Yu Lian felt all kinds of gazes from the onlookers around him. Some were shocked, some scrutinizing, some indignant, and more were envious or jealous than he could count. For a moment, he truly felt like he was being condemned by everyone around him, with no hope of escape.
Of course, with his thick skin, he did not even waver in the slightest. Instead, he raised his head proudly. "That would not be proper, Captain. I am an officer of the Community, and I am currently on duty. My post is here, after all."
Perhaps feeling that sounded too stiff, after finishing his proud declaration, Yu Lian put on a professional smile. "Or perhaps His Highness King Suluka has official business to discuss with me?"
"Indeed." The seemingly familiar captain maintained his impeccable diplomatic smile and said solemnly, "I would never dare forget His Highness's thoughts and wishes. However, since His Highness has extended the invitation, surely there can be no other reason than official business."
Good grief, he was actually turning the tables on me? And wait! I'm only a colonel, yet I've received a personal invitation from a Great Elector. What position are the generals here supposed to take, then? The imperial bigwigs really are overflowing with "honor"! Even their attempts to sow discord are this direct and straightforward?
Yu Lian let out a cold laugh. I've never been afraid of trading verbal blows with anyone. Even if the emperor himself showed up, he would dare challenge him to his face. He was just about to say, "How could a mere colonel like me possibly have official business with the illustrious King Suluka?" when General Maxwell turned around and said with a smile, "Enough, Colonel Yu Lian. Don't make Captain Pegse's job difficult. Just go with him."
Major