As soon as Benjamin appeared outside the White Palace with Emily in his arms, the media cameras quickly captured the moment. The world cheered for both of them, and this image would soon become an iconic representation of Benjamin's leadership.
"Emily?" A soldier on-site stared in disbelief, rubbing his eyes before exclaiming, "Is that really you?"
Emily, who was nervously clinging to Benjamin's neck amid the unfamiliar faces, turned toward the soldier. She recognized the voice, looking confused as she whispered, "Daddy?"
"Emily Kyle?" The soldier, now visibly emotional, called out again. "Oh my God, I'm Duke Kyle—your dad."
Emily, who hadn't seen her father in years, stared at him uncertainly. "Daddy?"
"Yes, sweetheart, it's me," Duke stammered, fumbling to pull a locket from around his neck and showing the small photo of Emily to the puzzled onlookers. "I'm Emily's father. This is my daughter."
After seeing the photo, the others finally believed him.
Duke's companion, a Black soldier named Rickard, clapped him on the shoulder. "Buddy, we've been working together for three years, and you never told me you had a daughter."
In William's earpiece, Sunday's voice reminded him, "SIR, these two men are the Delta Force team leaders who recently assisted Black and White Ghost on Arzon Island."
The reminder jogged William's memory. He recalled seeing footage of Duke from before, realizing that Duke had indeed helped him, albeit to avoid trouble for himself. Now, by chance, William had unwittingly saved Duke's daughter.
Despite recognizing Duke, Emily, who had spent so long without her father, instinctively clung to Benjamin and William, finding more comfort in their presence. When Duke reached out to hug her, she turned back to Benjamin's shoulder, ignoring her father.
"Alright, the crisis isn't fully resolved," the Delta Force commander barked, glancing at Duke and Rickard before giving orders. "Duke, you and Rickard stay here to protect Mr. President. The rest of us are clearing the building and rescuing hostages."
"Yes, sir. Thank you," Duke replied, grateful for the chance to stay close to his daughter. Rickard seemed equally content to remain behind.
So, William, Benjamin, Banning, Duke, Rickard, and little Emily stayed on the White Palace rooftop, while the rest of the Delta Force began to clear the terrorists below.
After a few minutes, the sound of gunfire erupted, mixed with occasional explosions, filling the air with chaos. The loud noises frightened Emily, who whimpered and reached for William.
Though William hesitated briefly, Emily started to cry, leaving the childless William flustered as he picked her up. He tried to soothe her, but she continued trembling in fear, so he discreetly cast a healing spell on her back.
The spell worked quickly, calming her. But to William's surprise, Emily seemed to have an unusual affinity for magic. The healing spell was far more effective than usual, almost as if it unlocked something within her. Magical energy around them began to flow in and out of her body, as if she were resonating with it.
William was astonished. He wondered if he taught her meditation techniques, she might quickly advance to an apprentice level in magic. However, he soon dismissed the thought. As adorable, intelligent, and sweet as Emily was, she wasn't his child. Teaching her magic could lead to unpredictable consequences, especially with a young child who wouldn't have the discretion or understanding of an adult. If her abilities were discovered, he'd undoubtedly face endless trouble as the one who introduced her to magic.
Unless he found other evidence of magic users in this world, William, with his self-serving pragmatism, would not teach anyone his hidden skills.
Emily, meanwhile, seemed to sense the magic deeply. She closed her eyes for a moment, then whispered to William as she hugged his neck, "Mr. Devonshire, why do I feel like there are so many little lights flying around?"
"Are there?" William replied, looking into her clear eyes. He cast a dispel spell on her without thinking.
As the magic dispersed, Emily clutched him tightly, whispering, "Don't go, don't go. Please don't leave me."
"Emily, what's wrong?" Duke, who had been watching her, rushed over with concern. "Sweetheart, are you feeling okay?"
"No, no," she shook her head, waving him off. "Daddy, you're scaring the little lights away. Please go."
Simple-minded and unaware of why the magical energy had left, Emily quickly blamed her father.
"Nothing's wrong," William reassured both Emily and Duke. "She's probably just hungry. Low blood sugar can make people imagine things."
Then he whispered to the pouting Emily, "The lights might have left because they don't like people talking about them. So, if you keep it a secret, they might come back soon."
"Really?" Emily asked, her eyes lighting up.
"Maybe. Let's be patient and see. In the meantime, are you hungry, Emily? Maybe if we have a snack, the little lights will return once you're full."
"Alright," Emily nodded thoughtfully, then whispered, "Mr. Devonshire, you'll keep this a secret for me, won't you?"
"Of course, I'll keep it a secret," William smiled, releasing the spell in his hands.
He asked Duke for an energy bar, unwrapped it, and handed it to Emily. Wanting the little lights to come back soon, Emily immediately began munching on it eagerly, pausing every few bites to close her eyes and sense the magic again.
When she finished, her face lit up with joy. Leaning close to William's ear, she whispered excitedly, "Mr. Devonshire, I feel the little lights again! They really came back."
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