Chapter 1 The Return Of General Drago

The lighting was subdued, and the air was sultry. Beads of sweat cascaded from him, falling onto the flushed neck of the woman beneath him. “N-No...” A bashful yet alluring murmur pierced the air. Whoosh! Leopold Jantz's eyes snapped open. He woke up completely when he noticed the flight attendant staring at him with concern. He had just had that passionate dream once more. To be precise, it wasn't a dream as it was a fragment of his actual memory that had transpired in reality. Five years ago, Leopold was carrying out a secret operation when someone orchestrated a plan to drug him. He was extremely aroused after taking the drug. In order to avoid causing harm to innocent young ladies, he exerted every effort to stay conscious, eventually making his way out of the crowd before collapsing in the bush of a secluded garden behind a mansion. Fate, it seemed, operated in enigmatic ways. Leopold would recover after making it past the night, but a young woman residing in the mansion stumbled upon him and came to his rescue. In a guest room on the first floor of the mansion, Leopold was unexpectedly roused from slumber, devoid of all rationality. He pounced on the lady and forced himself on her. Following the incident, Leopold came to the realization that he had yet to deal with his adversaries and harbored concerns about endangering the young woman and her family by remaining in their midst. Without leaving a message, he made a hasty departure. After Leopold successfully executed his mission, the northern border faced imminent peril, with millions of enemy troops posing a dire threat. Leopold wasted no time and embarked on a harrowing overnight journey to reach the battlefield, where he staked his life to safeguard the country's borders. The ensuing battle was intense and grueling, yet despite the harsh conditions, Leopold never wore a frown or voiced a complaint. Nevertheless, he couldn't forget the bloodstain on the bedsheets. It became a thorn in his heart. Drago Army could not function without its leader, so Leopold dispatched his adjutant to locate the young woman from the mansion. He solemnly pledged that when he achieved success and earned a name for himself, he would come back to marry her. Furthermore, he presented the lady with a bank card containing his entire wealth. The money in the account now paled in comparison to what Leopold had accumulated over the years. However, the consistent military salary deposited into the bank account allowed her to live a prosperous life in the third-tier city. After accepting the card, the woman promised to await his return and also gave him a photo of her. The woman in the photo might not be stunning, but she had a pleasant appearance. For five years, Leopold would gaze at the photo, envisioning his eventual return to Yarwood, where he could enjoy a tranquil and pleasant life with the woman. Following his triumphant victory over the eight nations along the northern border and the subsequent signing of a peace treaty, Leopold made the decision to retire from military service and embrace a life of normalcy once more. He wanted to repay his parents and ask for the woman's hand in marriage to fulfill his promise. At Yarwood International Airport, a woman dressed in military attire, her hair neatly tied up, commanded, “Quickly! Get in line!” Dozens of men accompanying her promptly lined up near the exit. These individuals were not in matching uniforms; instead, some were dressed in suits, while others donned uniforms and boots. Nevertheless, they all held prominent positions within Yarwood. The other passengers swiftly made way, curious about the important figure who warranted such a grand reception. In the following moment, the handsome Leopold disembarked from the airplane. “Boss, the retirement ceremony organized by our superior is set for two days from now. According to the terms, on the day of the ceremony, your authority and wealth will be restored. Our superior has also granted you leadership over three states: Nuthana, Lostaria, and Zedblick.” The woman clad in military uniform stepped forward and presented a document. “This is the information of the three states. Please take a look at it.” Leopold glanced at it and asked, “Did you deliver the invitation card to my fiancée, Athena Swallow?” “Yes, I dispatched someone to deliver the invitation to Ms. Swallow yesterday,” the woman replied politely. Leopold nodded. “Two days later, I want her to know that her man isn't just an ordinary soldier but the powerful and wealthy Supreme God of War of Chanaea!” “Boss, I just got the scoop. Ms. Swallow is currently at a café, with a wealthy heir, on a blind date,” the woman in the military attire anxiously conveyed. Leopold's initial elation quickly turned to shock as he absorbed Verma's report. “What? A blind date? Could she be in this against her will? Take me to that café immediately!” “The car is at the exit.” Glancing at the two teams behind her, Verma asked carefully, “Boss, should I dismiss them and cancel the welcome party tonight?” “After three years of working together, don't you have a sense of my preferences?” Leopold responded with a furrowed brow as he climbed into the waiting Jeep at the entrance. Verma promptly signaled to the dozens of men. “Go home, everyone. I've told you before that the boss isn't a fan of unnecessary formalities.” The leader of the group, a middle-aged man, said apologetically, “We're sorry for any inconvenience we've caused!” Half an hour later, within the cozy confines of a café's private room, a dressed-up Athena was engaged in a lively conversation with the young gentleman seated across from her. The man in question was none other than Harvey Chance, the scion of a second-tier family in Yarwood. Prior to this encounter, Athena had made her interest in him abundantly clear on numerous occasions. Nevertheless, Harvey harbored little interest in her, considering her lineage to be from a scarcely recognized third-tier family. Something that changed his perspective happened yesterday. A colonel with two bars and four stars had made a sudden appearance at the Swallow residence, extending two invitation cards to Athena. They were invitations to attend the retirement ceremony of none other than General Drago, renowned as the Lord of the North and Chanaea's Supreme God of War. The arrival of these two invitations sparked a tremendous reaction within the Swallow family and sent shockwaves throughout the entire Yarwood. Hilda Oaks, the matriarch of the Swallow family, couldn't hold back her tears as she exclaimed, “General Drago holds immense influence and respect from all quarters. The Swallow family is truly fortunate to be in his favor!” In an instant, the Swallow family had transformed into a rising star that everyone sought to curry favor with. Harvey was diligently putting forth his efforts to charm Athena, and it was evident that she relished being the subject of his flattery. In contrast, her cousin, Katherine Swallow, seated beside her, seemed somewhat out of place in this particular setting. Arching her brows, Athena asked, “Katherine, what do you think about General Drago's retirement ceremony?” “I have nothing to say,” Katherine responded, shaking her head. She couldn't deny a twinge of jealousy at her cousin's invitation from General Drago. Even someone as aloof and reserved as Katherine couldn't help but admire the illustrious General Drago. However, she knew her place. General Drago was beyond her reach. Athena was about to speak when the door of the private room was pushed open, and Leopold barged in.