Salute To The General

A grim look spread across Nathan's face as he returned the phone to Colin.

Colin asked while wearing a complex expression, "President Cross?"

Nathan said, "The other party has Ava held hostage. He requests that I meet him alone tonight. Otherwise, he'll kill her."

Colin immediately replied, "Then, we should ask for help from Ariarica's authorities and Mueller. Or, I could get the Elite Eight for a rescue mission."

Nathan shook his head. "The people that kidnapped Ava aren't ordinary humans. They're vampires. I'm afraid if we get Mueller and the others involved, not only will we fail to save Ava, but we might even get her killed instead."

Colin suggested, "What about the Elite Eight, then? I'll take a few of them with me to go and rescue Ava."

Nathan said flatly, "You are indeed more capable than Ava. But since they managed to take her, you'll be no match for them. Besides, I'll be worried if I let you go. I'm planning to go there by myself."

Colin hurriedly advised, "You can't, President Cross! Your safety and wellbeing concern the fate of Eurasia! So how can you take such risks? No, I won't let you go!"

Nathan replied, "If I don't go, Ava will most likely die."

Colin was starting to panic at that point. "But-"

Nathan cut him off. "No 'buts.' I've never once abandoned any of my men back when I was in command of the North Army. So there's no way I'll just stand idly by while one of my most trusted aides is in danger. No matter if it's Ava, you, or the others, I won't hesitate to go and save you should your lives be in danger. Do you understand?"

lip as he began tearing up. He choked out, "If I was the one being captured, and they're using me as bait, I'd rather die than have you come and save me, President Cross. I'm

nodded, saying, "I know you guys are willing to sacrifice your lives for me, and you don't want me to take any risks. But it's precisely because of such loyalty that

exclaimed tearfully,

to change my mind. Besides, I've crossed countless battlefields in my life

added, "I need you and the Elite Eight to protect the First Lady while

be able to change his mind once he was set to do something. As such, Colin could only answer with, "Yes,

Mueller came over with a

was evident in his tone when he asked, "Mr.

I was just reprimanding my subordinate for a job

some matters

SO

please excuse me."

that, he turned

telling Mueller about what happened to Ava, nor did he want to ask for his help.

en

Nathan was back, she walked over to him with a few of

asked softly, "Did something happen,

a gentle kiss on her forehead and muttered, "It's nothing. Ava met with some trouble, that's all. I'm going to deal

seemed to realize something when

asked, "Will it