Despite the elder's gentle demeanor, Frederick couldn't shake the feeling of immense pressure radiating from him.It wasn't the kind of power associated with wealth, like Sirius, but something far deeper—an unparalleled aura.Frederick instinctively understood this wasn't a man to be trifled with.The old man approached Frederick directly and sat down beside him.He crossed his legs and said with a smile, "Whenever you face a challenge, there's always a solution. Don't let anger cloud your judgment. You carry a heavy darkness within you, young man. Sit with me, and let's find peace together."After a moment's hesitation, Frederick mirrored the elder's posture and settled down. The elder then began to gently chime a small bell in his hand.The deep, resonating tones echoed in Frederick's ears.Chink... Chink... Chink…Both men closed their eyes, entering a meditative state. As the solemn sound of the bell washed over him, Frederick experienced an unfamiliar wave of tranquility.
A chilling memory surfaced for Frederick. Back in Motheca, he'd stumbled upon a horrifying scene. A group of thugs from a notorious organization savagely murdered young girls. Consumed by rage, his murderous persona had taken the wheel. When Frederick finally snapped back to reality, he was surrounded by a gruesome tableau of dismembered bodies. The incident left him deeply shaken. Thankfully, no innocent bystanders were present, or they wouldn't have stood a chance. Since then, Frederick had built an ironclad wall within himself, forcibly suppressing his murderous persona. While occasional leaks of killing intent did occur, he'd always managed to regain control swiftly.Mr. Faith inquired urgently, "Young man, how did you manage to sense this divine grace? I've spent decades in contemplation, yet not a whisper of it has graced me. If only I knew the method, perhaps I could help more people find solace."Frederick furrowed his brow. "Divine grace?" He echoed the term in his
As they played chess, Mr. Faith shared his military knowledge with Frederick."Brigades, regiments, battalions, companies, platoons—each has a crucial role. The general oversees them all, responsible for every soldier and the entire battlefield. Soldiers defend the nation and build character. Would you like to join the army? I could help," Mr. Faith offered.Frederick smiled gently and declined. He still had to uncover his parents' murder and had no interest in the military."Thank you, Mr. Faith, but I have other priorities."Mr. Faith's face fell."A young man like you should consider serving the nation," he said sternly.Surprised by his reaction, Frederick realized Mr. Faith was quite traditional."Mr. Faith, serving one's nation isn't limited to the military. I have other contributions to make."Mr. Faith persisted, "True service is in the army, deterring enemies and protecting the homeland. Ordinary people can't safeguard the nation." As he spoke, Mr. Faith expertly use
Noticing Mr. Faith's disappointment, Frederick offered a gentle explanation. "Mr. Faith, it's not that I'm more skilled at military chess. Your general's hesitation led to your loss."Mr. Faith gazed at his captured flag and murmured, "The general must be protected. If he falls, the entire army loses its ability to fight."Frederick was puzzled by Mr. Faith's rigid belief that the general couldn't move freely in a game. Perhaps on a real battlefield, the general's life was paramount, but this was just a game.Frederick said gently, "Mr. Faith, you've placed too much weight on the general. It's become a mental burden. Only by releasing it can you see the whole board."Mr. Faith's body trembled slightly as he repeated, "A burden? The general has become a burden? Is that why I can't see the whole picture?"At that moment, the bell's glow turned golden once more, all the black energy having seeped into Mr. Faith.He suddenly began coughing violently, then collapsed in convulsions.F
In Sirius' office, Albert watched with amusement as Sirius' expression soured.Priscilla and Grace passionately argued that Frederick was a charlatan with no medical knowledge. They presented compelling evidence, detailing four failed treatments of Vivianne's patients.Sirius was shaken, recalling Frederick's simple antidote when he'd been poisoned.Did this mean Frederick lacked skills and had been lucky? Was it the same with his grandfather?Despite his growing doubts, Sirius knew he couldn't reveal them, especially to Albert. He sensed Albert had orchestrated this confrontation with Priscilla and Grace to weaken his position. Maintaining his composure, Sirius declared, "I still trust Frederick. Please stop talking about this.As the future leader of the family, Sirius was determined to project strength and confidence at all times.Grace was already hoarse from talking. She became anxious when she heard Sirius say that he still trusted Frederick."Mr. Sirius, why don't you b
Albert watched Sirius disappear down the hallway, his eyes narrowing suspiciously"Mr. Faith? Personal officer? Sounds more like..."A realization dawned on Albert, and his expression shifted dramatically. "Could that be... Sacred General Mr. Faith?The revelation sparked a peal of laughter from Albert. "If this esteemed guest Sirius mentioned truly manages to tick off Sacred General so badly he falls ill, well, there might not be a Monroe family left in Stanva City. That would certainly be a source of amusement for the Harmon family."The exchange didn't go unnoticed by Priscilla and Grace. Though unfamiliar with Salmasia's major powers, the name "Scared General" rang a faint bell. Mr. Faith was a revered military leader, commanding the entire northern Salmasian army. Like any soldier, his youth was spent on the battlefield, his hands inevitably stained with the blood of enemies.But unlike others, Mr. Faith held a unique belief—that death ended an enemy's sins, allowing for a
After settling Mr. Faith, Sirius felt like he'd been dunked in the ocean. Sweat plastered his clothes to his skin.Wayne spoke up in a hurried tone, "Mr. Sirius, since Mr. York is the one who caused Mr. Faith's illness, perhaps he can heal him too. His supposedly miraculous medical skills might be just what we need."Sirius's fury boiled over. He lashed out, a stinging slap connecting with Wayne's face. "Don't be ridiculous! Mr. Faith is simply sickened by Frederick's actions. We might still avoid blame for this. But if we suggest Frederick treat him, and Mr. Faith dies... that makes us accomplices to murder!" Wayne cradled his throbbing cheek and stammered in confusion. "Didn't you say Mr. York could extend life?"Sirius slumped in defeat, letting out a helpless sigh. "There's a chance his medical skills are a hoax. Even Grandpa might have been fooled. It's too early to tell for sure, but one thing's clear. Frederick has brought us nothing but trouble."…Meanwhile, Frederick d
Witnessing the scene before him, Tyger's mind reeled in confusion.Wasn't Scarlett plotting to use Frederick for their own gain? How had the situation devolved into two women vying for the same man's attention?The concept of conquest seemed laughably misplaced.As Tyger entered, Scarlett, seemingly embarrassed by the sight and mindful of his seniority, quickly disentangled herself from Frederick. However, she seized the moment. "Uncle Tyger, has the big shot arrived?"Tyger was brimming with excitement as he said, "Indeed, Ms. Samson. Anticipating their arrival tonight, Jacob and I took turns watching the Imperial Suite. We just witnessed them being transported inside. Perhaps his old ailment has resurfaced."A spark of delight flickered in Scarlett's eyes. It meant an opportunity.Though she felt a pang of sympathy for Jacob and Tyger, who were forced to stand guard despite their age, she couldn't deny her own motives. Here she was, bickering with Vivianne in Frederick's room