A few minutes later, the Land Rover led the way with a box truck following closely behind as they slowly made their way towards the Knight family's neighborhood.
"Commander..." Casey hesitated to speak up after they had driven for a bit.
"I'm not in active duty anymore, don't call me Commander. Just call me Mr Gardner or Billy like Derek does." Billy replied.
"In that case, can I still call you brother? It feels more personal." Casey smiled.
"Sure thing," Billy nodded before asking, "What did you want to say earlier?"
"I got a call from the capital this morning." Casey's tone was heavy.
"As expected," Billy responded nonchalantly. "What did they say?"
"They're not happy about you going off on your own and are giving you three days to return to the western region or else they'll revoke your title as King of the West." Casey took a deep breath before continuing. "I think it's time for us to part ways."
"That works out perfectly." Billy had an indifferent expression on his face.
"Write up my resignation letter and send it over saying that I'm leaving due to personal reasons and resigning from all positions in Army of Bloodshadow."
Casey slammed on the brakes suddenly causing them both to jolt forward in their seats.
"You're joking, right?" he asked incredulously.
"If Azure Dragon and his crew found out you resigned, they'd be here in no time flat ready to follow you wherever you go."
In fact, everyone in Army of Bloodshadow might just quit too."
"They dare!" Billy said in a low voice. "Tell them to stay put in the West without my permission. If they dare to leave their post, they'll have to face the consequences."
"Are you serious, bro?" Casey turned his head towards Billy.
"Do I look like I'm joking?" Billy glared at him.
"But... The commander of the capital's army has been semi-retired for two years due to health reasons. It's rumored that they want to choose one of you five lords as his replacement. If you resign now..."
"I've heard about this from my father long ago." Billy interrupted him. "I want to spend more time with Tasha and Harleen, whom I owe so much. And also because I have no interest in that position. Let those four fight over it!"
"For me, being free from official duties is better." He continued with a smile on his face.
"I see." Casey nodded thoughtfully and then spoke again. "It's said that the lord of the central district has been against you all along and has reported against you several times. He even privately contacted two lords from North and South districts who are loyal to him."
"He's just an insignificant person who can't make any difference." Billy chuckled lightly. "Let him do whatever he wants!"
"But he is related by blood with the emperor and many people support him in the capital city... I'm worried if he really wants trouble with you..." Casey trailed off uncertainly.
"There's nothing to worry about!" Billy interrupted him again, his eyes flashing with a hint of anger. "He better be careful, or I won't hesitate to tear down his hideout!"
"Okay."
"By the way, how is Jake Hanson in the East doing?" Billy asked again after thinking for a moment.
"Not good news." Casey shook his head and continued, "After the last battle, he was severely injured by the opponent and his cultivation level plummeted. Coupled with his advanced age, it's unlikely that he'll return to duty."
"If you have time, give him a call and ask if he's in Ozin. If he is, I'll go visit him." Billy said after some thought.
"Got it!" Casey paused before continuing to ask, "Brother, if you resign from your position at camp, what about your position in SHADOW?"
"The same goes for that decision being made by higher-ups. If they're willing to let me continue managing SHADOW then I won't refuse. But if they think I'm not capable of handling it anymore then, I'll step down anytime."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The War God's Homecoming