Tiger and the others looked at each other, their faces solemn. Finally, Lynx stepped forward respectfully and said, “Your Highness, we did not intend to rebel. We received intelligence that Neville Goodwin, the commander of Wilshiro Court, had malicious intentions towards our leader, so we came here to protect him.”
This explanation was given to Juliette by Archer Wintersong during a phone call, and Juliette relayed it to Tiger and the others to handle Daniel Williams. Without a valid excuse, they risked being stuck in a difficult situation.
Neville Goodwin’s face immediately flushed red upon hearing this, and he angrily retorted, “How dare you accuse me of treacherous intentions towards Chris Shelby? Lynx and the others are clearly slandering me. Throughout, I have followed Daniel Williams’ instructions and would never dare to harm Chris Shelby.”
The accusation only served to incense Neville Goodwin further, as he had always been careful to obey Daniel Williams. Even without considering Chris Shelby’s status as a Primus, his personal strength alone was not something Neville would challenge.
“Enough, Mr. Goodwin, do not be angry. It is evident that these individuals are here to cause trouble,” Daniel Williams interjected, staring straight at Tiger and the others. “Regardless of your excuses, this is Wilshiro Court, and I cannot permit your recklessness. I advise you to leave immediately, or do not blame me for taking action against you.”
Daniel Williams did not believe Lynx and the others’ reasoning; he knew they had fabricated an excuse to come. Their attempt to deceive him with such flimsy justifications was futile in his eyes.
Lynx, with a bold front, replied, “Your Highness, we cannot leave until we ensure our leader’s safety.”
This defiance left Daniel Williams trembling with anger. Despite being a prince of Amerosia, he was never openly disrespected before. But, as Tiger rightly pointed out, he had no authority over them, as Master William held the true military power.
Frustrated by his lack of control, Daniel Williams schemed to eliminate Chris Shelby, seeing him as an obstacle to his ambitions. He sought to gain control of Ace Shelby’s military power by removing him, allowing his own rebellion to succeed effortlessly.
“Ha!” Daniel Williams laughed triumphantly upon the arrival of forces from Wilshiro Court. “Tiger, Lynx, Phoenix, the troops from Wilshiro Court are here. What do you have to say now?” The tension escalated, and a standoff ensued.
The atmosphere grew tense, and the sound of approaching helicopters filled the air as heavily-armed soldiers descended. The soldiers, under Daniel Williams’ command, aimed their weapons at Tiger and his companions.
Upon the command of Daniel Williams, Neville Goodwin moved forward to arrest Tiger, Phoenix, and Lynx, relishing the opportunity to assert his authority.
An intense standoff ensued, with both sides unwilling to back down. The situation teetered on the brink of a large-scale conflict, raising the specter of a war that could draw the attention of all Amerosia.
Daniel Williams, wary of the escalating tension, hesitated to engage in a battle unless absolutely necessary. “Tiger, are you truly prepared to defy me?” he demanded coldly.
Tiger, Lynx, and Phoenix exchanged glances and took a step forward together. “Your Highness, we have stated our purpose – to protect our leader, not to oppose you,” they asserted.
As the silence thickened, the tension in the air became palpable. A battle loomed on the horizon, and all present held their breath, awaiting the inevitable clash.
After a moment, Wyatt Eastman leaned in and whispered to Daniel Williams, “Your Highness, a decision must be made swiftly. Delay will only lead to chaos.”