Rising from the Ashes BY Only For You

Chapter 1769

After a moment of silence, Andrew smiled calmly. "Governor McCormick, let's not beat around the bush. I think what you just said was a reminder that I've been expanding too quickly, which has made you uneasy, right?"

Derek looked surprised, then let out a short laugh. "You sure don't beat around the bush. Here I was, trying to be subtle. You're right, Mr. Lloyd. I am indeed uneasy."

He explained, "Gabo Creek province already has enough troublemakers. The Three Titans alone constantly exhaust me, and now there's you added to the mix. If we switched places and you were sitting in my position, how would you feel?"

Andrew nodded. "I get where you're coming from. When someone below keeps expanding unchecked, the result is always the same: things spiral out of control. You're the head of this state, so naturally, that's the last thing you want. But I'll say this-you can trust me."

Derek raised an eyebrow and asked, "Can you give me just one reason to trust you?"

Andrew looked him in the eye and laughed.

Andrew met his gaze and smiled. "For the greater good of everyone!"

Derek shook his head. "Not good enough. Not even close."

Andrew said, "Then how about this? To fix the system, empower the marginalized, save forgotten knowledge, and build a better future."

"You sound like you're running for President. So no, still

"Governor McCormick, do you remember something you once told me? You said you studied abroad at Chetvine. While you were there, you met someone brilliant in every way, someone who left a lasting

I remember. It's true. To this day, that man sticks in my memory, but I never got

"After becoming governor, did you ever use

did some digging. All I learned was that he came from the royal family of Chetvine. As

solemnly, "Well, you might not know,

he was from the Lloyds

jaw dropped as

the Lloyds royal family, and their lifelong mission has always

to suppress the storm of emotions brewing inside him, Derek's arm trembled as he clenched

I

in the

of the

for their unwavering loyalty and sacrifice. For the past

Gabo Creek,