I, who was eager to retire, became an Imperial General.

Chapter 275 John Intends to Seek Allies, Imperial Sea Dragon's Birthday Approaching

"General John Maslow, I have been waiting for you."

The speaker was a young man with sharp features, but upon closer inspection, one could see a hint of naivety in him.

The other person had a typical northern appearance of the empire, with short golden hair like waves of wheat, and azure eyes that burned with an unquenchable anger and grief, but his golden brows were always tightly furrowed, making him look somewhat anxious and hurried.

He was tall and strong, with a robust physique due to years of military training, but his demeanor lacked the composure of an old nobleman; he was more like a young lion with taut muscles, ready to pounce at any moment.

He was wearing a magnificent count's suit, but it was now covered by an old but well-preserved wolfskin cloak. He had no other accessories, except for a pair of iron gloves with obvious signs of repair.

Upon first glance, John recognized the man's identity:

Lothar West.

The current eldest son of the West family, known as the 'Imperial Winter Wolf' in the northern border of the Empire, was the young Winter Wolf leader who hastily succeeded the West family patriarch three months ago at the age of 18, after his father was killed by the Sword Saint on the northern front.

Similarly, he was the first person in the original storyline to participate in the expansion plan of the new Imperial Magician Legion several years later, and the first to successfully fuse with Siegfried's special magic circuit.

And relying on the Crimson Oath technique held by the West family, one of the thirteen heroes' descendants, they became the strongest fighter among the Twelve Protectors of the Empire.

It can be said that the other party is a true genius magician.

They are also an ally that all forces in the empire are currently trying to win over.

But why did this little guy suddenly approach me?

Looking at Lothar, who was taking the initiative to befriend him, John was filled with doubt. He then pretended to be puzzled and asked:
"May I ask you are?"

“Lothar, you are probably unfamiliar with my name, but you should have heard of my father, Asim West.”

When Lothar mentioned his father's name, a look of sorrow immediately flashed in his eyes.

"So you are the newly appointed Earl of Winterwolf, my apologies!"

John feigned surprise and bowed slightly to Lothar, then spoke with a grave expression:

"In addition, I have also heard about Count Asim's desperate fight on the northern front, which is truly regrettable. I ask Count Lothar to take heed of his loss."

Upon hearing this, Lothar felt a surge of warmth in his heart, and then, feigning strength, waved his hand at John, saying:
“General John need not do this, because my father has taught me more than once that setbacks and changes are inevitable in the pursuit of glory.”

"As a true warrior, dying in battle is the greatest proof of honor, so I am not saddened by my father's death."

Really? But your expression doesn't seem like anything's wrong.

Seeing Lothar's red-rimmed eyes, unable to hide his emotions, John did not expose the young count's feigned strength.

Compared to the former Earl of Winterwolf, who was killed by the Sword Saint due to insufficient strength, he was more curious about the purpose of this newly enthroned Lord Winterwolf's sudden visit to him.

After a moment's thought, John tentatively asked the other person:

"Speaking of which, Earl Lothar, what brings you to see me today?"

"That's right. I heard about your victory in the Gulf of Faoken, where you led your army to a series of defeats against the Allied forces. I admire your strategic abilities and extraordinary wisdom very much!"

Lothar looked at John with excitement in his eyes, his face flushed red, like a fan who had successfully seen their idol in real life. He even became a little incoherent when he spoke.
"So, I wanted to ask you, after His Majesty William hosts the victory banquet for you, will you have time to speak with me? I would like to discuss with you... no, I would like to learn from your experience in commanding battles."

After speaking, as if suddenly remembering some words of advice from his elders, a look of annoyance flashed across Lothar's face.

He couldn't help but curse himself inwardly for being so reckless as to make such a presumptuous request the moment he met this legendary general.

After all, he had no prior connection with General John.

What's the difference between this behavior of asking to learn command and combat experience from the other party upon first meeting, and barging into a magic family and demanding that they open their magic library to you?
Absolutely ridiculous!
So, barring any unforeseen circumstances, I'm sure I'll be rejected by General John, right?

The more Lothar thought about it, the more he realized that his words and actions were indeed too impolite. He immediately decided to apologize to John and ask him to forgive his presumptuous invitation.

But before he could even speak, the words John uttered the next second left him completely stunned:
"Although it is surprising that you would extend such an invitation to me at the very beginning of our meeting, I can accept this invitation if it is for Count Lothar."

"!"

Looking at Lothar's shocked expression, as if he had heard something unbelievable, John couldn't help but chuckle to himself. This little brother of his was really bad at managing his expression. He was clearly an earl, and nominally in charge of an entire army group.

He hadn't even learned the cunning expected of an aristocrat; instead, he seemed like a greenhorn just starting out.

With such a straightforward and reckless personality, how could one possibly thrive in aristocratic circles?

