Admiral's Test

161 Admiral's Test

Inside the courtyard.

Theodore Montgomery rose to return the salution, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "At ease, General Kane, please have a seat." he said with a courteous gesture.

As the Admiral of Cascadia, it was unusual for him to meet someone for the first time only after they had already been promoted to one of his H.A.R.M. generals. Such a situation was rare in any State.

I quietly glanced at Albany Laurent, who happened to look over at the same time.

"Keep the bow for now," Albany said with a gentle smile, correctly reading my thoughts.

"Thank you, General Laurent," I said, selecting a seat and settling down.

… …

Theodore Montgomery exchanged a few casual pleasantries while sizing up the young man.

Most of his knowledge of Kane came from Rose Hightower's praise, and then from yesterday's report.

Everyone, from his disciples to Vampire Hunters to several H.A.R.M. generals, seemed to know something extraordinary about this young man.

"I heard from Chloe that you'll be heading to the capital for Martial Abbey Cleansing soon. You can travel with Aisha, and she'll show you around the Martial Abbey there."

Even though Theodore mentioned her name, Aisha remained aloof under the big tree, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon.

The Admiral seemed accustomed to her lack of response, and none of the others appeared to find it strange.

"But before you leave, General Kane, could you help me with one more thing?"

After discussing the trip to the capital, Theodore's voice took on a chilling tone. "While my disciple may not be invincible, she is not someone to be trifled with. I had planned to send Aisha, but since you have just taken office, perhaps you would consider traveling to Pinewood County to remind that fox that Cascadia is not its permanent residence."

He smiled and added, "It's also an excellent chance to demonstrate to the other generals what our newly appointed H.A.R.M. General of Vancouver is capable of."

A newly appointed general needed to prove his worth.

While killing another harmonizing vampire lord would be an unreasonable ask, driving away a wandering vampire from Cascadia's territory served as an appropriate test for a H.A.R.M. general.

Albany Laurent kept his gentle expression as he listened to the conversation.

Given the master's Realm, he didn't even need to leave the city. He could make the old fox grasp the gravity of the situation just by sitting in this courtyard.

More than wanting to showcase Kane to the other generals, he likely wanted to personally assess the true capabilities of this highly praised young general.

Perhaps due to his guilt toward Junior Sister Patani, master's demeanor had softened considerably from his former forceful nature. Yet at his core, he remained the same Admiral—a man who trusted only his own judgment and commanded an entire State.

He would never let others' words and actions sway his decisions—not even Junior Sister Patani's endorsement.

"You will depart for the capital in five days. General Kane, do not be late," Theodore said with a slight nod.

"I'll be there, sir." I replied respectfully.

With greater privileges and access to advanced training came greater responsibilities and expectations.

Unperturbed, I rose and took my leave.

After being away from Pinewood County for so long, I finally had a chance to return. I still remembered the little fox vampire I had slain using Harmonious Quartet. Even without this order, I would have visited the North Cliff when time permitted.

… …

After the young man departed from the courtyard, Albany Laurent suddenly realized something. "He didn't even ask about Rose?"

Max Vierkant peeked out from the kitchen and confirmed, "He really didn't."

...

In the colonel's quarters.

Jade Rivers hurried over, nervous, and knocked gently on the door. "Is General Kane in?"

Soon, the door quietly opened.

The young girl instinctively held out the wolf-emblazoned cloak. "You forgot this..." Her voice faded away.

Jade blinked, gazing in astonishment at the incredibly beautiful woman before her.

She gracefully took the cloak, folded it with practiced care, and said softly, "John isn't here. I'll give it to him for you."

"Thank you, Sister." Jade realized her rudeness and quickly averted her gaze from the woman's striking features. Even in Seattle, she had never encountered someone who radiated such vibrant beauty.

"It's so late, have you eaten? Would you like to join me?" Rose Hightower smiled and stepped aside, her fingertips gently tracing the wolf design on the cloak. Though thoroughly washed, it still carried the faintest smell of vampire blood. This aligned perfectly with what she knew of the young man.

"I... I..." Jade clenched her sleeves. At the sound of footsteps behind her, she shook her head shyly, face blushed. "My brother is waiting for me."

