Bill walked into the Woods' house in confusion. He wanted to help his wife but he still didn't know what to do.
In the midst of his confusion, Andrew Reece, who was his trusted man, came back. "No, General!" Andrew said. "My wife is inside. I have to help her." "General, how about we make a deal?" Andrew asked. Bill frowned, "What deal?" "If you are willing to come back, we will help you, General." Bill exhaled harshly, realizing that nothing in this world is free. Very reluctantly, Bill said, "Alright, I'll be back." Andrew smiled happily. Andrew then took an action to help Bill. "Good morning, General!" Andrew greeted on the day of Bill's return. "How are you today, General?" the young man asked with a bright smile. "No need for pleasantries. Get on with it, Reece." Andrew even smiled nervously from too much excitement, "Yes, General." "But before that, I'll have a word with King Keannu first." "Yes, General. He will be happy to see you." "I'll take my leave," Bill said. Andrew was about to drop to his knees in excitement but he didn't because Bill hurriedly shooed him away. He was busy that afternoon saying goodbye to Emma White and promising to find her a better person to replace him. "There will be no one better than you, Bill. There won't be," Emma said sadly, it was hard to let Bill go. After all, Bill had been with her long enough to manage the fruit stall. "Madam, I-" "There's no need to worry about me. I know, you left for a better life. Don't worry!" "Don't forget one thing, you have to succeed. Make it so that the family can no longer look down on you, Bill. I will always support you," Emma added sincerely. "Thank you, ma'am," Bill replied. Emma nodded in return. Having finished saying goodbye, Bill was immediately escorted to a car by Andrew. "Go ahead, General!" Andrew said, asking Bill to get into the car. "General, are you ready?" Andrew asked just before they left. "Yes, let's go," Bill replied. The young man started driving the car. "No one knows I'm at the palace, right, Reece?" Bill asked. "As you requested, General. Only King Keannu, the Secretary of State and I know about it. That's why I'm picking you up." Bill nodded with relief, "Good." However, his relief was short-lived as Bill realized they were being followed. A car drove not far from them and managed to catch up with the car and drove right beside them. "We seem to be followed, General. But who are they?" Andrew said, starting to panic but still concentrating on driving. The man suddenly pulled out his gun from under his jacket. Bill was watching the movement of the car and suddenly shouted, "Get down!" The sound of gunfire was deafening. Luckily, Bill and Andrew managed to dodge the attack in time. "Gun, Reece!" Bill said quickly. Andrew, who had returned to driving, quickly grabbed his other gun and handed it to Bill. The pursuers were still trying to open fire but again Andrew managed to avoid their car. His concentration was quite good, Andrew could control the car while occasionally shooting with his right hand. "To the right, Reece!" Bill ordered. Andrew brought the car to the right side of the road. Bill stuck his head out without any trouble and pulled the trigger of his pistol. He fired carefully and managed to hit the driver. The car hit a pole and couldn't move. However, they were still facing two other cars that seemed eager to chase them. "They're surrounding us!" Andrew said. "Turn right, Reece!" Bill ordered. The order sounded very clear but Andrew looked a little hesitant. "Hurry up!" Bill said again. Andrew immediately slammed the steering wheel and faced the two cars behind them. Within seconds, Andrew saw Bill fire shot after shot, none of which missed. They were all on target. The two cars collided and made a sound that hurt the ears of anyone who heard it. Afterward, the sound of explosions from the two burning cars added to the noise in the area. Andrew was stunned to see the amazing thing that had just happened in front of his eyes. "General, you're amazing!" Andrew said with his eyes still unblinking, too amazed. "Hurry up and clean it up, Reece! Don't let any rumors spread!" Bill ordered, not responding to Andrew's words. Andrew quickly came to his senses and did his job. He contacted the two people he had given clear instructions to. "Remember, no one should know anything is happening in this area," Andrew said before ending the call. Bill waited, leaning against the car and closing his eyes. He wasn't sleeping but just neutralizing himself after what he had done a few minutes ago. He knew how ferocious he would become on the battlefield so he needed time to extinguish the flames after finishing his task. Otherwise, he could look