Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 607 Rebellion (Part 3)
Hearing the Prime Minister's pointed words, the ministers all felt a chill.

Gilbert understood the implied meaning and couldn't help but feel anxious:
"Your Majesty Prime Minister!"

Just then, a third voice joined the discussion.

"In fact, if the kingdom truly has no other choice but to bite the bullet and proceed, perhaps..."

The unfamiliar voice attracted the attention of the vast majority of people.

The courtiers turned to the one who had interrupted, who was also the only participant in the council who had not spoken—the vicar general of the Church of the Setting Sun, Stilliandes.

Stiliandes nodded slightly.
"Could I try to persuade the Sunset Church to fund the expansion of the standing army?"

Many people frowned.

“What? You?” Sodor asked suspiciously.

In the corner of the council table, the archdeacon smiled and nodded humbly:

"Guy Stilliandes, as the Vicar General of the Central Diocese of the Sunset Church, is here today to replace Archbishop Zenon, who is on sick leave, at the Royal Council..."

“I know who you are, kid,” the advisor Sodor interrupted him rudely.
"You're saying you can find the money we want?"

The archdeacon named Guy smiled slightly, then closed his eyes in a prayer-like gesture: "I can't guarantee it, but I'll do my best."

Seeing the other party's decisiveness, the consultant, Sodor, looked suspicious:
"If I remember correctly, in the central Sunset Temple of the royal capital, High Priest Diallo was the most opposed to the standing army system. He once said: 'Standing armies fight for money, which is greedy and despicable, while conscripts wield their swords for a duty, which is sacred and respectable.'"

Guy spoke in a humble tone:

"Yes, most of the priests of the Sunset Temple are of noble birth, frequent castles and palaces, and have close relationships with nobles and lords from all over the world."

“But we are different, Lord Sodor,” the archdeacon said firmly.

"The Sunset Church is not the Sunset Temple."

Sunset Church.

Sodor was silent for a moment, then composed himself and looked at the priest with serious eyes:
"Who did you just say you were?"

On the other side, Prime Minister Cullen looked knowing: "Ah, the conflict of faith between the temple and the church, the priesthood and the mission, the priests and the bishops?"

The archdeacon turned to the prime minister and smiled warmly:
"No, this has nothing to do with faith, it's all about politics and stance."

"The temple is close to the princes, and the church is close to His Majesty. It's that simple."

“If the influence of the temple can be weakened by reducing conscripts and increasing the standing army, the bishops in the church will certainly be happy to see it happen.”

Upon hearing this, many people began to ponder.

Kulen's eyes flickered slightly:

"Oh, as a believer in the sunset, you really are—unreserved?"

"cover up?"

Guy shook his head dismissively:

"No faith can exist independently of politics, and no religion is unrelated to power struggles."

"To talk about faith while avoiding politics is to abandon humanity and only ask about divinity. This is a cover-up and a disguise, a disregard and contempt for faith, and a disrespect and insincerity to the goddess of the setting sun."

Upon hearing this, even the king at the end of the long table slightly raised his eyes.

Hearing these unorthodox words, Kulen was taken aback, then raised an eyebrow and said:
“I think I know why Gilbert recommended you. You’re quite interesting compared to those priests who spout holy teachings.”

Gilbert managed a weak smile.

Archdeacon Guy sighed:

"Thank you for your praise, but this principle is not understood by everyone, especially by the priests of the temple."

"Therefore, it is inconvenient for the Church to intervene in the Kingdom's military affairs through direct funding."

Sodor, who was most concerned about this matter, instantly turned cold:

"Then what do you mean?"

Guy turned to him and said earnestly:

“If the Sunset Church is to support the expansion of the standing army, it must have a legitimate reason.”

reason.

Many people's expressions changed slightly.

Guy looked respectfully toward the end of the long table:
“If Your Majesty could change the tradition and allow our clergy brothers to join the royal standing army, I would be more confident in persuading the bishops’ conference to fund it.”

Sodor was taken aback:
“But we already have priests accompanying the army. Whenever there is war, the temple will send a qualified priest to preside over the departure ceremony…”

Guy smiled and nodded calmly.
“Drive them out.”

“What?” Sodor exclaimed incredulously.

“I suggest, Your Excellency Sodor, that the priests accompanying the standing army be expelled and replaced with the military priests,” Archdeacon Guy explained patiently.

