Here Comes Almighty Desmond Ice

On his behalf

Goodbye, general Desmond Ice!

Thirty soldiers lined up at both sides of Desmond as he made his way to the private jet. 

It has been three years already. Three years since he left the city for this place. Three years since he promised the Old man. For those three years, Desmond had gone through things. He'd become both fearless and strong. Weak couldn't be tagged near him.

He boarded the plane bound for his home country. As he settled into his seat, his gaze lingered on the view outside the window, lost in thought. His mind replayed the events of the past five years, pondering on how drastically his life had changed. He remained lost in these thoughts until the plane touched down.

When the plane landed, a convoy of cars were already waiting for him. He climbed into the car at the center of the fleet, and the others cars also followed.

At the mansion gates, the stationed soldiers immediately opened them and bowed in respect as the convoy approached.

During the ride, Desmond kept his eyes closed, shutting out the world until they finally arrived at the mansion's grand entrance.

He couldn’t help but recall his first visit here, when he was asked for an invitation card—a clear difference to his current status. Life, indeed, had its way of shifting conditions.

Desmond lingered in the car for a brief moment, watching as a servant approached to open the door for him.

He got out of the car but didn’t have time to take in his surroundings. The servants, brimming with excitement, eagerly ushered him inside.

Their enthusiasm seemed to exceed even his own.

“Grandfather,” Desmond said, barely managing to stand still before he noticed the elderly man descending the staircase.

“Desmond!” the old man greeted with a hearty laugh, his face lighting up as he approached.

Though his gait was firm and soldier-like as he descended, his expression transformed into that of a delighted child upon seeing Desmond.

Desmond was thrilled to see his grandfather but found himself rooted to the spot, too stunned to move.

The old man chuckled, perhaps noticing Desmond’s state. Turning to his butler, he instructed, “Butler Yaxley, stay back. My grandson and I need some time to catch up, so we’ll take a stroll.”

“As you wish, Master,” Yaxley replied with a bow, stepping aside.

Desmond glanced at his grandfather before following him outside.

They walked in silence for a while, the quiet stretching between them.

Finally, midway through their stroll, Desmond broke the silence. “Grandfather, how have you been?”

The old man looked at him briefly before gazing straight ahead, taking his time to answer. Desmond waited patiently, unbothered by the pause.

“My boy, I should be the one asking you. How have you been these past years?” The old man stopped walking and fixed Desmond with a serious look.

Desmond hesitated, then answered with measured indifference, “Just… normal.”

“Are you sure? Normal, you say?” The old man’s skeptical tone made his disbelief clear.

Desmond nodded, his response genuine despite its simplicity. “Yes, Grandfather. It’s been normal. There were challenges, of course, but I already knew what to expect. In the end, it’s just been… normal.”

The old man stared at him, speechless for a moment. He wanted to press further but held back, instead placing a hand on Desmond’s shoulder with an understanding expression.

“My boy, I don’t need you to tell me about the hardships you’ve faced, I know them well enough. But let me tell you, I’m proud of you. Your strength and determination show in the way you’ve carried yourself.”

There was unmistakable pride in his voice. Although Desmond didn’t smile, a flicker of satisfaction shone in his eyes.

“I don’t want to bore you with too much talk,” the old man continued.

“Mm,” Desmond murmured in acknowledgment.

“One of my old friends invited me to a party. Normally, I’d decline due to my age, but since you’re here, I don’t need to.”

“Are you saying you want me to go in your place?” Desmond asked for clarification, and the old man nodded.

Without hesitation, Desmond shrugged. “Alright. When?”

“The day after tomorrow.”

“Okay. I’ll go on your behalf,” Desmond said seriously.

The conversation tapered off as they resumed their stroll, only stopping when the old man grew tired.

Though he wanted to talk more, the old man knew he needed rest. Once they returned to the mansion, Desmond didn’t linger in the living room. He quickly headed upstairs to the room prepared by the butler.

Desmond glanced around the well-furnished room, his expression normal. The exhaustion from the plane trip weighed on him.

As he pulled off his clothes, preparing for a long, much-needed rest, his phone suddenly rang.

He picked it up and stared at the screen, a hint of surprise crossing his face.