Three years in exile: The God of War returns

Chapter 6 - Fools Talk Too Much

He looked disheveled with a bloated belly, tiny squinting eyes, and a face that radiated lewdness. One look at his sallow, sickly complexion told Duncan everything he needed to know. This man’s excessive debauchery had led to kidney failure, and frequent use of stimulants had clearly compromised his liver.

The General, the God of War, was no mere title. Surviving the battlefield required more than just martial prowess. It required a vast knowledge of many disciplines, for danger could strike at any moment.

"Young Master Kendrick. Hello... Young Master Kendrick."

Kate instinctively stepped back, gripping Duncan’s arm. She was visibly reluctant to be anywhere near this man.

The young clerk who had been assisting them also lowered her head in fear and retreated, treating him as if he were a leper to be avoided.

"Young Master Kendrick. You arrived without warning. I didn't have time to prepare a proper welcome."

Cindy’s cooing voice gave Duncan goosebumps, and even the young clerk looked uncomfortable.

"Haha, Cindy, you really are a naughty girl."

Aiden Kendrick’s blatant, lecherous attitude made everyone present uneasy. He laughed obscenely before quickly turning his attention back to Kate.

"I didn't know you were here, Miss Kate. I thought you’d be waiting for me at... a hotel by now."

He scanned Kate’s beautiful face and perfect figure, captivated by her cold, distant aura. The more he looked at her, the more he fantasized about dominating her until she begged for mercy. It was a thrilling thought.

"This gentleman... This is my wife. Please watch your words."

Duncan couldn't help but speak up. The man’s expression and disgusting smile left him with zero sympathy. He knew exactly what was going through Kendrick’s mind.

"Wife? Since when did Kate have a husband? Ah, I remember now. There was one, a useless fellow. So, you’ve finally crawled back?"

He eyed Duncan’s oversized military jacket, his tan, weathered face, and the dust covering his clothes. Aiden Kendrick’s disdain was obvious. He had heard the stories about Kate’s marriage.

To him, Duncan was just a worthless husband. He had had plenty of women. As long as he got what he wanted, a husband was irrelevant.

"Consider me in a good mood today. Go ahead and pick an apartment. Once your wife has satisfied me, I’ll let you put the deed in your name. Is that enough?"

Aiden Kendrick squinted. In his world, everything could be handled with money, including buying another man’s wife.

"One apartment? Too cheap."

Duncan’s reply was short.

Kate felt a surge of fear. Though she didn't have high hopes for Duncan and didn't truly believe he could provide for her and her father, he was at least her lifeline for now. And yet, was he actually bargaining?

Sensing her slight tremor, Duncan felt a pang of guilt. He had been forced to leave to protect her and to rebuild himself. In doing so, he had inadvertently destroyed her trust. That was his burden to bear.

"Young man, I know you’re useless, and that apartment is already a steal. Your wife... hasn't even done anything to please me yet."

Aiden Kendrick made his point clear. If Duncan wanted more, Kate would have to work harder for it. He looked smug, as if the matter were already settled.

Cindy, seeing she was being ignored, couldn't help but interject when she heard Kendrick offering to buy the beggar’s wife.

"Young Master Kendrick, have you forgotten me? She gets a whole apartment for her service, but I’ve been making you happy and haven't seen anything yet."

Her whiny tone made everyone’s skin crawl. She seemed desperate for attention.

"Nothing yet? You must have a short memory. That red car outside... I believe that was..."

Kendrick squinted at the flashy red car outside with a lewd grin.

"But... that was for being very satisfied."

Though Cindy didn't say it explicitly, everyone knew what she implied.

"Fine. As long as Kate serves me well and you keep me happy, there will be plenty of apartments and cars to go around."

He turned back to Kate, his eyes filthy as he watched her huddle closer to Duncan.

"My friend, I think an apartment and a car like that... is a very generous offer."

"Still too cheap."

Duncan shook his head with a smirk.

Seeing Kate’s devastated expression, Duncan’s posture stiffened as he continued.

"My wife is priceless. A man like you isn't worthy of her."

His iron-clad voice sent shockwaves through the room. Kate froze, staring at him with a dazed, confused expression.