"And who are you to decide that?"
The speaker was a male with bulging muscles, dark-brown hair, and a messy beard. He was a typical depiction of a brute with no sense of etiquette.
'Offense would come, Stiles. But it shouldn't stem from you…' Stiles observed the male with an impeccable smile.
Plastered on his checkered shirt was a badge with an eagle, one star, and crossed swords. It resembled the badge military men used to showcase their ranks.
'It seems this fellow is a lieutenant general…' Stiles thought. 'There still exist two ranks above his; general and field marshal—the latter was abolished due to some events that occurred in the past, while I'm sure the former still exists to date.'
Stiles silently appreciated the fact that he was into history, and with the help of the archives in Kynburgh's library, he understood the current hierarchy of the military.
"I don't care what kind of good-for-nothing 'Crown' appeared on your little head, all I know is that you should fuck off if you love your life," The man continued, seeing that Stiles had no will to reply to his first inquiry.
He was quite confident that the kid was a fraud. After all, who appears at Kynburgh's doorstep, wielding the 'Crown' that reigned in their lores? 'It is surely the handwork of those heretics…'
The lieutenant general twisted his neck to give Rebecca a cautionary glance. He was trying to say—I know you are behind this act!
Stiles, on the other hand, observed with a glint of amusement. He rarely witnessed such drama—'conspiracy is truly a beautiful plot…'
The other participants kept silent, hoping to gauge out the situation before making a move—surely, having brutes like the lieutenant general, who journeyed head first into unknown lands, was a blessing to them who used their brains well.
"Sorry to disappoint you, big boy. But I can't let go of my position as Kynburgh's King. As you can see, Kynburgh needs me," Stiles mocking voice reverberated in the room, causing muffled giggling from the audience.
'I won't mind offering a comedy show for you guys, but I'd prefer you all utilize it as a lesson rather than a full skit comedy…' Stiles lampooned.
Veins bulge on the lieutenant general's ripped flesh, straining his attire to a certain extent.
He was agitated by Stiles' insults, ready to release all the stress he had accumulated over the past few days on the kid before him.
Alexia, who sensed the lieutenant general's intent, was about to walk before Stiles to protect him from any danger, but seeing Stiles signal to stay put, decided to relax.
She had seen Stiles fight with the assassins, so she was sure the general would not pose a threat.
With a speed that an ordinary eye could not track, Stiles moved forward, grabbing the towering lieutenant general's head as he brought it closer to his bent knee for a gentle massage.
The lieutenant general had no chance to react as he felt his face collide with the kneecap of the kid, his nose bridge fracturing in the event.
"Ahhhhhhhh!!!"
The lieutenant general screamed like a big baby who had lost all reason to live, rolling on the ground with his palms pressed against his face.
Blood droplets trickled down his palms, causing the other individuals to be apprehensive of Stiles who stood there, nonchalantly adjusting his coat.
"As I said, it's not negotiable. Any act otherwise would be considered insubordination—treason of the highest order," Stiles's solemn voice resounded through the room.
'Heh heh, even Level 7 Rankers would consider my small act a spectacle—with this, I'm assured of a less revolting gathering…' Stiles mused, slowly scanning through the faces of the individuals, pleased by his work.
In the corner of his eyes, he saw Rebecca giving him a thumbs up. 'What a human… she is dangerous…'
While Stiles considered Rebecca dangerous, the other members looked at him in trepidation, only one thought surfacing in their minds; he is strong…
"I'm sure there is a General in this gathering," Stiles commented, scanning through the group for anyone that matches his description of a General.
"That would be me, My Lord," a deep voice came from within the group.
Appearing before the group was a man dressed in complete black attire, his shining black hair combed to the back stylishly. His black rough eyebrow highlighted his dark eyes which seemed to engulf the world in darkness. His face held the roughness of a war veteran, who had fought countless battles, his height an average of 1.77 meters.
He was the epitome of a prince dressed in black. Despite his rough features, his looks could not be underrated—there was a special charm to that dark and deathly aura that surrounded him.
The male dressed in black attire, offered a small bow to Stiles in a show of respect.
'Not bad, he should be a Level 7 Ranker—same as that Leopold guy and my caretaker, Alexia.
"I go by the name Alexander Stronoff, also referred to as General Alexander." The male stated his name and affiliation.
"I'm now at your service, My King."
This was one of the best ways to display allegiance toward a new ruler. This way, it would be clear to everyone where your loyalty lies.
'How classic of him, I'm sure that shrewd woman had a hand in this play…' Stiles could not help but address Rebecca as the mastermind, to show how much the female had affected him psychologically.
"I'd love to see the map of Kynburgh and its surroundings, you don't mind showing me, right?" Stiles inquired with a smile, signaling the General to raise his bowed head.
"Your will is my command."
'Heh, you don't have to make everything sound so big, right?! I just want to see the map for goodness sake!'
Stiles felt like shedding tears, but held it back, keeping a straight face on the outside.
'Time to get serious, Stiles. Though, how would I know my meritorious deeds are enough? Maybe there is some sort of mechanism that would notify me. Anyway, one issue at a time…'
Stiles followed General Alexander to the middle of the room where a huge table was located. On it was a holographic image of Kynburgh and its surroundings. It looked so real that Stiles felt he could maybe interact with the landscape through it.
'Technology is truly terrifying…. Sigh.'