at people with a wary gaze and it would make others uncomfortable. "You're very incredible, General!" Andrew said once again. Bill opened his eyes, looking at the young man, "It's nothing. Come on, it's not like you were with me in the war." Andrew flashed a smile, "But you were-" "Haven't held a gun for a few years, yes you're right." Andrew nodded enthusiastically, "However, your abilities haven't changed one bit." "You're wrong." "General?" Bill exhaled harshly, "I'm a little slower." Andrew shook his head, intending to say something but Bill stopped him by saying, "Reece, make sure you investigate those people." "Yes, General!" "Find that guy, somehow it seems like this guy knows I'm coming back," Bill said. Andrew was confused, "That's impossible, General. Just-" "I don't think anyone betrayed me but there must be something. Find it out!" "Yes, General!" Andrew said obediently. "Let's go to the palace! Isn't King Keannu waiting for me?" The palace still looked like it did the last time Bill left the grand and luxurious building. It was still guarded by troops surrounding every corner of the palace. Every time Andrew and Bill passed by, everyone gave them access and let them pass. Andrew was a bit annoyed because they were all supposed to salute Bill but since Bill's identity was hidden, no one knew about it. "Where should I wait?" Bill asked. "The Silver Building, General!" Andrew replied. Hearing the name of the building that was very familiar to him, Bill's forehead wrinkled. Andrew understood and smiled. Bill's residence in the palace used to be in the Silver Building. In addition, all the awards Bill received during his service to the palace as well as his armor were also well kept there. "Please, General!" Andrew said. Bill followed him wordlessly. When he reached the building, Andrew said, "You may rest for a while, General. Soon, King Keannu will arrive in here." Bill didn't reply to Andrew's words and went straight into the building. He looked around the large room alone. So many of his relics were still there. Some of them were even placed in glass cabinets, as if to keep them from being damaged. His gaze then stopped on a large glass box in the center that Bill could already tell from a distance what was inside. He walked over and looked at it closely. The gleaming silver object was his favorite, his prized possession. Just as Bill was about to touch the glass box, he heard someone from behind him exclaim, "Don't touch that!" Bill spun around, staring at a familiar figure. It was Jody Gardner, one of his men who had now become a War General, replacing him after his resignation. "That silver mask belonged to our previous War General. It's not to be touched by anyone," Jody said. Bill smiled, "I'm just looking around." "That's not allowed. Who are you to come into this building?" Jody asked with a not at all friendly expression. Before Bill could answer, Jody said in a loud tone, "Guards, why was this person let in?" "He came with Andrew Reece, General," one of the guards replied. Jody suddenly looked at Bill with a probing gaze and saw that Bill's appearance was far from neat. Jody looked down at Bill and immediately said, "Get him out of here!" Bill was not surprised at all. Indeed, without his silver mask, Jody would not have recognized him. One of the guards forcibly pulled Bill away from the large glass box, but then they heard King Keannu's voice echoing in there, "Stop it!" The bodyguard let go of Bill and moved back. King Keannu along with a woman in her mid-thirties arrived there. The king's face was bright red. "Your Majesty," Jody said while bowing respectfully. King Keannu did not return the salute and instead said, "What have you done?" "I ordered the guards to send away this man Andrew brought, Your Majesty. He had the audacity to touch General Mackenzie's mask," Jody replied. King Keannu flew into a rage, "Presumptuous! Don't you know who he is, Jody? He's ....""Your Majesty," Bill said suddenly.He bowed before his king, paying his respects. "It is my pleasure to have the honor of meeting the leader of this country."King Keannu frowned, somewhat confused. But when he saw Bill's expression as if he was throwing a code at him, the king understood."Your Majesty, he is-""General Gardner, there's no need to prolong this," Keannu said in firmly."But, Your Majesty. This man-""He's my guest, General. He is under my supervision. Do you understand now?" Keannu asked.Jody was about to say something else but suddenly the king said, "I would like to speak with my guest for a moment, General."Obviously an order telling Jody to stay away from there, the man understood quickly. Although, curiosity got the better of him, Jody chose to retreat."Yes, Your Majesty," Jody excused himself.The man bowed and left the building followed by his loyal men.As soon as the doors of the Silver building were closed, Keannu immediately turned to Bill and smiled bro
