Chapter 859

As the young man approached, the guards who had been following Steven's orders paused as their demeanor shifted. They stepped aside respectfully, saluting as they greeted him. "General Phelps!" "Greetings, General Phelps!" "Sebastian, you're back?" Miranda called out, her voice full of concern. "Sebastian Phelps!" Steven narrowed his eyes. He had heard bits and pieces about this man from Keaton over the past weeks. Sebastian was the first godson Jonah had adopted. Despite his youth, he held the rank of a four-star general and was an eighth-grade profound grandmaster. He was renowned for his strategic brilliance and fairness. He commanded widespread respect within the military. Since Jonah had no biological children, Sebastian was widely regarded as the likeliest successor to Jonah. Keaton had spoken of Sebastian with great admiration. Now, observing Miranda's unusually affectionate demeanor toward Sebastian—beyond what might be expected between siblings—Steven began to piec