However, in the original work, the former Earl of Winter Wolf's personality seems to be similar to Lothar's.
Otherwise, after discovering that the Winter Wolf Legion had been defeated by the Steel Legion, the first priority for the commander-in-chief would normally be to lead the remaining troops to retreat and save their lives.

However, the opponent chose to engage in a noble duel to the death on the battlefield as a Grand Mage, against Elena, the Sword Saint who had only recently entered the Grand rank, in an attempt to force back the allied forces and successfully defend the Morton region that they had already occupied.

It perfectly embodies the iron-blooded style of the Imperial Winter Wolf family, and also requires unprecedented courage.

Unfortunately, this challenge, initiated by the former Earl of Winter Wolf Asim at the cost of his life, was utterly crushed by Elena's absolute power in the clash.

In the CG, the opponent couldn't even leave a scratch on the sword saint's armor before being swallowed up by countless sharp sword energies.

In less than a minute, he was beheaded by Elena.

However, out of respect for the etiquette of a noble duel and for the courage of Earl Winterwolf in issuing this challenge.

After Asim's death, Elena did not break the rules. Instead, she ordered Asim's body to be returned and gave the Winter Wolf Legion a day to withdraw. However, the successor leaders of the legion did not choose to withdraw but continued to hold their ground, waiting for the Imperial Navy's artillery support, attempting to completely crush this invincible steel legion.

However, due to a leak by the Conservative Party, the supporting naval fleet was tied down by enemy warships and was unable to reach the designated location to launch an attack. Ultimately, the Winter Wolf Legion suffered heavy casualties and had to withdraw from the Morton area, completely abandoning the territory it had already occupied.

The above details the Empire's defeat on the northern front.

He also possessed the bravery of his predecessor, Earl Winterwolf, and the stubbornness to fight to the death rather than bow down to the enemy.

As the eldest son of the other party and the heir of the West family, it is not surprising that Lothar would do this.

"Although from a nobleman's perspective, this personality trait does not allow Lothar to make his way in the noble path, nor does it allow him to easily gain the support of allies."

"But from my personal perspective, I don't dislike this kind of personality."

After all, in a pack of wolves that are used to deceit and have long regarded such scheming and intrigue as a way of survival, it is hard not to pay attention to the sudden appearance of such an unusual-looking husky.

Of course, John agreed to the request not only because he admired the genius's future potential.

The main reason is that the other party is not that cunning, and is also a legitimate holder of an army legion.

Even if this legion has been decimated by the Iron Legion, it will still take at least four years to complete its formation and gain a certain level of combat capability.

However, if they can win him over in advance and develop him into their own camp, then it's not as simple as Lothar just wanting to learn command techniques from him.

John wouldn't necessarily refuse even if the other party directly asked him to be their teacher.

After all, compared to the other extremely cunning old nobles in the reformist faction, this hotheaded count was the most worthwhile person for him to win over in the current situation.

Moreover, as long as he does not do anything that directly harms the interests of the Winter Wolf family or betrays His Majesty the Emperor.

Then all he needs to do is treat him sincerely from now on, and given Lothar's character, he will surely become his most loyal ally.

"So, it's clear that this is a very good investment, isn't it?"

Watching the young Earl of Winterwolf slowly come to his senses, then excitedly pull out a pre-prepared invitation from his pocket, barely able to speak from his joy, John couldn't help but smile. He then naturally took the invitation from the young Earl and, under the young Earl's gaze, solemnly placed it into the pocket of his military uniform.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries with this ally who greatly admired him, the other party voluntarily resigned.

John, who had gained a potential ally, was in high spirits and prepared to get in the car to the hotel that William had arranged for him to rest and take the opportunity to admire how he would look in his viscount's attire.

But just before John was about to get into the car, he seemed to sense something and then subconsciously looked toward the gaze that was staring at him.

After seeing that the person staring at him was an elderly man with gray hair who was being supported by someone, he realized that the person was staring at him.

John was slightly taken aback when he realized the true identity of the person watching him, then seemed to understand something, and a look of realization flashed in his eyes.

However, he did not rush forward, but instead gave the other party a solemn military salute through the air.

He immediately opened the car door, and under the other person's gaze, he and the others, who were all ready to go, drove away from the outskirts of the palace and headed towards the Imperial Hotel under a sky that had somehow cleared up.

"Whoosh!"

……

"Your Grace, that gentleman has already left."

After John left, outside the palace, seeing Duke Ostanen staring silently in the direction John and the others had left, Omamba, the duke's secretary, couldn't help but whisper a reminder.

"Um……"

Duke Ostan responded softly, and then, just as he was about to say something, his brows furrowed suddenly, and he instinctively covered his lips with his right hand, then began to cough violently and uncontrollably.

It took a long time for the situation to calm down, but after the legendary Grand Admiral, who had the title of "Extinction Wind" and was hailed by countless people as the Imperial Sea Dragon, removed his right hand from his mouth.

