Salute To The General

The hospital was teeming with royal guards.

Despite so, Nathan easily made his way to Garrett's ward.

Family members and important government officials crowded the ward door.

All of them bowed respectfully to Nathan when he arrived.

With his attention wholly on Garrett, Nathan uttered a simple greeting to the crowd and walked straight into the ward.

Only Garrett's wife, Paisley, and several close family members accompanied Garrett in the ward.

When Paisley spotted Nathan, she immediately rushed forward to welcome him with red-rimmed eyes. "Chief Cross, you're here."

Nathan asked softly, "How is President Woods doing?"

Before she could reply, a calm voice rang out from the hospital bed.

"Nathan! You're here."

It was none other than Garrett himself.

Garrett tried to sit up in bed, and his family members immediately cautioned him against it. "You're still very ill. Don't force yourself to sit up. You can still speak with Chief Cross while lying down."

He waved off their concern and insisted, "It's fine. Let me chat with Nathan while I feel more energetic and up for conversation."

Paisley bolted to the side of his bed. Tears welled up in her eyes as she pleaded, "Your spirits have just improved. Don't tire yourself out. And why are you saying such pessimistic things?"

Garrett shot her a bitter smile and said, "It's not pessimistic at all. I know my condition well, and I know my end is near. I've been nearunconscious over the past two days, and a sudden improvement today is surely a sign of terminal lucidity. I want to take advantage of this time to talk to Nathan and hand over some matters to him."

His words caused Paisley and his family members to break out into uncontrollable sobs.

Meanwhile, Nathan had already approached Garrett's bed. He whispered, "Don't give up hope just yet, President Woods. An improvement in your condition is a good thing. You could very well be on the mend!"

Garrett shook his head stubbornly and said, "There's no need to console me! Have a seat, Nathan. Let's have a nice chat."

Nathan could only follow his request.

The President clasped Nathan's

hand and uttered seriously, "To be honest, I've been mentally prepared to sacrifice myself for a long time. Nheless, I am reluctant to leave this world now that my time is almost up. I will miss my country and my family. Alas! We cannot fight our fates. Before I leave, Phope you can promise me two things."

“Anything, President Woods. I will try my best as long as it's within my capabilities," came Nathan's reply.

Garrett declared, "The first thing INôvelDrama.Org holds this content.

want you to do is to take care of my wife and daughter. I'm worried about leaving them alone after my death, so please look after them. If you don't mind, I'd like you to take Maisy as your goddaughter. Is that all right?"

Nathan agreed immediately, "Of course!"

His answer caused Garrett's eyes to light up with joy. He hurriedly shouted for his daughter. She was standing with other family members in a corner of the ward. "Come here, Maisy."

"Daddy!" Maisy wept as she ran toward her father's bedside.

Garrett comforted her, "Don't cry, my darling girl. Mr. Cross has already agreed to take you as his goddaughter. Call him Uncle Cross from now on. Listen to your daddy."

Maisy choked out through sobs, "I only want you, Daddy! I don't want you to leave us."

Tears pricked Garrett's eyes. He mustered a smile and coaxed, "Don't be silly. Uncle Cross is the God of War and the Chief Military Governor of Eurasia. I'm glad that he's your godfather. Come now. Call him Uncle Cross."

His daughter was young but sensible. Not wanting to defy her father's wishes, she quickly wiped her tears before addressing Nathan, "Uncle Cross." Nathan nodded and praised, "Good girl!"

Then Garrett beckoned his wife over

to lead Maisy away. After that, he said to Nathan, "My second request is related to the country. It was only thanks to you and my loyal

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colleagues that I became president of this country. I did not want to disappoint your hopes and wishes, and I had grand plans to lead our country to prosperity. It is a shame that I will be bidding this world farewell before I can contribute to the country. I refuse to leave a mess behind and have the people of this country chew me out even after I lay in my grave. Nathan, promise me that you'll protect the political stability of the country and do your best to be elected as the next president. I won't be able to rest in peace unless you take over the reins of leading this country."

After several seconds of silence, Nathan replied solemnly, "I won't allow the political situation to destabilize. Don't worry, President Woods."

That drew a satisfied smile out of Garrett.