"I've put it there," Bill said, pointing to the pile of presents by the door on the right.Peter Green said, "Uh, I've been dying to see that.""Yeah, right. Me too. What will my dear brother-in-law give me?" George said with a wink.However, the wink seemed to be such an obvious mockery that his youngest sister Shirley snickered.But, as usual, Bill was calm and unfazed by the little interruption. The bride spoke up, "Shall we open the gifts from the guests now, darling?"Shirley Wood looked up at her husband and gave him a sensual, alluring smile. Peter replied with a brief peck on the lips, "If you want to, let's do it, darling.""Alright, let's get the host to announce it," Shirley said.Before the newlyweds left Bill and Cassandra, Shirley took a moment to say, "Don't think I expect much from your gift, Bill. I'm just curious."Bill didn't reply. George Wood played with his finger by lowering his thumb, swooping down. Anyone would have easily understood that George was belittlin
With trembling hands he touched a gold piece that had a name engraved on it. He didn't know if it was pure gold so he didn't know how to comment. Peter took the large gold disc and began to read in a trembling voice, "General Mackenzie. This is his portrait. Yes, this is unmistakable. This is the image of the war general of the Ans De Lou Kingdom."Peter examined the disc carefully and then smiled. "Gosh, I can't believe I'm touching it."Shirley, who did not understand, asked, "What is it, dear?""Oh, Dear. Don't you know about this? This disc belonged to this kingdom's war hero. The most powerful God of War ever, General Mackenzie," Peter said as he gazed at the disc with awe.Some people gawked and some began to comment."Gosh, that can't be real, can it? How can it be real?" "Shouldn't the disc be in the Silver Building? General Mackenzie's residence.""Yeah, I heard that no outsiders can get into it. So, how did he get it?""Oh, no. Did he steal it?" another said."It must be a
"Yes, only three.""He didn't miscount, did he?" George was still hopeful that what Bryan said was wrong.Bryan replied, "If he had miscounted, he would have been hanged by King Keannu."Uh, that's right. A royal bodyguard could not have been chosen so easily. A series of tests must have been passed, it was unlikely that the bodyguard would make a mistake in arithmetic.George was forced to ask again, "So, where is the other one?""My colleague in charge of guarding the place said that Andrew Reece received orders from General Mackenzie to give it to a man named ... wait a minute, I'll ask again. I forgot his name," Bryan replied.Christopher's aura had darkened like a crow clawing at its prey.George, on the other hand, was so agitated that he gripped his mobile phone tighter. He was very anxious, not wanting what was happening to go against his wishes.In the part of the hall where the guests were standing, Cassandra was holding her breath not yet relieved, but Emma was already smili
"Do I need to tell you about this, Gardner?" Keannu asked.Obviously, this was very bad. Keannu Wellington was known to have a high level of decorum and would never offend anyone with his mouth. Jody Gardner realized that the king didn't like him enough to call him by his last name without his title.Not wanting to make things even more unpleasant, Jody hurriedly said, "No, Your Majesty. You don't need to ... tell me. This is your business with General Mackenzie."The corners of Keannu's lips lifted slightly, seemingly pleased with his quick-to-respond general."Good, if you understand," Keannu said."So, is there anything else you would like to ask?" Keannu continued."Nothing, Your Majesty," Jody replied and he quickly retreated from the king's private palace.He was holding back his anger and did not speak a word as he walked.The general hurriedly went outside with Steven faithfully walking right behind him. When they reached the middle of the road, Jody Garder suddenly stopped w
"Uh, that ... never mind, I'm just in a daze," Steven replied hastily. He had just realized that he was talking too much. After all, he was General Gardner's direct subordinate, he shouldn't be discussing the matter with others. He could be accused of spreading the general's secrets. Gosh, what had he just done? He had been a subordinate of the war general for two years and had never made a single mistake.So, why did he make a mistake now? Really, Steven wanted to sew his own mouth shut so that he wouldn't spill the beans about his general anymore. Even if it was just a little bit. "Uh, but you said General Gardner just did something. What was it? Did he make-" "No, no. I misspoke. Alright, I'll go first. I have some work to do," Steven excused himself quickly. Wallace looked suspicious, but he chose not to think about it and went back to patrolling. As for Steven, after taking care of the general's sudden leave, he rushed to the dining hall. There, many soldiers were al
"No, it's not. It's already yours," Bill said.Peter smiled happily, "Then I'll just stay in my room.""Peter!" Shirley glared in annoyance, but her husband didn't even glance at her. Instead, he went upstairs and into his room.Shirley's anger mounting, she pushed Bill's body with full force. But Bill was a strong man with a sturdy body so the push didn't move him an inch. The failing Shirley became even more furious."This is all because of you! I hate you!" the beautiful woman said before running upstairs to catch up with her husband.Christopher sighed wearily, "If their marriage is ruined by your little gift, don't expect me to let you breathe easy, Bill.""Actually, it's not a small gift, Gramps."Of course it was. That gold disc was a symbol of his victory. He didn't just give it to anyone. At first, Andrew Reece looked so shocked when Bill intended to give it to him.However, he ignored him. This was also done by Bill after he found out that Peter Green was a big fan through h
