Chapter 480: The President

Li Mochen was not well acquainted with Secretary of Defense Lieutenant General Daniel Boone, nor did they have any ties of interest. According to his information, the Lieutenant General was not a member of the President's faction either. His appointment as Secretary of Defense was the result of compromise among the factions within the Citizens' Party.

But upon meeting, Li Mochen learned that Lieutenant General Boone was a close friend of his maternal grandfather, Consulli, having served together in the same company decades ago.

"I've heard about your affairs. I must say, that battle a month ago was brilliantly fought. You made your grandfather proud and vented his anger. But that's not enough. As long as Philip is still around, Consulli won't become a demigod. You have to take him down completely."

Daniel Boone was very warm toward Li Mochen: "I have high hopes for you, kid. Your future is boundless."

Then, in full view of everyone, he summoned a magical artifact that sealed off the sight of all outsiders.

"Your grandfather probably didn't tell you that some people in the Joint Chiefs of Staff are planning to propose an operation—deploying at least 400,000 troops to strike the Bloodwing Grand Duchy's forces on the Blackstone Plain. The vampires have been expanding their influence in the dark world recently, which worries us greatly. Several of my friends believe the nation needs to build one or two large military fortresses near the Blackstone Plain. Your friend Anthony is also pushing hard for this. If this operation is approved, your Saint Stone Fortress will be a crucial support point. Based on my understanding of the President, this is highly likely—"

"Why did the Nathan Group cede Saint Stone? This plan has nothing to do with them, and many don't want them involved. Besides, you should know that the Nathan Group lost a demigod seven years ago. That octopus has lost a tentacle; they no longer have the strength to expand there."

"If anything comes up, you can come directly to the Department of Defense to see me. I'll help you as much as I can. His Excellency the President's rule is deeply popular, and he will surely be re-elected. But I don't know how much longer I'll stay in this position—"

Lieutenant General Boone didn't get to talk with him for long. Following him was Secretary of the Treasury Lawrence Rockefeller.

Though it was their first meeting, they were as warm as old friends. Li Mochen had a very favorable impression of the Secretary from the Rockefeller family: "I've heard from Anthony. Secretary, I'm very grateful for what you've done for me."

"Call me Lawrence."

Lawrence Rockefeller patted Li Mochen's back affectionately: "It's nothing, A-Mo. Without your help, Dasia would have been buried in Atlanta. What I did for you, as the Eastern saying goes, is just adding flowers to brocade—hardly worth mentioning. You don't know what would have happened to my family if Dasia had met with an accident. My family would have fallen apart. My life would have lost all meaning—"

At this moment, murmurs spread throughout the ballroom.

"Is that Governor Rola?"

"Senator Kmartin is here too—"

"Recognize her? That's Ms. Christie Blythe."

"They all seem to be here for that half-breed—Mr. Willenstein."

"I see. It seems Mr. Willenstein is the real star of tonight's party."

"Professor Denson, two archmages have arrived. He actually shook hands with that one—I heard he has a cleanliness obsession!"

Joseph Don Quixote, watching from afar, had a face as grave as water.

Beside him, Radia looked over with a suspicious gaze: "Joseph, he seems quite popular in your political circles?"

Whether it was Brooks Dante and Lieutenant General Daniel Boone at the start, or Lawrence Rockefeller and the Governor of California later, or the two archmages, they were all true pillars of America's political and business worlds.

Someone in his family once said: Lions never flock with sheep.

If that person was treated with such enthusiasm, his strength and status were probably not as 'immature' as Joseph had claimed.

Angela's boyfriend actually held such a position and such a vast, high-end network in America.

Was this why the family had repeatedly urged caution and waiting for the right moment?

This also made Radia Medici doubt her friend's power in America. Something must have happened in Atlanta over the past two months, and the transfer of power in the Willenstein family was probably not any of the versions circulating outside. And Joseph, as the host, knew nothing about it. This couldn't be excused by his thesis; his information channels must be narrower than she had imagined.

The next moment, another stir suddenly arose in the hall.

"It's His Excellency the President—"

"Strange, wasn't he inspecting San Francisco this afternoon?"

"I bet my friends will regret this. Tonight is a real grand occasion."

Radia watched as the handsome, golden-haired middle-aged man smiled, shook hands with Li Mochen, and embraced him.

Then the President stepped onto the podium: "Ladies and gentlemen, I believe many of you have heard. Today, our Freemasonry welcomes a new Grand Lodge member. As the Honorary Warden of this society, I am honored to introduce him—our new 'Steward' of the American Freemasonry: from Atlanta, the Willenstein family's Andre!"

At that moment, the entire hall erupted in shock. Everyone stared at Li Mochen with stunned and incredulous eyes.

...

"Currently, the Freemasonry has 160 Stewards, two per state. Centuries ago, the Steward's duty was to guard the door (from the outside), holding a sharp drawn sword, ensuring that only those qualified to attend lodge meetings passed through, and ensuring the safety of members. In modern times, they are responsible for commanding the Freemasonry's armed forces against our enemies. During the wars with the Church of Light and the monarchs of the Old World, every state in America was engaged in bloody conflict—that was also the era when our armed forces were strongest. Of course, we have now reached a compromise with the Church of Light, and the American Freemasonry has gained the right to walk in the sunlight. But three centuries ago, all our high offices were kept secret."

After the President made a timely exit, Lawrence Rockefeller, as a senior, explained the situation: "The Freemasonry's current enemies are mainly dark creatures like vampires and werewolves, and evil cults like the Great Demon Cult, the Dragon Witch Cult, and the Spiritism Cult. When necessary, even the government. Also, if you believe someone might threaten the Freemasonry's existence, you can apply to use our armed force. In Georgia alone, we have nine legends."

"In fact, it was your relentless crackdown on the Dragon Witch Cult that earned the recognition of most Council members. And your predecessor was Roland Benedict."

With this interjecting female voice, Ms. Christie Blythe stepped forward. Lawrence immediately understood and smiled as he made way: "You two talk first."