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
"Sorry, Your Majesty. Forgive me if I have been presumptuous. But, this is my first time meeting you," Bill said. Monica frowned, a little unsure. There was no way she had the wrong person. This person standing not far from her was definitely that person. The person she had met a few years ago. Uh, it was so long ago, but the old incident was a common occurrence and she easily forgot about it. So, she was sure she could not have recognized the wrong person. In fact, the person's face had not changed. There was no significant change at all. "No, no. You're wrong, we've met before. It was at ....." The woman could not continue and soon realised she was not alone with Bill. So many bodyguards and servants were around them. If she made a wrong move, tomorrow's unpleasant gossip could spread throughout the palace. Her good reputation could be damaged and she did not want that to happen. For Monica Wilhelm, her position and reputation in front of the public was certainly the most impo
"There's something I need to discuss with him," Bill replied, putting an end to any questions Andrew might have asked. Andrew didn't dare ask any more questions after seeing the general's face looking so unkind. Bill once again checked all the equipment and afterwards made some important notes. The next morning, exactly two days before they were to attack the kingdom of Maldiva, Bill met the war general after getting the permission obtained with Andrew's help. "I didn't realize that Andrew Reece had turned into your loyal servant," Jody quipped as Bill entered his private residence. Bill was being satirised and he replied casually, "Ever since I entered this palace, Andrew Reece has been the one who has helped me the most in various ways." "Hm, of course I can see that." Jody's gaze looked unfriendly but since he and his war advisor had to work together this time then he tried to suppress his ego for the time being. "So, what did you have to say this morning?" Jody asked. "Ab
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
"Tell me, so I can do what I should, Your Royal Highness," James added.Xylan returned the war general's gaze with a look that looked very serious. The young man who had originally made one of the major decisions finally opened his mouth, "It has to do with ... the determination of the new palace officials after I take office as king."James was silent for a moment, looking a little surprised. It was only natural that Xylan Wellington had been thinking about his future reign. However, he didn't think it was the right time.His father hadn't even been buried yet. Why was he already thinking of something else? Isn't he still grieving? James thought.Xylan cleared his throat, causing James to give him a strange look. Not wanting James to think strangely about him or even misunderstand him, Xylan hurriedly explained, "General Gardner, it's not what you're thinking."James did not respond immediately and instead waited for Xylan's further explanation.Xylan himself was smart enough to q
However, before James Gardner could think further about it, Monica Wilhelm, the queen who had just lost her husband said, "Never mind, there's no need to prolong it anymore."Afterward, Monica turned her body around and faced the palace officials who were still in the palace. She sighed softly before saying, "As I wanted earlier, are you willing to let us mourn the passing of your king before we organize a funeral ceremony for him?"Without hesitation, all the palace officials unanimously replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."One by one, the palace officials left the king's residence area, leaving only the special soldiers protecting the king, queen, princess and crown prince.Meanwhile, some of James Gardner's men also remained in the area as per James' orders."General Gardner, please help," Monica said.James nodded and immediately did his duty as the kingdom's war general to prepare all the necessities used for security.
"Uh, if you're not ready to give up that important position, shouldn't you be careful when you speak, Prime Minister? Remember, what you're talking about is not appropriate," James said in a sharp tone.Anyone who heard James' threatening voice would surely be afraid. James waited but he was sure that his threat would be effective making that prime minister afraid of him.And unexpectedly, James Gardner's threat succeeded in silencing old Philip. Philip no longer dared to speak and remained silent. However, his resentful gaze could still be seen by James.Of course, you must be very upset with me, Prime Minister. However, you certainly don't want to lose your position just because of that ridiculous accusation, James thought.This made Monica Wilhelm and her two children feel a little calmer."Y-Your Majesty, I... I ...." Philip tried to speak again, but his nervousness was so obvious that James knew the old man would not dare to say anything nonsense again. James immediately respon
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