Counterfeit Hero

Chapter 175: Volume 3, Chapter 54 - Just a Bit More Time_3

Reinhardt looked at Bonnie with admiration without speaking. This woman had enough wisdom to amaze him. Her temperament and beauty were flawless, her only flaw being a bit too strong-willed.

Seeing Reinhardt silent for a long time, Bonnie raised her eyebrows and made a threatening expression. She was very curious about who this person Reinhardt was praising could be.

Seeing Bonnie’s cute expression, Reinhardt laughed out loud: ”He is a new recruit in the army, his name is Zhang Yuan, you have met him.”

”Zhang Yuan? I have met?” Bonnie’s confused expression made Reinhardt even happier. Only when communicating with this woman, who had grown up with him since childhood, could he be so relaxed. Both of them knew what each other liked, enjoyed, what made each other happy, how to tease each other, and how to cooperate seamlessly.

”Yes! You’ve met him.” Reinhardt coaxed: ”The mechanic from Holy Knight Company.”

Bonnie’s expression became a bit peculiar; she looked at Reinhardt with distrustful side-eyes: ”You mean that...”

”Hahaha, exactly, that fat, pale guy!” With Reinhardt’s loud laughter, a magazine flew over unceremoniously. He hurriedly ducked to avoid it and said to the furious Bonnie: ”What’s wrong? You have to admit, that guy is indeed a genius. And he is definitely the best among the fat guys I’ve ever met.” He shrugged mischievously: ”See, I wasn’t wrong.”

Bonnie bit her lip and turned her face away, refusing to look at him, appearing very angry. Reinhardt leisurely said: ”As far as I know, he didn’t want to join the Mecha research department of the Mythical Army at all.” He tutted twice and continued: ”If it wasn’t for your irresistible charm, this civilian genius mechanic might have completely missed us. Our Bonnie is just too beautiful...”

Reinhardt sneaked a glance at Bonnie, who couldn’t help but look like she was about to laugh. He said seriously: ”So, I must credit you. Tell me, what reward do you want?”

Bonnie tried hard to bite her lip but couldn’t hold her face any longer and burst out laughing. She glared fiercely at Reinhardt, spread out her hand, and said: ”So... General, please personally bring that magazine and put it in my hand. Also, warn that fatty, if he dares to upset me, I’ll make him even fatter than he is now.”

Reinhardt smiled, picked up the magazine, walked over, and shook his head repeatedly: ”No, no, no, Bonnie, I can’t say that to him. A fair lady is what a gentleman seeks. I can’t say something that ruins the mood. Maybe, over time, you’ll slowly discover his merits.”

Bonnie snatched the magazine and began flipping through it without lifting her head: ”I hate fat guys.”

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The Gazalin Palace was brightly lit, but in Emperor James’s study, only an antique wall lamp was on, making the whole room look dim. James sat in a heavy mahogany imperial chair, leaning against a Trista velvet cushion. He was of medium height, slim build, his facial contours were chiseled and rugged, thick black eyebrows, and sharp, spirited eyes. Having held supreme power for nearly thirty years, James had developed an imposing presence. Everyone who met him would instinctively feel a sense of awe, not only because of his status but more out of reverence for the man himself.

Everyone who met James had a feeling that the man in front of them, even if he were not the Emperor of the Empire, would still be high above, looking down on everyone. No reason, he was just that kind of person.

At present, the Emperor was intently watching the strategic situation map of Galileo on the virtual screen. After a long time, he finally sighed lightly and asked the elderly scholar standing by: ”Mr. Philip, I want to hear your opinion.”

Philip bowed slightly and said in a low voice: ”Your Majesty, I don’t understand this game.”

James raised his thick eyebrows and turned his head curiously: ”Oh?” After a moment of silence, he stood up with his hands behind his back, took a few steps, and sighed: ”Even you don’t understand it. Russell, what is this bastard trying to do now?”

Philip bowed and said: ”Russell is good at unconventional strategies, his attack methods are varied, but this time he has been consistently steady on the ground battlefield of Lucerne. Combining external pressure from the Western Hemisphere and internal expansion of Elephant Mountain, he continually advances troops and equipment, with strong logistical support, step by step compressing our controlled area. This is very different from his usual strategic thinking. I suspect he has a trump card.”

James nodded: ”That’s what worries me the most. Russell would never be this simple. He has too much combat experience and knows Gazalin Empire too well.” He turned his head to stare at Philip: ”This person makes me lose sleep the most.”

Philip was one of the few people in the Empire who could remain calm under James’s intense gaze. After a moment of silence, he nodded: ”Yes, Your Majesty. Strategically and tactically, there is no one in Gazalin Empire who can match him, including everyone in the Military Department, myself, and Reinhardt.” He paused and then continued: ”Perhaps, not even Liebgoet.”

”Oh?” James’s eyes lit up: ”You think so?”

Philip nodded with his hands lowered: ”Yes, Your Majesty.”

James said coldly: ”Explain your reasoning.”

Philip looked up into James’s eyes: ”Liebgoet is definitely a great military strategist and an excellent chess player. If he were commanding the Naga Federation’s army in this war, Russell wouldn’t have any advantage, but now...”

James waved his hand: ”You don’t need to say more, I’ll say it for you!” He strode towards the Gazalin Empire Star Domain Map on the wall and said coldly: ”Liebgoet is a good coach, but he leads a team he is not familiar with. He cannot fully know the enemy or himself, starting off at a disadvantage. If Russell doesn’t make mistakes, even with Gazalin’s current military strength, it will be very difficult for a renowned general like Liebgoet to win this war. In this game, he needs an assistant who can fully master the team, and clearly, Stephen is not capable of that!”

James turned his head and stared hard at the silent Philip, his voice icy: ”Your analysis makes some sense, but do you think appointing George to the Military Department will solve the problem?” Seeing Philip remained silent, he snorted coldly and continued: ”You are George’s mentor, just as Liebgoet is Stephen’s teacher. If Stephen were to assist you and you had to prepare the way for him, would you be happy?”

Philip lowered his head in trembling fear. From his first words, he knew that his thoughts could not be hidden from James, and he never intended to. Being transparent to the Emperor was a very safe approach. Occasionally playing a small trick in front of James to make him show some anger or a slight smile was the sure way to remain in the Emperor’s study. If one day, James found that he could no longer see through him, then his days would be over. This tiger-like Emperor would never allow a second Russell to appear before him.

James looked at the flustered Philip and smiled slightly: ”I don’t mean to blame you. After all, you are also doing it for George, and your analysis is indeed reasonable.” He walked to his desk and sat down, tapping the table with his finger slowly: ”Perhaps, given a little more time, Liebgoet won’t be easily suppressed by Russell. What he needs is just time.”

Philip stood with his hands down, thinking: ”Time? With your temperament, after watching that tape, how much more time will you give Liebgoet in this situation?”

Thinking of that tape, which never mentioned Liebgoet, and of Russell’s calm face, Philip felt a chill.

”Russell, since when did you learn to use such insidious tricks?”

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Too tired, it’s the second day now, still missing ten thousand words.

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