Chapter 281
Chapter 281 Appointed by General Leon
“What p>
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The moment the steward spoke, Clement’s eyes narrowed, and the expressions of the guests shifted dramatically.
Even Michael, a high-ranking officer from Cranfordale, looked stunned. It was unbelievable.
The Crestgate Military District was one of the seven core military regions of Astria, overseeing the armed forces of Listin, Cranfordale, Mornwick, and Tiberran, stretching across the entire southwest.
Michael couldn’t make sense of it. Why would a convoy from Crestgate Military District suddenly show up at the Shire Estate?
He glanced at Clement, seated at the head table, and quickly understood. Back in his day, Clement had commanded the Thundercliff Army. Though now retired, his influence remained. He had an illustrious record, and many of his former comrades now served in the Crestgate Military District. Today was his birthday celebration-it wasn’t unusual for someone from the military to stop by and pay respects.
But Clement himself sensed something wasn’t right. His steward had been with him for years, having seen many powerful people up close. For the man to be this visibly shaken meant whoever was arriving was no ordinary guest.
What puzzled him, however, was that the highest-ranking figure he knew in the Crestgate Military District was a senior colonel at best. So, what was it that had the steward so unnerved?
There was no time to think. Clement quickly stood to greet the guests. But before he reached the door, footsteps approached.
A man in a military uniform appeared at the entrance. Two thick gold bars, four stars -he held the same rank as Michael. He stood tall and resolute as he walked in.
Michael’s gaze froze for a beat before he stepped forward.
“Officer Crosby, what brings you here p>
He recognized the man, Graham Crosby, an instructor from the Crestgate Military District’s special forces unit.
Though both held the same military rank, Michael served in a provincial command, while Graham was positioned at the very core of the military structure. The difference between them was vast, and even Michael couldn’t help but show deference.
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Chapter 281 Appointed by General Leon
Graham gave him a brief nod. “Officer Quigley”
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There was no particular warmth in his tone, but Michael smiled respectfully nonetheless.
Graham’s eyes
then swept across the banquet hall and paused. His gaze sharpened. There were armed troops present. His brows creased immediately.
“Officer Crosby, what an honor! I never imagined you’d visit our humble home today. We’re truly honored p>
Clement had already come forward, greeting him with warm courtesy.
“Old Mr. Shire p>
Graham stood at attention and offered him a what-is-it salute!-he was a soldier, and men like Clement, who had devoted their lives to the nation, commanded his deepest respect.
Clement quickly stepped forward, gripping Graham’s arm with both hands. “Please come in p>
“No need for formalities, sir. It’s your birthday today. I arrived in a rush and didn’t prepare a proper gift. Please forgive me p>
Graham shook his head politely.
“But General Leon will be arriving shortly as well. We’ll need some space in your estate to allow for a helicopter landing p>
His words struck the crowd like lightning p>
“General Leon p>
In the four provinces of Listin, Cranfordale, Mornwick, and Tiberran, only one man held that title—the supreme commander of the Crestgate Military District, General Darrow Leon. A full general, ranked above all local commanders.
General Leon was famously busy with military affairs and rarely left his base. What would prompt him to cross provincial lines and come to Kaldia?
And from Graham’s tone, it seemed the general would be arriving via military helicopter. What kind of earth-shaking event was about to unfold?
“Officer Crosby, why is the general personally coming to Kaldia and landing at my estate? Has something happened p>
Clement swallowed hard. Even with decades of discipline and inner calm, he couldn’t suppress the tremor in his voice.
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General Leon was the top military commander across four provinces, two ranks above Clement’s highest former title. A figure like that arriving at his doorstep carried enormous
pressure.
Many guests around them could only suck in cold breaths. Today’s trip to the Shire Estate had been more than worth it. First, they had witnessed Leander stand off against the four families, and now they were about to witness the arrival of a full general by helicopter. What could top
that?
Graham smiled lightly at Clement. “Sir, there’s no need to be nervous. The general is here to pick someone up p>
“Pick someone up?” Clement was startled.
With General Leon’s status, only a handful of people in the entire country could warrant his appearance-either top national leaders or someone of equivalent standing.
Graham’s tone was calm. “That person is here today, celebrating your birthday along with the rest of us. I just haven’t spotted him yet p>
“Here at the banquet p>
Clement was even more baffled. Who at his party could be important enough to warrant General Leon’s escort-and yet unknown to him?
Michael’s expression kept shifting. Graham’s sudden appearance was already beyond expectation, but now the general himself was on his way. The implications were overwhelming.
He had led a team here to arrest Leander, but it had been a personal move, done outside official channels. If the general found out, he could be charged with abuse of power. He had to act fast.
He saluted Graham stiffly.
“Officer Crosby, I have urgent orders to detain a criminal. I’ll speak with you another time p>
With that, he turned and snapped, “Take him away-return to base p>
One of his men stepped forward, shackles in hand, heading toward Leander,
Graham hadn’t seen Leander earlier because he had been surrounded by soldiers. But now that one of the men moved toward him, Graham finally caught sight of the calm young man seated casually in his chair.
Just as the soldier was about to reach him, Graham’s eyes locked on the target, and he barked out a thunderous command.
“Stop right there p>
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The soldier froze on the spot.
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Though both Graham and Michael held the same rank, they were well aware that
one was a close aide to the general, while the other was a provincial officer. Their
authority was not even remotely equal.
“Officer Crosby, what’s the meaning of this p>
Michael frowned, baffled.
Graham turned his head slowly, gaze icy and unflinching.
“Michael, do you have any idea what you’re doing p>
The harsh rebuke made Michael’s temper flare, but he kept his tone civil.
“Officer Crosby, I’m here on official orders to arrest a dangerous individual. Why are
you interfering p>
“Dangerous p>
Graham chuckled coldly and pointed at Leander.
“You’re calling him a criminal? Do you even hear yourself p>
“Do you know who this man is p>
His voice was clear and forceful, echoing through the hall.
“This is Leander. Instructor Leander p>
“He was personally appointed by General Leon. He is the incoming commander of
the Southern Wyvern Blade special ops unit p>
The room fell utterly silent.
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