"He's not stupid, Your Majesty," Andrew said. In Greg's eyes, Andrew had clearly been sedated by the prowess of the young man he had seen kissing the king's daughter just a few hours ago.Andrew even added, "He's very intelligent. Not many people teach their opponents and I'm very confident that in the future he can become a great leader."Hearing Andrew's words, Keannu impatiently asked the currently serving war general, "Andrew, do you intend to exercise your right to vote to ... vote for him?"Greg was surprised to hear the question, but he was also very interested. "You mean, the right of the war general to choose the next war general candidate, Your Majesty?""Yes." Keannu replied with a nod.It was known that at the end of the selection, Andrew Reece would soon resign from his position so the Ans De Lou Kingdom needed a new army leader as the war general.Therefore, the palace had issued a regulation that there would be three candidates for war general. One would come from a new
Instead, Keannu laughed crisply and waved his hand as if to dismiss Greg's remark. "How could he possibly do it? He's not General Mackenzie who can train his men in a short period of time and see the results quickly. He's just a snot-nosed kid who's not even 21 years old, for crying out loud!" Keannu said in a dismissive tone.Even though the man who had just spoken was the king, Andrew listening to every word that came from Keannu's lips made him a little irritated.So Andrew finally decided to respond, "Your Majesty, he is indeed not General Mackenzie. But, believe me ... he can even be friends with the son of a traitor. Doesn't that mean he's very special indeed?"For this, Greg had to agree with Andrew, "That's right, Your Majesty. James Gardner refuses to be friends with anyone, except Riley Wood."Keannu chuckled impatiently, "That's because no one wants to be friends with that traitorous kid. They must be reluctant or afraid."Andrew's eyebrows knitted together, but he didn't w
"Why do you look so surprised, Greg?" Keannu asked back.Andrew Reece who saw the two arguing didn't try to interrupt. He just listened carefully, letting the two of them argue.With a look of disbelief in his eyes Greg replied, "You're asking me to cheat James Gardner. How could I not be surprised, Your Majesty?"Keannu sighed and immediately spoke with an impatient expression, "The one you cheated is James Gardner, the son of a traitor. You didn't have to think twice about it."Greg still disagreed, "James Gardner is very much different from Jody Gardner, Your Majesty. So far the boy hasn't caused any trouble. In fact, his skills are good. He only lost to Riley Wood."Keannu bit his teeth in annoyance, "Greg, Jody Gardner used to look good when he was young too. And he even became one of General Mackenzie's men who was fairly obedient. But ... who would have thought that he would end up betraying his general?""In case you've forgotten, I'll remind you once again. Jody Gardner attack
However, James Gardner, who had a flat face, was thinking about something else. His forehead even formed a frown, indicating that he was feeling strange about something.When the king's eldest daughter walked away from their table, without waiting for Riley's reply, James immediately asked, "Why does she want to talk to you? And why do you seem to be ....""Don't try to assume anything, James!" Riley warned him in a stern tone."Why shouldn't I?" James' two thick eyebrows drew together in astonishment.Riley did not answer and instead finished his mineral water. Annoyed at being ignored James said again, "Who wouldn't be surprised that the king's daughter, who is rarely even seen at public events, would come here to see you.""To meet an aspiring soldier. That's too weird!" James added.He was still staring intently at Riley, hoping to get a satisfactory answer.However, Riley casually replied, "What you see in front of your eyes is not necessarily what really happened."Before James
Riley moistened his lips for a few seconds before replying, "Your Highness, my identity is indeed impossible to hide forever. But ... there is something that makes me unable to stay away from him.""What? He also has the same great abilities as you, though you are superior. He could be your enemy in the future. Why would you be friends with someone who might be your rival in the future?" Rowena scolded while biting her teeth in annoyance.She was really astonished at Riley's actions which she thought were very careless.The green-eyed youth let out a long sigh, "There are reasons that I can't say and don't need to say. However, it is certain that I will bear all the things I have decided."Rowena was more upset than ever. She had almost said something about his father's arrival that worried his son but she couldn't do it.She had made a promise to William Mackenzie so breaking it would be like disrespecting the strongest god of war."Your Highness, you-""Yes, I know. You must be wonde
Riley immediately bowed down and could only say, "Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I am ...."He paused for a moment, as if trying to find the right words to explain the situation. However, Keannu suddenly said again, "Hold on! Not right now. Meet me after the selection stage is over."Riley raised his face slowly and showed a calm expression even though he was really confused. "I hope you have a good answer, young man ... otherwise, I'm willing to discard you even if I have to lose one of the best prospective soldiers," Keannu continued with a cold gaze.If it were an ordinary person, that person would definitely not dare to breathe when stared at in such a manner by his king. However, Riley was raised by his father and mother to be a brave and fearless man, so that did not apply to him.Riley wasn't scared, but just confused. Meanwhile, Keannu looked astonished at the attitude of the youngster who still looked so calm even when confronted with him who was angry.Why is this kid so r
"Damn it! Who would give up their life? Do you think I'm stupid?" Riley retorted with teeth chattering due to his growing irritation.James laughed crisply, "My good fellow, you are very, very stupid indeed. Come on, you could have fooled around with any girl. But, why did you choose a king's daughter instead?""I did not do it on purpose ... I mean I never expected this to happen," Riley said defensively.Oh, this was getting complicated for him. Riley just realized that completely. Unfortunately, he couldn't avoid the punishment he would probably receive from the king.James shook his head, helpless at his friend's stupidity, "You don't know how King Keannu is so overprotective of his daughter? You forget that ... hm, I'm sure you must be aware of the rumors."Riley rubbed his face and once again said, "Stop it! I know I made the wrong move. Instead of you continuing to mock me, don't you want to help me out a little?""A way out for what?" James asked in a surprised tone.Inevitably
Not only that but Riley heard James ask, "Then, where is he now, Wood?"Before Riley could answer, with a panicked face the young man turned to Alen, "Smith, where is he?" Alen who was surprised by James' reaction asked back, "So why are you asking?""Just answer where he is now!" James said through gritted teeth.Exasperated, Alen replied, "He's probably already in front of the main gate. Those who didn't pass-"James stood up without listening to what Alen had to say. He immediately ran away from the table. Reflexively, Riley and Alen also got up and followed James. Halfway there, Alen commented, "He runs like a cheetah.""He's ... ahead of me on this," Riley replied under his breath. Riley and James had trained together so the young man knew James' running ability was indeed impressive. "Are you kidding me? He's better than you?" Alen said incredulously.Riley nodded, "Yeah, I lost. He's really fast.""Wow! No wonder it's so hard to catch up with him," Alen replied as he was alr
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
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