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
"Are you ... serious, young man?" Andrew asked with a surprised expression."Yes, General Reece." Riley replied witout fear.Monica and Keannu were now looking at each other, looking confused. In fact, they had wanted to ask for an answer from the young man from the start. However, they became helpless when a fact was revealed in front of them all.It was not Riley Wood who seduced his daughter, but the other way around. So, of course, that left them unable to speak freely.However, this time the young man made things easier. Keannu cleared his throat softly, "I allow you to marry my daughter."Monica winked at her husband's words. Marrying off her daughter to a prince from another kingdom was already difficult. Moreover, she was sure that news of her daughter's scandal would certainly spread quickly in the near future. She also felt that there was no way to save her daughter's reputation."Fine, I also allow you to marry Rowena," Monica said in the end.Rowena, who was shocked to de
Rowena bit her lip and decided to answer her father's question, "Why the rush, Father? Aren't we still a long way from getting married?""Asking his family to come to the palace can be done when the time is near," Rowena continued.Keannu snorted, "I'm not talking to you, Rowena. I'm talking to Riley Wood.""You must not interfere in this matter. This is a matter between the parents," Monica chimed in.It was obvious that her mother wanted to get to know Riley's family so she supported her husband's right decision.Thoughtfully, Riley finally said, "I can't tell you yet, Your Majesty. You already know that we ... as prospective soldiers are forbidden to communicate with our families outside the palace.""We are only allowed to communicate after we complete the selection. So-""Oh, I know what you're going to say. Well, we'll wait until after you've been sworn in as a bodyguard in this palace," Keannu cut in impatiently.Andrew Reece frowned, starting to think seriously about the young
Offended at being accused of fear, one of them said, "Fear? Gosh, what are we afraid of?"Alen kept smiling, "Alright, then just wait for the next selection."However, the young man named Michael Hickson who seemed to be the leader of the group of youngsters said, "Is there any guarantee that you won't cheat?""Cheating? How can it be called cheating when no one wants me here?" James said without turning around.Riley grimaced.James casually continued, "Trust me! Almost everyone here wants to send me home. Maybe, if possible, they're the ones cheating to get rid of me, not me."Michael couldn't reply.Meanwhile, his other friend was still saying, "Oh, it could be that your father still has people who are loyal to him. So, that person is helping you here."Oh, James couldn't take it anymore. Alen also didn't want to hold James back anymore because he knew James had the right to defend himself. "What did you say? My father's confidant?" James repeated the question as he turned around.
Riley Mackenzie couldn't give his response because he was too shocked. "Oh, don't show that stiff expression, Wood!" James said with a frown.Riley just shrugged, still looking reluctant to respond to James' words.Meanwhile, there were so many prospective soldiers who showed expressions like they wanted to go home.A young man from dormitory one named Seamus Fork had raised his hand."What is it, son? What do you want to ask?" Greg asked with an annoying smile.Seamus had very pale white skin, but Greg's announcement had made his skin look even paler than before.With trembling lips he asked, "Are you serious about sending us into battle, Commander?"The smile on Greg's lips instantly vanished, "Have I ever joked about something like this, young man?"Seamus gaped, but he quickly controlled himself and asked again, "But, Commander. We're ... just prospective soldiers. How can we be sent to war?"Another added, "That's right, Commander. We ... haven't even practiced much. Our abilitie
Gary Davis replied with a serious expression, "Your Honor, I apologize if you find my words presumptuous, but ....""Just say it! Say everything you want to say!" Xylan commanded.From the tone of his voice, Xylan clearly sounded impatient. "I'm ready to listen! And ... I won't get mad at you, don't worry!" Xylan added after he saw the hesitant look on Gary's face.Xylan thought maybe Gary was afraid that he would be punished if he said what was in his head so the future king's salon had to reassure Gary for the young man to be braver.Gary nodded, looking relieved. At least he had an assurance that he would not be punished. "Your Highness, you ... will be made the new king of Ans De Lou Kingdom. You are still very young and you yourself must have guessed that ... that ... I am ...."Xylan clucked his tongue impatiently, "Just say it! I have no problem. Just take it easy!"Gary nodded again and continued, "There are some who don't like you. Although ... for now things aren't looking
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