Bill didn't answer and just sat quietly."Are you mute? Can't answer?" Bill just leered and still didn't want to answer.The subordinate groaned in exasperation. "How arrogant! Take this!" He then intended to hit Bill on the head. However, Bill swiftly dodged and hit him with both of his bound hands. The man jumped in surprise at Bill's attack and was about to retaliate but again he was kicked by Bill.The man was only with a driver so it was easy for Bill to deal with them. However, Bill thought it wouldn't be fun if he just ran away. He wanted to know the extent of Jody Gardner's actions and the reasons behind the inappropriate behaviour of the man who replaced him."Do you want to die?" the driver asked without turning his head.Bill, whose mouth was still shut, used his bound hands to choke the driver from behind. "Damn. How dare you!"The friend couldn't help the driver as his chest had just received a good kick from Bill. "Let go of me!" the driver ordered.Not wanting to get
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
Philip Crawford replied, "Your Majesty, you have made a big mistake."Everyone held their breath at Philip's bold answer.In fact, Ashton Rowles looked so shocked that he forgot to close his wide-open mouth."Oh my! Has the Prime Minister lost his mind?" a minister standing not far from Ashton, muttered.A friend of his who was also a minister replied, "He has indeed gone mad.""I think he dares to contradict the king because he is not willing to lose his position," another minister said.A forestry ministry staff nodded, "You're all right, Ministers. It looks like Prime Minister Crawford can't accept the king's decision.""That's obvious. It's just that ... if I were the Prime Minister, I would do the same thing," another ministry staffer said.The Minister of Social Affairs responded, "Why?"The person shrugged, "The problem is ... he was replaced by someone who has criteria far below his. Just imagine! Gary Davis was just a personal assistant. He's nothing more than an ordinary man
"No, I told you he couldn't do it, Prime Minister," Ashton Rowles said quietly.However, from the tone of his voice, Philip sensed that Ashton was not sure of what he was saying.That made Philip cluck his tongue, while Ashton himself was also actually beginning to be unsure and astonished.However, he would not reveal his doubts to Philip because he did not want his senior to feel upset."Never mind, if he really intends to fire me, I'll accept it. Maybe it's time for me to retire from the palace," Philip said in a gloomy tone.Ashton suddenly felt sorry but he knew he could do nothing but wait for the king's decision."The position of Prime Minister of Ans De Lou Kingdom will still be held by Philip Crawford who has contributed so much to this kingdom," Xylan said.Philip gaped in disbelief.While Ashton immediately laughed with relief and said, "I'm right, Prime Minister? He didn't fire you.""Congratulations, Prime Minister. You're still in your position," another minister said.T
Apparently Ashton did not take offense even though Philip said to him in a sarcastic tone.Instead, Ashton smiled soothingly, "I wouldn't laugh at my senior, Prime Minister."Ashton was indeed fifteen years younger than Philip. Apart from being much younger than Philip, Ashton also had less experience than Philip.Ashton Rowles only set foot in the palace about twelve years ago, when he was 30 years old. He was appointed Minister of Education 4 years ago when he was only 38 years old.He was indeed one of the youngest ministers ever in the Ans De Lou Kingdom, but when compared to Philip Crawford who had served in the palace for more than twenty years, he certainly did not compare."So, why?" Philip asked, still with a resentful tone.Ashton replied, "King Xylan values others. I ... firmly believe that he will retain you, Prime Minister."Philip was stunned, "How can you be so sure, Ashton?"Ashton suddenly became happy, as well as relieved. For him, Philip Crawford calling his name wa
"Please, Your Majesty," James said softly to the viceroy.Xylan Wellington nodded with relief.With the courage he had always possessed, Xylan began to give his first speech as king of Ans De Lou Kingdom.The young man was smooth and even charismatic. He delivered his entire speech very smoothly. Not once did he falter. So many people immediately admired him. Not only were the officials and staff of the palace impressed by Xylan's speech, but most of the residents of the palace also seemed to like Xylan."He's still very young, but I'm sure he'll make a good king, just like his father and grandfather," one of the female servants said in the grand palace.A friend standing next to her responded, "He not only has a very handsome face, but is also very authoritative. I ... can't believe that the little prince is now officially our king.""The youngest and handsomest king in our kingdom," another servant agreed.The other servants nodded along, agreeing with the words of their friends.
