The Unexpected General

A series of loud explosions echoed across the open sea, sending massive waves rippling outward. The shots were deliberately fired—a final salute to mark the end of the war.

Meanwhile, in a different room, several individuals sat around a long table, glasses of wine set before them.

A grand meeting was taking place. A lavish celebration was being prepared in honor of their victory.

The warmth of the room was abruptly swallowed by silence as the sound of footsteps echoed. Calvin entered.

At once, everyone who had been seated sprang to their feet, standing rigidly at attention. Not a single soul dared to utter a foolish word.

As Calvin took his seat, the others immediately bowed their heads in respect.

The man radiated an aura unlike any other. Darkness seemed to coil around his powerful frame, an invisible force that sent shivers down the spines of those who dared meet his gaze.

With a simple gesture, he signaled for them to sit.

His strong hand reached for a bottle of wine, lifting it effortlessly.

"Congratulations. We have won the war."

A quiet murmur of agreement rippled through the room.

"You have all accomplished something remarkable. So enjoy this night—celebrate our victory."

With a flick of his finger, he popped the bottle’s seal.

The sound was met with a synchronized motion—every other bottle lifted and opened in unison.

Everyone held their glasses of wine in their hands.

"General, this is an extraordinary victory celebration."

"And this victory would not have been possible without your greatness!"

Everyone knew their leader was an exceptional man. His valor and courage on the battlefield were unmatched. It was as if he possessed the strength of a thousand elephants—one strike from him could wipe out thousands in an instant.

After fighting so fiercely, Calvin had no intention of missing this momentous celebration.

"We are finally free from war. So let’s enjoy this feast."

Nods of agreement spread across the room as everyone began indulging in the banquet.

The night passed, giving way to a new day. Calvin sat beneath the scorching sun, a glass of wine in his hand. His sharp, hawk-like gaze was fixed on the vast ocean before him. His cold expression remained unwavering, exuding an undeniable dominance.

A man approached him, bowing respectfully before speaking.

"Shall we depart now, General?"

Calvin shifted his gaze to Jacob, standing beside him.

With a slight nod, he replied, "Yes. The appointed time is drawing near."

His grip tightened around the glass in his hand. He had spent five years on the battlefield. Now, it was time to return. Five years ago, before his departure, Calvin had made a pact with the Jones family.

The agreement was forged after his father saved the head of the Jones family from an unfortunate fate. As a result, they arranged a marriage between the Jones family's daughter and Calvin.

The memory was still vivid in his mind.

Not long after the betrothal agreement was made, a sudden massacre befell his family. Relentless attacks rained down upon them, claiming the lives of his entire family.

Yet, he had survived. But survival meant fleeing. His path led him to the battlefield.

With unwavering determination and extraordinary bravery, he rose through the ranks, earning the title of General in a remarkably short time.

Before his father's death, Calvin received a final will—he must fulfill the agreement between the two families. That was why he had pushed himself to end the war as quickly as possible.

"I will prepare for your return, General."

Jacob straightened up and left without waiting for a response.

It didn’t take long before the helicopter was ready. Soldiers stood in neat formation, bidding farewell to their esteemed General.

With firm and steady steps, Calvin walked toward the helicopter. His sharp, hawk-like eyes swept over everyone present before he stepped inside.

At last, they arrived in Eklinas City. Calvin gazed out of the glass window, taking in the sight before him. "This place has changed a lot."

He turned toward Jacob, but before he could speak, the man promptly said, "General, I will make the necessary arrangements for your meeting."

Calvin gave a slight nod, granting his soldier permission to proceed. A heavy sigh escaped him as he stepped down from the helicopter. After five years, he had finally returned to this city.

Taking a deep breath, he let the warmth of Eklinas wash over him once more.

"Everything will begin here."

A black car pulled up in front of him. A man stepped out, bowing respectfully before opening the door with precise politeness.

"Please, General."

Calvin nodded and stepped into the car. Throughout the journey, his thoughts lingered on his upcoming marriage. Even though he knew nothing about the woman now, he would still go through with it.

He arrived quickly, only to be surprised by the lively atmosphere at the Jones residence.

"So, they still remember the day of the agreement."

Calvin assumed that the Jones family had arranged a celebration for his engagement.

Deliberately, he left his car at a distance, not wanting to make an ostentatious entrance. He walked toward the Jones household and stepped inside. However, the moment he entered, all eyes turned toward him with expressions of confusion.

Some people looked at him with disdain until one of them suddenly shouted, "Who are you?"

Calvin met the man's gaze with calm composure. "I am Calvin Moonstone. I have come to propose to the daughter of the Jones family."

"What? You’re here to propose to Claire?" The man's loud voice made Calvin frown slightly.

All eyes then shifted to a beautiful woman dressed in white. Her wavy hair shimmered under the glow of the chandelier, highlighting the delicate features of her face.

"So, this is Claire?" Calvin thought to himself.

His attention returned to a well-dressed man with a hardened expression. Remaining composed, Calvin nodded.

"Yes, as per the family agreement, I am to marry the daughter of the Jones family."

His words were met with a burst of loud laughter from Brian Jones.

"There will be no marriage between the Jones family and the Moonstone family."

"Everyone knows that the Moonstone family has long since vanished." Brian emphasized.

His gaze moved up and down, scanning Calvin’s appearance with undisguised contempt, clearly looking down on the man in his worn-out dress shirt.

Calvin had intentionally chosen to wear that shirt—the same one given to him five years ago, just before his father’s death. He had planned to wear it when coming to propose to the Jones family, believing it would make him feel as though his father was still by his side.

However, to Brian Jones, Calvin’s appearance was nothing short of repulsive. At once, they assumed the worst about him.

"I knew it. You’re here just to take advantage of the Jones family," Brian sneered, his lips curling into a cruel smirk.

"A worthless leech. Do you plan to freeload off this family for the rest of your life?"

Claire’s heart ached at her father’s words. She was deeply unsettled by his harsh attitude. Stepping forward, she spoke firmly, "Father, isn’t this part of the family agreement? I will marry him."

"Did we not discuss this five years ago? My decision hasn’t changed—I am still willing to be engaged to him, Father." Claire pleaded.

Brian’s face twisted into something dark and menacing.

"That will never happen. I forbid it!"