"What the temple can do for the standing army, the church can do as well, and even more."

Sodor understood what the other person was saying, and his expression changed back and forth in those few seconds.

The others in the meeting looked at each other in bewilderment.

The king's gaze remained distant and unfamiliar.

Prime Minister Cullen snorted:
"The priests of the Sunset Temple certainly won't like this."

Guy turned his head, his words sharp:
"The temple doesn't like many things."

"For example, the royal standing army."

“But this was originally just a political issue, and by doing this, you’ve turned it into a religious conflict,” Kulen shook his head and said, “It has always been a tradition for priests to accompany the army, regardless of…”

Guy calmly replied:

"Yes, just like the lords regularly conscripted militia, it was a tradition—until the royal standing army came into being."

Sodor's eyebrows twitched.

The archdeacon looked at the listless treasurer:

"With accompanying missionaries, Sunset Church could allocate a permanent fund from the donations of its believers to legitimately subsidize part of the costs of the standing army, thus relieving the pressure on the tax office."

"This is something that the high and mighty, self-proclaimed orthodox temples cannot do."

"Hmm..." Qiu Ke, who had initially looked annoyed, suddenly perked up, her small eyes sparkling:

"It's not that we can't consider it?"

On the other side, the military advisor paused for a few seconds, then cautiously asked:

"So, the Sunset Church can fund the expansion of the standing army, provided that His Majesty grants your priests permission to join the royal standing army and replace the military priests, is that right?"

The archdeacon laughed: "Of course not."

But his gaze suddenly changed:
"But without this bargaining chip, my chances of persuading the bishops' conference are indeed not that great."

Sodor sneered:
"This is blackmail, taking advantage of someone's misfortune."

“This is also for the sake of the kingdom,” Guy retorted swiftly.
"The priests of the temple are mostly of noble birth and related to the feudal lords in various places. They are naturally alienated from the standing army and their presence with the army is merely a formality."

“Most of us priests come from poor backgrounds and are used to educating the lower classes. We are more competent, more capable, more enthusiastic, and more suitable for standing army than the priests.”

“Yes, that’s exactly what I was worried about,” Sodor sneered.

Upon hearing this, King Kessel suddenly snorted, the meaning of which was unclear and intriguing.

“I said, Guy, you are at least a priest who serves God.”

On the other side, Prime Minister Cullen squinted his eyes:

"Isn't it a bit vulgar to talk about nothing but self-interest and calculating every move?"

"Vulgar?"

Stiliandes smiled slightly:
“The prophet Mohazar, the King’s mentor and close comrade-in-arms, famously said: ‘Theology is the study of man.’”

Gilbert moved slightly.

"Divinity exists within humanity, and humanity inherently possesses divinity. Only by exploring every corner of humanity can we hope to find that glimmer of divinity."

Guy laughed:

"Who says the secular world is not sacred? There is a heavenly kingdom in the mortal world."

“Ah, you’re more than just somewhat interesting, Guy,” the Prime Minister’s tone changed:

"You're still terrifying."

The archdeacon then performed a prayer, with great devotion:
"The goddess sends down tests, always making the path to truth seem ferocious and rugged."

"Do not."

After some hesitation, Sodor figured things out and firmly refused:
“The royal standing army does not require priests to accompany it.”

He decisively said:

"The standing army must not be subject to forces other than Your Majesty, especially in terms of economic resources."

As Sodor spoke, he glanced at King Kessel, but to his disappointment, the king remained unmoved.

Guy was not offended and continued the discussion:
"If it's limited by the form of payment, we can discuss it. For example, the church could donate the money to the Finance Department, which would then allocate it to the Military Affairs Department's budget..."

"sure!"

The treasurer's eyes lit up:
"If this succeeds, you will have saved my life, Guy!"

Stiliandes nodded politely:

"The credit goes to the goddess; I dare not claim any credit."

But Sodor remained adamant: "What difference does it make?"

"It took the stars five hundred years of endless sacrifice and bloodshed to drive religion and theocracy back to the temple."

"As long as I am in charge of the Military Affairs Department, history will not go backwards."

Sodolse spoke with absolute certainty and without compromise.

“That’s not necessarily true,” Juke muttered to himself. “Judging from the way you were just now, you’d probably be willing to make anyone your prime minister if they could help you expand your standing army.”

