William Mackenzie immediately held his son's shoulders. He then lowered his voice, โAttend the funeral and talk to the family, Riley.โRiley was taken aback. Attending Greg Sehel's funeral was an obligation, but for the second thing his father said, Riley was not sure.โWhy are you silent?โRiley moistened her lower lip, โDad, what can I talk to his family about?โWilliam smiled, โYou'll find out when you meet them.โโBut, Dad ....โโYou'll find your own way. Trust me, Riley, you can do it.โ William nodded confidently to his son.Riley, who still did not know what to say, could only nod back.โRiley, you have to go back,โ William said then.Huh? That fast? Riley was a bit surprised. He had only been talking to his father for a few minutes but was already asked to leave.โWhy, Dad?โ Riley asked in astonishment.โPrincess Rowena brought you here. People will gossip about you two if the princess is not seen in public for a long time,โ William explained.Riley swallowed and a pink tinge
Oh, it turned out that his father's words were true. Everything a member of the royal court did quickly spread, as if there were no secrets in the palace when it came to them.Sure enough, the news quickly reached the ears of every resident of the palace. Because, the incident where Rowena took him away was indeed witnessed by all the soldiers. So, it was easy for the spies who were witnesses to look for the whereabouts of him and the king's daughter. Realizing all that, Riley let out a long sigh.โWe went to Prince Xylan's palace because his residence is closest to the field. Besides, Princess Rowena ... knows what I'm going through so she ... tried to comfort me,โ Riley explained a little too long so that no one would ask any more questions.But, unfortunately, someone felt that explanation was not enough and so he still asked, โOh, then what did Princess Rowena do to comfort you?โโHuh, you want to die? How dare you ask such a personal question?โ Alen said as he glared at one of th
โThere's no mistaking it, it really is General Mackenzie.โSomeone enthusiastically spoke, โLook at his clothes! Those are the clothes on display at the silver building, right?โOne of the prospective soldiers lined up parallel to Riley responded, โThat's right. I notice that. That really is General Mackenzie's armor.โโI can't be wrong, it really is General Mackenzie.โโOh my! This is amazing, I can see the legend in person. The best general this kingdom has ever had.โBut then someone whispered in a slightly hushed tone, โBut, wait a minute! What is the greatest war general doing here?โโHasn't he decided to never appear in public? Then, why is he here now?โโIs he coming back?โSomeone else clucked their tongue, โDon't just talk! Isn't he too old to come back? Perhaps ... he has some interest here.โAlen Smith, who was standing right behind James and Riley, was even more interested in seeing James' reaction than in hearing the ramblings of the other soldiers' friends.The young man
Obviously James' words were such an indisputable fact that when he spoke like that none of the soldiers lined up nearby replied to him.However, James continued to say, โWhat is so great about that man that King Keannu would give him such a great privilege?โRiley remained silent until James finally got annoyed himself and nudged his arm, โWood, say something! Why is that man being treated better than others?โRiley of course couldn't dodge anymore so he replied, โHow could I possibly know what the king is thinking, James?โโHe decides that and only he knows the answer,โ Riley continued.However, Riley actually guessed that everything Keannu Wellington did was a tribute to Greg Sehel. Greg was killed saving his life so his father was allowed to do so.But, there was no way he would say that to James Gardner's face.โDamn it! Why does it have to be that man?โ James said, sounding unreceptive.All this time, Riley had heard James call his father โthat manโ. Not once did the young man me
Not wanting to let Riley face Justin Donovan alone, Alen spoke up again, โRight. And just so you know ... with the way you're talking, you're insulting Commander Sehel's sacrifice. Do you know that or not?โJustin's eyes bulged in disbelief, โWhat do you mean I insulted his sacrifice?โโOf course you're insulting it. That sacrifice shouldn't be questioned, but rather honored. But you ... you're speculating all the time,โ Alen replied.Hearing Alen's answer, Justin felt like he had just been slapped until the young man's previously stiff expression softened a little.Wordlessly, Justin moved away. Alen closed his eyes in relief, while James commented, โThat big mouth is too much. Oh my!โโNever mind, James. The ceremony will take place in a little while,โ Riley said, who refocused on the funeral process.Up ahead, William Mackenzie, Andrew Reece and a number of commanders and soldiers who had the honor of representing their friends began to stand around Greg Sehel's coffin.There were
Riley had a hard time answering James' question so the young man remained silent. However, someone suddenly replied, โJames, if you think General Mackenzie sent his son here to compete with you, you are very wrong.โโWrong? How come?โ James replied as he turned to Alen.Riley was quite surprised to hear his best friend's defense. He never expected Alen to do that. Alen sighed, โOh please, James. You know that even if the son doesn't use his father's surname, it's obvious that this matter of sending the son to the palace has nothing to do with you.โThe young man paused for a moment and glanced at Riley, and then continued to say, โIn fact, I highly doubt that he knows you are here as well.โAlen frowned but James was still listening as if he knew that Alen had not finished speaking.โI mean ... no one even knows about your father having a son, information about you is not included in General Gardner's biography. So, I think it's highly unlikely that General Mackenzie knew about you.
James Gardner was silent long enough for Riley Mackenzie to become increasingly uncomfortable.James, come on, don't make me feel worse, Riley thought.After a long silence while staring blankly, the young man who was shorter in height than Riley finally said, โIt's ... quite a complicated matter. So complicated that I don't know how to tell you.โHe then smiled sadly and added, โBut โฆ no problem, now I can visit him.โRiley swallowed hard, not knowing how to respond to James' words. His guilt hit his chest again and this time it all kept him silent.Oh, why did James have to have the last name โGardnerโ? Riley wondered again.If only James' father was just a soldier who was killed and not Jody Gardner, he would have been able to immediately comfort the grieving James.Unfortunately, his father was Jody Gardner whose death was related to his father's so he had a hard time coming up with words of comfort. In fact, just to express his sorrow he could not do it. Alen, who was still sta
Alen suddenly looked down deeply. He suddenly became sad again. The young man took a deep breath before exhaling slowly and turned to Riley again.With a sad look he said, โThey're really worried about you, Riley. They even argued about who should save you.โRiley bit his lower lip and looked down for an instant.โThey didn't want you to get hurt, so they decided that one of them should go find you. At that time they told me that you were ... the son of General Mackenzie and they also told me that ....โAlen stopped speaking as his tears fell again. He did not know why the loss was so painful.But, for sure he was having a hard time holding back his sadness. He steeled himself and said, โThey asked me to help you hide your true identity.โRiley was stunned.The young man shook his head, finding it hard to take it all in. Alen touched his shoulder, โIt's not your fault. They ... are just trying to protect you and I ... will do as they ask.โโYou don't have to worry, Riley! Your secret
"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