Fabian Fermoza was silent for an instant, seemingly preoccupied with his own thoughts. His silence raised many questions in the mind of Alexander who so obviously wanted the general's decision immediately. Unwilling to wait any longer, Alexander finally said, “You must decide immediately, General.”“I must reorganize our strategy immediately, General. We don't have much time,” Alexander urged.Fabian closed his eyes for a few seconds and biting his lower lip he commanded, “Prepare a new strategy, War Counselor. We ... follow their way of war.”Alexander was wide-eyed with shock at the unexpected decision, “You won't kill them, General?”Fabian exhaled harshly, “They don't plan to kill our troops. If we intend to eliminate them, won't this war not be seen as a balanced war?”“Even if we win, there's nothing to be proud of,” Fabian continued.Alexander sighed, surprised but pleased with the war general's bold decision. However, there was one thing that still confused him, “General, th
James let Riley's hand off his body and that made Riley even more anxious. However, Riley knew he couldn't be rash so he just stayed silent without saying another word before James answered his question.James sighed softly, "I think they found the legendary war general's son. But ... they hid it."Riley blinked, "You ... heard it all from-""I accidentally passed in front of their tent while General Reece was talking to Commander Sehel," James said honestly.He took another look at his surroundings and when he felt that the situation was safe, he continued, "They mentioned General Mackenzie's son who is also in this war."He looked at Riley who swallowed harshly, as if asking Riley to talk about something. But, Riley asked instead, "Did they mention a name?"James quickly shook his head, "If they mentioned a name, I wouldn't be here idly, right?"Riley grimaced, "You're right. Then, what ... are you going to do? Aren't you ... very ambitious to find him?"James sighed wearily, "Actu
Shin's words actually hurt the soldiers' pride. However, they were not allowed to reply to Shin's annoying words because suddenly the enemy troops fired several bullets aimed at them. Some of them split up immediately, preparing a counterattack. Shin was also about to retaliate against the enemy troops, but he saw James just standing still, not moving at all. Somewhat frantically while starting to shoot at the enemy, Shin said, "Why are you staying still, James?"James shrugged, "I won't do anything if they don't want me to."Those words were heard by many of the third-year troops and they looked happy to hear it."JAMES!" Shin shouted in exasperation.But, the man did not want to force his junior and he also did not want his comrades to disrespect James so he chose to concentrate on the battle.Meanwhile, after only a few minutes of the battle, some of the class three soldiers seemed to be overwhelmed by the enemy troops.James who saw that chose to comment, "That's not the way. I
James Gardner turned his head towards the person who had just spoken. Riley and Alen glanced at each other as if they knew something bad might happen.James smiled at the senior and said, "Senior, what makes you conclude that I need attention?"Joseph Cole shrugged and grinned, "Isn't it obvious, Gardner? You're saying we're annoying for not mentioning your services?""Not so. You misunderstood," James said, still sounding casual and it was beyond Riley's prediction.Alen even raised his right eyebrow in disbelief that James could still use words and a gentle tone."Misunderstood? Do you think I can't digest what you're talking about with these two friends of yours, Gardner?" Joseph replied, this time while squinting.James walked over to Joseph who was surprised by the step James had taken. But, Joseph still looked warily at his junior."Senior, what I mean is that I just find it strange that you and your friends are acting like I'm not in the war," James explained.Riley really appre
"Calm down, General Reece can't lose," a class two soldier said, who sounded still full of confidence.James closed his eyes for a second and replied, "Hey, this is not the time for positive thinking. Instead, it's time to be prepared for all possibilities, even the worst."Ben shook his head, "James, we'll see."James turned to Riley and saw Riley just staring seriously without saying a word. James was even more confused.James' breathing was really irregular now. During his time fighting in that place, it was the first time he felt so uneasy.How could he not be anxious and restless? The war general of their kingdom looked almost defeated which could mean that their kingdom would also lose.Some of the senior soldiers also looked extremely tense, completely at a loss as to what action they would take.However, only Riley tried to remain calm and studied the situation for a while. Meanwhile, Andrew Reece kept up an admirable resistance and did not let Fabian Fermoza gain the upper ha