A purplish-brown bloodstain appeared on his palm.

Moreover, this strange, foul blood seemed to possess an independent life. Even though it had been expelled from Ostan's body, it continued to twitch and move on its own, instantly sprouting countless tiny tentacles.

Like a moving fungal carpet, it tried to break free from this palm that gathered terrifying magic, and spread all the way back to the exit it came from, returning to the lungs where the mother body was rooted.

But before this strange, corrosive entity could even begin to act, the next second...

As Ostan slowly clenched his aged right hand.

Amidst the crackling sounds of compressed magic and the bursts of blue smoke.

This eroding entity with its own consciousness was completely crushed into ashes by this terrifying power!
"Crack!"

"squeak!"

Accompanied by the sharp, mentally-affecting cry emitted when the corrosive entity perished, Ostan, who hadn't used his power in a long time, looked even paler than before, his already withered face becoming even more pale.

But his eyes became even sharper and more ferocious as a result, so much so that people would subconsciously feel inexplicably afraid when they made eye contact with them.

"Your Majesty the Duke!"

Omamba, noticing all this, was shocked and anxiously prepared to take out the medicine prescribed by the doctor to slow down the erosion from his backpack and feed it to the esteemed duke.

But before Omamba could take out the potion, Ostan raised his hand to stop him:

“I need to hold a meeting later, and the medication will only affect my mind and prevent me from staying awake. It will only be a burden to me, so I won’t use it for now, Omamba.”

“But… I understand, Your Grace.”

Feeling the unquestionable gaze of Ostan, Omamba was extremely anxious, but knowing the duke's character, he could only give up and silently put the potion back into his backpack for safekeeping.

“Omamba, send someone to inform Bob that I want to see him and have something to tell him, and ask him to come to the manor to see me as soon as possible. Also, send the invitations I prepared earlier to the other marshals.”

"...Yes, Duke Ostann."

Upon hearing this, as if understanding something, a trace of sorrow flashed in Omamba's eyes, but she seemed afraid that her behavior would affect the Duke's mood.

Omamba quickly lowered his head, not exposing his bloodshot eyes to the Duke's view.

"Also, Omamba, you've been by my side for twenty-three years now, haven't you? To be honest, I'm very fortunate to have a secretary like you. To me, you're like family."

Ostan smiled and patted the sobbing Omamba on the shoulder, as if recalling their first encounter many years ago, when the other stood in front of him trembling, not daring to even breathe.

A hint of nostalgia flashed in his eyes, and he teased in a lighthearted tone:

"Who would have thought that the now renowned 'Orca Rear Admiral,' who oversees naval intelligence and is famous throughout the empire, was once a stuttering little man who couldn't even speak properly?"

“Omamba, you have grown a lot over the years, and I have seen all the sacrifices you have made for me.”

"So, after I die, you don't have to stay in the Ostan family out of guilt. Instead, do whatever you want and give your power to someone who can truly unleash it, not my foolish son."

"I only hope that when you reach a certain level in the future, and provided that he has not made any major mistakes, you will consider my feelings and provide some assistance to the Ostan family to ensure its continued existence. That's enough."

"Please don't say that, Your Grace, you will definitely recover, you will!"

Omamba spoke with a firm tone, but his trembling body, the indelible sadness in his eyes, and the critical condition notice from the medical team—which he had kept hidden in his backpack and never dared to show to Duke Ostanen—indicated that he had less than three months to live.

Everything has already, implicitly, revealed the truth.

Ostan was well aware of this, but he didn't shatter his adopted son's last illusions. Instead, he patted the boy's shoulder with some reluctance, then smiled and followed up on his words:

"Yes, I will."

At this moment, the previously dispersed dark clouds have gathered again, obscuring the once clear sky once more.

The cold autumn wind lashed against the trunks of the ash trees in the green belts on both sides, making a rustling sound.

It was only early autumn, but after the black convoy drove away, the leaves of these dozens of ash trees, which symbolize boundless vitality, mysteriously all fell off their trunks and withered away, accompanied by the autumn wind.

And as the autumn wind blows, the fallen leaves slowly flutter and drift, like a torrential rain rising from the ground.

It was also like a never-ending raging wind.

"Wow!"

Meanwhile, a withered, yellow, feathery leaf, blown by the autumn wind, swirls and falls into the slowly flowing moat, then struggles to float on the surface, trying to buy more time for some uncertain future.

But with the accumulation of dark clouds and the continuous gathering of moisture...

With a majestic clap of thunder, raindrops the size of beans began to fall mercilessly from the sky to the earth once more.

And it successfully hit the center of the fallen leaves.

It completely crushed his inner desires and struggles.

Until, under the weight of the rain, they were swallowed by the flowing river, sank, and finally fell into the silent riverbed, a place already destined for death.

"Crack!"

……

(End of this chapter)