"Shut up, Harry!" Andrew snapped, already filled with the anger that was rapidly coursing through his veins after hearing the derogatory remarks that his two colleagues had hurled at the great general he respected so much. He simply could not accept it.Harry looked up in surprise, "Why are you angry? Isn't the one you brought a beggar? Look at the clothes he's wearing! The taxi driver's clothes outside are better than his.""Stop it! Don't ever dare to say like that!" Andrew said, pointing at Harry with his index finger."Have you forgotten who I am?" Harry retorted, now glaring fiercely at Andrew."Let's fight!" Andrew said irritably."This isn't necessary," Bill said and he strangely didn't feel offended by the two men's remarks. This was probably because he was so used to being insulted and abused by people, that he just took it as an afterthought."They have the nerve to insult you, Gen-""Andrew Reece!" Bill cut it.Andrew realized he was about to make a big mistake. He complie
"General Gardner, did you just question my decision?" Keannu asked, looking offended.Jody Gardner clearly didn't like it but he tried to restrain himself, "No, Your Majesty. Mercy, Your Majesty. I just want an explanation. I thought I was doing my best. But, you turned out to be-""Calm down, General. It's not that I don't appreciate your efforts and struggles. Quite the contrary, in order to make your task easier, I am providing you with a War Advisor."Keannu turned to Bill who nodded.Jody was even more annoyed, obviously Keannu's words were a lie. The viceroy must have doubted his abilities to appoint an unknown person as his advisor. How annoying."But I've never heard the name 'Bill Stewart', Your Majesty," Jody Gardner said.Keannu immediately said, "Of course you've never heard of him. He is not from this part of Europe. He's from far away."Bill frowned. Andrew said quietly, "King Keannu looks unbelievable.""He never lies," Bill said.Indeed, when it came to selfishness, Kea
Jody Gardner who was wearing his fur coat turned around, looking at Anthony with a puzzled look on his face."Why are you asking about the defeat penalty?" Jody asked.Anthony moistened his lower lip, looking even more nervous. "Are you saying now that you don't think I'll win? Does your war strategy suck?" Jody asked with a sharp gaze that made Anthony move backwards in fear."N-no, General. It's not like that, I'm just curious." Jody gave him a probing look before finally answering, "Oh, I see. Death penalty, of course."Anthony was dumbfounded, more like he was too shocked. "Death penalty?""Yes. Why? Are you scared?" Jody asked.Anthony didn't answer but the expression on his face should have told Jody that he was scared to death. Anthony even thought that maybe his skin colour had turned completely white. "Uh, you shouldn't be afraid."Anthony was still silent, still too shocked.Jody added, "If we win, you will get a huge reward, apart from living in the palace and becoming th
Bill did not have time to answer because the king suddenly had guests and was forced to end his meeting with Bill. Bill also had to feel the failure of defending someone.Anthony, who was a historian, was eventually executed with three shots fired at him. The shots hit his vital organs and brought him to death.Two days after the incident, Bill was officially appointed as a War Advisor in the Kingdom of Ans De Lou and began moving to the Gold building to live with Jody Gardner."You know, Stewart. You got that position after taking the lives of thousands of people, are you happy about that?" Jody Gardner said when Bill first set foot in the building.Bill smiled, "General, I was just following King Keannu's orders.""Oh yeah? Do you think I believe in you?" Jody replied, glaring at Bill. The man obviously couldn't accept Bill willingly. He was only forced to accept Bill on the king's orders.He had already lost, however he didn't want his title revoked so he had to endure despite his
"You ... who are you?" Shirley asked stammeringly.The tall, well-built man smiled broadly, "You forgot me, Sister-in-Law?"Shirley nearly fainted at the sound of that voice, staring in disbelief. So did Cassandra who looked shocked, transfixed and stunned at the words of the man in the elegantly handsome black suit."Bill?" Cassandra said, still in disbelief."Yes, darling. This is your husband," Bill said, smiling at his wife.Shirley tried to snap out of it, "You ... where could that loser be?Bill turned round and looked at the sister-in-law who had insulted him so often, "Uh, do I have to tell you all the insults you threw at me back then?"Shirley exhaled harshly. Oh, it was definitely Bill, her brother-in-law who was a lowly person. Only Bill would throw out such scathing insinuations, she didn't know any other man who would do such a thing.Cassandra said with mixed emotions, "You ... where have you been? Why did you just show up?"Bill turned to his wife, "We'll talk about thi