Sodor's face stiffened.

“Then I must thank my God.” Prime Minister Cullen sighed, shifting his large backside that covered the entire chair.
"Please make sure you do so, Viscount Guy?"

Archdeacon Guy smiled humbly at them.

“I understand your concerns, Lord Sodor, but what you’re saying is an ancient lesson: the priests of the temple have fallen into the path of self-righteous children, becoming arrogant, greedy, and corrupt, allowing their own desires to override their public good, condoning lies to obscure the truth, using divine authority to pursue worldly gains, and using faith to fight for power, never to return.”

Archdeacon Guy nodded, his demeanor as gentle as ever:

"And my ancestors, the priests of the Missionaries, saw their mistakes and broke away from the temple to establish their own Church of the Setting Sun, upholding the true teachings of the Goddess. It has been nearly four centuries since then. The High Priest and the Archbishop are not subordinate to each other, the Priestessate and the Missionariesate strictly adhere to their boundaries, and we are not..."

Sodor impatiently waved his hand to interrupt him:

"Whether it's a temple or a church, a priest or a clergyman, I see no difference; they're all birds of a feather."

"When you are weak and need something from others, you will naturally obey them in everything."

"Once powerful, greed will not be satisfied, and one will inevitably take an inch and then a mile."

He warned:

"Times have changed—the days when the Sunset Temple wielded unlimited power, commanded absolute obedience, and even dared to challenge the Palace of Restoration and interfere in the succession to the throne are gone forever."

These words sent a chill down the spine of the entire imperial council.

Guy sighed deeply, making no attempt to hide his disappointment.

“I understand, Lord Sodor. It seems that the priests’ wish to serve the country can only be fulfilled at a later time.”

At the end of the long table, the king's cold gaze was once again obscured by the setting sun.

"So, given such a predicament, it's unlikely that we can forcefully push through military reforms," ​​sighed Prime Minister Kulun, who was chairing the Imperial Conference.

Upon hearing this, Sodor glared at Juke again.

"Don't look at me! If you need money, Guy and the church have it!"

Qiu knew what the other person was thinking, but didn't care at all:

"Whether you want it or not is up to you..."

“It’s not just about money.” Unexpectedly, Prime Minister Cullen spoke again, interrupting the military-finance dispute that seemed poised to erupt again.

This certainly drew the attention of all the officials.

"In fact, speaking of the prince's banquet, I also thought of something else."

Duke Cullen's eyes were piercing:

"Last night, that minor nobleman from the Western Wilderness caused a scene at the royal banquet, but Duke Thales saved him."

Gilbert frowned deeply.

"This inevitably brings to mind that His Highness returned home under the protection of the Western Wilderness army, and Falkenhausen's sword. This could easily lead to misconceptions, or even be interpreted as the royal family's stance, which would be troublesome, especially at this juncture..."

Kulen shook his head as he spoke, seemingly filled with regret.

“Your Excellency the Prime Minister!” Gilbert called out sharply.

Kulen trembled slightly, as if he had just realized what was happening, and gave an apologetic smile.

But after hearing the Prime Minister's words, many people nodded thoughtfully.

“By the way, the Doyle family involved,” Lord Clapham, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock who had barely spoken all day, rarely spoke up:

“Their Mirror Lake region has been a major grain-producing area in recent years, and it is also an important source of soldiers for the Brilliant Star Private Army and the Central Standing Army. Moreover, they belong to the Seven Servants of Brilliant Star, which may influence the attitude of other families.”

"This will also affect the progress of military system reform."

He glanced cautiously at everyone:
"I think we need to determine the nature of the case as soon as possible, sort out the clues, and make a judgment..."

"Indeed, the events at the royal banquet have caused us a lot of trouble, both regarding the upcoming military reforms and this letter."

King Kessel's figure shifted slightly on the throne.

Viscount Connie glanced in the king's direction, and seeing that he didn't react, cleared his throat:

"Forgive my bluntness, but I've heard that the Mindis Hall has become a new hotspot in the capital, attracting everyone who wants to go there. Look at the Doyle family; they made a huge mess, yet His Highness still risked his life to save them... I'm not criticizing Duke Thales, but his demeanor at banquets can sometimes be misunderstood..."

"Connie!"

