Salute To The General



Every eye at the table stared apprehensively at the Chief Military Governor and Garrett.

The Chief Military Governor stood motionless. His eyes emanated a terrible frigidity even through the slits of the Leviathan mask.

Although Garrett remained impassive, his silence plainly conveyed his mistrust of Cayden.

"Is it Nathan?" Cayden said loudly.

"Did Nathan tell you these tales? I knew it was him! I am the Chivalrous God of War! He, on the other hand, was merely the God of War in the North. I have been appointed Assistant Chief Military Governor while he remains idly at home. He has long been jealous of me by opposing me at every turn. Please do not believe a word he says!"Content provided by NôvelDrama.Org.

Cayden became more hysterical as time passed. He looked around as if trying to locate Nathan's shadow behind the dark pillars of the hall. "Nathan!” he bellowed. "Weren't we supposed to have a duel today? What kind of a God of War hides behind greater men to play tricks? Come out this instant and meet your end!" The Chief Military Governor finally spoke. "That's enough, Cayden."

Cayden turned to look at the Chief Military Governor anxiously. "Nathan intends to sabotage me, sir. You must believe me."

"Is that so?"

Cayden was about to answer when the Chief Military Governor raised his hand to remove the Leviathan mask.

Cayden recognized the handsome and regal face at once. "Nathan?" he blurted as his knees shook.

He was the only few to have that response. Most of the others seated at the table were already aware of the identity of the Chief Military Governor. Only a handful found out for the first time that Nathan was the Chief Military Governor. Their shock at his reveal was similar in magnitude to Cayden's. "Here I am," Nathan said quietly without taking his eyes off the older man. "Do you remember what I told you at the temple gates yesterday?" Cayden gaped at Nathan, all the pieces of the puzzle coming together at last.

No wonder Nathan had nothing to fear! There he is, masquerading as an unemployed bum when he is in fact the Chief Military Governor! What's more, I was wondering just this morning when he would find the courage to face me today as he promised.

Cayden's heart sank at the realization that the day was not an inauguration ceremony for him, but rather a trial assembly.

Not only will I be stripped of my position before I even took office, but my reputation as a war hero will also be tarnished. I will be remembered as a spy against my own country. It's all over.

With another start of horror, Cayden

realized that his reputation was not the only one at stake. His family members, who used to adore him with fervent reverence will be

el

implicated by him as well. No matter where they go, they will be labeled as the family of a traitor.

For the first time in his life, he found himself faced with something more terrifying than death.

Nathan proclaimed, "According to

the military laws of Eurasia, you would have been court-martialed and tried openly with severe and embarrassing punishments. However, in consideration of your achievements over your military career and your status as a war hero in the hearts of the people it would be an unfitting end for you to be chained up and shot. So, Layden, your duel with me is still valid. You can choose to fight me first and then go to court-martial."

Layden looked at Nathan in disbelief.

I don't understand how Nathan is still willing to allow me the dignity of a trial by combat. I know that Nathan would rather see me die by his hand than in those of the firing squad. If he manages to kill me, my crimes as a spy will not be investigated nor publicized, As a result, my reputation among the people will remain intact. My family will also be spared the humiliation of being labeled as traitors. Nathan wants to give me a chance to die with dignity'.

He looked up and met Nathan's eyes. "I accept the duel. Make no mistake, I will not show mercy. If I manage to kill you, I will commit suicide rather than be placed on trial. Be prepared to die by my hand!"