The old man wanted to crumple the papers and smash the wad into

Wesley's deadpan face.

"You think she's untouchable because she's

Gilbert's granddaughter, don't you?"

“Yes." Wesley admitted it honestly.

The old man was shocked by his reply.

“Get lost! Now!" he roared.

Wesley, however, didn't budge. He stayed rooted to the spot.

"Not until you sign them."

“And what if I don't?" The old man's voice sounded calm this time.

“I won't leave then.”

“How dare you!" He threw a pen at Wesley.

Wesley didn't dodge. It just bounced off him. When the pen hit the floor, he bent over, picked it up and put it back on the desk

The old man trembled in anger.

"I'm going to call your grandfather!" he threatened.

“He wants me to get married soon. He is more eager than me," Wesley said in a matter-of-fact tone.

The old man was rendered speechless.

After taking a long while to calm himself down, he still tried to persuade Wesley, “Have you ever thought about this? If you get married now and then go to Dreles, what if something bad happens to you? Are you willing to let her be a widow then? How about this? After you come back from Dreles, I'll immediately sign them."

Wesley knew the old man was doing this for his own good, but he couldn't afford to wait another two years.

“I won't go to Dreles unless you sign them," he insisted.

“Damn it! Are you threatening me? Wesley, do you still remember you are a soldier? You've been served in the army for many years. Soldiers follow orders without question. You forget that? Get lost and write that sentence ten thousand times!"

"I'LL do it after you sign them."

The old man felt Wesley was hopeless. Pointing at Wesley's nose, he shouted with red eyes, “Aren't you afraid of being demoted?"

“I'UL accept any punishment as long as you sign the papers."

The old man couldn't believe his ears. ‘How did Adalson's niece bewitch him so completely? He doesn't care about his career. He doesn't care about moving up in rank. And even the threat of demotion won't stop him!"