Gilbert sensed the direction the meeting was heading and was both shocked and furious.

"His Highness handled the situation perfectly at the royal banquet! He was kind, generous, and impartial!"

Steward Qiu shrugged:

"But now, look at this letter, what we need most is kindness and leniency."

Viscount Connie nodded in agreement and added:

"And impartiality."

Gilbert was extremely anxious:
"Putting aside the consequences, Your Highness's skillful handling saved two lives and two families, preventing a much worse situation!"

"But it's done through the barbaric method of bloody duels," another voice said.
May the setting sun forgive him.

Gilbert turned around in disbelief and looked at his best friend.

"Guy?"

Vicar Stilliard nodded apologetically:
"Before I entered the palace, the bishops were discussing the matter extensively."

The ministers exchanged glances, understanding each other perfectly.

The archdeacon performed a ritual of atonement:
"The sunset witnessed the Duke of Starlake personally dueling, resorting to ancient rituals of barbaric heresy—that was a terrible sign and example."

“No, that happened at night,” Prime Minister Cullen scoffed sarcastically.
"It should be said: Polaris bears witness."

The officials before the emperor all bowed their heads.

Gilbert took a deep breath and explained to his friend:

“Gui, my friend, as far as I know, the duel was unreasonably proposed by the other party, and Prince Thales, out of compassion, agreed to the duel, risking his life, but it was only a temporary measure.”

Guy nodded understandingly: "Of course, I understand the prince's predicament, and I admire his kindness, generosity, wisdom and brilliance."

“But what do you think will happen after this story spreads throughout the kingdom?” Duke Cullen clicked his tongue and shook his head.

When people mention duels, do they first think of the prince's kindness and generosity, or the violent duels of the Radiant Star?

Gilbert frowned.

The archdeacon also smiled:
"Lord Cullen's words are not without reason. Just as the bishops of the church are also worried: In the North, the warriors of Exter have certainly instilled in His Highness the spirit and courage to fight to the end, but they have also numbed His Highness's mind in the violence and bloodshed, making him indifferent to the barbaric and backward ancient rituals."

Gilbert looked deeply at his friend, unable to hide his disappointment.

The king remained unmoved.

"If this continues, His Highness, as the heir to the kingdom, will repeatedly disregard heretical beliefs and etiquette..."

Guy's tone became worried:
"This will profoundly influence people's attitudes and ways of doing things, making young people act impulsively, the desperate take risks, and those who follow suit follow one after another, which will be of great disadvantage to the kingdom's existing rule... Moreover, the goddess will not be pleased if she sees her believers shedding blood in barbaric duels, and neither will her believers."

Seeing everyone's expressions, Count Clapham also chimed in with great interest:
"Um, I think so too..."

"enough!"

The Foreign Minister's rare outburst of anger silenced the chattering crowd.

"Everyone!"

"His Majesty summoned us to this room not so that we could judge right and wrong or investigate and hold people accountable!"

Gilbert, breathing heavily, stood up and glared angrily at each of his colleagues:
“Sodor, I know that the expedition of the standing army to the western wilderness was laborious and did not achieve complete success. You have unspeakable suffering and are deeply troubled by it.”

The military advisor pursed his lips.

“Manager Qiu, I understand. The unexpected incident at the banquet caused the Tax Bureau to lose a considerable amount of fines and confiscations, catching you off guard.”

The treasurer crossed his arms in displeasure.

"Your Excellency, in order to avoid unnecessary conflict between the Palace of Restoration and the vassals, you have made His Highness the target of your distraction."

The old, fat duke chuckled nonchalantly.

"Viscount Connie, please rest assured that no matter how popular His Highness is or how many talented people he recruits, it will never affect your central position in the Royalist Party."

Upon hearing this, the Minister of Commerce's expression turned somewhat unpleasant.

"As for Guy, old friend, I swear to you, it is absolutely not His Highness's fault that you failed to become the prince's theology teacher, nor does it mean that His Highness is closer to the temple."

The archdeacon closed his eyes and bowed his head.

"And Lord Clapham, you've been wise enough to remain silent all day. Joining the chorus of voices at the end won't make you any smarter!"

The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock coughed awkwardly.

After silencing the assembled courtiers one by one, Gilbert took a deep breath and calmed himself down.

He resisted the urge to look at the figure at the end of the long table.