James casually replied, "Nothing."Gary certainly didn't believe it. The young man looked at James with a curious gaze.Not wanting to make Gary suspicious, James said, "I just didn't realize that you ... were so close to Prince Xylan.""How long have you served Prince Xylan?" James added."Just a few years, General Gardner. About three years," Gary explained.James nodded his head. The war general immediately thought seriously. But, this time he was trying to extract something from Gary Davis so he chose to throw in a statement for Xylan Wellington's suspicious personal assistant."You do not come from among the palace officials, nor do you have an amazing background but ... Prince Xylan has so much confidence in you. You ... must have some other merit for the Prince to choose you," James said in as normal a tone as possible to keep Gary from being wary of him.Gary was stunned, seemingly amazed by James' words. He was about to give a reply to the war general, but instead he heard J
Silence.Gary Davis was silent, but appeared to be in serious thought."What else are you thinking about, Gary?" Xylan Wellington said in a very tired sounding tone. He even wore an impatient expression.This made Gary grimace. "Your Highness, but General Gardner is just a replacement War General. Is-""Yes, yes you are right. He is indeed a replacement general," Xylan cut off Gary's words quickly.Gary listened, not intending to interrupt and instead waiting for Xylan to explain further.Xylan sighed softly, "But ... he's also not someone to be trifled with. Everyone respects him. Especially since he's the one who saved our kingdom. He won a battle that even my brother-in-law couldn't do."The young man moistened his lips briefly and continued while frowning, "With such great achievements, I firmly believe no one will dare to oppose him. And I ... will be safe as long as he is my shield."Gary could catch such conviction in Xylan's tone that he could not reply to his future king's
Gary Davis replied with a serious expression, "Your Honor, I apologize if you find my words presumptuous, but ....""Just say it! Say everything you want to say!" Xylan commanded.From the tone of his voice, Xylan clearly sounded impatient. "I'm ready to listen! And ... I won't get mad at you, don't worry!" Xylan added after he saw the hesitant look on Gary's face.Xylan thought maybe Gary was afraid that he would be punished if he said what was in his head so the future king's salon had to reassure Gary for the young man to be braver.Gary nodded, looking relieved. At least he had an assurance that he would not be punished. "Your Highness, you ... will be made the new king of Ans De Lou Kingdom. You are still very young and you yourself must have guessed that ... that ... I am ...."Xylan clucked his tongue impatiently, "Just say it! I have no problem. Just take it easy!"Gary nodded again and continued, "There are some who don't like you. Although ... for now things aren't looking
Hearing Gary Davis' answer, Xylan Wellington frowned.Is this really the same young man who always gives me good solutions? Xylan wondered.The future king looked deeper and deeper at Gary and finally raised his right eyebrow when he realized he had thought something stupid.More and more Xylan realized that Gary Davis might indeed be smart and dexterous and quite knowledgeable. But, such an intelligent person could also have an innocent nature like the young man had just shown himself."Your Highness, why don't you answer my question? Am I-""Forget it!" Xylan cut in quickly.Gary scratched behind his ear in confusion.Xylan sighed and said, "Gary, are you anxiously awaiting the announcement of the changes in staff and palace officials later?"Gary frowned, quite surprised by Xylan's question.The young man opened his mouth and stammered, "Your Royal Highness, I ... I'm just ...."Just by looking at Gary's expression, Xylan instantly knew that his guess was correct. The young man di
"Of course it is. Otherwise, how could his café business be successful?" Diego said, who seemed to be satisfied with the results achieved by James, his best friend.Reiner became more interested, "How? I mean ... you know he's ... well, he can't be polite and he tends to annoy people. So, what did he change?"Diego looked like he was about to answer, but Shin suddenly said in an incredulous tone, "Oh, wait a minute. He manages the cafe business together with his mother, right? Uh, I'm sure the customers come to his place because of his nice mom."Ben nodded in agreement, "I've never met James' mother, but ... considering James is like that, I'll take Shin's word for it."Diego immediately put on a sour expression, looking rather annoyed. This was because his own friends apparently didn't know James very well.However, he was the one who was witness to how James had changed so much that he felt the need to set the record straight."Hey, I'm telling you seriously. James, who is the owne