His father humi:liated him and made him sit with the chauffeurs for being “a failure,” but he was stunned when the most powerful man in the country walked into the wedding just to greet him.

Leo gently placed the glass on the table. He stood up. He didn’t do so hastily, but with a deliberate slowness and a natural elegance that suddenly made his simple clothes seem like a formal uniform. He straightened his back, squared his shoulders, and lifted his chin.

And then, the impossible happened.

The Secretary of National Defense, the man before whom politicians trembled, dug his heels in, brought his right hand to the visor of his cap and executed a perfect military salute, rigid and full of reverential respect.

“Good evening, sir!” thundered the General’s voice, echoing in every corner of the room.

Leo returned the greeting with impeccable technical precision, relaxed yet authoritative.

“Rest, General,” Leo said in a calm voice.

The group of soldiers lowered their hands in unison.