"That's right, I can feel it, I know that you all have your reasons, your own thoughts, and your various grievances..."

The Foreign Minister said solemnly:

"However, gentlemen, I implore you to put yourselves in the prince's shoes and understand his situation."

"Then you will understand that for the sake of the kingdom, His Highness Thales often had no choice, had to do many things, and encountered many unexpected events."

"And he has done his best in all the tasks that were his responsibility."

Gilbert slowed his speech, a hint of sigh creeping into his voice.

"From the National Affairs Conference to Dragon Sky City, from the Great Desert to Mindis Hall, facing the covetous northern lords and the turbulent domestic politics, none of us, not even His Majesty, not even Prince Midir back then, could have done better than him!"

His voice was high-pitched and passionate, reverberating throughout Ballard Chamber.

"Not to mention we all owe him a debt of gratitude—whether it was stopping the Northerners from moving south or stabilizing the Starry Sky royal family and the Starry Sky political situation."

King Kessel leaned back on his throne, his gaze unfocused, lost in thought.

"As for the other unforeseen consequences caused by Thales's actions, whether it is the chaos in the Western Wilderness or the Doyle case, the duel or the controversy, or this damned letter and the predicament it brought, in fact, they are all the result of our lack of foresight and failure to plan. This is the dereliction of duty and incompetence of us servants, and it is the responsibility that we should bear ourselves."

Gilbert exhaled, paused, and looked at everyone.

Everyone turned their heads away to avoid making eye contact with him.

Gilbert, at this point, was filled with anguish:
"Shifting the blame to His Highness? This will neither cover up our incompetence nor solve any more problems, and the child should not be held responsible for mistakes he was unaware of."

Just then, Duke Cullen suddenly spoke up:

Even if he is a star?

Gilbert's expression changed, and he abruptly turned around, showing no sign of weakness:
"Because he is a shining star!"

Prime Minister Kulun frowned.

After a brief pause, the Prime Minister sighed:
“I know, Count Cassel, you are his teacher…”

But Gilbert interrupted him very quickly:

"I say this not simply because he is my student!"

Gilbert turned to his colleagues, his tone firm and unwavering:
"And also because of Prince Thales himself."

"Whether it is his courage and achievements in going north as a hostage, his journey back home thousands of miles away, or his methods and courage in saving people at the banquet, all of these prove that he is worthy of being the descendant of the Star, worthy of being the Duke of Star Lake, and worthy of being a member of the royal bloodline."

At this point, Gilbert's voice trembled slightly:

"We should all feel honored and proud to have such a prince."

“We should be the sword in his hand, not the stone in his boot.”

"We should help him!"

"It's not to stop him!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Gilbert raised his hand to cover his eyes and took several deep breaths.

The royal council remained silent, the king's gaze still sharp as a blade in the snow, radiating a cold light.

Archdeacon Guy sighed, patted Gilbert's arm, and gestured for him to sit down:

“Gilbert”.

Gilbert shook off his friend's arm and took a deep breath.

"Please forgive me, gentlemen," he said, trying to compose himself and calm his tone.

"As Your Majesty said, I am also tired and old."

The Ballard Room was silent.

"At least you're not fat."

The Prime Minister of Kulun picked up the conversation, somewhat dejected and sentimental:

"It won't bother any of those people."

This statement has profound implications, and no one dared to respond to it.

The somber atmosphere was broken when the King of Stars lightly tapped his fingers.

“Gilbert,” King Catherine V’s gaze swept over him, his tone revealing a complex and subtle emotion:
"Old friend."

But Gilbert suddenly looked up.

"And you, Your Majesty!"

The Foreign Minister's voice suddenly rose!

Many people were taken aback.

Gilbert stared intently into the king's imposing eyes, his chest heaving.
"Excuse my overstepping, but..."

"but……"

Gilbert raised his right arm, seemingly pointing at something, but gave up halfway through.

He gritted his teeth, his face contorted in pain.

"But to this day, within the Star Kingdom, within Eternal Star City, and even at this very table, Prince Thales has faced all the unfair scrutiny, accusations, criticisms, and harassment he has endured since returning home..."

Facing King Kessel's sharp gaze, Gilbert made up his mind and spoke aloud:
"It's all because of your attitude towards him."

Upon hearing this, all the courtiers before the emperor changed color!

"Gilbert!"

