Victoria’s ambition and vision were overwhelming, far greater than Andrew had ever considered. He had never thought that far ahead, yet she was already imagining uniting the martial world of North and South, even rising to become one of the supreme figures of the entire Holtrien nation.
He joked, “Victoria, do you know what I sometimes think? If my father had married you back then, maybe he wouldn’t be in such a miserable state today.”
Victoria gave him a playful glare. “I’m being serious, and you’re trying to change the subject. But fine, Andrew, then tell me. Why would things be different if Reggie married me?”
Andrew’s tone turned earnest. “Because you’re someone of ideas, ambition, and intelligence. Even though you’re a woman, the shrewdness and drive I see in you surpass many of the clan leaders in Chetvine. If you had been born into one of those great houses or a royal family, you would have become a legendary matriarch without a doubt.”
Victoria covered her mouth and laughed softly. “Brat, all you do is tease me. But talk is cheap. Putting it into action still falls on you. I am nothing more than a cripple now. I can’t help you anymore.”
Her eyes flickered with a trace of disappointment as she spoke.
Andrew’s heart ached at her words. He said, “Victoria, don’t worry. I’ll find a way to restore your martial strength.”
However, she shook her head with bitter resignation. “Foolish boy, don’t push yourself for me. I’ve trained in martial arts my entire life, since I was three years old. I endured endless hardship, never slacking, never resting.
“One, because I came from nothing, with no support in my sect, always facing death, so I had no choice but to get stronger. Two, because in my youth, I longed to see the bright, dazzling world beyond.
“So, I worked harder than anyone else, far beyond what most could endure. And because I gave everything, I know better than anyone how hard-won martial attainment truly is.”
She continued, “For most, reaching senior grandmaster is enough to secure a family’s peace and prosperity for generations. A martial king can dominate a region, guarding his family as it thrives. A martial saint can found a sect, rule across the land, or serve the great houses, enjoying endless wealth and glory.
“But the higher you climb, the less beautiful it becomes, because the heights are cold and filled with fear. Everything in this world, every gain, comes with a hidden price tag. Once lost, it all becomes nothing. To regain it is almost impossible. Youth fades, years vanish, and martial power is no exception. Once the core is shattered, all effort turns to dust. A lifetime’s work ends in nothing but emptiness.”
Her face carried only self-deprecation by the end.
Andrew felt his chest tighten as anger, guilt, and regret battled across his face. But Victoria’s cold hands suddenly clasped his, her cheeks flushing pink.
Andrew instinctively tried to pull back, but in the end, he stayed still, awkward and silent.
Victoria’s lips parted slightly, her voice trembling. “Foolish boy, no longer young. But when I see a man like you, so passionate, flesh and blood, brimming with talent… I can’t help but remember my own youthful pride.”
Her eyes glimmered with longing. “If I were still young, still at the age of Lauren, Fran, or Aspen… Andrew, I would have pursued you, and I would have made sure to become a woman you could never forget.”
With that, she yanked her hands back as if burned and pretended to examine the room’s screen, her heart pounding in her chest.
Andrew was left speechless. After all, Victoria was from Reginald’s generation, even one of his father’s past flames. For her to say such things now felt unbearably awkward.
Just then, Miles hurried in, his face tense. “Mr. Lloyd, your men are looking for you. Something seems to have gone wrong.”