Salute To The General

Soon, it was breakfast time. Nathan came out of his room to see that Kraven and Colin had been waiting by his door for a long time. The latter was carrying his black briefcase as usual. Looking at Colin, he asked plainly, "You didn't let that girl succeed, did you?"

Colin flashed a smile and patted his briefcase. "Of course not. I doubt I'd have the guts to show my face here if she managed to steal my dagger under my watch."

Nathan smiled and did not respond to that.

However, a trace of disappointment could be seen flashing across his eyes. And here I was looking forward to being surprised by Kerry after seeing how confident she was. I have to admit that I'm feeling rather disappointed. But I guess this is to be expected. After all, it's a herculean task to steal something from Colin.

Nathan and the others arrived at the restaurant where they began digging into their breakfast.

Halfway through their meal, Kerry came skipping in while humming a tune, looking to be in a joyous mood.

She came to a stop in front of Nathan. Acting like a well-behaved student who had just met her principal, she composed herself, bowed, and greeted respectfully, "Hello, Mr. Cross."

Amused, Nathan stopped eating and looked at Kerry with interest. He teased, "Aren't you supposed to be hiding somewhere to reflect on your haughty attitude? I can't believe you have the audacity to come and meet me."

Kerry asked, "Why wouldn't I dare to come and see you?"

You failed to steal Colin's military dagger and thus, you did not pass my test. So what are you still

that so? I don't

by that? Are

for a reply, Colin interrupted in a low voice, "That's impossible. The dagger

sly-looking smile. "Are you sure about that, General Dunne? While it may be true that your dagger is still in your briefcase, didn't you realize that something's

make sure no one was watching, he opened the briefcase and took out

had given the dagger a proper wipe-down. The blade was gleaming like it had been coated with a layer of butter, making it look extremely sharp. Feeling both surprised and

Dunne. I secretly wiped your dagger

attendant from this morning was

you

such, you still lost the bet. Besides you would have been caught by me if I saw that the dagger was missing when I went to check my

If I had stolen the dagger at that time, you wouldn't have caught me because I would have taken the time when you were checking the room to slip away." Anger boiled within Colin when he said, "Even if you ran, I would have caught up to

this point, General Dunne. According to the bet, all I had to do was steal the dagger. So, even if you ended

speechless by