"Yeah," Riley replied without looking James in the eye.James asked again, "Who is he? Is he a senior soldier or a palace official?"Before Riley could answer James' question, someone lined up right next to James said, "How could he know? Even the senior soldiers don't know about it."James immediately turned to the young man who he knew was one of the soldiers who also lived in the same dormitory as him, "What do you mean the seniors don't know about that?""Commander Sehel didn't tell anyone about it. He only said that the war strategy has been changed by a new war advisor appointed by King Keannu."He then lowered his voice as he did not want anyone to hear him speak, "As for who he is, whether it is from the soldiers, officials or outsiders, no one knows except Commander Sehel and a few people trusted by the king who know."James Gardner understood his friend's explanation very easily and sighed softly with a furrowed forehead, "Mysterious. Oh, no ... it's more like very strange.
Alen immediately turned to James, as well as Riley who was staring at him with an incomprehensible look.At first James was a bit confused by the stares of his two friends. However, he suddenly realized something, "Hey, my father was a traitor. I know about it, but ... he didn't betray this kingdom."He took off his protective helmet and quickly rubbed his nose. That little activity was a sign that he was becoming nervous and agitated.Realizing that, Riley immediately put his arm around James and said, "We know. Your father is not a traitor like we think he is. Calm down!"Alen also responded, "Riley is right. You ... don't have to feel weird anymore. I'm sorry, I may have misunderstood you earlier. However, I really didn't mean to make you think of your father."The situation became awkward. The unusual conversation made them misbehave themselves.However, it didn't last long. When Ben and Shin moved to their places, the atmosphere became
James was silent, suddenly looking thoughtful.Alen also frowned as he looked at Riley as if asking for further explanation.Seeing an opportunity come to him, Riley emphasized again, "So, the main headquarters should be more thorough and careful. There is no disadvantage in following this procedure. It will benefit many parties, especially our kingdom.""With this test or examination, we can also find out who chose to resign or is no longer able to continue playing a role," Riley explained further.James really couldn't argue with Riley's words. He could only grumble, "But ... this is taking too long."Ben and Shin were stunned to see that Riley was able to make the two juniors finally come to their senses."Be patient!" Ben said quickly, helping Riley."Is your wound getting worse? Do you want me to check it, James?" Alen offered as he now seemed to be on Riley's side completely.Shin also said in a worried tone, "If your wound gets worse, I'll ask-""No, I'm fine," James cut in imp
Seeing the strange expressions of his two junior soldiers, Shin added, "Life as a palace soldier is not easy."A sigh was heard from the soldier who used to be a medical staff. The palace regulations did allow every soldier who finished their training period to get married. There are no regulations that prohibit them from living a normal life like the rest of society.However, in their first year of marriage, they were forbidden to bring their wives to live in the palace. The soldiers' wives could only enter and live in the palace in the second year of their marriage. But, they were not able to stay without permission. They had to undergo tests and examinations until they were cleared. However, once they were granted permission, they would be given the freedom to live in the palace with their husbands indefinitely and have the right to use the palace facilities provided by the kingdom. "General Reece is not married. Why should I?" Shin explained as he saw the shock on the faces of
James was even more inflamed when he heard these words full of sarcasm. He immediately detached himself from Riley and said, "You're class one soldiers, but why don't you use your brains to think?"The staff glared angrily, "Young man, watch your language!""Why should I?" James retorted as he was now free of Riley, "You don't watch your mouth when you speak.""James," Riley called.James turned his head, "Why? Do you want me to stay silent when we're even accused of being a treasonous force? I ... can't let them do that."The soldiers of the class one laughed condescendingly. "You're ... hm, James Gardner. Gardner.""Did you hear his last name that I just said?" the red-haired soldier continued.A staffer with a pistol in hand frowned, "Uh, so you're the one ... the traitor's son?""You're-"James' face turned red due to the anger that had overcome him. Riley clenched his fists, barely able to control himself anymore.Meanwhile, Ben and Shin also looked just as angry as Riley or Jame
Seeing James remain silent, Reynhard grinned once more, displaying his canines as if he was ready to tear James apart.The man felt that he had succeeded in scaring James so he confidently said, "Oh, good that you're scared now. You should know better, Gardner.""Don't think you're safe, just because you're friends with a future king's son-in-law!" Reynhard said, seemingly having the upper hand.The still silent James finally raised his face, looking into Reynhard's eyes with a flat expression.However, the young man still said nothing until Reynhard finally chose to speak again, "I ... may not dare to face Wood, but you ... a traitorous son of a bitch like you I can easily conquer."The man who was one of class one soldiers was about to smile, but he didn't because he suddenly heard James laughing out loud. In fact, his laughter was so crisp that the bewildered Reynhardt looked at him with a gaze full of astonishment and confusion, "What are you laughing at?" James stopped his laug
Riley didn't answer and that made Reynhard feel victorious. He haughtily added, "Wow! How pathetic! I guess you won't be able to do anything without-""If that's what you think, then I wouldn't blame you," Riley cut in quickly, making several senior soldiers immediately sneer at him.Reynhard smiled dismissively, "Oh, so you admit it." "Of course, why would I deny it? It's the truth," Riley retorted, making Reynhard's friends look down on the young man.Reynhard laughed sarcastically, "Uh, I see. You are really disgusting, Wood. "You pathetic soldier! Using your position to get special treatment." A friend of Reynhard's said while staring with a mocking expression.Some people laughed mockingly, but Riley didn't seem to care too much.However, after letting the people have their fill of laughing at him, the almost-twenty-two-year-old said, "Indeed, being a future king's son-in-law is quite an advantage for me after all."The people fell silent again, watching Riley intently.Riley t
Alen immediately shook his head, replying stammeringly, "N-nothing, General Reece."Andrew Reece looked suspicious, but the war general chose not to discuss it too much. He simply said, "Well, then please rest. Tonight you must listen to further war instructions from your seniors."James frowned in surprise, but Riley first commented, "Will the war strategy be conveyed by the seniors to ... us as juniors, General?"Andrew turned to Riley and smiled gently, "Yes. In thirty minutes, I will call the commanders along with some seniors to discuss the matter. Afterward, the seniors will call their colleagues and you as their juniors to explain what I have to say."Listening to the explanation, James suddenly became somber. While Alen let out a long sigh, realizing that their situation was not good.Meanwhile, Riley seemed to be as calm as ever and even replied, "Yes, General.""Alright, relax first!" Andrew told them.Before exiting the tent, Andrew walked towards Riley. James and Alen sta