Jake laughed as soon as he heard Charlie's words. "Why are you laughing? What's so funny?" Charlie replied, annoyed at being laughed at.Jake raised his hands, as if apologizing. "Sorry, I can't stand it."Charlie snorted loudly. "Why can't you stand it?""Come on, Charlie. Did you forget or something?"Charlie just rolled his eyes lazily."General Mackenzie resigned on his own. I mean, no one dismissed him. So, if he just resigned voluntarily, how could he come back and take the position of War General?" Jake said.The man shook his head slowly, looking at Charlie with a sneering gaze.Charlie, on the other hand, didn't want his argument to be broken. He replied immediately, "Well, that's exactly it, because General Mackenzie resigned on his own so couldn't he just come back and ask for his position first?""What are you saying? Do you think the post of War General can be easily transferred or requested?" Jake retorted not to be outdone."It's true. General Gardner was appointed as
"No problem. They'll just take me back to that warehouse and hang me," Bill said. Andrew gaped, "You're hanging, General?" Bill laughed strangely, finding what the new war general was doing ridiculous. "Yes, I was." Andrew Reece was naturally confused, not knowing where the ridiculousness of William Mackenzie's laughter lay. He could only wait for an explanation from his general. "Jody Gardner is completely inexperienced when it comes to kidnapping, Reece." "What do you mean?" Andrew asked incredulously. "He threatened me, wanted to find out about my relationship with William Mackenzie but his methods were hm ... totally unprofessional." "You were threatened?" Andrew said in shock. Bill replied, "Hm. He hanged me, wanted to cut out my tongue and all that." "What? He dared to do that to you? How insolent of him! He's-" "Reece, Reece. Remember, he doesn't know who I am," Bill cut in quickly. Andrew Reece retorted, "But, still, this is outrageous. After all, you as
Without waiting for Jody to reply, Bill bowed again, "I'll take my leave, General Gardner." The man standing right in front of Bill instantly clenched his fists, held back his annoyance and then finally left the palace hall with anger still lumped in his chest. Strange. In all his life, he had never been this upset before. But, what that War Advisor did actually made him easily upset. Jody walked quickly towards the training building. Steven who followed right behind was already starting to worry if the general would go on another rampage there. He hoped that there weren't many guards there so that they wouldn't become the target of Jody Gardner's anger. But, fortunately, Jody's anger faded a little when he saw Dorothy Winks, one of the palace staff who was Jody's lover, inside the training building, checking the equipment of their tools that had become her duty. Steven was really relieved and immediately considered Dorothy as a saviour goddess who had saved everyone from Jody
"You're the one," Jody argued. "We'll talk later. I have to report to King Keannu," Dorothy retorted. Without wanting to argue anymore, Jody let her lover go and he could only vent his frustration through physical exercise in the building. Meanwhile, in the Silver Building, Bill stood looking through his old belongings accompanied by his ever faithful Andrew Reece. "You don't have to keep me company like this, Reece," Bill said. "It's my duty to serve you, General." "No, it isn't. I'm only a War Advisor now, Reece. You don't have to serve me," Bill said. However, Andrew Reece remained adamant. "No, General. I swore to serve you to the death, so I will." Bill sighed wearily and let Andrew follow him. "General, it's unacceptable to me that you have to bow before that jerk Jody Gardner." "Shh, watch your language!" Bill admonished. Andrew said, "But he is a jerk, General. He kidnapped you, held you captive and-" "I know. You're right about that, but you have to remember, he's
Andrew Reece noticed the forehead of the war general he served so faithfully was furrowed and he cautiously began to speak, "Perhaps, they are not from another kingdom, General." Bill immediately turned his head and gave a questioning look in return, "No? Then where do you think they are from?" Andrew moistened his lips, trying to give a neutral but purposeful answer, "I suspect that they might be people from your neighbourhood, General." Bill sighed softly. He disagreed but still appreciated the answer given by Andrew. The young man had the courage to say his answer, so there was no reason for Bill to sneer at it. So he chose to say slowly. "Hm, I have many enemies, but I don't think anyone would dare to kill me, Reece. My enemies in Carlo Hill are just ordinary people," Bill said. "Ordinary people are also very likely to commit such acts, General," Andrew replied, still seemingly confident in his answer. However, even after hearing that, Bill still couldn't accept it. He trie
The sudden change of subject actually took Andrew a little by surprise, but he thought quickly. "You've never fought him, General but General Gardner has." "Uh, I see. Bring me the full document tonight, Reece!" Bill ordered. "Yes, General." In another part of the palace, Keannu Wellington was standing in his flower garden that night when Amanda Clark, the palace secretary who had served the kingdom for several years, came to him to report something. Keannu realized she was coming after the guard told him. "Your Majesty," Amanda Clark greeted as she bowed slowly. "Yes, Amanda. Did you get it?" Keannu asked. "Yes, I have, Your Majesty," Amanda replied as she handed a white tablet to the king. Keannu immediately took his reading glasses and opened the document and read it carefully. "Good, this is very good. We can use this to attack them," Keannu said happily. Amanda Clark looked down and smiled with relief. "So, should I tell General Gardner now, Your Honour?" Keannu Wellin
Keannu Wellington's eyes gave a look of disbelief. He even stared in bewilderment at the best general the Ans De Lou Kingdom had ever had and was even adored by all the people of Ans De Lou and trusted by his father. "General Mackenzie, of course this is very pertinent. Don't you think we can use that to destabilise the kingdom, General?" Keannu asked, suddenly filled with so much fervour that Bill could feel his excitement. Bill's brow furrowed in confusion, "You mean you intend to use this scandal to threaten or frame King Maldiva, Your Majesty? Is it really like that?" Keannu was happy that Bill finally understood his brilliant idea. "Exactly. We can use that to strike a deal with them. I'm sure they'll be unlikely to attack if they know we've got evidence of that Kingsley scandal." Keannu chuckled at the thought of that haughty king surrendering to him. It must feel so good to see your enemy bow before you, helpless. His eyes wandered far and wide, as if the King of Maldiv
