novelraw Chapter 369: Monumental Military Achievements Make the Shaw Family a Unique Entity
Chapter 369: Monumental Military Achievements Make the Shaw Family a Unique Entity
Richard Shaw rarely smiled. The man felt a headache coming on; it had been years since he’d stepped down, yet people still refused to change how they addressed him.
"Sit inside; it’s cold outside." Richard replied with a steady smile.
Shaw Commander—an iron-blooded figure whose entire life had revolved around discipline and strength—could never turn away his comrades, men who had shared the same life-and-death struggle in the military. Every year, the matriarch would hand over space in the mansion for these gatherings as if hoping that the camaraderie of old would spark some renewed vigor in him.
Before long, the Shaw Mansion’s main hall was filled with a roomful of men—backs straight in impeccably pressed uniforms, radiating an unmistakable vibrancy. From foot soldiers to colonels, ranks varied, branches differed, specialties spanned across sectors, yet they all sat together in harmonious spirit.
No other place, no substitute, could replicate such a scenario. Especially in recent years, the more classified the matters were, the greater caution people exercised to avoid unnecessary attention. But the Shaw Mansion stood apart.
In the entirety of the Imperial City, there was only one place like the Shaw Mansion. Richard’s parents had sacrificed their lives for their country, martyrs of national service. The family’s towering contributions to the military had transformed the Shaw lineage into a special symbol, an existence distinct from others.
As conversations grew lively, the group glanced at their leader. His emotions remained level—not cheerful, but neither clouded by despair as they’d seen in the past. Their hearts were eased, thankful that the commander now had his son to care for, or his stoic character might have truly unraveled.
Sober expressions briefly surfaced, before the group chatted a bit more. Not wishing to overstay, they finally rose to take their leave.
Richard Shaw accompanied his guests to the door, leaving only Swann behind.
"Just now, news came from South Asia," Swann reported. "The Golden Triangle’s warlord invited a fireworks dynasty from the United Kingdom to put on a show. The entire region is now bathed in fireworks. The commotion is intense, stirring discontent among opposing factions in the underworld. They’re all itching to move."
Swann presented the latest intelligence. Griffith Squire’s enemies stretched across the globe—a daunting thought for someone who began life as an orphan, rising from the chaos and shadows of such a grim locale. Yet step by step, Griffith had grown his influence, devouring countless rival powers. His connections spanned continents, boasting a rich network of collaborators...and an even richer roster of enemies.
Richard remained silent. He hadn’t concerned himself with these matters for years. Though formally retired, the higher-ups had never quite agreed to his departure. In reality, his time had been treated like an extended leave—unsolvable issues still found their way to him. Whether he chose to engage or not, subordinates continued to report sensitive occurrences, unwilling to act without his acknowledgment.
"Additionally, we’ve tracked Griffith Squire’s men operating near Brocade City, which is..." Swann stopped short, unwilling to speak further. The matter involving the Madam had become taboo within the military. A few months prior, an attempt to investigate her ancestral origins had shaken the commander deeply; yet subsequent inquiries yielded no trace.
The Buddha Beads in Richard’s hand abruptly halted mid-turn. Minutes passed before he spoke, resolute and iron-willed: "On the eighth day of the new year, I’ll make a trip to South Asia. Let’s test his depth."
As South Asia’s Chinese New Year’s Eve fireworks concluded, the fleeting prosperity slipped into haunting stillness.
The three generations of the Leclair Family remained deep in conversation. Delphine returned to South Asia, her body weighed down from her long journey. During dinner, she excused herself quietly to bathe. Toweling her hair dry, she heard Isaac Leclair’s crisp voice from outside her door: "Sister, Brother said he’ll give you a gift for the New Year, and Little Isaac wants to give you one too."
Delphine opened the door to find the nine-year-old boy standing in the hallway, fidgeting like a miniature adult. The moment she opened the door, he thrust a beautifully wrapped envelope into her hand, then bolted away in a flurry of shy excitement.
Delphine called after him, but he was already gone. She tore open the envelope to reveal a hand-drawn comic. In it, three small figures were featured; the young boy grinning widely, linking arms with his brother and her, happiness sketched all the way to the edges of their faces.
An ache swelled in her chest.