CHAPTER 178: GENERAL EVERETT TEMPEST

The scene shifted, and Gabriel found himself standing in a richly furnished study lined with books and maps. Night pressed against tall windows, and across a mahogany desk his father sat, still in full general’s uniform.

The golden epaulettes on General Everett Tempest’s shoulders and the neat row of service ribbons on his chest glinted in the firelight.

"Congratulations on your commission," General Everett said in a low, authoritative voice. "Top of your class, just as we planned."

Ken stood stiffly with his hands clasped behind his back. "Thank you, Father." Despite the informal setting of a private study, he couldn’t help remaining at attention before the man he both admired and feared.

The general’s stern expression softened a fraction. "You’ve made the family proud. The Edgeburne military needs officers like you." He paused, then added gravely, "And it will—just not in the way you think."

Ken blinked, confusion in his eyes. "Sir?"

General Everett turned and walked to a side table where a bottle of liquor sat.

He poured two small glasses. "At ease, son. Come, have a drink with your old man."

Cautiously, Ken relaxed his posture and stepped forward. He accepted the offered glass, noticing something off about his father’s demeanor.

The general took a sip and looked at his son intently. "Our kingdom stands at the pinnacle of power. Edgeburne’s army is unrivaled in strength and discipline. We are the sword and shield of humanity."

His voice was filled with pride, yet beneath it lurked concern.

"Yet times are changing. Ever since the appearance of otherworlders, the world has grown more unpredictable."

Ken listened intently. He knew this topic all too well.

The "otherworlders" were those who came from a distant world, able to resurrect after death and grow stronger at astonishing rates. Many high-ranking officers privately voiced unease about these newcomers, even as they welcomed the extra firepower against monsters.

"We cannot rely on brute strength alone to secure Edgeburne’s future," his father continued. "Politics, alliances, influence—these are battlefields of their own. Which brings me to your next assignment."

Ken straightened unconsciously. Assignment? He had assumed he’d be deployed to a border unit or serve as an aide at headquarters. What else could there be?

General Everett’s jaw tightened. "The Valentine family. You’ve heard of them."

It wasn’t really a question. Ken nodded. "Yes, sir. One of the wealthiest and most influential families in the Valerian Kingdom."

It was impossible not to know about them when his close friend Lilith was part of that family as well.

’She’s not a guild leader yet.’ Gabriel noted to himself.

General Everett smiled faintly. "Good. You keep up with current events. Then you understand why the Crown—and our military—care about her."

Ken did understand. Crimson Star was one of the "Big Five" guilds that had risen to prominence since the Awakened began roaming the land. They had several branches all over the human continent.

"The King of Edgeburne himself is interested in forging closer ties with the guilds. The Holy Church, the Martial Palace... every major power wants a piece of these upstart otherworlders. And you, Ken, will play a crucial role."

His expression tightened, and a sinking feeling formed in his gut. "This is about an engagement, isn’t it?"

"It is." The general nodded once. "You’ve been betrothed to Lilith Valentine by arrangement of the King and the Valentine patriarch. It’s a political alliance meant to bind the Valentines and the Edgeburne Kingdom together."

A gleam of sadness crossed Ken’s face. He felt resentment at being treated like a bargaining chip. Lilith was his friend. They didn’t share any prior feelings—how was he supposed to marry her?

How would she accept this?

With a determined look, he held his father’s gaze. "Father... with all due respect... I trained to be a soldier, not a—"

"Not a diplomat? Not a husband?" Everett’s sharp tone cut him off. "You are a soldier. And a soldier obeys orders."

The general sighed, then stepped closer and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. His voice softened slightly. "Listen, son. I know this isn’t what you envisioned for yourself. But the truth is, you’ll serve our kingdom better this way."

"That Valentine girl’s guild will become our ally. Through her, we’ll have influence over Crimson Star’s immense force. We cannot allow guilds to operate outside our influence—today they hunt monsters; tomorrow... who knows where their loyalties might lie?"

"Some guilds cooperate with the Holy Church, others with foreign kingdoms. Edgeburne needs its own stake in this new order."

Ken looked into his father’s eyes and saw resolve there, and perhaps a glimmer of sympathy as well.

General Everett continued in a low, firm tone, "By allying with Lilith, you’ll ensure Crimson Star’s power bolsters Edgeburne’s interests. And in return, the Valentines gain the prestige and protection of the strongest military in the world. It’s a mutually beneficial pact."

Silence fell between them. Ken realized his free hand had curled into a fist at his side. Sacrifices. He had always known he might be asked to sacrifice for the kingdom—his comfort, even his life on the battlefield. But marriage? His entire future?

"And what of... personal choice?" he asked quietly, surprising himself with the question. "What if Lady Lilith objects? What if—"

General Everett actually chuckled, a rare sound from the hardened man. "Object? Hardly. By all accounts, the Valentine girl is as ambitious as they come. She sees the value in this union as clearly as we do. In fact," he added, arching an eyebrow, "word is it was her idea to formalize an alliance through marriage."

Ken’s eyes widened. Her idea? Could it be his friend had harbored feelings all this while and he never noticed?

’So she went behind my back to make this deal? What happened to approaching me directly?’

He wasn’t sure if that made him feel better—or like a prized stallion being auctioned off at market.

Ken drew in a slow breath and nodded. Duty. Honor. Kingdom. These had been his guiding stars since childhood. If this was an order from his King and his father, he would obey. "I understand, Father. I’ll do what’s required."

General Everett nodded, satisfied, and let go of his shoulder. "Good man. I expected no less."

He turned back to his desk, opened a drawer, and retrieved a small velvet box. With a flick of his thumb, he opened it to reveal an ornate silver ring set with a gleaming ruby.

Ken’s eyes widened slightly. The ring bore the rampant lion insignia of House Valentine entwined with the soaring eagle of the Tempest family—his own family crest.

It was a custom-made engagement ring.

"Tomorrow, you will meet Lilith Valentine formally," the general said, extending the box to his son. "Present this to her. From that moment on, the Tempest family and Edgeburne military will be allies of the Valentines. Their enemies will be our enemies, and our enemies will be theirs."

Watching all this play out, Gabriel’s mind was racing.

So does this mean he had just made enmity with three powerhouses that boasted dozens of Hero Ranks and Champions?

’Seems the game world will soon enter nightmare mode.’ He sighed in his heart as the scene transitioned once again.

...

New month guys don’t forgot to vote with power stones, Gifts and Golden tickets!