Guy warned sternly.

Prime Minister Kulun's face was tense as he fell into deep thought.

But His Majesty the King simply looked back at Gilbert silently.

Only Gilbert swallowed hard, closed his eyes, and sighed:

"To be honest, Your Majesty, I am not a very good subject or a father, and I have no right to lecture you."

“But as a friend,” Gilbert opened his eyes, sincere and serious:
"Kai, Your Highness, the Fifth Prince."

These titles stirred something in everyone's mind.

King Kessel did not speak.

But in that instant, his fingers, which were lightly tapping the table, stopped.

“You should really be proud and gratified to have such a son, for his awareness and ability, for his character and intelligence, for his strength and optimism, and even more so for the fact that he did not collapse under the heavy burden of the entire kingdom.”

Gilbert watched him from afar:
"I believe, and I'm not the only one; we all believe it from the bottom of our hearts."

"Prince Thales, he will be the future we all look forward to."

At this moment, no one spoke at the imperial council meeting.

The silence lasted for a full ten seconds.

“You tutor him every day, Gilbert,” the king’s deep voice boomed, devoid of emotion.
"You're too close to him."

Gilbert paused for a moment, then smiled.

"No, it's because you're too far away from him."

"Just like the former king."

In that instant, Iron Fist King's eyes suddenly twitched.

It's like the first crack appearing on a flawless iron wall.

"But back then, you still had the Mindis Hall."

Gilbert gazed at the throne with a brooding look, as if he were looking at something else entirely.

"And now, he has nothing."

King Kessel seemed to be rooted to the spot in his chair, not even moving his gaze.

“Get closer to him, Your Majesty, at least try to get closer to him.”

"At least, talk to him."

Gilbert took a deep breath, sat down shakily, rubbed his eyes, and gave a sheepish smile to those around him:

"Sorry, everyone."

Ballard's room felt like it had sunk into an ice cellar.

All the emperor and his ministers remained silent, some bowing their heads, others exchanging bewildered glances.

Only the sound of breathing remained.

A long, long time later.

"Everyone."

Everyone trembled slightly.

King Kessel's voice was like the first ray of sunlight breaking through the ice, shattering the silence.

"Don't worry about my son, I've already talked to him."

At the end of the long table, Iron Fist King slowly raised his head, but his gaze did not fall on anyone.

"He won't be a problem."

He closed his eyes and exhaled softly:

"Everything is under control."

The words fell.

Prime Minister Kulun curled his lips slightly.

Gilbert gave a strained smile.

Others reacted differently, but all felt a sense of sympathy.

The Duke of Cullen picked up his teacup, sat up straight, and began to perform his duties:

"Alright everyone, now, let's return to what we were just saying..."

But the Prime Minister's words came to an abrupt end.

Everyone looked over in confusion, only to find that Kulen's expression had changed.

The Duke of Donghai stared intently at the teacup in his hand.

There, tiny ripples were spreading across the water.

Almost simultaneously, the courtiers in Ballard's chamber sensed something amiss and all turned around.

"Tread! Tread! Tread!"

The sound of footsteps in groups came from outside, causing noticeable tremors.

This was a rare occurrence, and the courtiers looked at each other, puzzled.

“These footsteps indicate at least thirty men,” Sodor, a military advisor who had served for many years, said warily, looking up.
"what happens?"

But no one answered him.

Instead, different commands pierced through the cracks in the door and came faintly from outside.

"Vanguard Wing, gather reinforcements... Run, run, run, get running!"

"The situation is unclear..."

"Defend the escort wing in place..."

Something was amiss, and the courtiers were filled with suspicion and uncertainty.

The king also frowned.

“Strange,” Gilbert frowned.

"Is the Royal Guard conducting drills today? Near Ballard Chambers?"

The next second, a rapid and piercing ringtone pierced through the wall and rang in everyone's ears!

"Ding--"

Many people were startled and looked around in panic.

"This is, this is the Royal Guard..."

The consultant, Sodor, was stunned.

He blinked, staring at the dark stone door, finding it hard to believe his own deduction:

"Emergency alarm?"

The king remained calm, but his brow furrowed even more deeply.

The scarred spy from the secret service was the first to make a move, reaching out towards the door.

But before he could even touch the doorknob, the door to Ballard's room was flung open!
(End of this chapter)