Chapter 40: Because of Sophie Wexler
In the conference room, Felix York had already dismissed everyone else. Only he, Cillian Forrest, and Ethan Cross, who stood behind Cillian, remained.
When Cillian Forrest saw him, he nodded and gestured toward a seat. "General York, please sit."
Felix York glanced at Cillian Forrest before walking over and sitting down. Unsure of the Marshal’s intentions, he asked tentatively, "Marshal, what instructions bring you here?"
The moment he finished speaking, he felt a powerful spiritual power emanate from Cillian Forrest, forming a barrier that enveloped their entire area.
Felix York’s gaze shifted. ’He doesn’t want anyone to overhear this conversation.’ At that thought, his expression grew even more solemn.
Once Cillian Forrest had spread his spiritual power, he spoke to Felix York. "I’m sure you’ve heard the whispers from the Capital Planet, General York."
Felix York paused, recalling some intelligence that had come in from the other military districts.
His Majesty’s health was deteriorating daily due to Starbug poison. While the full extent of his decline was unknown, every clan beneath the Royal Family was stirring restlessly.
If His Majesty truly couldn’t hold on, and with the Little Prince being so young, the situation on the Capital Planet would become incredibly volatile.
Felix York glanced at Cillian Forrest, who sat opposite him, his expression darkening. ’Weren’t the reports saying the Marshal was critically wounded by the Swarm, his fate unknown? Why would he show up here?’
’Do they know on the Capital Planet? Logically, they don’t. Otherwise, there wouldn’t have been so much political maneuvering recently.’
Cillian Forrest knew what he was thinking. The Seventh Legion had always remained on the sidelines, maintaining a neutral stance and avoiding the Royal Family’s internal struggles whenever possible.
This time, however, it wouldn’t be something he could avoid just by wishing it.
"If I’m not mistaken, the Hamilton Family has already sent you a communication," Cillian Forrest said, watching Felix York, his voice eerily calm.
At those words, Felix York’s fingers froze mid-motion. He then looked up. "Marshal, as you know, the Seventh Legion answers only to His Majesty’s commands."
In other words, they obeyed whoever held power.
They had no desire to know or participate in the process of that power struggle, nor did they care who ultimately ended up on the throne.
"True," Cillian Forrest agreed with a nod before changing the subject. "But the Hamilton Family has already sent you a communication. Do you really believe you can still stay out of it, General York?"
Felix York was at a loss for words. After a long moment, he sighed in resignation, his shoulders slumping. "But His Majesty’s body is already failing from the Starbug poison..."
’If they gain the support of the Council of Elders, we’ll have very little room to maneuver.’
Cillian Forrest knew what he was thinking. He lifted his gaze to stare at him, a faint blue light flickering in the depths of his eyes. He then said, enunciating each word, "And what if I told you there’s a cure for His Majesty’s poison?"
Felix York’s head snapped up as if he had heard something unbelievable. Then, he quickly shook his head. "Starbug poison is incurable."
Starbug poison has been around for far too long. Countless people have tried to find a solution, but all have failed.
"The rumors you heard were correct," Cillian Forrest said, suddenly changing tack. Felix York looked up, confused, as Cillian continued, "I was, in fact, ambushed. The Starbug poison spread to the functional regions of my brain, causing amnesia."
’Amnesia? How is that possible!’
"You’re wondering how I can be standing here now, clearly not suffering from amnesia, aren’t you?"
Felix York stared intently at Cillian Forrest, who let out a soft chuckle. "That’s because part of the poison in my Spiritual Sea has been cleansed."
As Felix York listened, a completely impossible idea flashed through his mind. For a moment, his breathing even quickened.
"Your guess is correct. It was Sophie Wexler who cleansed part of my poison," Cillian Forrest said, confirming his suspicion.
"How is that possible?!" Felix York’s eyes shot wide open. "Isn’t she just a low-grade, F-level Healer-class?!"
Even with a secondary growth spurt, that should only increase her spiritual power and Level. How could she possibly cleanse Starbug poison!
Although everything suggested it was impossible, looking at Cillian Forrest, a part of him subconsciously believed it.
’The Marshal’s story about his injury must be true. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be on this planet at this particular time.’
’He certainly wouldn’t know some minor streamer from this planet—let alone one who was previously an infamous celebrity.’
’This way, everything made sense.’
Having said his piece, Cillian Forrest stood up. "General York, I hope you will give this careful consideration."
"For certain reasons, I need to remain on this planet for a while longer. My official identity is that of Ethan Cross’s adjutant, assigned to accompany and protect Sophie Wexler," Cillian Forrest said, his tone steady. "As for my true identity, I must ask that you keep it confidential for the time being, General York."
Felix York naturally understood. "Yes, Marshal."
As Cillian Forrest departed, the spiritual power barrier dissipated. Felix York remained seated, his expression profound as he stared in the direction Cillian had gone.
’If it’s true, as the Marshal said, that Sophie Wexler can cleanse Starbug poison... then the entire political landscape is about to shift.’
’Still, even if she can cleanse the poison, the amount she can remove ultimately depends on her Level.’
’Everything will become clear during tomorrow’s evaluation.’
Meanwhile, Sophie Wexler had finished freshening up, but no matter how long she waited, Cillian Forrest and Ethan Cross were nowhere to be seen.
"Where could they be?" Sophie wondered, opening the door to take a look.
The moment she pulled the door open, she came face-to-face with Cillian Forrest.
Cillian Forrest looked at Sophie. "Were you going out?"
Sophie immediately shook her head. "No, I was just going to see if you two were back."
’This is a military district, and I’m not familiar with anything. There’s no way I could just wander around late at night.’
"Did you need something?" Cillian Forrest asked.
He already knew her well. Every time she looked for him, it was because she needed something.
And sure enough, Sophie nodded. "Yes, there is something."
"Um, I didn’t bring my instrument when I left. Could you go back to my place and get it for me?"
The thought had suddenly occurred to her while she was resting. She’d left in such a hurry, only taking care of a few urgent matters, that she had left her instruments in her room.
She might need them for the soothing sessions. While singing a cappella would also work, she wanted to give the soldiers the best possible experience.
Cillian listened. "Alright. I’ll get them for you tomorrow."
"Anything else?"
Sophie shook her head. "Nope, that’s it."
"Get some rest," Cillian added. "I’m in the quarters next to yours. Call me if you need anything."
Sophie knew she had an evaluation of her physical condition and current spiritual power the next day, so it was important to be well-rested.
"Okay," Sophie replied, then said with a smile, "Cillian Forrest, goodnight."