"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
Foei Maccray turned around and looked sarcastically at the junior.When he saw Lory Blackwell's compliance, Foei Maccray smiled wryly as if satisfied that he had succeeded in making one of his juniors submit to his orders.Of course, that made him feel big-headed. Hence, Foei haughtily said again, "Keep standing here until we are out of your sight. After that ... then you can walk."Lory Blackwell did not reply. But Foei took his silence as obedience so he said, "Good! You should obey your seniors' orders."Lory just swallowed without daring to say a word. However, Foei did not need an answer so he just continued walking along with his good friend, Derrick Weybe who looked bored in Lory's neighborhood. The other soldiers followed the two senior soldiers with mixed feelings. Apparently there were some of them who were starting to feel sympathetic towards Lory. But due to their status and class being much lower than the two senior soldiers who were bullying Lory, they chose to be cowa
Derrick snorted in annoyance, while Foei immediately responded, "Oh, you seem to be very timid!" Foei cast his gaze at Derrick and then flashed a smile with a mocking expression. Derrick shook his head, also smiling mockingly."If you're scared, why would you want to participate in this important mission?" Foei said.Lory quickly shook her head, "I'm not afraid ... I’m just-""Huh? Not afraid? Then, why did you just say that?" Derrick cut Lory off, as if he deliberately didn't want to hear Lory speak."You're obviously a coward! Oh my! You should have stayed in the palace and not joined the search for General Mackenzie," Foei explained with a lopsided smile. "Coward!" Derrick taunted again. "A pathetic soldier like you who dares to tell us we're slow? Who do you think you are, my superior?" Foei said with a cold tone and a dismissive expression.Oh, he was really very satisfied seeing Lory's helpless expression.The two men deliberately wanted to humiliate Lory. Their intentions w
Seeing James' confident smile, Ben instantly realized that his best friend was unpredictable. But, when he recalled the relationship between James and Riley in the past, he felt that everything James said was true. Riley had always been completely open to James. The young man only hid one thing, which was the fact that he was William Mackenzie's son. Other than that, Riley had no other secrets from James. Meanwhile, Riley was also the only person who could understand James very well. Only Riley is able to understand every action taken by James and James only wants to talk about things with Riley.So, seeing all these facts, Ben finally nodded, "Okay, then. What should I do?"James snorted and immediately put on a sullen face, "Come on, Ben! I told you earlier."Ben rolled his eyes, "I still don't understand. Please explain in more detail!"With an annoyed expression James replied, "If I had the authority to downgrade soldiers, I would definitely downgrade you to class two."Ben's n
Although they seemed confused by the war general's order, they still unanimously replied, "Yes, General."It wasn't long before all the soldiers formed a line where they would prepare to search for Riley Mackenzie as ordered by James Gardner.Most of the first class soldiers did not hesitate to do the task, but there were some of the class two soldiers who seemed to be unsure of what they were going to do.Two of them were Foei Mccray and Derrick Weybe."I don't understand why General Gardner is searching the forest. How could General Mackenzie be here? This doesn't make sense," Derrick said, who had just lined up facing the front of the forest.The twenty-six year old young man was in the front row with his best friend so they could still talk in a fairly low tone of voice.Foei nodded in agreement, seemingly thinking the same as Derrick, "He's probably too frustrated to pick a spot."Derrick exhaled harshly then glanced towards the front where several class one soldiers seemed to be
