Eating alone was boring. Thankfully, Daniel was here. More importantly, James was broke and needed someone to pay the bill. "No, I wouldn't dare," Daniel said, instantly freezing. How could he possibly have lunch with James?

James scowled. "I'm giving you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to treat me to a meal. You should be honored. No one else would ever get this chance."

"Fine, then," Daniel nodded, quickly exiting the jeep. He was wearing casual clothes, not his military uniform. James wrapped his arm around Daniel's shoulder and they walked toward the Gourmand.

"By the way, General Highsmith," James said, "I have a question." Daniel, uncomfortable with James' arm around him, stammered, "A-ask away, James."

"What do you think the higher-ups are up to, reorganizing the five military regions and even transferring the Blithe King to Cansington as commander-in-chief of the five armies?"

Daniel shivered. He hurriedly replied, "I-I wouldn't dare presume the intentions of the higher-ups."

James had meant it as a casual question; he hadn't expected Daniel to be so terrified. They entered the Gourmand. It was lunchtime, and the public hall was fully booked, though some emergency tables remained empty.

Upon entering, they encountered Bryan, who'd been informed of General Highsmith's arrival. Noticing James beside Daniel, Bryan felt a cold shiver run down his spine. He approached them hurriedly. "J-James, Daniel."

James gestured. "Keep things low-key. Just arrange a table for me in the public hall." He spotted Xara and pointed to the table behind her. "Over there."

"Yes," Bryan nodded.

James dismissed him. "Having the owner personally greet us would attract unwanted attention. I'm just the Callahan family's son-in-law. Rumors would be bad."

Understanding, Bryan left but arranged for someone else to attend to them.

[The repeated section about James needing Daniel to pay is removed as it is a duplicate.]

James was seated directly behind Xara, who couldn't see him. Francis, seated opposite Xara, only saw James's back and didn't recognize him. However, he did see Daniel.

"Holy sh*t…"

The sight of Daniel shocked him; he almost fell to the floor.

"Huh?" Xara frowned at Francis's outburst.

"I-It's nothing," Francis stammered, wiping sweat from his forehead. A general having a quiet lunch should be unremarkable.

"Xara, congratulations on making it to Cansington. Cheers!"

Xara frowned. "Francis, you know I don't drink."

Francis insisted, "Xara, it's just red wine. You won't get drunk. Come on, have a glass. For my sake?"

She reluctantly took a sip, and her throat felt like it was on fire. She was a lightweight and immediately felt sick. "I-I'm going to the washroom," she said, standing up. As she turned, she saw someone.

She froze. "G-General Highsmith?"

She'd watched the live stream of the Blithe King's succession ceremony several times. Was this not Daniel?

Her heart raced. She admired heroes and army men. Seeing Daniel in casual clothes reminded her of the commanding General Highsmith she'd seen on TV in uniform. She'd wanted a picture with him but hadn't had the courage. She couldn't miss this opportunity.

Since James's back was to her, she couldn't see him. After taking deep breaths, she approached Daniel. Just as she was about to speak, she saw James. Stunned, she gasped, "J-James?"

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