章 3: Erickson Warton

Headquarters of a Military Operating Base

A white-haired man in his late 50s sat in a leather chair in front of a mahogany table, dressed in his green army combat uniform. He was fiercely staring at the young man, in his late twenties, six feet tall, with raven black hair, black eyes, a sharp facial structure, and a well-built body standing in front of the old man, as the young man saluted him in respect.

"General Erickson Warton, I heard you're applying for a week's leave of absence; you've never requested such a long vacation in the last eight years." As he leaned back in his leather chair, the man in the chair crossed his arms across his chest.

Chief Marshal David was the base camp's current senior commanding officer. And best friend of Erick's father, the late Chief Marshal Jefferson Warton. Chief Marshal David was known as a benevolent military man with one of the country's cleanest military records. He is also Erickson Warton's godfather.

"Though I'm not holding you back, I'm just worried. Your late father, Chief Marshal Jefferson Warton, trusted his family to me. Is there any problem at home?" Chief Marshal David asked worriedly.

"Thank you for your concern, Chief, but there's nothing to worry about; our family is doing fine,"

"I'm glad to hear that, I don't want your father to pay me a visit late at night and scold me for not taking care of his family, that would be frightening," Chief Marshal laughs at his remarks.

"Then it's only your Mother's request; that will be a long leave, but you deserve it. Spend more time relaxing and possibly finding a suitable wife. General Erickson Warton, you're not getting any younger," he said commandingly.

General Erickson Warton is 28 years old, single, and affectionately known as Erick by his family and closest friends. Erick was a passionate and dedicated member of the armed forces in the field, as well as one of the army's youngest generals. He attained his high-rank status as a result of his consistent training and exemplary decision-making style, and he is greatly praised by his colleagues.

Aside from his outstanding qualities at work, he was well-known among female soldiers for his god-like appearance and well-built body. Erickson Warton's combination of physical and mental strength was commendable, and he was often referred to as the "Debonair General."

"I requested time off to spend more time with my family and meet my fiance," Erick stated monotonously.

Chief Marshal David looked at Erick for a long time, wondering if he was joking because it was his first time mentioning a fiancee in front of him. Confirming that Erick was serious, a glint of excitement flashed across the Chief Marshal's eyes as he motioned Erick to sit.

The intimidating aura that he had to project earlier was gone; upon hearing the word "Fiancee" in his godson's mouth, the Chief Marshal transforms into a loving godfather; he was too excited to meet his future goddaughter.

"You impudent brat... you don't even let your fiance meet her future godfather, how could you do this to your old man?" said Chief Marshal, whining like a child.

Erick scratches the back of his head as he smiles at his godfather.

"Chief, we're also on the same page here; I recently learned from my father's attorney that I have a betrothal agreement with his friend, which mentions in his testament that it will take effect when my fiancee reaches the age of 25."

"Ah....wh-what?... An arranged marriage... and you agreed to your old man's will?"

"I agreed to meet her; I don't see any problem with it. Currently, I'm not seeing anyone, and if my father chose the woman as my betrothed, perhaps he saw some special qualities in her. You know father more Chief, he has this exceptional way of finding good traits in a person. With that said, I trust my father more."

Although Erick finds it strange that his father agreed to the proposal, given that their family is not the type to follow such customs, he respected his father's decision and his last request from him.

Chief Marshal simply nodded, agreeing that his father's strength was his ability to read people perfectly.

"And may I know who the lucky lady is to whom my handsome godson is betrothed?"

"She is the eldest daughter of the La Roche Family, Lady Lethea Sy La Roche,"

Chief Marshal David flinched when he heard the name of his godson's fiancee. This action does not escape Erick's sharp eyes, but it occurs before he can inquire about it. He was cut off when the Chief Marshal spoke up.

"Oh, the daughter of Cassandra Sy and Themotheo La Roche is your fiancee?" the Chief Marshal inquired, his voice worried.

Erick raised an eyebrow and inquired suspiciously.

"Do you know her? La Roche's Eldest Daughter?"

Chief Marshal faltered for a few seconds, Erick didn't notice the changes, and Chief Marshal quickly returned to his normal expression.

"I only saw her in some gatherings with her mother Cassandra back then, but she was just a little girl so I barely remember her face," he says, averting his gaze from Erick.

Because his godfather is a high-ranking officer, He was required to attend high-ranking banquets attended by high nobles like La Roche, so meeting her in that kind of event was perfectly normal.

"Erick, your one-week leave is complete as long as you allow me to meet my goddaughter-in-law."

Chief Marshal continued, smiling brightly at Erick, "I know I'm not in a position to say this, but I would like you to trust your father in this case, he must have a reason, your father never decides on things without a purpose."

Erick simply agreed with a nod.

"Whether it's an arranged marriage or not, I hope you can give it a try. Take this opportunity to get to know each other. Maybe you'll discover that you're perfectly made for each other, just don't be stoic in front of a lady, young man, or you'll scare her to death," Chief Marshal laughed loudly as his voice echoed throughout the room.

"I'll keep it in mind," Erick said, bowing to his godfather. "Thank you Chief, our family will always be grateful for your kindness and care."

Chief Marshal David immediately shook his head, expressing his displeasure. "No need to thank me; I owe your father my life."

"Then I will take my leave, Chief." Erick knew why, so he simply nodded and walked out of the room

Chief Marshal took an old book from a locked drawer when Erick left the office. An old photograph of two young ladies and three young men happily smiling at each other was included in the book. And a sad smile spread across his face. As he gently stroked the portrait.

'What have you done, Jefferson Warton?