"Caspian, how did you get dismissed while the Andrewses got promoted? It just seems off," Willow said.
"You shouldn't pay too much attention to rumors about royal workings. You probably wouldn't understand even if I were to explain," Caspian said.
"Alright, then. You said you'd help me rebuild Southlake Corporation, but that seems to be impossible now. And Miranda and the others are now unemployed…" Willow trailed off, her expression downcast.
"Don't worry, darling. I keep my promises," Caspian assured.
"But you lost everything. How can you fulfill that promise?" Willow asked.
"You'll find out in the future. I have some time on my hands now, so come with me to the hospital. Let's visit Tom and Aria," Caspian suggested.
"Alright."
Caspian then left the residence with Willow and Sherry.
They had just exited the villa when the head of the armored soldiers received a new order: the soldiers were to leave Riverside Villa. With Caspian's removal from his post, he no longer had the right to be guarded by them.
Jerry was the one behind this arrangement. He had to eliminate every obstacle if he wanted to take on Caspian. Only then would he succeed in his goal.
As Riverside Villa was Caspian's own property, Jerry had no way of confiscating it.
"Lord Caspian, Mr. Andrews just gave us the order to leave the residence," the commander of the armored soldiers said. He felt helpless.
"Follow his orders and leave, then. You have to do so. I'm no longer a War God, and I don't need you to protect me," Caspian said.
"You will always be Lord Caspian, the Diatoranian God of War, to us. We want to follow you till the end," the commander declared.
The rest of the armored soldiers chimed in as well. They also wanted to stay with Caspian. They didn't want to leave.
"If you still think of me as a God of War, then listen to me. Leave this place right now. Your superiors will definitely punish you if you don't. So, take your men and leave," Caspian said.
"Yes, Lord Caspian!" All the commander could do was agree.
"I already told you not to call me 'Lord Caspian.' Go on, now."
"Take care, Lord Caspian," the armored soldiers' commander said.
"Stop dragging things out and scram." Caspian might sound callous, but he was reluctant to see the armored soldiers go. He had trained them, after all. He was somewhat attached to them.
The armored soldiers then left the villa grounds.
Willow couldn't help but tear up when she saw Caspian being forced to dismiss his former subordinates.
After the armored soldiers left, Caspian and Willow drove to the hospital in a luxury car. Although Caspian no longer held the post of War God, the average person still couldn't attain his level of life.
…
Jerry, Kelvin, and Zane couldn't hold back their joy when they returned home. After all those years of preparation, their plans were finally bearing fruit.
The residence staff were ready to greet them when they arrived.
"Congratulations on your positions!" the staff called out. They were excited that Balthazar had given such high positions to Jerry and Kelvin. Now, no one in Diatoran could go against the Andrews family anymore.
Jerry, Kelvin, and Zane went to the study. They couldn't let the lowly staff overhear their earlier conversation.
"Now that we've been appointed to our positions, what should we do next, Dad?" Kelvin asked.
"You're now the commander of the Royal Guard. You'll be in charge of recruiting more officers," Jerry said.
"But where would I look for more men?" Kelvin asked, worried.
…
Back in Southlake City, Caspian and the others finally arrived at the hospital. When they went to Tom and Aria's ward, they found Avon walking them through some rehabilitation exercises. Meanwhile, Miranda watched from the side.
"Lord Caspian, when… When did you arrive?" Avon was taken aback by his presence.
"I'm here to see Aria and Tom," Caspian said.
Aria and Tom were also startled by Caspian's visit. They had also heard about his dismissal and weren't sure how to comfort him.
"How are your injuries?" Caspian asked.
"Dr. Long has been helping us with therapy for a while. We've almost made a full recovery," Tom answered.
"You know how skilled a doctor Avon is, Lord Caspian. We're bound to be alright as long as we have him. We'll be back on our feet soon," Aria said while smiling.
"That's good." Caspian nodded.
"By the way, what happened when you were in Dhord City?" Avon asked curiously.
"It's a long story. At any rate, it's complicated," Caspian replied.
"I think that the king has been completely hoodwinked. He must have listened to some little worm's lies to dismiss you like that. His Majesty is sure to ask you to return to your post one day!" Avon declared.
"Things will naturally work out. There's not much point worrying about the future now."
Caspian eyed Tom in curiosity. "I heard from Miranda that you're part of Diatoran's rich list. Why did you make a career change and become a martial artist? Who exactly are you?"
"Allow me to be honest, Lord Caspian. I'm actually a member of Greenton in West City," Tom clarified.
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