Andrew frowned. “But Victoria, the King of Gabo Creek is the top figure in both the martial world and underworld of Gabo Creek.” He was worried. “If I unilaterally declare myself to hold such an honor, the Fischer family and the Phelan family will probably have objections.”
Victoria scoffed dismissively. “If they have objections, it’s too late. These two powerhouses haven’t made much noise or commotion over the years. They’re just relying on long-term accumulation and their ancestors’ achievements.
“Meanwhile, you’re in your prime, shining brighter than ever. You wiped out the Driscoll family and took their place in one bold stroke. Your momentum is unstoppable. Both the underworld and martial world will only recognize you now, and even if some don’t like it, they’ll measure themselves against the Driscolls.
“If they can’t match them, they won’t dare provoke you. They’ll bend to you instead. This is the best timing.”
Andrew nodded, then looked at her seriously. “Victoria, you’ve always wanted me to become King of Gabo Creek. But you know that fame and wealth mean nothing to me. Whether I hold the title or not, I won’t remain confined forever. So, why do you still insist on me taking this crown?”
Victoria’s expression hardened. “Since you’re asking so sincerely, I’ll tell you. First, martial life isn’t only about fighting; it’s about power, respect, and human dealings. You may be outstanding, even a hidden dragon waiting to rise, but in this world, people live by reputation the way a tree lives by its bark."
She continued, “When your name rings loud enough, you’ll find doors open wider than ever, and things flow smoothly. But that’s only one small reason I want you to be King of Gabo Creek. The greater reason is that your true enemies are not here. They’re in the den of wolves, in Chetvine.”
Her eyes grew distant as she recalled. “You know that place better than I ever could, since you were born into it. When Reggie was young, he promised to take me and Tiana to Chetvine to rise together. We were both spellbound by him back then, willing to do anything he said… but on that matter, we were perfectly clear-headed. We both refused.”
She exhaled softly. “Do you know why? At the heart of it, we were afraid. Outside Chetvine, women like us could survive with beauty, strength, and skill. We would always be admired. But inside Chetvine, women like us would often end up as nothing but cannon fodder.
“Andrew, your enemies and the enemies of the Lloyds royal family are not only numerous but terrifying. If you become King of Gabo Creek, you’ll have another power base to rely on, and that gives me peace of mind about your safety.”
Her words, so earnest and full of concern, moved Andrew deeply. He nodded firmly. “Victoria, I understand your intentions now. Don’t worry, I’ll follow your advice.”
Victoria smiled. “Finally, you’ve decided to listen! But Andrew, I’ll admit I have another motive. Becoming King of Gabo Creek is only the first step. Soon, I want you to become King of the South, and eventually the leader of Holtrien’s Southern Martial Union.
“From there, I want you to lead the South against the arrogant and domineering North. If you succeed, you’ll unite Holtrien’s divided martial world once and for all. Andrew, if you accomplish this, you’ll become one of the top figures in the entire country.
“And with your hidden identity as the Lloyds’ heir and the whole royal family at your back, perhaps one day, you could stand at the very peak of this nation.”
Andrew stared at her in shock, his breath catching. The Victoria before him was graceful and elegant, her sheer gown faintly revealing the pale skin beneath. Her neck was white and slender, her figure delicate and captivating.
Yet, what struck him most was how her elegant attire made her seem softer, more vulnerable, especially now that she had lost her martial strength.