Chapter 78: The Eve of Christmas

December 24, 2237, 5:00 p.m. Warehouse on the outskirts of London

"Production at the Welsh munitions factory is up by fifteen percent, wages to be adjusted accordingly between three and seven percent, and at the shipyards, the rook—" Inside the warehouse, His Highness Treshey had the air of a diligent white-collar worker, as if he were working overtime, assigning tasks one after another...

"Alright, Your Highness, it's just a recording—we can do it anytime, can't we? Why bother doing it right on Christmas Eve?" On the sofa, Captain Roger lounged, idly playing with his phone. He seemed terribly bored, mostly because Treshey was still working. "You dare complain? If you hadn't only told me today that Wenxin and the others would be discharged tomorrow, would I be in such a rush?"

"So that's what it's about! And what of it? I've dutifully kept them all at St. Francis Hospital for a week, each time telling them, 'You all need a bit more observation, your captain isn't allowed to visit yet,' just to drag it out till Christmas!" Captain Roger seemed to have settled the hospital matters long ago; he'd been sprawled on the sofa for ages and was tired even of his phone games.

Suddenly, a chime—the sound of electronic equipment powering up—caught their attention. Treshey put down the recorder, stood up, and rose onto his tiptoes. Instantly, a 3D data panel appeared around him. "Hatch opening, Comet returns!"

"Your Highness, weren't you the one who swore never to use this system? And yet—"

"Oh? So it's been installed for two months already? Why didn't I know?" Roger seemed genuinely surprised. He stood and rose onto his tiptoes as well...

"Why won't it work for me?"

"My shoe tips have pressure triggers. If you like, put these on. But—Elman and Hugo are back." His Highness Treshey resumed a normal gait, and at that very moment, the warehouse's back door swung open.

"Uncle! Welcome back!" At the door stood a sleigh drawn by two genuine reindeer; Hugo and Elman, both dressed as Santa Claus, sat atop it.

"Hahaha! Your Highness Treshey, you never change! When will you take me to the casino? I rely on your luck, you know!"

"Uncle, please don't drag me into those places again! If you love gambling so much, why not open a casino and be the boss yourself? You certainly have the money for it." After greeting Captain Elman, Treshey walked over to one of the reindeer, stroked its side, and then mounted it. "Ramley, it's been a long time!"

As Treshey rode Ramley, the other reindeer seemed displeased, stamping and snorting to draw his attention. "Haha! Remsey, don't be upset! I still have things to do!" Patting Ramley's back, Treshey leapt down.

"As expected of Your Highness—these two old fellows refuse to let anyone else ride them. Seems they're only close with you." Elman laughed and tried to approach Remsey, only for the reindeer to snort in annoyance.

"Have you heard of Alexander? At twelve, he tamed the famous Bucephalus. I was thirteen when I trained these two, and they're still a handful!" Treshey smiled; he had raised these moose during his studies in the Northern Union. Thanks to special protection, though both were only a year old at the time, they were already renowned for their temperament.

"Alright, enough chatter. We've yet to set up our home, and you arrived just in time. Roger, go prepare dinner. You two—I'm afraid you'll have to do some overtime... As for the rest—" Suddenly, there was a knock at the front entrance. The brothers Tarrant and Taylor stepped in. "Hello, everybody! Are you OK?"

"OK! Just in time! You two handle the Christmas tree. The rest, you know the drill!"

Just then, Treshey's phone rang. The caller ID on the case read "Cole," but the display showed—"Annie?" Treshey smiled and answered.

"Hello? Annie? What is it?"

"Cole... When are you coming home..." Annie's voice sounded troubled, almost broken. Perhaps she had waited so long for Cole to return, only to—

"Are you... alone?" Treshey asked, his tone gentle, though he knew it might not matter.

"Cole, are you... with another woman?" Annie's voice trembled; she seemed to be sobbing.

"No, not at all..." It was a reply that didn't quite sound convincing.

"I don't believe you! Didn't you say you liked that other girl?" Even across the line, tears fell audibly on her phone.

"Sigh. Where are you? Still at home?" Treshey fell silent, lost in thought. Cole... Once, that name had brought him unparalleled honor, and precious memories...

"I'm here... Are you coming home?" Suddenly Annie sounded hopeful, and Cole couldn't help but smile.

"Wait at home—I'll come get you. This place can't do without its lady of the house..." His words took Annie by surprise; she sounded overjoyed.

"Alright! I'll be waiting! You must... come back!" Cole could hear her happiness through the phone. The call ended, but Cole was in high spirits. "Sorry, everyone, I have to pick someone up. She is... no, to Cole, she is an irreplaceable part of my memories..."

With that, Cole walked over to the two reindeer. "Remsey, it's your turn to shine. Come with me to fetch someone!"

—End of Chapter—

Tomorrow, I'll be heading home. What a bother—the homework the teacher assigned... still isn't done! I probably won't be able to finish it anytime soon!