Xara sat in the passenger seat of the Audi as Francis drove, incessantly boasting about his family's prestige in Cansington and his considerable earnings. "Xara," he said, "Thea told me you're job-hunting in Cansington. Why not work for me at my herb processing plant? With my family's connections, I make millions a year. I could even make you manager."

"We'll see," Xara replied, disinterested. Francis might have made a good boyfriend; she knew him from their school days. However, she felt nothing for him. She liked heroes—strong, capable individuals. She'd come to Cansington to find work precisely because the Blithe King had been transferred there. She admired heroes, especially generals with exceptional military prowess, like the Blithe King.

However, she could distinguish between dreams and reality. She dreamed of marrying a general, but realistically, she'd be content with someone who could provide a decent life. After all, she'd only gotten into Francis's car after learning that his family knew the general.

"Francis," she began.

"Yes?" he responded.

Her words caught in her throat.

"Xara, we're friends, right? Just speak your mind. Anything within my means, I'll do for you. A dress? A handbag you can't afford? It's all nothing to me."

Repulsed by his constant talk of money, Xara maintained her composure. "You said you knew a general. Which one?"

"Huh?" Francis was taken aback, but quickly recovered. "The Blithe King, of course! I'm acquainted with Daniel, a one-star general under him."

Xara's heart skipped a beat. Daniel was incredibly famous in the Western Borders. "C-Could you introduce me to him? I'd like a picture."

Francis's expression turned uneasy. "Xara, you know who General Highsmith is? I could try, but who do you think you are? Do you think he'd want to meet a nobody like you?"

Xara nodded. He was right. Her dream seemed unattainable. She felt only a slight disappointment.

Soon, they arrived at the Gourmand. Francis had reserved a table in the public hall—all the private rooms were booked at lunchtime in wealthy Cansington. Even he could only afford the cheapest Bronze room.

He'd planned everything. Knowing Xara couldn't hold her liquor, he intended to order several bottles of wine and subtly encourage her to drink. Then, his plan would come to fruition. He chuckled coldly to himself, thinking, Dumb btch. Acting all righteous? We'll see about that after I get you in bed.*

Outwardly, however, he smiled warmly, gesturing for Xara to enter. James, following closely behind, didn't interrupt. Unless things went wrong, he wouldn't interfere. He planned to pick Xara up after lunch—mission accomplished.

Outside, in the parking lot, James noticed a Jeep that had been following him. He approached it. Daniel rolled down the window, looking embarrassed.

"General Highsmith," James said, "everything alright at the military region? Why are you following me all day? Treating me like a suspect?"

Daniel stammered, "Black…James, the Blithe King was worried you might get into trouble, so he sent me to protect you secretly."

"Protect me?" James laughed. "Do I look like I need protecting? Tell the Blithe King to stop. I feel my freedom is being denied; it's uncomfortable."

"B-But James…"

"Since you're here," James said, feeling hungry, "let's have a meal together."