She turned, stealing a quick glance at the figure in black armor, before hurrying out of the courtyard, flustered.

… …

"What was that about?" I asked, watching the little girl's retreating figure before stepping into the house.

The moment I had entered the Admiral's courtyard where I learned Shadow Touch, I noticed Rose's absence. And I had expected to find her here.

Rose greeting me at the door was a familiar sight—and an endearing one.

Nevertheless, I resolved to disable the entry code I had given to Max Vierkant.

I untied the scarlet cloak, and Rose habitually took it. She turned and hang it on the rack in the doorway, showing me her wonderful silhouette in the movement.

I squeezed past her, as she stepped back from the rack, her body felt soft and warm.

"She sent you your cloak." She followed me into the living area, then she spoke those magical words that never failed to warm my heart: "Dinner is ready. You must be hungry."

A steaming pot of stewed lamb chops sat on the table, the rich aroma of herbs and spices filling the room. The tender meat was falling off the bones, swimming in a thick, savory broth. That was the last dish she made before she left me in Pinewood County.

"I thought you would have learned some new recipes in the capital," I teased, though the aroma of the food was already making my mouth water.

Rose rolled her eyes and used her fork to place a piece of lamb onto my plate.

Now, without an audience watching our every move, we could finally savor what had been a rushed farewell meal back then.

Sure enough, it had that same wonderful taste.

"How was your wrist?" I asked, then I noticed the way she looked at me. "Don't stare at me like that."

"Fine." She withdrew her gaze. "It's already healed." Although she had many, many questions, she'd let me finish dinner first.

I savored every bite, finishing the meal completely—not a single drop of broth remained in the pot.

Rose smiled brilliantly. "I thought that after you became a general, you would become pickier about food."

"Just became one, haven't had time to enjoy it yet." I got up and taking the plates into the kitchen.

"So how did you become one?" Rose asked, unable to contain her curiosity any longer. She helped me remove my armor, took it from my hands, and carried it to the bedroom, where she stored it in the wardrobe.

"Just like old times," I said calmly, removing my wrist guard and other accessories and passing them to her.

… …

Rose's thoughts drifted back to Pinewood County. Each day, John would leave at dawn and return at dusk, his clothes stained with vampire blood, while growing visibly stronger with each passing day.

Though they had been apart for barely ten days, John had managed to surprise her once again.

No wonder the General of Salem had suspected he was a vampire in disguise. His progress was truly scary.

How could I keep up with him?

Observing his sincere expression, she rubbed her eyes as her mood unexpectedly lightened. If the talent gap was an unchangeable fact and the future inevitable, why worry about it? Better to simply embrace the present moment.

"So, what's our new general going to do next?" She smiled.

"Return to Pinewood County." I sat on the edge of the bed.

Upon hearing this, Rose's eyes widened with surprise. "Master wants to use that old fox to test you?" Her concern was palpable. "Even though it's not a harmonizing vampire, it's still dangerous. Having studied at Fox Wonderland, its methods are both treacherous and unpredictable. What's more, Fox Wonderland is fiercely protective of their disciples."

All vampires yearn to overcome their bestial nature and reclaim their original vampire—that is, human—nature. Fox Wonderland, however, took this pursuit to the extreme. They were obsessed with martial arts. Though learning these skills took them considerably longer than humans, generations of brilliant foxvamps amassed an extensive collection of techniques and precious weapons. Thanks to their long lifespans, each disciple of Fox Wonderland possessed a deadly arsenal of skills.

"If Senior Sister Patani were to go herself, the fox would likely leave quietly out of deference for her."

"But you've just been promoted to general, it might not show you the proper respect..."

I listened quietly, resting back with my arms behind my head. I kept to myself that I had no plans to use my new title to intimidate the fox.

Rose leaned closer to me, sniffed, and quipped, "How long have you been in these clothes? Go take a shower."

I obediently walked into the bathroom. Just as I removed my clothes and turned on the shower, I felt her smooth skin press against my back, her arms wrapped tenderly around my chest.

Nothing needed to be said. I savored the feeling of home. With Rose here, everything felt natural and at peace.