Salute To The General

Nathan immediately replied, "Invite him inside now... Wait, no. It's better if I go welcome him in person."

It didn't take long before Nathan led Colin, Sage, and his other subordinates to the entrance, where they met an honest-looking fellow with an average build. That guy was the renowned Erwin Holmes.

Erwin had a few bodyguards with him. A plump guy with slumped shoulders was following them. That guy was none other than Carrey.

Nathan smiled and greeted, "Mr.

Holmes, what brought you here?"

"Chief Cross!"

Erwin hurried forward when he saw Nathan showing up in person.

The two men shook hands.

Erwin cut to the chase right away and said apologetically, "It's kind of embarrassing, really. I am a terrible father and didn't teach my son right from wrong. That is why he ended up offending you tonight. When I learned about what he did, I hurriedly dragged the boy over to apologize for what he did."

Nathan replied, "Ah, you're too kind, Mr. Holmes. It's true we got into a fight tonight, but it's not a big deal. I feel so bad that you got dragged into this mess and even paid me a visit at this late hour."

Erwin immediately replied, "No, you shouldn't feel that way at all. It's entirely my fault. My stupid son has always been wreaking havoc, and I am thankful that you taught him a lesson tonight. Anyway, we came here to apologize to you."

He then turned to his son and said sternly, "Carrey, apologize right now!"

Carrey lowered his head and said,

"I'm sorry, Chief Cross. Please forgive me for misbehaving."All content is property © NôvelDrama.Org.

Nathan calmly replied, "It's as I said earlier when Major-General Long was present. Everything is in the past now, so there is no need for you to apologize anymore. Remember this lesson well. Don't cause any more trouble because it will tarnish your father's reputation."

Carrey murmured an affirmative reply while having his head down. There was no saying if he actually meant what he said, but at least he looked apologetic.

Nathan turned to Erwin after that and suggested, "Let's not chat out here.

Come on. Join me for some tea."

Erwin gestured to Nathan and replied, "Sure. Please lead the way."

It didn't take long before everyone reached the lounge.

Everyone took their respective seats, and the server served them tea.

Erwin sipped some tea before he complimented, "Wow, the tea you have here is amazing."

Nathan chuckled. "Yeah, it's pretty amazing, but everyone is terrified when I ask them to drink tea with me.

Erwin laughed aloud. "That is understandable. Who wouldn't be intimidated to drink tea here? I'd be a little nervous too if your invitation had come out of the blue."

Nathan replied, "Oh, come on. Any righteous person can drink whatever tea they want here. Only evildoers need to fear dropping by for tea. Mr. Holmes, you are an honorable man who has been a public servant for years. Your contribution is greatly appreciated, and you can most certainly be at ease when having tea here."

Erwin grinned and shook his head. "Your words are too kind, Chief Cross."

The two of them never spoke about what Carrey did again. Instead, they began discussing the political matter and issues at hand.

It didn't take long before their topic switched to Garrett's illness and struggles.

The smile on Nathan's face had since faded, and he sighed. "President Woods is a hardworking man who truly cares about the country's citizens. Our economy is booming lately, and everything is progressing so quickly. I just hope he can push through this."

Erwin replied, "I agree. You and the president are like the pillars of our country. One wields the sword while the other wields the pen. In a way, the two of you are the perfect pillars that allow the country to thrive. The country and its citizen will suffer a great loss if anything were to happen to the president."

Erwin changed the direction of their discussion at that point.

"Unfortunately, it will take some time before President Woods recovers completely. It is likely he won't be able to focus at work while he's battling this incessant illness. Many say that it'd be better if he takes a step b back from work and focuses on recuperation. The president himself also claimed that he would appoint a new leader to replace him. I spoke to the others, and everyone agrees that you are the best candidate for that job. What do you think, Chief Cross?"

Nathan waved his hand and replied, "No, I will be terrible at it. I am a soldier and am more aggressive in nature. Fighting on the battlefield is easy for me, but being the president? No, that is something I cannot do well. I think that the next president should be someone from the Cab.

In fact, I think you'd be better suited for the job than I am."

Erwin shook his head. "I'm not a good match, either. If you refuse to be the next president, then I'm guessing everyone will choose Mr. Lucas for the

job."

Nathan shot a look at Erwin. The latter exuded a warm aura and spoke like an honest man. Still, there was no saying if that was all just an act. Nathan grinned and replied, "To be honest, I think you have a much better shot at the job than Mr. Lucas does."

Erwin kept shaking his head. "Oh, no. No, no, no. I am truly a terrible choice. I am better-suited as a middle manager that helps the president deal with his subordinates."

Nathan chuckled. "Don't sell yourself short, Mr. Holmes. I believe you will do a great job if you are appointed as the president."

The two of them chatted for a bit more before Erwin left.

The sedan slowly left the Headquarters of the Chief Military Governor and made its way back to the Holmes residence.

On their way home, Erwin shot a

look at his eldest son, Carrey, who had been tilting his head to the side the entire time. The latter was obviously upset. Erwin asked, "Are you frustrated? Bite down and endure it! Remember this well, son, Anyone who wishes to accomplish greatness must learn to control their emotions. Hide your dissatisfaction and never reveal your true strength or intention. An

ambush will always deal more damage, so never let anyone know

you wish to hurt them. Never attack... At least not until you are

certain that you can kill them."

Carrey's eyes bulged after he heard what his father said. The young man seemed a little confused as he stared at his father in astonishment.