James strode back to his place with pride. He also felt as if he had won a big prize game. His smile spread out so wide as he sat to the left of Riley who just shook his head realizing the satisfaction James was feeling over his friend.All the spectators seemed surprised by the shocking result. Many had predicted that Riley Wood would be able to compete with Josh Cleve, but they never expected that James Gardner would also be able to display his greatest abilities that were not inferior to Josh. Even though almost all the soldiers of Ans De Lou Kingdom supported Josh Cleve, the results of the first session were very unsatisfactory for them.However, it wouldn't be James if he didn't show off his abilities so he proudly called the person sitting to Riley's right, “Senior Cleve.”Josh Cleve looked too shocked, but still tried to smile slightly, “Yes?”“Aren't you going to congratulate me?” James asked in a casual tone.Riley exhaled harshly, starting to feel like his friend was goin
Riley was silent for an instant.He never thought James would ask for such a thing. To him, James was a soldier who would do anything the right way. But, what would make that young man think such a thing?Was it because he wanted to become a war general? Is it to shut people up and stop making fun of him for being born the son of Jody Gardner? Riley thought confusedly.However, if he did ask for that, Riley did not mind at all. He was even willing to step down on the spot to allow James to achieve his goal. Perhaps, by doing so, he could get rid of his guilt towards James.However, he suddenly heard James speak, “Oh my! Why did your face suddenly become like that, Riley?”Riley blinked her eyes, still looking somewhat confused.James observed the expression on Riley's face and instantly said, “Oh, Riley! Do you believe what I just told you?”James laughed crisply, “Don't tell me you actually thought about all those words!”The young man shook his head, looking very happy when he saw
As it turned out, contrary to what James expected, Josh casually replied, “What makes you think that I want to talk to you?”James shrugged, “I saw you looking at me constantly.”Diego snorted and gave James a look that said 'You're too confident'.James and Josh's conversation managed to get Riley's attention. He began to worry that something might go wrong there.However, just like James, Riley also apparently guessed wrong. Josh laughed so hard that many people looked shocked, including Ben and Shin who could only look at each other, without being able to express what they were thinking.Some of Josh's friends were also surprised by Josh's reaction, but the man who was over thirty years old said, “I'm just too amazed and very surprised by your ability. Oh, not only your skills, but Riley's as well.”James was stunned.Josh explained, “I think they … I mean my friends have been exaggerating about you and Riley.”He shrugged, “I thought, how could a newly inducted soldier have such
"There is no specific strategy. Me or James will just do what we've learned," Riley said.Ben frowned, looking somewhat confused.He knew Riley was very good at shooting. However, he still didn't know Riley's ability in archery. As for James, Ben had already seen James' action in archery when the young man was still a prospective soldier.Shin responded, "You better not underestimate him!"James shook his head firmly, "I never underestimated him at all, Senior Shin. In fact, he was the one who always underestimated us. And ... but those words spoken earlier surprised me."Alen nodded, "I still don't like him, I don't know why. It's just that I feel like he's a little weird."Ben sighed softly, "Well, there's no need to think about Josh's attitude. All you need to think about is giving your best in the next selection.""Of course, we'll do that," James said confidently as he embraced Riley who had gotten used to James' behavior.The next day, on the second day of the challenge, the th
Fred quickly replied, “Greg Sehel is a very famous land war commander. Everyone has known him as a brave, tough soldier since the days when General Mackenzie was the general of war in our kingdom.”As if he was still finishing his argument, Fred forced his friend to listen to him, “Having such a good reputation naturally makes Commander Sehel have to maintain his reputation. Of course he would help a future son-in-law.”“Even if he ends up dying?” Josh replied, sounding doubtful.Fred let out a long sigh, finding it difficult to get Josh's train of thought back on track again.However, he didn't want his friend to lose his cool so he replied, “He died a hero, Josh. He had nothing to lose.”“But ... he lost his life. What's the point of being a hero if-”“Damn you! We gave our life or death to this kingdom when we decided to become a soldier.” Fred looked so annoyed that he pushed Josh's body away from him.Still not cursing enough, he added, “You're not a teenage boy who just joined t
Unable to argue, Riley could only say, “You are very right, Senior Josh.”Josh was pensive, realizing that he had spoken too much so after that he chose to remain silent until his name was finally called.Meanwhile, Riley began to understand the anxiety of the man standing next to him and did not expect that Josh was also feeling depressed.He thought that with such overwhelming support, Josh Cleve would feel at ease as he went through the challenges, but it turned out that all that support was actually making him anxious about losing.However, unfortunately Riley couldn't do anything to help Josh overcome his anxiety.Before entering the challenge area, Riley had only nodded politely to Josh. Other than that, he didn't say anything.By the end of the sword challenge, Josh Cleve was falling further and further behind in terms of score. It was coincidentally discussed by several soldiers who were first-class soldiers.“I can't believe it, Josh is losing badly.”“I still can't even loo
