Chapter 1287: Complaint

Rodney’s involvement in matters adjacent to Khan’s force didn’t surprise Monica. Khan’s inner circle had learned about part of the deal he made on Merth 290, and Monica had even helped smooth out Rodney’s promotion.

Despite the unique political stance, the Nognes family retained significant leverage over the Global Army, especially with the Thilku Empire backing it.

Yet, Monica could also add her and Francis’ family to the equation, ensuring a promotion in no time. The former Lieutenant Colonel Rodney Semmut had recently become a proper Colonel, only missing another rank from his agreed-upon goal.

Nevertheless, that awareness didn’t justify Rodney’s sudden request for a meeting with Monica, especially in Neuria. The Solodrey forces had long since settled on the planet, but that celestial body remained part of the Thilku Empire’s domain, so entering it wasn’t exactly easy.

Moreover, Monica didn’t know what Rodney could want. Assets from Khan’s forces were already abiding by the deal. Rodney’s place was on Earth, dealing with more political matters, not on a Thilku planet, requesting a face-to-face meeting.

It didn’t help that Monica rarely engaged in those practices personally anymore. She hadn’t become a recluse but still handled most of her work remotely, only appearing in person when friends demanded her presence, and Rodney was no friend.

Monica reached for the blinking label on the control desk, half-planning to deny and postpone that request. It was always better to prepare for those meetings anyway, and temporarily rejecting it would allow her to set her own terms, highlighting who was in charge.

However, Monica’s fingers never touched the desk’s surface, only stopping a few centimeters from it. Rodney was no Raymond, but it was better to deal with him as soon as possible, especially on the eve of the revelation about the Scarlet Eyes.

So, Monica let the notification blink while activating another function, summoning a mirror-like hologram. She checked herself, spotting issues that had to be fixed with makeup and a change of clothes, before finally addressing the unexpected visit.

“Send him in in an hour,” Monica ordered, hurrying toward the side wardrobe in the office as soon as her fingers left the control desk.

Slightly brighter artificial light welcomed Rodney when he entered Monica’s office. His wary but confident brown eyes quickly studied the area before focusing on the figure sitting behind the control desk, seemingly able to uncover every detail.

Monica pretended to be busy inspecting a couple of holographic screens, but her attention often fell on Rodney, capturing his distinctive features. Her last time seeing him had been on Milia 222, and much had changed.

Rodney had never been too tall, but his physique had grown more muscular, and his military uniform couldn’t hide his broad shoulders. He also sported a short, well-groomed beard now, which perfectly complemented his curated black hair.

Nothing about Rodney was fancy, but he was surprisingly tidy, which accentuated his firm presence, making him stand out. Yet, the alert wisdom inside his eyes separated him from ignorant soldiers, exposing the constant machinations of his brain.

“Thank you for accepting my sudden request, Miss Solodrey,” Rodney announced with utmost politeness while wearing a stiff military salute. “It has been too long since we last met.”

That politeness only made Monica warier. She pretended to throw one last glance at her screens before disbanding them, allowing her to address Rodney properly. “Colonel Semmut, you are welcome. Please, have a seat.”

Rodney accepted the invitation and approached the control desk but didn’t sit in the chair before it. Instead, his eyes resumed their inspection of Monica, focusing on her face.

“Our relationship isn’t that shallow, Miss Solodrey,” Rodney stated. “We are old acquaintances from a troubled time. You can call me Rodney.”

Monica felt slightly uncomfortable under that attentive gaze, but not necessarily in a bad way. It had actually been a long time since anyone had looked at her like that, so long that she had almost forgotten what it meant.

“Are you flirting with me, Colonel?” Monica asked.

“I didn’t know it was forbidden,” Rodney responded. “And despite the marks of your heartbreak, you remain one of the most beautiful and capable women in the Global Army.”

Monica arched her eyebrows in surprise. Even after everyone understood that she and Khan were over, no one dared to hit on her. Her many suitors didn’t even try to discuss the matter through impersonal political channels, let alone mention it in her presence.

Even if Monica had helped, Khan was entirely to blame for that development. His infamous reputation preceded him, and everyone knew how he was with his women.

Also, Monica didn’t lose any relevance after the breakup. Her position was more stable than ever, and on the rise, so many believed something was still up. The rumors were aplenty, with numerous articles guessing that Monica still acted as Khan’s mistress.

Those who didn’t believe that weren’t willing to test their chances since the adverse consequences would mean death or worse. Moreover, there was an inferiority complex at play. Monica had never shied away from praising Khan’s inhuman stamina, and no one wanted to come after him.

Or, as it sounded like, almost no one wanted.

“I apologize,” Monica eventually said, “But I don’t have time for these games. As you may know, this period is quite chaotic.”

“The Scarlet Eyes,” Rodney exclaimed. “Prince Khan’s nightmares and his trip to the Nak’s home world. I’m well aware.”

“Do you doubt the information?” Monica asked due to how lightly Rodney seemed to take that potentially universe-destroying threat.

“Prince Khan is a traitor,” Rodney declared, “An alien lover, an ungrateful soldier, and an emotional, unreliable leader. However, he can’t lie if his life depended on it, not about this.”

Rodney’s words surprised Monica once again, but she didn’t let that distract her from the main issue. She had time to kill but would never waste it over something so trivial.

“So, you understand the critical nature of the situation,” Monica stated, looking down at the control desk, pretending to be busy. “If you have complaints about the current agreement, you can voice them, but I might be unable to help.”

“I have a complaint,” Rodney announced. “I can’t accept how that traitorous Prince threw you away. A woman like you shouldn’t remain hidden on a forsaken planet, sad over a man who couldn’t value her.”