Before James could respond to the words of Xylan Wellington, the young crown prince, Xylan had spoken again, "General Gardner, I know my request is excessive.""And I know ... the reason you are willing to return to this palace is for the sake of my brother-in-law, but ... I really need your help, General Gardner," Xylan added with a pleading look on his face.James let out a long sigh and then shook his head.That made Xylan weak and also disappointed. However, it was only temporary because it wasn't long before Xylan heard James say, "You don't have to ask me to this extent, Your Royal Highness."Xylan was stunned. Moreover, James went on to say, "As a War General of Ans De Lou Kingdom, my duty is not only to protect this country. But also to protect the chief leader of this kingdom."Xylan's mouth opened slightly in surprise at James' answer that was without a trace of hesitation."Since you are the new leader after King Keannu passed away, then ... the duty of protecting you is al
Since James had not moved from where he was standing and was instead as still as a statue, Rowena immediately glanced at Xylan.Xylan of course understood her sister's meaning so she quickly said, "General Gardner, are ... are you alright?"James snapped out of his reverie and nodded at Xylan. With confusion ruling his mind, he still stepped into the king's room.Once he entered the area for the first time, James could see the body of the king of Ans De Lou Kingdom lying stiffly on the luxurious bed. He could only exhale softly at the sight of the person who had been responsible for the complicated relationship between his father and Riley's father. As a result of the dead king's mistake, his relationship with Riley was strained.However, the king had apologized to him and he had forgiven all his mistakes so there was no anger or resentment in James' heart.Instead, he was saddened by the loss of Keannu Wellington. "Your Majesty, I never thought that our meeting before I left for the
"So, you can give us time to mourn our family members, right? You have not forgotten that Keannu Wellington was not only the king of this country, but he was the head of our family. He is my husband, the father of my two children and a grandfather to my grandson," Monica said in a flat but firm tone.The queen's words apparently succeeded in making the palace officials look at each other and finally fell silent.Some of them seemed to take a few steps back as if they really didn't want to disturb members of the royal family anymore. James Gardner himself smiled to see the palace officials, some of whom were important ministers, not moving in front of the queen. James could not help but be impressed by the queen's ability to make people obey her orders. It was because according to James it was very rare.Before he gave up his post as a deputy general of war, he had met so many queens from various kingdoms around the world. However, not many queens had authority. Monica Wellington was
Philip Crawford coughed as he heard James Gardner's words.James raised his right eyebrow, seemingly waiting for Philip's explanation.Philip cleared his throat and replied without daring to look at James, "I am not the one accusing you, General Gardner. It's just that ... the entire population of the Ans De Lou Kingdom is talking about this. Let's just say I'm just relaying what they're thinking."James laughed softly, making Philip instantly turn to him. Likewise, Monica and her two children looked surprised at the war general's reaction."W-what's so funny about what I said that you're laughing, General Gardner?" Philip said in an offended tone.James stopped his laughter and sighed softly before saying, "There's nothing funny. It's just that I find you very cowardly, Prime Minister.""Cowardly? What do you mean, General?" Philip widened his eyes, clearly taking offense."That's right. Of course you're just a coward. You're acting on behalf of the people's opinions, when it was you
"Uh, if you're not ready to give up that important position, shouldn't you be careful when you speak, Prime Minister? Remember, what you're talking about is not appropriate," James said in a sharp tone.Anyone who heard James' threatening voice would surely be afraid. James waited but he was sure that his threat would be effective making that prime minister afraid of him.And unexpectedly, James Gardner's threat succeeded in silencing old Philip. Philip no longer dared to speak and remained silent. However, his resentful gaze could still be seen by James.Of course, you must be very upset with me, Prime Minister. However, you certainly don't want to lose your position just because of that ridiculous accusation, James thought.This made Monica Wilhelm and her two children feel a little calmer."Y-Your Majesty, I... I ...." Philip tried to speak again, but his nervousness was so obvious that James knew the old man would not dare to say anything nonsense again. James immediately respond
However, before James Gardner could think further about it, Monica Wilhelm, the queen who had just lost her husband said, "Never mind, there's no need to prolong it anymore."Afterward, Monica turned her body around and faced the palace officials who were still in the palace. She sighed softly before saying, "As I wanted earlier, are you willing to let us mourn the passing of your king before we organize a funeral ceremony for him?"Without hesitation, all the palace officials unanimously replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."One by one, the palace officials left the king's residence area, leaving only the special soldiers protecting the king, queen, princess and crown prince. Meanwhile, some of James Gardner's men also remained in the area as per James' orders. "General Gardner, please help," Monica said. James nodded and immediately did his duty as the kingdom's war general to prepare all the necessities used for security.James also ordered his men to summon three war commanders and seve
"Tell me, so I can do what I should, Your Royal Highness," James added.Xylan returned the war general's gaze with a look that looked very serious. The young man who had originally made one of the major decisions finally opened his mouth, "It has to do with ... the determination of the new palace officials after I take office as king."James was silent for a moment, looking a little surprised. It was only natural that Xylan Wellington had been thinking about his future reign. However, he didn't think it was the right time.His father hadn't even been buried yet. Why was he already thinking of something else? Isn't he still grieving? James thought.Xylan cleared his throat, causing James to give him a strange look. Not wanting James to think strangely about him or even misunderstand him, Xylan hurriedly explained, "General Gardner, it's not what you're thinking."James did not respond immediately and instead waited for Xylan's further explanation.Xylan himself was smart enough to qu
"Yes, that's right. My personal assistant who ... is currently outside the door of my father's residence," Xylan replied, not seeming to find anything strange about his answer.James was still so shocked that he was left speechless, at a loss for what to say in response to Xylan's explanation."Why, General Gardner?" Xylan asked as he looked at James who was not speaking.James moistened his lower lip, still thinking of the right words.However, Xylan couldn't wait for him so he spoke again, "General Gardner, I know what you're thinking."James blinked his eyes, looking stunned.Xylan let out a long breath, "This must be the status of Gary Davis who is my personal assistant, right?"James' eyes widened slightly until he then looked at the crown prince with an astonished look.That's what I mean, why would you even think of making a personal assistant an advisor to the king? Have you ... lost your mind, Your Royal Highness? James thought to himself.Uh, James Gardner actually never judg
"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