If General Hale had any dissatisfaction, it was only with the Malik family's increasingly forceful attitude.
Ever since she had met Stephanie Malik at the White House a week ago—when Stephanie should have been in the Balkan Peninsula—the latter had directly informed her that her daughter Ruby had been taken away for so-called training. General Hale barely maintained the smile on her face. Now that she had run into Stephanie again at the White House, she dearly wanted to shout Stephanie Malik's identity for all to hear. Yet she still suppressed her anger, smiling as she voiced a probing complaint about Stephanie Malik's high-handedness.
"I didn't know you were on leave, Stephanie," she said with a smile. "I thought you were busy dealing with those heretics."
"You have a master, General Hale." Stephanie Malik was not provoked by General Hale. Instead, she reminded her softly with a cold expression. Though she did not understand why the Emperor had done this, she would faithfully carry out her duties. "I am responsible for conveying my lord's will. He believes that Ruby needs to take on greater responsibility and undergo more training, because both you and Ruby hold extremely important places in my lord's future plans."
"Perhaps."
General Hale nodded noncommittally, the corner of her eye sweeping over the warm wall lamps in the White House corridor. This was the East Colonnade. It was afternoon, and the Rose Garden outside the windows gave off a pallid sunlight, like a bloodless corpse lying on its back. Well-dressed officials constantly hurried past with their heads lowered, whispering with their companions. Many conspiracies were brewing here; countless alliances and betrayals were taking place at every moment. Money and power were eternal themes.
With the Democratic Party president about to leave office, coupled with Latveria's Emperor launching