"Monica, you know how great he is right?" Keannu replied even more annoyed. "Well, no matter how great he is, if you can't control him, it's useless, right?" Monica said. Keannu immediately made a move, ordering all his bodyguards and servants to get out of the way. Gosh, his mood really got worse after he heard his wife's words. Monica let out a long sigh, the young queen looked sorry for her husband. "Then, what exactly did he do?" "He just criticised my way of winning." "What kind of way?" Monica asked. Keannu was very open with his wife. He told his queen everything. There was not a single secret he hid from Monica Wilhelm. So, this time he didn't hesitate at all when he told her, "I found out an interesting piece of information about the crown prince of the Maldiva Kingdom and it's a scandal. I intend to use this to threaten the King of Maldiva." Monica nodded, easily understanding the story quickly. "Oh, I see and that arrogant general disagrees? Is that what he criticiz
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
"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 wa
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 th
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 a
"What's going on exactly?" Reiner looked even more confused.Normally, if they won a battle, they would be greeted with great fanfare.Not only a number of palace soldiers would welcome them, but also palace officials and members of the royal family would welcome them.However, at that time there were only a few soldiers and soldiers escorting the prince in the field where their plane was about to land.That naturally led to various questions that finally popped into the heads of the soldiers who had just returned from a life-and-death battle."Didn't they hear the news of our victory?" one of the class one soldiers said in a disappointed tone.A class two soldier responded, "No way. They must have heard. This is the big victory they've been waiting for. They can't possibly not know.""That's right. The palace must have announced this happiest of news," another class one soldier chimed in.Meanwhile, Ben who was still nea
"Oh my, Xylan! Why do you doubt him?" Rowena replied in a low tone, as if afraid of waking up her little son who was asleep in her arms from her perhaps too loud voice.Xylan shook his head, "I didn't mean to doubt him at all. It's just that I know his main purpose for returning to this palace, Rowena. He's ....""Stop thinking like that! He will be very disappointed if he finds out that you doubt his loyalty," Rowena said sharply.Apparently the tone of her voice was a bit louder this time so the son, Kharel Mackenzie was disturbed from his sleep until the little boy stirred his body.Rowena again tried to make the little prince fall asleep again by holding him lovingly and tenderly.Xylan was silent, as if he knew his sister still hadn't finished talking.It turned out that Xylan was right. After his favorite nephew fell asleep quietly again, Rowena said again, "Xylan, why do you think Riley is so close to James Gardner? And why has he felt so guilty over the years?"Xylan looked at
In all the time Ben had known James, it was the first time he had seen James look so frustrated.Usually James always seemed flat, cold and often even emotionless. However, the very stiff James had changed.The anxiety and restlessness were clearly displayed. It certainly made Ben quite confused in response.But, he then heard Reiner say, "Calm down, James! It's not that you can't bring Riley home forever. However, you just can't bring her home right now."Reiner patted the slightly trembling James' back. Oh, Reiner was so surprised. Apparently James really thought deeply about the feelings of their best friend's son. "Remember, James. We'll go back there to look for her again, so you don't have to feel guilty," Reiner added.Instead of calming down, James became even more agitated. The young man turned to Reiner and replied, "How can I not feel guilty, Rei? I ... promised him I would bring his father home. But ... I failed to keep my promise." Ben swallowed, looking so sad to see
As if coming to his senses, James nodded slowly, "You're right, Rei. We ... should go back to the palace and strategize again to find Riley."Reiner could finally breathe with relief."Come on, we should leave this place first," Reiner said.James looked around the area one last time. After he felt that all his efforts were enough for the time being, he quickly boarded the airship that would take him back to the Ans De Lou Kingdom.During the trip, James was mostly silent.While Reiner and Ben who were also on the same plane with James repeatedly still invited James to talk. However, the young man still chose to be silent.In fact, Reiner wanted to entertain him by distracting James from the problem of Riley who had not yet been found. Unfortunately, he still failed to do so. James still didn't seem to want to join the conversation between the two.Some more James also heard the chatter of the soldiers, but sometimes he fe
The soldier was suddenly afraid. Moreover, the look in James Gardner's eyes suddenly turned sharp as if he was stabbing him. Oh, he really only meant to express what he was thinking. He didn't mean to offend the war general. He certainly didn't dare go against James Gardner. His nerves dropped even further when he heard James speak again, "Come on, tell me, do you mean to tell me that Riley doesn't want to see me?" The soldier named Joseph Zow immediately shook his head vigorously. "No, General Gardner. That's not what I meant. I just-" "Then, what, how can you think Riley doesn't want to come out of his hiding place?" James' tone now sounded more frustrated. Not wanting the situation to get out of hand, Reiner immediately approached his best friend and said, "James, stop it!" James still did not move and stared at the soldier as if waiting for an answer. However, Joseph did not open his mouth. The young man glanced at the Ground War Commander as if asking for help. Luckily