Everyone remained silent.
Though the newly appointed Elite Eight may not be familiar with James’ character, the opposite is true
for Henry and Levi.
They had followed James for many years. They knew James had never harmed a single innocent man.
Now, he was being set up by someone.
“What’s with your expressions?” James looked at them and said calmly, “This is no big deal. It’s all
my fault. I shouldn’t have accepted the bribes or misappropriated the funds. I violated the law
knowingly, and this is the consequence of it.”
Eyes brimming with tears, Henry asked, “What should we do now, James?”
Everyone was worried, especially the Elite Eight.
So many things happened at once before they were familiar with their roles yet.
James said calmly, “The higher-ups will investigate the matter thoroughly. If I’m lucky, I might simply be
demoted or removed from my position. On the contrary, I might face imprisonment or even get
executed…”
“James…”
James lightly waved a hand and interrupted Henry.
“Don’t worry, I will shoulder the blame. You’ll be fine. I’ll be leaving the Southern Plains in your care…”
James looked at them and gave them instructions.
He knew he would surely be removed from his position. This time, he would not be doing it voluntarily.
However, he was concerned about the Southern Plains.
The 140 newly-annexed cities were resource-rich. If the higher-ups sent an administrator here, it was
possible he would run amok. That was why James had to give a clear account while it was still
possible.
He looked at the Elite Eight, “You answer only to the Dragon King. After I’m removed from my position,
watch the new administrator closely. Don’t let him cross the line. Of course, you’re allowed to reject
some of his unreasonable demands.”
James sounded as if he would be leaving the place forever.
He uttered every word with great difficulty.
Even a single sentence was enough to make him perspire.
Seeing the state James was in, Henry was worried. “James, are you alright?”
James waved again. “It’s no big deal. I won’t be dying anytime soon. Alright now, you’re dismissed.
Leave me alone for now.”
“Understood.”
They nodded.
“Wait…”
James stopped them from leaving.
They stopped and looked at James.
James said feebly, “If I don’t survive, do whatever you can to help Thea. Like me, there’s Gu poison
inside her body. Although she’s currently fine, the Gu will eventually grow. By then, she will be doomed.
If I die, go find the Emperor and ask him to let Thea go.”
After giving his instructions, James leaned against the sofa and gestured at them.
“Go…”
They left the place tearfully.
Only James remained in the foyer of the spacious villa. The silence was deafening.
James was not afraid to die.
From the moment he became a soldier, he had long left life and death out of his consideration.
However, there were things he still needed to do.
He did not wish to die just yet.
However, this was fate. He had no other options.
Closing his eyes, he slowly drifted to sleep.
Time passed.
Suddenly, he opened his eyes wide.
“Who’s there?”
His expression darkened.
Though he intended to strike preemptively, his body was limp. The moment he stood up from the sofa,
he immediately collapsed.
Leaning against the sofa, he glared at the man before him.
It was a man in black robes.
As it was nighttime, the lights were switched off. As such, he could not see the man’s appearance. He
could only ambiguously discern his silhouette.
“What’s wrong with your body?”
A hoarse voice came from the dark. The man was shocked and puzzled.
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