At the time, if Andrew had not rescued him, Jerome would most likely have been surrounded and killed. In any other major family, Eric would have been tortured to death for his betrayal.
However, Jerome was kindhearted and a humane elder. He also felt guilty about his adopted son, so deep down, he never wanted to hold Eric accountable for what happened.
Jerome said, “Andrew, I no longer have any interest in competing for the alliance leader position. After going through these ups and downs, I’ve let go of many things. Eric may need looking after in the future, and I must trouble you with that.”
Andrew straightened and replied seriously, “You honor me with such trust. If it’s something I can do, then I’ll certainly do it.”
Jerome’s face lit up with relief as he nodded. “Good, then I won’t hold back. I plan to head west to Basoria to investigate the cause of Hunter’s death. While there, I’ll also meet the renowned Assassin’s Guild. This trip may take half a year, but I’ll seek you out again when I return to Gabo Creek. By then, whatever you need, I’ll see it done.”
Andrew smiled. “I wouldn’t dare order you around. Please go and do what you must. As for Eric, I’ll watch over him like an older brother and make sure he doesn’t stray.”
Standing to the side, Eric gave a disdainful snort, his face full of contempt. Yet, Jerome’s heart felt warm because he could see the change in his adopted son. Though Eric pretended to be cold, he had clearly become less reclusive and steadier while traveling with Andrew, and that was exactly what Jerome, as a father, wanted to see.
At their parting, Jerome looked at Eric and spoke hesitantly. “Eric, I’m leaving now. Do you…”
He was not good with words, so he did not know what nice things to say.
Eric cut him off flatly. “Mr. Thornton, if you’re leaving, then just go. Don’t waste words.”
Jerome sighed, gave Andrew a bitter smile, and turned away.
Andrew called out, “Mr. Thornton, wait!”
Jerome turned around in surprise, his eyes questioning.
Andrew rubbed his nose awkwardly. “Actually, I’ve had a secret I wanted to tell you since we first met at Goldridge. But the situation was urgent, and I never found the right opportunity to speak up. The thing is, I actually know your old friend, Reginald Lloyd. He’s actually my father!”
Jerome’s mouth dropped wide open in shock. He stared at Andrew in disbelief for a long time before coming back to his senses.
He muttered, “No wonder… It finally makes sense… Both of you have the same surname, both equally inhuman monsters! Great! That’s very good! Reginald has an heir. Now, I no longer have any regrets for going north back then.”
He laughed heartily three times, and he looked at Andrew with even more warmth before departing gracefully.
Eric stared hard at Andrew, unable to believe it. “You’re saying you’re from the Chetvine Lloyd family royalty? Reginald, that towering giant, is your father? Andrew, did you hit your head last night and start spouting nonsense?”
Even with his aloof and eccentric nature, Eric could not help but be shaken. He thought being the adopted son of the Southern Martial Alliance’s leader was already prestigious enough. However, this guy turned out to be the direct son of the Chetvine Lloyd family’s ruling line.
In an instant, Eric’s pride was crushed from every angle. He could not help but think life was unfair.