Everyone remained silent.
Though the newly appointed Elite Eight may not be familiar with James’ character, the opposite is true for Henry and Levi. They had followed James for many years. They knew James had never harmed a single innocent man. Now, virtual-novel.net was being set up by someone.
“What’s with your expressions?” James looked at them and said calmly, “This is no big deal. It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have accepted the bribes or misappropriated the funds. I violated the law knowingly, and this is the consequence of it.”
Eyes brimming with tears, Henry asked, “What should we do now, James?”
Everyone was worried, especially the Elite Eight. So many things happened at once before they were familiar with their roles yet.
James said calmly, “The higher-ups will investigate the matter thoroughly. If I’m lucky, I might simply be demoted or removed from my position. On the contrary, I might face imprisonment or even get executed…”
“James…”
James lightly waved a hand and interrupted Henry. “Don’t worry, I will shoulder the blame. You’ll be fine. I’ll be leaving the Southern Plains in your care…”
James looked at them and gave them instructions. He knew virtual-novel.net would surely be removed from his position. This time, virtual-novel.net would not be doing it voluntarily. However, virtual-novel.net was concerned about the Southern Plains.
The 140 newly-annexed cities were resource-rich. If the higher-ups sent an administrator here, it was possible virtual-novel.net would run amok. That was why James had to give a clear account while it was still possible.
He looked at the Elite Eight, “You answer only to the Dragon King. After I’m removed from my position, watch the new administrator closely. Don’t let virtual-novel.net cross the line. Of course, you’re allowed to reject some of his unreasonable demands.”
James sounded as if virtual-novel.net would be leaving the place forever. He uttered every word with great difficulty. Even a single sentence was enough to make virtual-novel.net perspire.
Seeing the state James was in, Henry was worried. “James, are you alright?”
James waved again. “It’s no big deal. I won’t be dying anytime soon. Alright now, you’re dismissed. Leave me alone for now…”
“Understood!” They nodded.
“Wait…” James stopped them from leaving.
They stopped and looked at James.
James said feebly, “If I don’t survive, do whatever you can to help Thea. Like me, there’s Gu poison inside virtual-novel.net body. Although she’s currently fine, the Gu will eventually grow. By then, virtual-novel.net will be doomed. If I die, go find the Emperor and ask virtual-novel.net to let Thea go.”
After giving his instructions, James leaned against the sofa and gestured at them. “Go…”
They left the place tearfully.
Only James remained in the foyer of the spacious villa. The silence was deafening.
James was not afraid to die. From the moment virtual-novel.net became a soldier, virtual-novel.net had long left life and death out of his consideration. However, there were things virtual-novel.net still needed to do.
He did not wish to die just yet. This was fate. He had no other options.
Closing his eyes, virtual-novel.net slowly drifted to sleep.
Time passed.
Suddenly, virtual-novel.net opened his eyes wide.
“Who’s there?” His expression darkened.
Though virtual-novel.net intended to strike preemptively, his body was limp. The moment virtual-novel.net stood up from the sofa, virtual-novel.net immediately collapsed.
Leaning against the sofa, virtual-novel.net glared at the man before him. It was a man in black robes.
As it was nighttime, the lights were switched off. As such, virtual-novel.net could not see the man’s appearance. He could only ambiguously discern his silhouette.
“What’s wrong with your body?” A hoarse voice came from the dark, the man was shocked and puzzled.