After bathing and getting dressed, Nathan had just returned to the Oval Office when Sage entered again.
“The Gods of War from the other countries led by Eugene IV, Wolfric, and Leopold have once again requested a meeting, Mr. Cross. They say they have a matter of great importance to discuss with you.”
“Have them wait at the State Guesthouse,” Nathan said calmly. “I'll be there shortly.”
“Right away,” Sage replied.
Waiting at the State Guesthouse, the Gods of War from various countries were arguing.
Eugene IV remained in his seat, sipping coffee with his eyes narrowed.
Leopold was resting with his eyes closed.
Wolfric appeared calm, but his eyes would occasionally dart toward the door, checking to see if Nathan had arrived.
The other Gods of War, on the other hand, were all whispering restlessly to one another.
“Is Nathan still not here?” Eiken complained.
As soon as he uttered those words, a deep, commanding voice came from outside the door. “Did somebody call for me?”
Following his announcement, Nathan entered with an entourage.
The group present quickly stepped forward to greet him.
Eiken was so startled that he remained skulking behind, not daring to make another sound.
Eugene IV greeted Nathan with a warm smile. “Long time no see, Mr. Cross. I hope you've been well.”
Nathan looked at Eugene IV and suddenly found the latter unspeakably hypocritical. A strong sense of disgust welled up within him.
Yet, he maintained his decorum, smiling as he said, “Thanks to your blessings, I'm free from troubles and illnesses.”
Eugene IV's expression shifted subtly. He had a vague feeling that there was more to Nathan's words than met the eye.
Coincidentally, Wolfric began to speak at this moment.
Eugene IV went on, “However, there's just one hiccup. Rumors have been circulating outside, slandering you by calling you a vampire, Mr. Cross. They even go as far as to claim that you are the new vampire king. If you aspire to take on the role of the commander-in-chief of the Earth Alliance, you must first prove that you are not one of them.”
Eugene IV stared intently at Nathan. His tone became increasingly firm as he neared the end of his speech.
Nathan chuckled lightly. “Everybody gossips, and everybody is the subject of some gossip. Let others chatter about me as they please. It's all just hearsay. Since I have no wish to be the commander-in-chief of the Earth Alliance, why should I even concern myself with these rumors and gossip?”
Wolfric's eyes lit up when he learned that Nathan had no wish to be the commander-in-chief of the Earth Alliance.
Nathan was a formidable character.
If he decided to take up the mantle to be the commander-in-chief of the Earth Alliance, nobody, not even Wolfric, could contest against him.
But if Nathan had no plans to be the commander-in-chief of the alliance, then Wolfric would fight for that honor.
Unfortunately, Eugene IV remained relentless despite Nathan showing no desire to be the commander-in-chief of the alliance.
He narrowed his eyes. “No!” he asserted, his voice commanding and intense. “Even if you won't serve as the commander-in-chief of the alliance, Mr. Cross, you will still need to prove your innocence. Of course, if you can prove that you're not a vampire, we will highly recommend you to take on the role of commander-in-chief.”
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Salute To The General (Nathan Cross)