Riley was stunned when he heard James' opinion, which was expressed in a cautious but serious tone.The young man immediately understood that James did not give that opinion carelessly.However, one of the class three soldiers who did not like James at all responded, "Hey, why are you so narrow-minded? You ... really look like your father who was always suspicious-""Leave my father's name out of this, senior! He has nothing to do with what I think," James cut in quickly.He didn't care for his senior's ramblings. He knew he didn't have time to argue so he turned to Riley again as if asking for support.Riley nodded, understanding James' gaze. And unexpectedly by the other soldiers Riley said, "James could be right. It could also be their trick to catch them off guard so ... we need to be much more vigilant."James smiled back faintly at Riley's words and looked around him, curious about the reactions of those around him. Shin, who had also seen how capable the two young men were, no
"Get back here!" Greg ordered.It was clear that Greg was going to step forward in his place. Greg was even getting ready to walk forward.Reiner was about to walk back towards his friends again but he quickly abandoned his intention and instead bowed respectfully to Greg. Greg stared in surprise, "What are you doing? Why are you still there? "Come quickly!" Greg pleaded once again.However, Reiner insisted on staying where he was and once again bowed respectfully as if asking for permission.Greg sighed softly, still silent.However, Reiner looked stubborn and continued to bow.James snorted, "Why is he so stupid? Commander Sehel is already here. He doesn't need to be there.""Commander Sehel is seriously injured, senior Reiner still wants to take his place," Riley said in a low tone.The young man looked at Greg anxiously but right now he couldn't do anything so he could only watch from afar.Ben suddenly turned to Greg who was holding his right hand. He looked carefully at Greg's
The staffer could only nod in resignation.Fabian Fermoza's face hardened instantly. The water on his face looked stiff but the people around him knew that the man was furious.However, before he could vent his anger, Alexander walked up to him suddenly, "General, attack them now! You have no other choice.""Your family is being held captive by the king. You ... must act immediately," Philip added who had come along with Alexander.Fabian sighed heavily. But, a few seconds later he said, "I will do that, but ...."Alexander was relieved but also looked worried."Tell him my one message," Fabian said."Yes, General?" Alexander asked curiously."If I die in this war, he must still free my family. Let them be commoners, win or lose," Fabian said.Alexander widened his eyes and immediately wanted to ask, but he didn't have time to do so.After talking to him, Fabian immediately moved forward and started firing mercilessly at the soldiers of the Ans De Lou kingdom.He also quickly ordered h
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
Alen did not immediately answer the question of his senior and good friend. He seemed to think for a moment before finally giving an answer, "It's like you don't know James.""What do you mean?" Shin replied while blinking.Alen snorted impatiently, "Shin, James is unpredictable. You must also know that sometimes he can do things that no one would ever think of. So, how can I guess what he might do?"Shin was stunned. The young man smiled wryly, "Damn, you're right about that. He is indeed unpredictable."In the end, the two people did not ask James any questions about what they discussed. When the funeral was over, they all returned to their respective places. However, not James Gardner. The young man who was the war general of Ans De Lou Kingdom at that time was seen walking towards Xylan Wellington's residence.Of course, this led to various speculations among most of the palace residents. It was not only the officials and staff of the palace who began to notice the irregularitie
"It will, Diego," James replied."He can wait," James repeated with emphasis.Diego didn't seem convinced by James' answer.James was usually reluctant to go into too much detail about what he was thinking. However, Diego was one of his best friends so he didn't want to confuse his best friend.So, James said, "He's not an easy guy to beat, Diego. And ... there's one thing you need to know.""What's that?" Diego asked with one eyebrow raised."His own father, I mean General Mackenzie told me that his son ... will not die easily," James explained.Diego was so dumbfounded that he didn't dare reply.James was sure his job of explaining was done, but he still added, "If the greatest and most powerful general the Ans De Lou Kingdom has ever seen said that, then there's a very good chance that Riley is still alive out there."Diego was silent for a few moments.But then he said, "If General Mackenzie believes that, we have no right to doubt him.""You're right, Diego. Therefore, we just ha
