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
Without turning to his best friend, Riley replied with a shocked look in his eyes, “Who else? The one whose name is Benedict Arkitson is the Senior Ben we know.”James immediately smacked his lips, still looking surprised.However, it was only for a few seconds, as he was able to control himself well, “Calm down, it's just a challenge, nothing real.”Riley closed his eyes, looking stressed and depressed.“We're not really fighting, James. But ... this is also about Senior Ben's reputation too. Do you understand what I mean?” Riley said who suddenly had a bad mood.James was not ignorant, of course he knew and understood what Riley was saying. It was just that he tried not to make Riley more depressed.“Look, I'm sure Senior Ben won't blame you if you beat him. He also knows your position, so he'll understand,” James said.Riley opened his eyes and turned to James, “Why me? Why can't he just be Senior Josh's opponent?”“I ... don't want to be the one who will embarrass him,” Riley cont
Riley did not answer Ben's words and instead looked at the senior who was also his friend through the glass of the protective helmet he was wearing.Ben sighed softly, “Riley, did you hear me or not?” Riley replied stammeringly, “Yes, Senior Ben. But-”“There is no but. Just focus on your victory and I ... will also focus on defeating you,” Ben cut in quickly.Riley was dumbfounded but when he saw Ben nodding steadily towards him he finally calmed down.He was sure Ben would fight just like him. And when he saw the way Ben looked at him, he knew that Ben would not give up easily.In fact, he was very relieved by Ben's attitude and immediately got ready according to Mary Kesley's instructions.On the other hand, apparently it was not only them who had prepared themselves, but also the other two selected soldiers had also prepared like them along with James and Josh.Meanwhile, Diego and Alen, who were sitting together with Shin, were very tense.“What do you guys think of the results?
"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