Gary Davis shook his head with a super confused expression. He couldn't guess what might have happened. He himself did not know James Gardner very well. He entered the palace when James Gardner had just resigned from the post of deputy general of war. So basically he had only met James a few times. It was different with Riley Mackenzie. He had met Riley countless times. In fact, it could be said that he already knew how Riley behaved. However, he could not think of anything about James Gardner. He was just like a blind man when it came to James. "Even young General Mackenzie is not suspicious of you. He's been in the palace longer than that general. I don't understand," Elena said, who also hadn't found the answer to the question that was bothering her.She also still didn't understand. However, a thought occurred to Gary. "Maybe I was in too much of a hurry, Gran," Gary said suddenly.Elena frowned, "What do you mean, Gary? What kind of hurry?"Gary sighed softly, "Approaching
Elena Goldwin bit her lip, feeling she had done something wrong. The old woman said, "I'm sorry, Prince ... oh, I mean ... Gary."Seeing Elena's soulful face, Gary became uncomfortable. He looked at the old woman who had taken care of him since he was a child. That woman had done so much for her family. Not only did she devote herself as a household assistant, she also became a substitute mother figure for his brother. Indeed, her age was more appropriate to be called a "grandmother", but her role was more suitable as a mother to herself and Rowen.Oh my! What have I done? She sacrificed so much, but what have I done? The old woman who has helped me with all her time and energy, I almost made her cry, Gary thought in exasperation.The young man touched Elena's hand, startling the woman. She then heard Gary say, "You don't have to apologize, Gran. And I ... I'm the one who should be apologizing to you. Please, forgive me for getting angry just because you called me that."Elena ga
Gary Davis sighed softly. Guilt immediately rushed into his heart.He immediately positioned his seat towards his little brother and looked at him with a guilt-filled gaze.The boy's gaze was so innocent that it made Gary's feelings even more chaotic.Rowen, his little brother, was still very young, but he had to bear problems that he shouldn't have thought about at such a young age. In a very gentle tone Gary said, "Rowen, I'm sorry. I ... know you must feel very lonely. But ... believe me I'm doing all this for us. I-""You risked your life, Brother. I ... I ...."Gary shook his head, "Don't think about me! You just have to grow up healthy and safe. So that when we get what is rightfully ours, we can stand tall."Suddenly, Gary's words made Rowen look down sadly. "Gary, can't you just leave it all behind?"Rowen made Gary frown but he smiled a little before saying again, "What do you mean? Didn't you say you wanted to live in the palace with me? Why are you saying that now?"The 10
Actually it was not only Doris Tan who found it hard to believe what Xylan had decided. However, his three fellow bodyguards also felt the same way.In fact, the images of the three's expressions were very clear from just one look. Especially Jim Chesnut who looked so shocked at Xylan's words. His mouth even opened wide and he forgot to close it again. "Y-Your Majesty, I'm very confused. I ... I-""Doris Tan," Xylan cut Doris off with a stern tone.Doris fell silent, as if knowing that Xylan would soon explain the viceroy's reasoning. Sure enough, it wasn't long before Xylan said, "Hm, you ... did do the right thing by admitting your mistake."He paused for a few seconds, deliberately to give Doris time to calm down before he continued what he wanted to say.When Doris seemed much calmer, Xylan continued, "However, you did it in the wrong way."Ludos Flee frowned, looking confused. Meanwhile, Jim Chesnut looked thoughtful as he squinted slightly.What's wrong? Jim wondered to himsel
In fact, Xylan Wellington never cared about what the people in his palace said. He tended to ignore the gossip about him.In fact, there was once a time when there was a visit from another kingdom, at which time Xylan was asked by his father to greet one of the princes. However, he who was not very good at socializing actually made the king's son from the other kingdom uncomfortable. As a result, there was a bit of a commotion at that time. Xylan was accused of being rude to the prince so that the prince did not feel at home in Ans De Lou Kingdom and ended up leaving the palace sooner than he should have.The situation in the palace was a bit chaotic. Many people considered Xylan to be totally at fault for causing an important cooperation to fail. However, the young man did not care at all and never explained anything.His father, King Keannu at that time also never asked his son and instead seemed to tolerate Xylan's behavior. But, King Keannu had a good reason: he knew his son's ch