Chapter 1924: Invitation
Cruze and Zechs accepted Trieze's invitation and left the Presidential Palace. They brought neither guards nor weapons, heading to their meeting with Trieze aboard a large yacht at sea in formal attire.
Once Cruze and Zechs approached the meeting place, Trieze's men spotted them without any attempt on their part to conceal themselves. They were then taken by helicopter toward the yacht.
Just as Cruze and Zechs treated this meeting as a gathering between friends and took no precautions whatsoever, Trieze had likewise stationed no Military Strength around the yacht. It seemed like nothing more than a simple outing among friends, displaying his magnanimity and confidence.
As Cruze and Zechs stepped down from the helicopter, Zechs's old friend—once Cruze's pawn—stood at the helipad in formal dress, smiling at them. Only after the helicopter had risen away did Trieze slowly walk toward them, spreading his hands slightly. "My old friends, it has been a long time. Cruze, Zechs."
"Trieze..." Zechs looked deeply at Trieze but said nothing further. Cruze, meanwhile, smiled. "It has indeed been a long time, Trieze. Surely you did not invite us here merely to entertain us in a place like this?"
"Of course." Trieze smiled and nodded, raising his right hand. "In fact, I made many preparations especially for this reunion with old friends. Fine wine, fine food, and beautiful women. Cruze, I hope your tastes have not changed. This way."
"Heh." Cruze shook his head with a smile and followed behind Trieze. Zechs quietly sighed as well, following the two men who had already begun walking side by side.
As they made their way to the place Trieze had arranged to host them, they truly did not see a single person carrying a weapon or dressed in anything other than a crewman's or