Restart:Untalented Man-Chapter 496: Decision

"Kheukk!"

Although he hated to admit it, the thunderous sound of their weapon sent a shiver down his spine.

The bullet shot flew past them and buried itself into a tree. Had the bullet been directed toward him... He doesn't even want to imagine it.

The Cerdeauxian officer gripped his sword hilt tighter with what little strength he had left.

He glared at Wilmot with pure hatred. Unfortunately, his face grew paler by the second, reducing the ferocity of his stare.

"What did you say again? You're going to take action?" Wilmot mocks them.

The officer gnashed his teeth, "Do you think we'll sit still and do nothing? We'll fight until we win or die."

For a brief moment, Wilmot's respect for them skyrocketed. "Excellent! That's how a soldier should be! But we are not here to wage war."

"Then, what do you want?"

"Tell your president, we want the criminal he's been sheltering. Or else... we'll have no choice but to come and retrieve him ourselves."

Those present gasped in surprise. Like a stone dropped into still water, the shock causes a ripple among them.

Merchants, travellers, and even Cerdeauxian soldiers were bewildered.

President of Cerdeauxia sheltering a criminal. This is another big news for today.

If it blows up, the nation will be set ablaze with rumours.

"This… this is a baseless accusation!"

"I'm very impressed with your patriotism, but let's not pretend everyone's hands are clean here. Just pass my message to your president."

The Cerdeauxian officer clenched his fist. He could feel the eyes of his men on him, waiting for his response.

He wants to retort, however, he's not a good talker.

There was no point in escalating this further, not when their forces were outmatched.

He was a soldier, not a politician. His duty was to follow orders, not engage in pointless arguments.

With a sigh, the officer turned away from Wilmot. He ordered his troops to retreat.

Wilmot watched their opponent withdraw, "Wise choice". He then signalled his troops to do the same.

The tension that had gripped the scene slowly dissipated.

....

The door to the presidential office was forcefully opened. A staff rushed in, breathless and wide-eyed.

"Mr. President, we've received an urgent message from the garrison at the border!"

Walter Thompson, the current president of Cerdeauxia, looked at the staff with anger flashing across his face. "Can't you knock first?"

The staff flinched and realized his mistake, "My apologies, sir. I couldn't help but panic... It's about Ryntum."

Walter's anger instantly dissipated. His heart skipped a beat.

That kingdom had been looming over Cerdeauxia like an incoming storm. It was his source of nightmares.

He quickly abandoned the thought of scolding the staff. "What's the news about?"

"General Wilmot, along with his troops, approach our border. The garrison there went to confront them. Luckily, the fight didn't break out. He just wanted to deliver a message on behalf of his kingdom. He demands we hand over a criminal we're protecting."

"What?!" Walter was confused for a second before remembering the former governor who had come to his doorstep and begged for protection.

"Do you know who they meant, sir?" the staff cautiously asked.

At this moment, the news was just beginning to circulate among his coworkers. It has not reached the public or become a distorted rumour yet.

Despite that, he had to be careful. While working here comes with perks and prestige, some stuff you heard is better to ignore.

Being a busybody does not bring benefits.

"Of course I know." Walter scoffed. "But branded a revolutionary fighter as a criminal is just evil. Please ignore them as usual."

"Uhm...sir, they say if we stay silent, they'll come and retrieve him themselves."

Walter slammed his desk, "Do they think they're some big shot? How dare they tell us what to do?"

The staff stay silent. In his opinion, it is wise to fulfil the request.

Risking an entire nation for one man with questionable value seemed suicidal.

"Damn it! I'll decide later. Go do your job."

With that being said, the staff left.

After a while, Walter grabbed his coat and left his office. He'd make sure to be discreet about his destination.

He instructed the driver to move in a circle throughout the streets of Cerdeaux.

Occasionally, Walter glanced out of the window to ensure nobody was on his tail.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally reached his intended destination. The carriage passed through the gate of one of the mansions in Cerdeaux's wealthiest neighbourhoods.

"Sir Walter, master is expecting you."

Walter was surprised. He comes here unannounced. How could his arrival be known?

'Did he plant spies around me?'

The suspicion within him grew, but he quickly brushed it aside. Now wasn't the time to let it get the better of him.

Walter nodded to the servant and entered the mansion.

From there, he was escorted down a long hallway to meet the mansion's owner.

The servant stops at a large double door and signals Walter to enter alone.

Walter pushed the doors open, revealing a spacious study inside. The walls were lined with shelves full of books, ledgers, and documents.

At the centre of it was Acellin Celestia himself— a wealthy and influential businessman in the country.

"Walter! I had a feeling you'd stop by."

There was no hint of surprise in Acellin's tone and Walter noticed that.

Suppressing his suspicion, the president of Cerdeauxia bowed his head respectfully and greeted the magnate.

"Good afternoon, sir. I hope my presence doesn't disturb your day."

"Not at all, Mr. President. I've always had time for a man in your position. Please, have a seat."

Walter moved toward the leather chair and sat down.

"Now, what brings Mr president to my humble abode?" Acellin asked like he didn't know.

"I think you already knew, sir. It's about Ryntum's demand. How should I respond?"

Walter can't make this decision without his superior, Acellin's approval. If he did, his life would be in danger.

Acellin tap his fingers rhythmically, "What do you think we should do?"

"I think we should meet their demand. We'll lose our base if they attack us."