Lord Protector Novel

Zeke burst into a chuckle. “You mentioned that he’s out on a mission in Riverdale District. Why is he here in Oakheart City then?”

“Nonsense! He must have completed the emergency mission in Riverdale before coming here for another mission.” Mance retorted.

Zeke noted, “But Riverdale is in the West, and General North came here from the East.”

Mance Raider was rendered speechless.

“Hmph! How would I be clear on the emergency mission that he was on?”

“Maybe the trip to Riverdale District was just a coverup to confuse our enemy?”

Zeke wanted to speak when Mance Raider cut him off.

“I know you guys still doubt me even after my explanation.”

“So, I’ll invite General North to my company’s opening ceremony seven days later.”

“Didn’t you guys want to have a meal together with him? Now I’ll give a chance to those who drink the most today to sit at the same table as General North at the opening ceremony banquet.”

They found Mance’s offer extraordinarily appealing.

Nobody would want to miss the chance to sit at the same table as General North and Mance Raider.

The crowd was abuzz with excitement, and Zeke Williams was completely disregarded.

Mance looked apologetically at Nancy Hinton. “Nancy, I’m sorry for today.”

“I did not want to be selfish and cause a delay to General North’s tight schedule for my own personal gains.”

“What about if I arrange for you to dine at the same table as General North himself a week later?”

Nancy Hinton was psyched at the prospect. “Thank you, Mance! I’ll be on my best behavior on that day.”

The crowd was in an uproar. “Mance, you’re favoring gals over pals!”

“We could only get the chance if we drink a lot tonight, but Ms. Hinton here does not even need to take a single sip of alcohol to enjoy the same privilege!”

“That’s true. You have to be fair to us!”

“Right, it’s already the 21st century. Don’t you know anything about gender equality?”

Mance found himself to be in a difficult position. “Umm...”

Nancy spoke on behalf of Mance, “Gentlemen, I definitely could not compete against you guys when it comes to drinking. What about this? I’ll drink three glasses in one go as my way of thanking you guys for the precious chance to dine with General North?”

The crowd chimed, “Sure! If you could honor your words and drink three glasses in one go, we would give Mance due respect, and you could have your chance.”

Zeke stopped Nancy when she was about the chug the liquor down her throat. “Nancy, you shouldn’t drink this.”

“Someone could be trying to take advantage of you when you’re drunk.”

Nancy was enraged, “Zeke Williams, enough!”

“What do you take Mance for? A perverted freak whose brain is filled with filthy thoughts like you?”

“A wicked person always thinks wicked of others!”

Mance was incensed at Zeke’s warning as well. “Hey, Williams, you really take me for a fool, huh? How many times have you tried to smear my name?”