Exposure 2

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

While General Ford and Steward Philip were at a loss in Paul's office on the second floor, a guard knocked on the office door.

"Gentlemen, Lieutenant Walter has reported urgent military business and has left."

"What?"

The two were taken aback and hurriedly left the office, quickly crossing the hallway and looking down from the staircase.

Indeed, the seat originally occupied by Beluga Walter was now empty.

Philip said anxiously, "Urgent military business? What's going on?"

General Ford felt a bit downcast and regretted, "Perhaps we should have been more decisive earlier and detained him in time."

Suddenly, a loud flapping sound echoed as the parrot from the office flew down the corridor. While Ford and Philip were discussing their strategy, it seemed the bird had flown out through the window.

Now it had flown back?

The parrot flapped its wings and landed on the staircase railing, opening its beak.

"Schroeder! The army is coming! Schroeder! The army is coming!"

One must say, the parrot that Lady Setia raised was truly extraordinary; it had learned to mimic human speech. Although its speech was disjointed, both men could fully understand its meaning.

If it were an ordinary parrot, Ford and Philip might have felt confused. But this was no ordinary parrot, as its owner was no ordinary woman.

"If I'm guessing correctly, Commander Schroeder has returned with the army."

Ford pondered for a moment and said to Philip, "Earlier, Beluga said he had urgent military matters to attend to. Could this be it? I suspect Schroeder sensed Beluga's unusual movements early on and left Alden Town to seek reinforcements, and now he has returned with the army."

Philip didn't know about Area 51, but General Ford did. In the absence of timely communication with the four infantry battalions on training, it was highly likely that Schroeder had rushed to Area 51 overnight to find that army.

"Should we help the commander?"

Hearing that loyal forces were returning to the lord, Philip was extremely excited, his lips trembling as he spoke.

"The most effective way is to secure this castle. If we succeed, it will definitely throw Beluga and his subordinates into chaos, surrounded by enemies both inside and out, which will greatly affect their morale."

"You're right; let's gather the guards immediately. We need to inform Ross, the former head of the guard."

The two hurried downstairs and returned to the hall where everyone was meeting.

However, just then, an unexpected event occurred. A team of about a hundred people jogged into the castle courtyard, dressed as militia and police. Ford and Philip's hearts tightened; what was Beluga up to?

A man rushed into the lord's hall.

"Blare? What are you doing here?"

Seeing the newcomer, Ross Hayden, the head of public safety who was also attending the meeting, asked in confusion.

Wasn't this the leader of the Second Squad, Blare McReynolds? He was considered one of Ross's subordinates, but since the martial law was imposed in Alden Town, all police forces in the city had been deployed to cooperate with military operations.

"Director Hayden, gentlemen!"

Blare McReynolds appeared very respectful. "I have some very bad news: the rebels have started attacking Alden Town, and Lieutenant Beluga has gone to organize the defense."

Upon hearing this news, the various officials who were unaware of the situation exchanged glances. So soon?

General Ford and Philip silently cursed; they were still slandering the warriors loyal to the lord, truly turning truth upside down.

The head of the administrative council asked, "In such an urgent moment, why are you here instead of helping Beluga?"

Blare explained, "The lord's residence is of utmost importance and needs to be protected. Lieutenant Beluga fears that some rioters might attack the lord's residence amid the chaos, so he sent us to enhance security here. Furthermore, given the current chaotic situation, the lieutenant insisted that all of you must stay within the castle. The police force in Alden Town is insufficient, so it's best for you to remain here for protection."

Philip felt furious inside but didn't dare show it on his face. Clearly, they were here to monitor us, that bastard Beluga.

Others felt equally frustrated; after a whole night and morning of meetings, they thought they could return home for a good night's sleep.

General Ford maintained his composure and stroked his beard, saying, "In that case, why not bring everyone's families to the lord's residence as well? That way, we can look after each other. If there are rioters aiding the rebels in the city, it would also be dangerous for their families to remain at home."

Philip was startled but soon realized that General Ford intended to go all out. After bringing the officials' families to the lord's residence, they would have no more concerns when turning against Beluga. If they stayed outside, even if they managed to control the lord's castle, they would leave a large number of hostages outside.

However, Blare McReynolds had no idea that General Ford already knew the truth about the rebellion. He thought the old man was still following their script.

A hint of barely perceptible mockery flashed in the eyes of the police captain. Ha ha, you said it yourself.

"General Ford, I will take care of it right away."

He slightly bowed to the acting lord, Julian, to show respect before turning to leave the hall.

After watching Blare leave, General Ford turned to the head of public safety and called out, "Ross, come here. I need to talk to you."

Before taking up the post of head of public safety, Ross Hayden had led the guards at the lord's residence and was the most powerful person there.

About two hours later, the families of the officials were brought into the castle.

"Close the door!"

As the last person entered the castle, Zane, the captain of the militia responsible for security tasks at the lord's residence, ordered the castle gate to be closed.

For some reason, Zane felt something was off in his heart.

Lieutenant Beluga had mentioned that there were hidden rebels in the city, but after martial law was imposed, the militia from Tata Town had received patrol duties. Since early morning, Zane had been leading his men to patrol the streets and had never seen or heard anything unusual.

Could it be that the rebels were frightened into hiding when they saw the authorities were prepared?

Did they have so little courage to rebel? Even if they didn't dare to fight openly, couldn't they secretly start a few fires?

Lord Grayman was actually assassinated by such a group of cowards. It was truly a bit…

While Zane was lost in thought, suddenly a loud commotion erupted from the lord's hall, mixed with terrified screams.

What… what's happening?

With his nerves on edge, Zane immediately thought of something bad—could it be that rebels had infiltrated the lord's residence and were attacking in the castle hall?

He had just been mocking them.

Ugh! Frustrated, Zane stomped his foot hard on the ground and called out to his brothers, "Let's go, see what's going on."

(End of the Chapter)

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