Counterfeit Hero

Stephen smiled and said, "General Gordon, don’t you want to invite us to sit?" This third heir to the Empire had excellent manners and demeanor, always graceful and composed. However, Gordon knew that if anyone stood in the way of this man’s progress, he would kick them aside without hesitation. In his eyes, the ultimate goal was not the imperial throne, but to lead the Gazalin Empire to become the greatest of the Imperial Countries. The throne was already in his pocket.

Gordon’s hesitation lasted only for a moment before he put on a brilliant smile and reached out his hand, saying, "Please, have a seat. It is truly a pleasure to have you both here!" Stepping forward, Gordon grasped Stephen’s hand and pretended to complain, "Your Highness, here, you are the host. Since when does a host need to ask guests to sit? Besides, I’ve long admired your teacher, General Liebgoet." Shaking hands with Liebgoet as well, Gordon invited them to sit down and continued to display his delighted but slightly flustered demeanor. He rubbed his hands together, spun around twice, and then glared at his secretary, demanding, "Serve the tea, why are you standing there?!" As he saw the confidential secretary nod and head to the door, Gordon called out, "Go, summon General Hailig and tell him we have distinguished guests!"

Hailig was currently the second-in-command of the Military Department and a loyal follower of Prince George. Summoning him was a way for Gordon to use a firm shield. He was unsure why Stephen chose this moment to appear with his famous teacher, General Liebgoet, which made Gordon anxious. The heavy losses the Military Department had suffered in the Newton Star System had already caused a major uproar domestically. It was uncertain whether he could maintain his position as First Admiral.

Now, the Leray Federation’s counteroffensive had entered the Galileo Star System. A medium-sized space fleet was devoured by the Federation Army in one swift move. As the battle unfolded in the Galileo Star System, the surrounding petty nations with old animosities were also stirring, seemingly inclined to form an anti-Empire alliance with the Leray Federation. If a decisive victory could not be achieved in the Galileo Star System, the first to fall would be none other than himself!

In the Gazalin Empire, those who were ousted midway never met good ends. Once stripped of power, within a few years, their successors would replace all their appointees, and those with grudges would seize any excuse to get rid of them, even potentially sending them to the gallows! Just thinking of this made Gordon shiver.

Of course, Stephen knew Gordon’s intentions. Mentally cursing him as an old fox, he pretended not to hear and said to Liebgoet, "Teacher, General Gordon is well-known for his cautious and defensive military strategies. In terms of military acumen, General Gordon is no less than Russell." Liebgoet, with a friendly expression, nodded to General Gordon and said, "I’ve long heard of your great reputation."

Gordon felt a bit embarrassed, aware of his own overly cautious approach to leading troops, far less decisive than Russell, and even less commanding on the battlefield than Hailig. As he was about to respond and change the topic, Stephen didn’t give him the chance and interjected, "But..." He turned to Gordon, continuing, "I hear the situation in the Galileo Star System isn’t very optimistic. There are still remnant Federation forces on the five immigration planets that haven’t been eliminated, and now a fleet has been swallowed. Even the newly established space jump point by the Federation hasn’t been found yet." Gordon was annoyed. The Third Prince was being too blunt. His words were nearly a direct reproach. Yet Stephen smiled slightly and continued, "General, Father sent me to check on the Military Department and to offer some assistance. General, you’ve worked hard and it’s time for a well-deserved rest. Leave the rest to us."

The Gazalin Emperor had personally intervened! Gordon was as if struck by lightning, stunned and unable to move. This emperor, who had reigned for thirty-eight years, was the stabilizer of the Empire! He played the art of ruling with ease, having kept Russell as the top man of the Imperial Army for over a decade, yet Russell did not dare openly revolt against the Royal Family. He could only use the battlefield and the Leray Federation to achieve his goals! The emperor usually issued broad orders, appearing to rule without interference, but anyone who had direct contact with James knew that this emperor was like a tiger pretending to nap, incredibly shrewd and terrifying. Anyone who dared provoke him would face his thunderous wrath and total destruction!