“Scram!” Ivy shot a glare at Stout before redirecting her focus to Billy. “Billy, among the Northfortians here, besides that princess, the rest seem quite formidable. We can’t be too trusting.”
“Really?” Billy chuckled. “Let’s see for ourselves.”
“Alright.” Ivy led a small group toward the council hall.
Upon arrival, they found four Western faces seated inside. The woman among them, Linda Jones, was of Billy’s age and the epitome of Western beauty-delicate features, blonde hair, blue eyes, and an attractive figure, just slightly trailing behind Ivy’s overall charm.
Linda Jones was a princess of the so-called Northfortia Empire. Behind her stood two elderly white men, their actual ages indiscernible, with sharp eyes and a hint of coldness surrounding them. Apart from these six individuals, there were seven or eight men standing in a corner of the hall. Judging by the aura emanating from them, it was clear they were not ordinary martial artists.
Upon hearing the commotion at the entrance, Linda turned her head to look, recognizing Billy with just one glance. Although the two had never met before, she had intentionally come to visit Billy in Glavale, so she had undoubtedly seen his photos or videos beforehand.
“Commander Gardner, hello!”
She approached Billy, extending her hand warmly, radiating charm with every gesture, and her eyes shining brightly. The other three men followed suit as they stood up and joined Linda.
“Got something to discuss?” Billy, uninterested in handshakes, asked without mincing words.
“I’ve heard of Commander Gardner’s reputation in Glavale, so I came here to visit you. Let’s be friends, forgive any abruptness.” Linda said with a smile, unfazed by Billy’s lack of handshake.
Observing Linda’s demeanor, Ivy couldn’t help but frown slightly.
“Is it that simple?” Billy said indifferently. “If that’s all, you can leave. Glavale isn’t interested in making friends with Northfortia.”
The man next to Linda frowned. “Princess Linda wants to be friends with you. Show some respect. Don’t refuse the wine and end up with a fight!”
“You’re an idiot!” Bob pointed at him with a cold voice. “Your master is talking to my boss. Interrupt again, and you’ll never speak again!”
“You…” The man retorted angrily.
“Jaden, shut up!” Linda stopped him. Then, she looked at Billy again. “I know Commander Gardner has deep prejudices against Northfortia, but my visit this time does not represent the country. I came out of curiosity. I’ve heard that Commander Gardner is a broad-minded and dashing man. You won’t…”
“Don’t beat around the bush. If you have something to say, say it directly. I don’t have time to entertain you.” Billy interrupted her coldly.
“Commander Gardner, would it be convenient for you to have lunch together at noon?” Linda took a deep breath and revealed another charming expression.
“Princess Linda, Commander Gardner is a key figure in Glavale’s military. He handles numerous responsibilities daily. If you have no urgent matters, I’m afraid we won’t be able to accommodate you. Please take your leave.” Ivy interrupted, frowning.
“Miss Chandler, are you jealous?” Linda smiled playfully. “Rest assured, I’m just inviting Commander Gardner for a meal. I won’t compete with you for a man.”
“Bob, see our guests out.” Ivy interrupted with a stern voice.
“Got it!” Bob nodded and looked at Linda. “Princess, I advise you not to cause trouble for yourself. Go back to Northfortia! Otherwise, I can’t guarantee your safety.”
With that, he gestured to send them away. “Please.”
“You bastards! Princess Linda came all the way to Glavale, and you treat guests like this. Glavale people really have no manners…” Jaden angrily spoke again.
“Nonsense!” Ian frowned. Before he finished speaking, he flicked his wrist, and a three-foot-long blade swiftly slashed out, releasing a chilling light.
“You’re seeking death!” Jaden, with decent cultivation, retaliated with a gust of wind against Ian’s attack. Their strengths seemed evenly matched as they both stepped back a few steps, appearing to be in a stalemate.
“This is a warning. If you don’t leave Glavale, you’ll die!” Ian’s aura rose again.
“If you want to die, I’ll send you to hell!” Jaden, filled with battle intent, prepared for another attack.
“Jaden!” Linda shouted again. Then, taking a deep breath, she looked at Billy and continued, “Commander Gardner, are you really going to keep everyone at arm’s length like this?”
“Princess Linda, don’t waste your breath on him!” Another man stepped forward. “Not only did he kill so many people of Northfortia, but Lord Jamie also fell by his hands. Today, he must give an account to Northfortia!”
“Heh, finally willing to talk?” Bob sneered. “So, what kind of account do you want?”
The man snorted. “You have two choices!”
“One is to come back to Northfortia with us and face the consequences. The other is to accept Princess Linda’s challenge, a fair one-on-one fight! If you can defeat Princess Linda, then the matter ends here!”
Stout choked on his saliva upon hearing this. Then, with a rather speechless expression, he looked at Linda. “Princess, does what he said represent your intention?”
“Commander Gardner, you killed many of my people in Place of Darkness. This matter, you indeed need to give an explanation to us!” Linda didn’t respond to Stout’s words but turned to Billy and continued speaking. “I came here this time, originally hoping to reconcile with you, to see if we could negotiate a mutually acceptable solution. But you seem ungrateful, Commander Gardner!”
With that, she changed the topic.
“I’ve heard that Commander Gardner is a martial arts genius from Glavale. If so, I’ll take this opportunity to learn from you! In ten days, I’ll be waiting for Commander Gardner’s presence at the Sunset Park in the eastern suburbs!”
“Are you sure?” Billy spoke lightly.
“I hope you will do me the honor!” Linda looked at Billy and nodded.
“Boss!” Just then, Night Orchid, who had just finished a call, quickly walked up to Billy and whispered a few words.
“Oh?” After hearing Night Orchid’s words, Billy’s eyes narrowed slightly.