touchnovel Chapter 967: Exposed
Chapter 967: Exposed
Chapter 967: Exposed
Sizzling noises disturbed the tense silence inside the meeting room. Exposed and torn wires inside the broken surfaces released occasional sparks that joined the flickering artificial illumination. Even the holograms became blurry, unable to stabilize under Khan's oppressive
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Monica dispelled the initial shock and took Khan's hand. She had expected a similar reaction, but its intensity had surprised her. As much as she was aware of Khan's growth, that destruction had been too sudden and widespread. Still, even in that unforeseen circumstance, Monica didn't forget to show emotional support.
Knowledge often was a curse, and Monica suffered from its weight at that moment. She knew Khan better than anyone else, so she could read his thoughts without asking questions. Khan's reaction also conveyed his understanding, so wasting time on explanations was pointless.
Khan had recognized the space station. The structure was one of the many checkpoints in the established trade routes. He wasn't sure whether the ship came from Baoway or Neuria, but that made little difference. In both cases, the crew belonged to him. Those human soldiers were his underlings.
The ship probably carried valuable goods, but the financial loss never crossed Khan's mind. He didn't care about things. He couldn't when his soldiers had died. Most leaders wouldn't take the matter emotionally, but Khan was different. Those underlings belonged to him, so, in his view, someone had dared to spill his blood.
To add insult to injury, the attack had happened inside the human domain. Rogue alien ships could have been the culprit, but Khan's interspecies relationships were good, great even, and that trade route was safe from pirates and criminals. The most likely offender was apparent, and the idea enraged him to no end.
Khan didn't divert his gaze nor retract his oppressive presence. He felt Monica's hand tightening on his fingers but ignored it. Khan had asked a question, and he wouldn't repeat himself.
"What's even more disturbing," Brigadier General Meadrey added. "Our intel says that Prince Khan Nognes visited the planet and kept it secret from the Global Army, earning the Thilku Empire's complete support in exchange."
Khan had to suppress the urge to blow the desk into pieces. He had never publicly accepted his family name. He was no Prince Nognes. Khan was simply Khan.
"This is a clear act of treason!" The General shouted. "As such, every resource, ship, or soldier that interacts with Prince Khan Nognes can be considered a threat to our safety, and I'll use the full extent of my authority to prevent them from touching our homes."
The video stopped after that final announcement. The General's figure disappeared, leaving behind an empty, holographic screen. The man had thrown a bomb into the network, and Khan had to admit he was right. Of course, that didn't matter before his soldiers' death.
"I take full responsibility, My Prince," Prince Thomas declared as soon as the video ended. "I've already sent messengers to probe Brigadier General Meadrey's intentions. I've also summoned my connections to his superiors and am negotiating a solution."
"How old is this news?" Khan couldn't help but ask, glancing at his Uncle.
"Less than a week old, My Prince," Prince Thomas revealed. "We didn't inform you
immediately since you were already flying to Baoway."
"The negotiations are going well," Monica added, claiming Khan's attention. "While we are at fault, Brigadier General Meadrey's preemptive attack was unsanctioned. Besides, the nobles are on our side, so the Global Army is cornered."
Khan noticed the hidden emotion in Monica's expression. She knew how Khan felt but still had to suggest the politically correct decision. As much as Monica disliked doing that, it was her role. Khan might have even agreed to her before Senerth, but things were different now. "Negotiations?" Khan asked. "Someone spilled my blood. There's only war."