled, "It's great that you have such a good memory, Young Master Mackenzie." Riley cleared his throat being called that
William shook his head, "No. He doesn't want to imitate me, I know that for sure. It's just ... I think he has also fallen in love with the world of war, I mean as if it is something he wants to pursue. An ideal or dream , maybe it's more like that." Amanda immediately held her throbbing head. She felt dizzy but she did want to let this matter unsolve."At that time you were able to fake my identity without anyone knowing. This time you can definitely do it, right?" William asked.The woman, who was only a few years younger than William, nodded, "Of course. How could it not be?" "I am the one who knows you now. Andrew Reece who becomes war general now does not know anything about you," Amanda continued.William sighed. He knew that Amanda would help him."Mary, come here!" Amanda called. Mary, who had been eavesdropping on the conversation, came out of her room and walked over. Well, she knew William Mackenzie a lot. That was from her mom and her dad. Besides, she also red much abo
Mary Kesley smiled regretfully, "I apologize. I couldn't interfere with the placement of the room at all. If I interfered, I was afraid people would get suspicious."Riley Mackenzie replied, "It's not your fault. I understand about it."Mary let out a long sigh, "But, don't worry. Even though you share a room with him, when it comes to practice and test schedules, it's unlikely that you'll be in the same group.""Unless you're really unlucky," Mary added.Riley only smiled faintly in response.About a week later, or rather in their third week at the Ans De Lou Royal palace, Riley was stunned to see his name listed in a group with James Gardner one row above his name.They had not yet reached the public building where they ate their meals. They were still in the vicinity of the park not far from Rowena Wellington's residence."It turns out I'm really unlucky," Riley muttered quietly.Alen and Diego who also read the announcement immediately looked at each other."Take it easy, you'll be
Looking at Riley who was just silent, James smiled wryly and then he bumped part of his body with Riley's body and then said, "You're just like the others. Only seeing things from one side."After that, James walked away from Riley."Where are you going?"James did not answer him. Riley yelled out to him, "James.""Where are you going?" Riley repeated."None of your business, Wood." James replied without stopping walking or even looking at Riley.Riley didn't give up so easily and started walking at a half run after James. "Stop walking, James Gardner!"James was still ignoring Riley, so Riley said quickly, "Practice starts soon.""I don't care," James still refused to stop walking and continued to stride with wide steps."We're in a group." Riley said hurriedly.It made James stop walking and turn around. "What did you say, we're in a group?"It worked. Riley wanted to cheer inwardly."Yes. How did it go? Do you still want to go?" Riley asked.James was silent."Are you sure you're g
Riley didn't say any more words, but he heard Diego quip, "Isn't it fun cleaning up after the man who killed your father?"James just gripped the side of the table, not wanting to get punished again if he hit Diego. Riley then responded, "Diego, I don't think this is something worth discussing."Diego just shrugged his shoulders, still not really caring and instead smiled annoyingly at James.Alen, who now wanted to be more of a neutral party, who didn't want to side with either James or Diego, simply mediated by saying, "Alright, we better get ready. We'll be entering the training building soon."That interested James so much that he turned to Riley, "Wood, what are we training for?""Unarmed physical training," Riley replied.Hearing Riley's answer, James smiled, "Then you have to be careful with me, Wood."Riley rolled his eyes, but he didn't reply to James.James said, "I'm pretty good at fighting without weapons, just so you know. I even won a few awards in the championship in th
"Yes, Mr. Chesnut," Camelia replied, almost gnashing her teeth in annoyance."Y-you're sure? Is it really my name? Did the king say my name?" Jim asked as he pointed at himself with his right index finger.Uh, it looks like Camelia will have to practice her patience even more. Because, the main soldiers standing nearby were apparently not as smart as they should be.Perhaps, they were only physically strong. But, when it comes to thinking, it seems to be very, very slow, Camelia thought with a frown. "Yes, Mr. Chesnut. You have been asked to appear before the king," Camelia replied.Jim was stunned. "Is that for real? This feels like ...."Before Camelia Hart could answer Jim Chesnut's question, Ludor Flee, who couldn't contain his curiosity, asked, "What orders, Miss?""Special orders? How is that possible?" Dylan Chick also wanted to know.Camelia, who didn't want to be in that area for long, immediately replied, "Of course it's out of my control. I mean ... what the order was onl
The young maid whose full name was Camelia Hart immediately lowered her head and replied timidly, "No, Your Majesty.""Yes, Your Majesty. I ... go first," Camelia said.The young girl turned to her companions, giving a code which was an invitation to leave the king's residence.The servants nodded and were about to follow Camelia. However, before they could take a step they heard Xylan's voice saying, "You stay here."They immediately turned around and with confused expressions stood silently. Meanwhile, the astonished Camelia Hart opened her mouth, "Your Majesty, I-""The one I ordered to meet Jim Chesnut was you, Camelia. As for them ... well, I still need them here," Xylan explained.Xylan's words seemed odd because he usually didn't want to be served without Camelia, but as if to reassure that there was nothing strange there Xylan hurriedly said, "I have something I want to do and I think they can help me. You ... just do the job f
