However, James Gardner, who had a flat face, was thinking about something else. His forehead even formed a frown, indicating that he was feeling strange about something.When the king's eldest daughter walked away from their table, without waiting for Riley's reply, James immediately asked, "Why does she want to talk to you? And why do you seem to be ....""Don't try to assume anything, James!" Riley warned him in a stern tone."Why shouldn't I?" James' two thick eyebrows drew together in astonishment.Riley did not answer and instead finished his mineral water. Annoyed at being ignored James said again, "Who wouldn't be surprised that the king's daughter, who is rarely even seen at public events, would come here to see you.""To meet an aspiring soldier. That's too weird!" James added.He was still staring intently at Riley, hoping to get a satisfactory answer.However, Riley casually replied, "What you see in front of your eyes is not necessarily what really happened."Before James
Riley moistened his lips for a few seconds before replying, "Your Highness, my identity is indeed impossible to hide forever. But ... there is something that makes me unable to stay away from him.""What? He also has the same great abilities as you, though you are superior. He could be your enemy in the future. Why would you be friends with someone who might be your rival in the future?" Rowena scolded while biting her teeth in annoyance.She was really astonished at Riley's actions which she thought were very careless.The green-eyed youth let out a long sigh, "There are reasons that I can't say and don't need to say. However, it is certain that I will bear all the things I have decided."Rowena was more upset than ever. She had almost said something about his father's arrival that worried his son but she couldn't do it.She had made a promise to William Mackenzie so breaking it would be like disrespecting the strongest god of war."Your Highness, you-""Yes, I know. You must be wonde
Riley immediately bowed down and could only say, "Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I am ...."He paused for a moment, as if trying to find the right words to explain the situation. However, Keannu suddenly said again, "Hold on! Not right now. Meet me after the selection stage is over."Riley raised his face slowly and showed a calm expression even though he was really confused. "I hope you have a good answer, young man ... otherwise, I'm willing to discard you even if I have to lose one of the best prospective soldiers," Keannu continued with a cold gaze.If it were an ordinary person, that person would definitely not dare to breathe when stared at in such a manner by his king. However, Riley was raised by his father and mother to be a brave and fearless man, so that did not apply to him.Riley wasn't scared, but just confused. Meanwhile, Keannu looked astonished at the attitude of the youngster who still looked so calm even when confronted with him who was angry.Why is this kid so r
"Damn it! Who would give up their life? Do you think I'm stupid?" Riley retorted with teeth chattering due to his growing irritation.James laughed crisply, "My good fellow, you are very, very stupid indeed. Come on, you could have fooled around with any girl. But, why did you choose a king's daughter instead?""I did not do it on purpose ... I mean I never expected this to happen," Riley said defensively.Oh, this was getting complicated for him. Riley just realized that completely. Unfortunately, he couldn't avoid the punishment he would probably receive from the king.James shook his head, helpless at his friend's stupidity, "You don't know how King Keannu is so overprotective of his daughter? You forget that ... hm, I'm sure you must be aware of the rumors."Riley rubbed his face and once again said, "Stop it! I know I made the wrong move. Instead of you continuing to mock me, don't you want to help me out a little?""A way out for what?" James asked in a surprised tone.Inevitably
Not only that but Riley heard James ask, "Then, where is he now, Wood?"Before Riley could answer, with a panicked face the young man turned to Alen, "Smith, where is he?" Alen who was surprised by James' reaction asked back, "So why are you asking?""Just answer where he is now!" James said through gritted teeth.Exasperated, Alen replied, "He's probably already in front of the main gate. Those who didn't pass-"James stood up without listening to what Alen had to say. He immediately ran away from the table. Reflexively, Riley and Alen also got up and followed James. Halfway there, Alen commented, "He runs like a cheetah.""He's ... ahead of me on this," Riley replied under his breath. Riley and James had trained together so the young man knew James' running ability was indeed impressive. "Are you kidding me? He's better than you?" Alen said incredulously.Riley nodded, "Yeah, I lost. He's really fast.""Wow! No wonder it's so hard to catch up with him," Alen replied as he was alr
James and Diego didn't seem to realize that Riley was there. But Riley understood enough to let the two people talk.As he turned around, he bumped into Alen who had just climbed inside. "What's wrong? Diego's not here?""He is.""Then why did you come down, Riley?" Alen asked with his breathing still ragged.The young man had to hold his chest to calm himself down. Riley pointed at the two people who were still hugging. Alen immediately frowned, "Hey, what are they doing?"Riley replied, "Talking. Come on, let's go down!""Huh? Why, I want to talk to Diego too. I'm not running out of breath like this to chase after James. I didn't-"The young man was unable to continue because Riley had dragged him off the bus by force. Meanwhile, James and Diego had apparently heard Alen's noise. The two of them broke away awkwardly.James cleared his throat loudly, disguising his embarrassment and said, "If you leave, then who can I tease again?"Now that Diego had gotten over his sadness, he reto
Riley could only sigh in annoyance at James' usual childish behavior.After James and Alen had gone a little further, he said to one of the bodyguards, "I'm ready to go now.""Go ahead! Come with us!" the bodyguard said.Riley was taken to the king's palace, which was the largest and most spacious palace in the kingdom. It was almost twice as large as the palace of his children or even his queen.The security was also much tighter than the rest of the palace. But, Riley realized that it was necessary. Keannu Wellington was the leader of the kingdom so he deserved maximum protection.The king's palace had a large hall that was usually used to welcome guests who were officials or other staff. However, Riley knew that the king had a garden that was the king's favorite garden. He knew it from his father who had entered the area several times, both in the time of the previous king and the current king. It was very rare for people to be allowed to see the king in that garden. So it was no
