Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet

After a quick survey of the surroundings to confirm all was safe, William took a few steps to pick up the coat lying on the ground. Giving it a few shakes, he checked that the coat was in good condition before casually slipping it on. Smiling, he waved at the distant television camera, gave an "OK" gesture, followed by a thumbs-up, then turned and ascended the steps into the main building.

Those watching the broadcast couldn't help but admire William's composure, and many women were so thrilled by his cool demeanor that they covered their mouths, squealing excitedly as he nonchalantly put on his coat.

As soon as William entered the building, he was shown to a suite where Agnes, who was having her scraped knee treated by a doctor, beckoned him over.

As William approached, Agnes immediately gave him a big hug, repeatedly thanking him, saying, "Thank you, thank you, thank you for saving me."

Not accustomed to such embraces, William awkwardly patted Agnes on the shoulder. Noticing his stiffness, she let him go with a laugh, then adopted a formal tone.

"All of Germany is grateful to you, William. I'm going to award you the Grand Cross of the Star-Rank Epaulet Medal."

"It's an honor, ma'am," William replied with a smile. However, he didn't take the honor too seriously. He didn't think saving Agnes made him the most beloved figure in Germany, and as for medals, they were just symbolic—something William didn't care much about.

Standing beside Agnes, Phillip saw William's expression and immediately understood. William clearly didn't realize that the Grand Cross of the Star-Rank Epaulet Medal was the highest honor a non-German could receive.

This award carried not only honor but also other benefits. Phillip decided not to explain, preferring to let William be pleasantly surprised when he discovered them on his own.

Phillip moved closer to William, his face full of warmth. "Thank you," he said.

The kindness in Phillip's expression unsettled William a bit. He feared Phillip might suggest marrying his granddaughter off to him or something similar. Thankfully, a sudden, urgent knock on the door interrupted the moment.

"Come in," Phillip said, resuming his serious demeanor.

As the door opened, Charles rushed in, his face full of panic. "Father, I just received word. The leaders of Island Nation and Maple Leaf Nation have been confirmed dead, and Mr. Benjamin Arthur from the USA has also been attacked by unknown assailants. His whereabouts are currently unknown. Fortunately, Kelner Bacon from France escaped a bomb attack, and Antonio Gosman from Italy, who was at Westminster Abbey, has also been unharmed so far."

At that moment, William's phone rang, cutting through the tense atmosphere. He checked the caller ID—it was Catherine.

As soon as he answered, he was greeted by the intense sound of gunfire. "Help me, William! Come to the cathedral quickly! We're trapped inside, and there's a group of attackers outside assaulting the cathedral," she screamed into the phone over the sound of gunfire.

Since they were inside, Catherine's desperate voice and the sharp sounds of gunfire were audible to Phillip, Charles, and Agnes.

Of course, William knew he had to help. This was the perfect chance to earn the gratitude of England's elite. However, he didn't respond immediately; instead, he glanced at Phillip.

Phillip barely hesitated before giving a discreet nod of approval.

Understanding William's intentions, Phillip had no desire to cause trouble at this critical moment. Besides, the cathedral was full of high-ranking officials and nobility. Unless everyone inside the cathedral was wiped out, anyone attempting to interfere with a rescue would face severe backlash from the entire upper class. Phillip couldn't even imagine the chaos that would ensue if everyone in the cathedral were killed.

Returning his gaze to his phone, William deliberately pressed the speakerphone button and said, "I need authorization to eliminate any armed suspicious individuals."

"No problem! You've got it; you've got it!" an older man's voice came urgently through the phone.

Seeing William's puzzled expression, Charles quickly explained, "That was Richard. He's in charge of all defensive matters. With his authorization, you can do whatever you think is right. Just be careful not to abuse it, or there will be trouble afterward."

"Damn it, Charles! You're wasting time," Richard shouted, clearly impatient with Charles' detailed explanation.

"I'm Richard, William Devonshire. I authorize you to use any means necessary to rescue the people inside the cathedral. You have full clearance to eliminate any suspicious individuals. FK, hurry up! Our defenses are too weak, and the cathedral's barricades won't hold much longer."

A sudden explosion sounded, followed by a power outage that darkened all of London. The call disconnected with a series of beeps.

A knock sounded again at the door. This time, before Phillip could respond, someone rushed in with alarming news. "Benjamin Arthur's Marine One helicopter and its two escort helicopters were shot down. What should we do?"

"What should we do? Call the police and have them search for Benjamin," Phillip shouted, exasperated.

"Yes, yes," the aide quickly nodded.

"Wait," Charles stopped the aide, glancing at his father, and added, "Take people to escort His Majesty and Agnes to the underground safe room."

Phillip immediately caught on, nodding in approval. "Secure the defensive personnel and join us in the safe room afterward. I'll wait there with the family," he instructed Charles, before turning to Agnes.

"Come along, Agnes. We need to stay out of the way so that everyone can work effectively. As long as we're safe, they can carry out their duties without concern."

"You're absolutely right," Agnes replied knowingly, fully aware that Phillip and Charles were prioritizing their family's safety over that of Benjamin Arthur. In her eyes, however, this was perfectly reasonable—no one's life was more important than their own.

As they were about to leave, Phillip deliberately slowed his pace, then leaned in to whisper to William, "We're English, remember?"

"Of course," William replied with a grin, understanding Phillip's meaning perfectly. "Don't worry; with me at the cathedral, I won't miss this chance to earn England's gratitude."

Phillip patted William on the shoulder. "Be careful."

Watching Phillip and the others head toward the back of the building, William exited the main building and addressed Sunday. "Give me a status update on the situation at the cathedral."

"Yes, sir. There are currently over fifty armed assailants aggressively assaulting the cathedral. Based on my assessment, the defensive forces inside can hold out for about seven more minutes. 

After that, unless we deploy our spider robots inside the cathedral, the outcome is uncertain."

"Seven minutes? Just enough time," William smirked.

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