Fritz Sets His Sights on the Family, and Scheming John Sets a Trap for Talent

"That's right. Marquis Fritz traveled thousands of miles to Faoken for Marshal Cain's treatment, and he brought every core member of the Hohenheim Family with him. That alone shows how much respect he's given us." John waved a hand grandly. "Besides, I said during our earlier talks that I'd cover the marshal's subsequent treatment. So I'll pay for it!" His frank generosity left Fritz's heart surging.

Until now, Fritz had never imagined a governor as kind as John existed—someone willing to give up ten million D to keep a promise. Such honor was worthy of admiration!

Before Fritz could thank him, however, Zelot, who had rehearsed his part, looked shocked. "But Governor, Faoken can't afford that!"

"Since Faoken was founded, our taxes over the past several months have totaled barely two million D. We still need money to develop the territory. If we spend it all on Lord Cain's treatment, then..."

"How dare you! Do you want me, John Maslow, to become a man who breaks his word?"

John glared at Zelot, looking deeply pained.

"You bastard! Don't you know what Marshal Cain did for the Empire? When the Allied Forces invaded the Western Frontier, the Iron Curtain Marshal held the line against three group armies until the Empire's Second Air Force Group Army arrived. Without him, all thirty-two towns there might have fallen!"

"And if the Western Frontier had fallen, the Empire could never have counterattacked the Allied Forces. I wouldn't even have fought in the Battle of Walden. In other words, I owe everything I've achieved today to Marshal Cain's bloody struggle!"

"Others may forget that debt, but I, John Maslow, never will!"

"I already promised Marquis Fritz I'd cover Marshal Cain's treatment. But even if I hadn't, I would never stand by over a little money after