However, Keannu's wrath did not go away, so he said in an irritated tone, "You must take responsibility for what you have done.""Yes, Your Majesty," Riley replied without denying or defending himself.However, Rowena apparently did not accept. "Father, he's innocent.""Rowena, what do you mean? How is he innocent? He already dared to hug you, you ...." Monica really couldn't understand her daughter's way of thinking. "He's not, Mom," Rowena said, while glancing at Riley who looked calm.While Keannu hissed angrily again, "You think I'm so blind that I can't recognize that boy, little girl?"Rowena shook her head, "That's not it, Daddy. It's true he is. But, what I mean is ... I ....""Promise me, if I tell you everything you and mommy won't punish him," Rowena continued with eyes flickering pleadingly.Monica disagreed and waved her hand that it was clear she rejected her daughter's request. Meanwhile, Keannu looked hesitant. He took the time to glance at Andrew but the war general
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
Before James could respond to the words of Xylan Wellington, the young crown prince, Xylan had spoken again, "General Gardner, I know my request is excessive.""And I know ... the reason you are willing to return to this palace is for the sake of my brother-in-law, but ... I really need your help, General Gardner," Xylan added with a pleading look on his face.James let out a long sigh and then shook his head.That made Xylan weak and also disappointed. However, it was only temporary because it wasn't long before Xylan heard James say, "You don't have to ask me to this extent, Your Royal Highness."Xylan was stunned. Moreover, James went on to say, "As a War General of Ans De Lou Kingdom, my duty is not only to protect this country. But also to protect the chief leader of this kingdom."Xylan's mouth opened slightly in surprise at James' answer that was without a trace of hesitation."Since you are the new leader after King Keannu passed away, then ... the duty of protecting you is a
"What's going on exactly?" Reiner looked even more confused.Normally, if they won a battle, they would be greeted with great fanfare.Not only a number of palace soldiers would welcome them, but also palace officials and members of the royal family would welcome them.However, at that time there were only a few soldiers and soldiers escorting the prince in the field where their plane was about to land.That naturally led to various questions that finally popped into the heads of the soldiers who had just returned from a life-and-death battle."Didn't they hear the news of our victory?" one of the class one soldiers said in a disappointed tone.A class two soldier responded, "No way. They must have heard. This is the big victory they've been waiting for. They can't possibly not know.""That's right. The palace must have announced this happiest of news," another class one soldier chimed in.Meanwhile, Ben who was still nea
"Oh my, Xylan! Why do you doubt him?" Rowena replied in a low tone, as if afraid of waking up her little son who was asleep in her arms from her perhaps too loud voice.Xylan shook his head, "I didn't mean to doubt him at all. It's just that I know his main purpose for returning to this palace, Rowena. He's ....""Stop thinking like that! He will be very disappointed if he finds out that you doubt his loyalty," Rowena said sharply.Apparently the tone of her voice was a bit louder this time so the son, Kharel Mackenzie was disturbed from his sleep until the little boy stirred his body.Rowena again tried to make the little prince fall asleep again by holding him lovingly and tenderly.Xylan was silent, as if he knew his sister still hadn't finished talking.It turned out that Xylan was right. After his favorite nephew fell asleep quietly again, Rowena said again, "Xylan, why do you think Riley is so close to James Gardner? And why has he felt so guilty over the years?"Xylan looked at
In all the time Ben had known James, it was the first time he had seen James look so frustrated.Usually James always seemed flat, cold and often even emotionless. However, the very stiff James had changed.The anxiety and restlessness were clearly displayed. It certainly made Ben quite confused in response.But, he then heard Reiner say, "Calm down, James! It's not that you can't bring Riley home forever. However, you just can't bring her home right now."Reiner patted the slightly trembling James' back. Oh, Reiner was so surprised. Apparently James really thought deeply about the feelings of their best friend's son. "Remember, James. We'll go back there to look for her again, so you don't have to feel guilty," Reiner added.Instead of calming down, James became even more agitated. The young man turned to Reiner and replied, "How can I not feel guilty, Rei? I ... promised him I would bring his father home. But ... I failed to keep my promise." Ben swallowed, looking so sad to see
As if coming to his senses, James nodded slowly, "You're right, Rei. We ... should go back to the palace and strategize again to find Riley."Reiner could finally breathe with relief."Come on, we should leave this place first," Reiner said.James looked around the area one last time. After he felt that all his efforts were enough for the time being, he quickly boarded the airship that would take him back to the Ans De Lou Kingdom.During the trip, James was mostly silent.While Reiner and Ben who were also on the same plane with James repeatedly still invited James to talk. However, the young man still chose to be silent.In fact, Reiner wanted to entertain him by distracting James from the problem of Riley who had not yet been found. Unfortunately, he still failed to do so. James still didn't seem to want to join the conversation between the two.Some more James also heard the chatter of the soldiers, but sometimes he fe
The soldier was suddenly afraid. Moreover, the look in James Gardner's eyes suddenly turned sharp as if he was stabbing him. Oh, he really only meant to express what he was thinking. He didn't mean to offend the war general. He certainly didn't dare go against James Gardner. His nerves dropped even further when he heard James speak again, "Come on, tell me, do you mean to tell me that Riley doesn't want to see me?" The soldier named Joseph Zow immediately shook his head vigorously. "No, General Gardner. That's not what I meant. I just-" "Then, what, how can you think Riley doesn't want to come out of his hiding place?" James' tone now sounded more frustrated. Not wanting the situation to get out of hand, Reiner immediately approached his best friend and said, "James, stop it!" James still did not move and stared at the soldier as if waiting for an answer. However, Joseph did not open his mouth. The young man glanced at the Ground War Commander as if asking for help. Luckily