James frowned at the overreaction shown by Riley so the young man said, “What's wrong with you, happy or something?”Riley suddenly hit James' arm and chuckled, “Of course I'm happy. But you're not lying are you?”James glared in annoyance, “My good friend, I wasn't the only one listening to the announcement. You can ask the rest of the kingdom if you have any doubts.”Hearing James' answer, Riley almost jumped with excitement. “What's wrong with you, you miss your parents?” Reiner asked with his forehead furrowed as well but held back a smile.Alen suddenly glanced at Riley because only that young man knew Riley's true identity so he was also curious about the answer Riley gave.“That's for sure, why ask again?” Riley replied.Ben chuckled softly, “Uh! I didn't expect one of the bravest junior soldiers to have such tender feelings.”Riley only smiled faintly.Meanwhile, James replied, “It's not just Riley who misses his family, I do too.”This time it was Diego who asked, “Are you g
Riley instantly gave his best friend a confused look, “What do you mean?”James raised his left eyebrow and explained, “It means that the two of us are destined to stay in the same sphere. You and I ... General of War and Deputy General of War.”“What do you think, isn't it pretty awesome?” James added with a stupid smile. Riley suddenly shook his head, “You're really overconfident. Don't you remember that Josh Cleve's abilities are starting to improve?”James clucked his tongue, “I know he's stronger than before, but ... he won't be able to catch up with us.”“Today's points are doubled. Did you forget?” Riley replied with a lopsided smile.James snorted in annoyance and immediately looked away in the other direction, “You're annoying! You're ... just annoying, Riley. I wonder why we're friends.”“Can't you see that your friend has a lot of trust?” James continued, still looking annoyed.Riley chuckled softly. “It's so you don't feel so superior that you lose focus. Can't you see my
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
At first Michelle Veren didn't understand what James Gardner was asking. However, when she saw the look on the general's face, she immediately knew he meant the time of the departure of the three people they were looking for.So, the Veren boutique owner replied, "About an hour ago, General Gardner."Hearing that answer, Reiner immediately went limp. But, it was inversely proportional to James who was even full of enthusiasm. This could be seen from James who even said, "Come on, Rei. Let's go after him."Reiner looked sadly at his best friend and replied, "It won't catch up, James. It's been too long."James did not even listen to Reiner's words and ordered some of his men, "Prepare the car, let's go after them!""James," Reiner called softly.James ignored the call and kept saying to his men who were still quietly waiting, "Find out through the CCTV which area they are currently in. They ... should be visible if they take the highway from behind this building."Reiner bit his own
Unfortunately it was all too late for the young girl to realize. All the words of the girl named Alice Porter were clearly heard by Reiner Anderson and James Gardner.With a dark look on his face, James said, "Miss, you-""No, no. I just misspoke, I ... I don't know anything. You heard me wrong," Alice said, whose face paled even more. Especially when she saw the aura of James Gardner, the terrifying war general, she found it even harder to breathe.Reiner also could not help himself so he said in an exasperated tone, "Tell me everything you know or you ... will know how terrible it is when you face the two of us.""I don't care if you are a woman. I can still find a punishment that you deserve," Reiner continued coldly.Alice swallowed harshly. Of course the young girl was very confused. Moreover, no one was trying to help her at all. All the employees in the boutique looked so frightened that no one dared to open their mouths."Say it now! We don't have much time, Miss!" James gro
James' question immediately made Reiner silent for a few moments. He stared at the boutique with a confused look on his face.Meanwhile, James didn't want to waste any more time so he wordlessly walked towards the boutique owned by Michelle Veren, a forty-year-old female designer who was quite famous in the country.Reiner didn't just stand by and do nothing, lamenting his inaccuracy. He followed James with a small trot right behind James without a word.As soon as James was faster than him to reach the door, he immediately saw the two boutique guards who opened the door for them."Can I help you?" one of the boutique guards asked James."I'm looking for Princess Rowena. Where is she now?" James asked back matter-of-factly as he darted his eyes all over the first floor of the boutique.Although there was a suspicion rising in James' mind, the young man put his anxiety ahead of his suspicion."You're looking for Princess Rowena? Who are you? You-""James Gardner. Royal War General Ans
Reiner Anderson did not answer James' question. Instead, he had a facial expression that looked both hesitant and confused.Of course, that made James Gardner even more annoyed. "Come on, tell me quickly! What's so strange about Princess Rowena?" James urged, impatiently.Reiner swallowed and scratched his ears before answering, "Well, I'm not sure if this is strange to you. But ... I think it's very strange, James."James gritted his teeth in growing annoyance and impatience.Luckily, he didn't need to ask anymore as Reiner added, "So, according to reports she went outside the palace."Hearing Reiner's answer, James snorted rudely. "What's so strange about that? I know she often goes outside the palace."Reiner sighed softly, "Indeed. But, this time ... a few hours ago, she left without a bodyguard. And she ... left with their son, Prince Kharel."Instantly James glared in shock, "What? Are you ... sure?""Yes, James. She just-""How is that possible? King Xylan ... didn't forbid he