William's lips lifted upwards once again, forming a warm smile."James, without me explaining it, you ... must know it yourself, right?" William said softly.After that, the old man who was once the strongest soldier in the kingdom patted James on the back and then left James pensive.The young man swallowed hard. Suddenly he remembered all the things about Riley, more precisely their friendship that they had established since the beginning.All those memories came back. One of the memories that bothered him was when they were still not officially inducted into the army. At that time he was upset and made the stupid and desperate decision to attack the enemy as proof that he was different from his father. Then, the only person who really cared about him was Riley. He was the one who sacrificed himself to save him. At that time, he and Riley were both aspiring soldiers. Neither of them had the slightest experience on the battlefield. But, Riley was still looking for him.Uh, when he
James Gardner nodded, "Yes, Your Royal Highness. May I do so?"Xylan Wellington quickly nodded, "Go, General Gardner. You can talk to him."James was grateful that Xylan did not hold him back."Thank you, Your Highness," James said as he quickly left the crown prince along with three first-class soldiers to guard him.Indeed, the three soldiers were certainly no match for him. However, he chose to trust the three of them.Luckily, it turned out that William Mackenzie who looked much older by a few years was also looking for him so their meeting did not encounter any obstacles."General Mackenzie," James greeted the father of his best friend respectfully.William Mackenzie smiled faintly and replied, "General Gardner."James nodded, "You … are you alright, General?"William returned a smile and said in a low tone, "How can I be fine when I have some problems, General Gardner?"James frowned, looking rather confused.Not wanting to riddle and confuse James, William quickly explained wit
James suddenly gave Gardner a lopsided smile. He knew it was not easy being Xylan Wellington's shield. But, he really did not expect that the crown prince who he thought was so smart was also so innocent.His intelligence seemed to be inversely proportional to his knowledge in terms of understanding the world around him.However, he had already decided to replace Riley in order to make up for the few years of time he had wasted so he should try to be patient.Thus, he calmly replied, "You should start thinking about the matter of all of their opinions, Your Highness.""Why should I?" Xylan retorted, who did not seem to accept James' words.James bit his lower lip, feeling the need to suppress his irritation even more. Come on, James. Don't give up so easily! James thought to himself."Because you are the future king and will soon inherit the throne of this country. So, you should start thinking about what they think of you," James replied.Xylan was about to reply, but James was fas
The indecision on Xylan Wellington's face was evident. James Gardner, who felt that he had succeeded in making the crown prince realize the big mistake Xylan was about to make, called out, "Your Highness."Xylan flinched slightly when he heard his name being called by James.The young man turned to James, but still did not open his mouth.At that moment, James Gardner was certain that Xylan would change the decision they had just discussed.However, he suddenly saw Xylan smiling at him. That of course made James blink his eyes in confusion.But, within seconds, his confusion was answered. He heard Xylan say, "General Gardner, what you said is true. Everything is right. I ... might get some opposition for choosing Gary Davis as the king's advisor."He nodded. James immediately got a bad feeling that he didn't want to imagine."But, General Gardner. I have found no other good candidate than Gary Davis for that position. And ...."He paused for a moment, seemingly thinking about somethi
"Yes, that's right. My personal assistant who ... is currently outside the door of my father's residence," Xylan replied, not seeming to find anything strange about his answer.James was still so shocked that he was left speechless, at a loss for what to say in response to Xylan's explanation."Why, General Gardner?" Xylan asked as he looked at James who was not speaking.James moistened his lower lip, still thinking of the right words.However, Xylan couldn't wait for him so he spoke again, "General Gardner, I know what you're thinking."James blinked his eyes, looking stunned.Xylan let out a long breath, "This must be the status of Gary Davis who is my personal assistant, right?"James' eyes widened slightly until he then looked at the crown prince with an astonished look.That's what I mean, why would you even think of making a personal assistant an advisor to the king? Have you ... lost your mind, Your Royal Highness? James thought to himself.Uh, James Gardner actually never jud