However, Keannu's wrath did not go away, so he said in an irritated tone, "You must take responsibility for what you have done.""Yes, Your Majesty," Riley replied without denying or defending himself.However, Rowena apparently did not accept. "Father, he's innocent.""Rowena, what do you mean? How is he innocent? He already dared to hug you, you ...." Monica really couldn't understand her daughter's way of thinking. "He's not, Mom," Rowena said, while glancing at Riley who looked calm.While Keannu hissed angrily again, "You think I'm so blind that I can't recognize that boy, little girl?"Rowena shook her head, "That's not it, Daddy. It's true he is. But, what I mean is ... I ....""Promise me, if I tell you everything you and mommy won't punish him," Rowena continued with eyes flickering pleadingly.Monica disagreed and waved her hand that it was clear she rejected her daughter's request. Meanwhile, Keannu looked hesitant. He took the time to glance at Andrew but the war general
"Are you ... serious, young man?" Andrew asked with a surprised expression."Yes, General Reece." Riley replied witout fear.Monica and Keannu were now looking at each other, looking confused. In fact, they had wanted to ask for an answer from the young man from the start. However, they became helpless when a fact was revealed in front of them all.It was not Riley Wood who seduced his daughter, but the other way around. So, of course, that left them unable to speak freely.However, this time the young man made things easier. Keannu cleared his throat softly, "I allow you to marry my daughter."Monica winked at her husband's words. Marrying off her daughter to a prince from another kingdom was already difficult. Moreover, she was sure that news of her daughter's scandal would certainly spread quickly in the near future. She also felt that there was no way to save her daughter's reputation."Fine, I also allow you to marry Rowena," Monica said in the end.Rowena, who was shocked to de
Rowena bit her lip and decided to answer her father's question, "Why the rush, Father? Aren't we still a long way from getting married?""Asking his family to come to the palace can be done when the time is near," Rowena continued.Keannu snorted, "I'm not talking to you, Rowena. I'm talking to Riley Wood.""You must not interfere in this matter. This is a matter between the parents," Monica chimed in.It was obvious that her mother wanted to get to know Riley's family so she supported her husband's right decision.Thoughtfully, Riley finally said, "I can't tell you yet, Your Majesty. You already know that we ... as prospective soldiers are forbidden to communicate with our families outside the palace.""We are only allowed to communicate after we complete the selection. So-""Oh, I know what you're going to say. Well, we'll wait until after you've been sworn in as a bodyguard in this palace," Keannu cut in impatiently.Andrew Reece frowned, starting to think seriously about the young
Offended at being accused of fear, one of them said, "Fear? Gosh, what are we afraid of?"Alen kept smiling, "Alright, then just wait for the next selection."However, the young man named Michael Hickson who seemed to be the leader of the group of youngsters said, "Is there any guarantee that you won't cheat?""Cheating? How can it be called cheating when no one wants me here?" James said without turning around.Riley grimaced.James casually continued, "Trust me! Almost everyone here wants to send me home. Maybe, if possible, they're the ones cheating to get rid of me, not me."Michael couldn't reply.Meanwhile, his other friend was still saying, "Oh, it could be that your father still has people who are loyal to him. So, that person is helping you here."Oh, James couldn't take it anymore. Alen also didn't want to hold James back anymore because he knew James had the right to defend himself. "What did you say? My father's confidant?" James repeated the question as he turned around.
Riley Mackenzie couldn't give his response because he was too shocked. "Oh, don't show that stiff expression, Wood!" James said with a frown.Riley just shrugged, still looking reluctant to respond to James' words.Meanwhile, there were so many prospective soldiers who showed expressions like they wanted to go home.A young man from dormitory one named Seamus Fork had raised his hand."What is it, son? What do you want to ask?" Greg asked with an annoying smile.Seamus had very pale white skin, but Greg's announcement had made his skin look even paler than before.With trembling lips he asked, "Are you serious about sending us into battle, Commander?"The smile on Greg's lips instantly vanished, "Have I ever joked about something like this, young man?"Seamus gaped, but he quickly controlled himself and asked again, "But, Commander. We're ... just prospective soldiers. How can we be sent to war?"Another added, "That's right, Commander. We ... haven't even practiced much. Our abilitie
"Tomorrow morning," Greg replied without taking his eyes off the two candidates who stood out the most among the others.Indeed, the shock immediately hit Riley and James."Tomorrow morning, Commander? How can we improve our skills in one night?" James asked as he now had a look of shock on his face although Greg could tell there was no fear in the young man's eyes.Greg simply replied, "Nothing is impossible. After all, this is a war that was never predicted before. We don't have enough time to prepare."Greg Sehel's words were enough to send chills down the spines of almost all the very young prospective soldiers. However, none of them chose to resign and go home.One of them said, "I've come this far. How can I go home?""My parents will kill me if I go home for fear of going to the battlefield," another said.Alen, who was actually still overcome by fear, also muttered, "I came to this palace to defend this country. Perhaps this is the time to prove that my purpose has never change
"He's great, really great. He got two girls now," James praised while nodding and also laughing loudly.Alen responded, "You lost to him on this one. Oh, but ... you always lose to Riley.""Alen Smith, why do you have such a sharp tongue?" James replied who immediately put on a pouty face.Alen just chuckled in satisfaction at having mocked the young man. However, his laughter immediately stopped when he realized something. "James, wait a minute!""Why?" James asked curtly."Riley is already the king's future son-in-law and almost all the residents of this palace already know about it. So ... what if someone gossips about him and Mary Kesley?" Alen said.Hearing that, James, instead of being confused, burst out laughing. His laughter did not stop, even when Alen was glaring at him. "You like it when your friends get into trouble!" Alen said with a wry smile.James nodded vigorously, "This is one of the most fun pastimes. Believe me, his love troubles are a real entertaining."He conti
Mary Kesley could easily guess where Riley Mackenzie was headed. She shook her head, "You can't go in there, Riley."Riley's eyes were perfectly wide. In a disappointed tone he asked, "Why can't I?"Mary sighed and explained, "A royal identity card is required to go in."Riley could only complain, "Why is it so difficult?""The rules are like that. But, don't worry. Once you have the card, you can enter the royal library whenever you want," Mary explained.Riley smiled wryly, "I can't wait. I really need that information today, Mary.""Well, then you'll have to bury your curiosity," Mary retorted.Riley gave an exasperated snort. "It's not about curiosity, it's about knowledge that might help in the war."Oh, instantly Mary found it difficult to deal with the son of her mother's best friend.The girl clucked her tongue and said, "Riley, you're just an aspiring soldier. You don't need to do that. General Reece is already thinking about it.""I know, but I still want to help. Maybe this
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
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