Xara was merely throwing words out, not hoping for success. Even if General Highsmith knew James since childhood, he remained a high-ranking general. Furthermore, to the Blithe King, he was a subordinate. The general might help, but the Blithe King's approval was uncertain. Hearing James's words, her eyes gleamed. "Really?"
James smiled. "Of course. I was in the military. Since you're so enthusiastic, I'll come up with something."
"James, that's great! Thank you!" Xara exclaimed, excited. The Blithe King was one of the Five Commanders. While not the most admired, a photograph with him would more than satisfy her. James glanced in the rearview mirror; a jeep was still following them. He knew the Blithe King was tailing him.
Xara eventually regained her composure and asked, with an upset look, "James, don't give me false hope. You may be childhood friends with General Highsmith, but there's no way he could convince his superior to take a picture with me."
James smiled. "We'll give it a try."
He turned the car toward the military region. They soon arrived at the gates of the Cansington military region. "James, you're doing this now? Would we see the Blithe King without telling General Highsmith?" she asked, confused. "We'll try our luck," James grinned mysteriously, parking the car.
He knew the Blithe King was aware of his arrival; he'd been monitoring his movements. A few minutes later, a five-star general—a middle-aged man in combat gear, with a round face, bushy eyebrows, and an aura of dominance—emerged.
Xara watched the Blithe King approach, exhilarated to the point of breathlessness. James opened the car door, gesturing for her to exit. The Blithe King approached, giving James a slight frown. Xara nervously stood before him; he was even more majestic in person than on TV. She held her breath.
James said calmly, "This is my cousin. She's a veteran military fan; she admires you and wants a picture. What do you think?"
The Blithe King frowned. (The website advertisement is removed here.) What was the Black Dragon up to? He glanced at Xara. Her heart stopped; her mind went blank. Seeing the Blithe King, her senses numbed her, leaving her immobile. She couldn't hear James.
James gently nudged the stunned Xara. "What are you standing here for? Go take the picture."
"Huh?" Xara's senses returned. She cautiously looked at the Blithe King. "M-May I?" With a compassionate expression, the Blithe King replied, "But of course. Why not?" Overwhelmed with excitement, Xara almost cried. She quickly produced her phone. "J-James, h-help me." She was so thrilled she nearly dropped it.
James opened the camera. Xara moved to stand beside the Blithe King. "Closer," James instructed. Xara hesitated. Unexpectedly, the Blithe King moved closer. As long as the Black Dragon remained pleased and caused no trouble, the Blithe King preferred peace. A photo was a small price to pay. "Commander-in-chief, relax. Smile! Put your arm around her shoulders. Give us a loving expression, won't you?"
The Blithe King, though enraged, complied. Xara felt strong arms around her shoulders; her breath caught, her heart pounding. "Done," James announced before she could react. (The website advertisement is removed here.)