Xylan Wellington did not immediately answer Ronald Wings' question. The viceroy looked thoughtful with furrowed brows."I ... can't confirm that yet," Xylan said, sounding hesitant.Ronald bit his lower lip. Uh, his words were actually the same as accusing one of the servants of betraying the king. Because, only the servant who was around at the time of his conversation with the king. However, all of the king's servants who were close to them at that time were women. Ronald felt that he had spoken wrongly.But, just as he was about to open his mouth to correct his words, Xylan said, "I will do something to check."Ronald widened his eyes, looking shocked. "Your Majesty, I beg your forgiveness. What I said earlier-""What you said could have happened. Well, I think I have to consider many things. So, it's not a big deal if I have to check on the maids," Xylan cut off Ronald's words.The twenty-seven-year-old soldier blinked, looking surprised that Xylan could read what he was thinkin
James shook his head, "I can't say right now."Reiner immediately let out a disappointed sigh. "You are ... making us curious.""Right, why can't you say it now?" Ben asked with a curious expression."Can't you give us just a little ... bright spot?" Shin tried to persuade hopefully.James chuckled softly, "Sorry, I really can't tell you guys right now, but ... I'm sure it won't be long before we know everything."Diego gave him an unsure look, "Will it be us or will it be you?"James flashed a bright smile, "Of course we all will.""I don't believe it," Alen said quickly.The war general blinked repeatedly and looked at each of his good friends with a puzzled look.He then pointed at himself with his right index finger and said, "You think I'm lying? Since when did I lie or break my promise?"Ben frowned and looked thoughtful. He looked up as if he was considering something.An exasperated James said, "Damn it! Do you have to think just to answer a simple question?"Diego held back a
Ben immediately grimaced. Meanwhile, Alen and Shin laughed crisply together. Then, Diego pretended to look up.However, Reiner boldly replied, "It's not about feeling sorry for you. I ... just think Riley is too much."James clucked his tongue and took the empty seat next to Diego who immediately turned to him with the same look."That's his right," James replied, sounding casual."Rights? What right do you mean, the right to put his best friend in trouble?" Reiner replied cluelessly.James shrugged, "I've been causing him trouble for the past few years as well."Shin widened his eyes, "Hey, what are you talking about? What trouble? He-""I left this palace and let Riley handle all the problems in this kingdom by herself. I mean ... I know you guys have always been there for him and so many great warriors have helped him, but ... yeah it's still hard for him," James explained after cutting off Shin's words that he hadn't finished yet.
Reiner frowned when he saw James' expression which he found very strange. Moreover, he also saw how James' lips suddenly formed a smile."What's wrong with you?" Reiner finally chose to ask.James once again smiled at Reiner, making Reiner wink.Reiner also got goosebumps instantly. "What's wrong with you? Don't tell me you're going crazy, James!"A sigh was immediately heard from James. He snorted in exasperation, "Damn it! I still have hopes of meeting Riley, even if it's not now. Why should I go crazy?"Hearing that, Reiner let out a sigh of relief. Because, James' nagging was one of the ways that showed that his good friend was really just fine. "Then, why are you being like that? Smiling horribly. Very strange, just so you know! Not like your usual self," Reiner explained, who still looked a bit horrified.James grinned again, revealing his row of clean teeth. He then said, "Oh, it's about Gary Davis. You ... just made me realize something, Rei.""Realized? About what?" Reiner a
Instead of answering James Gardner's question, Xylan Wellington said, "I ... I know what you're trying to say, General Gardner."Great, so what's the answer? Reiner thought, starting to feel lazy.James raised an eyebrow, "Yes, Your Majesty?"Xylan sighed softly, then closed his eyes for a few seconds. After regaining control of himself he replied, "It was my negligence, General Gardner.""Negligence? About what, Your Majesty?" James asked, sounding like he wanted a clearer answer."My sister. I ... know she has done wrong," Xylan said quietly.The viceroy bowed his head for a few seconds, while James remained silent, waiting for him to speak again.And without James pressing him, Xylan said, "I've actually noticed something strange about her. This ... even, before you set out to find my brother-in-law again, General Gardner."James' eyes widened instantly, but he still refrained from commenting.Xylan cleared his throat softly before continuing, "But ... even when I felt something wa
Hearing the new war general's question, Xylan Wellington laughed awkwardly.It was a laugh that didn't really come off, in fact, it sounded so strange that it made anyone who heard the viceroy's laughter confused.Reiner also looked at Xylan with a strange gaze while James did not even blink. The look in his eyes showed a demand.A demand for an explanation from Xylan regarding what he had just said.When he saw that urgent questioning look, Xylan finally stopped laughing. He cleared his throat softly before saying, "Hm ... I know from the main soldier.""The main soldier?" James repeated as he frowned.Xylan gulped and smiled clumsily, "The king's court soldiers, General Gardner."Oh, that wasn't really what James meant. He knew without even asking that the main soldiers were the palace soldiers specifically assigned to escort and guard him.There were usually five of them and one of them was required to stay by his side
James Gardner remained silent, giving no clear answer to Reiner's question.An immediate anxiety struck the ground war commander. Not wanting to be ignored by James, Reiner asked again, "James, tell me. Are you going to stay in the palace? You're not going to leave, right?"He looked anxiously at James who was staring out the car window. However, after he waited patiently enough he finally heard James answer, "I don't know."Reiner's heart was like being hit by a rock instantly."So ... are you leaving?" the man asked in a tone that sounded disappointed."It depends."Reiner, who was still staring at James, raised an eyebrow, looking confused, "Depends on what?"James sighed softly, "It depends on King Xylan's answer."Reiner was getting more and more confused. However, he did not have time to ask further as the car they were in had already entered the main gate of the Ans De Lou Royal palace. Even so, Reiner still did not want to give up so easily so he continued to stick to James e