Night fell and the streets were brightly lit.
At the Davier residence.
Decorations were hung everywhere as servants bustled about in preparation.
The key members of the Davier family gathered in the hall.
Clifford, the head of the family was currently sat on the grand armchair. His eyes had been shut for some time. No one knew if he was deep in thought, or if he had simply fallen asleep.
Valois paced back and forth, his face scrunched up anxiously. He kept looking outside and muttering to himself, “Why isn't he here? Where is he?”
Clifford's eyes open slowly as he calmly said, “Can you keep still for a second, Valois?”
Hearing this, Valois stopped pacing. He looked at his older brother and laughed frustratedly. “The feast is already prepared, Clifford. Why isn't the Chief Military Governor here yet? Or is he not coming anymore?
“No. He should be on his way,” Clifford said.
Valois's nerves crawled underneath his skin. He urged, “Clifford. We shouldn't have forced the Chief Military Governor to be here. We shouldn't have used military affairs to pressure him.
“He must've felt like you were threatening him with the military funds. Maybe he felt outraged by your threat that he's decided not to come.”
Clifford's lips curled upwards. “Calm yourself, Valois. The Chief Military Governor will definitely
)) come.
“Moreover, I have used military resources on purpose as the reason for our meeting. Hence, he'll have to come.”
Valois said bitterly, “Clifford. The Chief Military Governor has superior power. What makes you think he won't react negatively to your threatening invitation?”
Clifford's grin faltered to a shallow smile. “He wont!"
“Lately, I noticed the Chief Military Governor seems to regard me lightly. And he keeps brushing off the proposal for marriage from our family.
“He's probably forgotten that I am the Cabinet Secretary, the highest in command next to the President.
“All his annual military expenditures must be approved by me and the cabinet.
“Without my approval, all military personnel will have to live their days in starvation.”
Valois responded, “Yes, Clifford, you have the power to cut off the military funds... but you can't help it if the Chief Military Governor goes ballistic.”
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