Chapter 2001
In a modest residential area in the Onza district of Zovince, Teddy sat
comfortably, fully immersed in the day’s national news broadcast. The
headlines flickered across the screen, capturing his attention.
“Severe floods ravaged the West End of Chanaea, displacing hundreds of
thousands. The chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, Teddy, promptly
called upon all sectors of society to donate aid and dispatched teams to the
disaster areas for relief.
“Teddy generously donated fifteen million in private funds to the disaster
zone. The chairman, known for his frugal lifestyle, consistently dedicated
himself to charitable and public welfare initiatives…”
As Teddy absorbed the headlines and summaries, a satisfied smile graced
his face, a reflection of his commitment to the community. Just then, a
sudden ping interrupted his thoughts. An anonymous message had arrived,
revealing the latest movements of Mackenzie, the chairman of the Nuthana
Chamber of Commerce.
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Chapter 2001 The Struggle in the West End
After a moment’s contemplation, Teddy decided it was time to act. He quickly
summoned his assistant, Levi, along with the four key envoys, who swiftly
gathered in the elegantly arranged meeting room.
“I apologize for calling you here tonight on such short notice,” Teddy began,
his tone serious yet approachable. “However, a matter of urgency has arisen
that requires your assistance.”
Teddy took it upon himself to personally arrange the banquet, extending his
utmost courtesy to the five individuals.
“Mr. Tanner, please, feel free to give us your orders,” Levi said respectfully, his
demeanor confident and unwavering. The four envoys remained standing,
ready to listen, their expressions keen and attentive.
“Here’s the situation,” Teddy explained, his gaze steady. “I received
information from Nuthana indicating that Mackenzie intends to travel to the
West End. She likely aims to rally support.”
He paused, ensuring the weight of his words sank in. “The West End
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represents our weakest foothold. Should she succeed in her mission, it could
jeopardize my re–election and, by extension, disrupt the national elections.
For the sake of stability in Chanaea, we cannot allow that woman to
succeed.*
“Understood. We will take her down,” Aora responded, saluting with
determination, her spirit resolute.
Teddy suddenly erupted in laughter, pointing at Aora with an amused glint in
his eyes. “Aora, how should I praise you? You’re so quick to resort to violence!
That will not do, especially when dealing with women; one must be gentle,
you understand?”
Aora rolled his eyes, fully aware of Teddy’s playful intent but unable to resist
replying, “Mr. Tanner, we know you possess a kind heart and act for the good
of the nation. While we might refrain from outright murder if Mackenzie were
to accidentally meet her end, we wouldn’t exactly be obligated to save her,
would we?”
Teddy laughed again, his demeanor light and infectious. “Aora, handle it as
Chapter 2001 The Struggle in the West End
you see fit. I trust you to avoid unnecessary bloodshed.”
With a respectful bow, Aora turned to lead his three companions out of the
room. As they departed, they muttered among themselves, a knowing
camaraderie evident in their voices. The common people might not grasp
who Teddy truly was, but they did.
“It’s exhausting to keep up appearances,” one of them remarked.
“Mr. Tanner, they seem to misunderstand you,” Levi observed after the four
had left. A soft sigh escaped him, the weight of his loyalty evident. His
dedication to Teddy stemmed from genuine admiration, a stark contrast to
the self–serving motivations of Aora and the others.
“Haha, how many true confidants does one encounter in life?” Teddy replied,
his relaxed demeanor unshaken as he sipped his drink. A sense of
melancholy flickered across his features. “In this world, one can either be
mundane or solitary. When perched high above, the chill sets in. To have
even one or two true friends is a blessing–enough. Haha…”
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Chapter 2001 The Struggle in the West End
7253
Levi found himself in awe of Teddy’s poise. While many perceived him as a
villainous hypocrite, Levi knew the truth: Teddy genuinely cared for the
nation’s people. Some bloodshed, he reasoned, was simply the consequence
of justice.
“By the way, Mr. Tanner, here is the Dragon Tome that Aora brought back,”
Levi seized the opportunity to present a weathered book. “It is said that
mastering this internal skill can extend one’s lifespan. You are vital to the
stability of Chanaea, and I suggest you ponder its contents.”
Teddy accepted the tome, contemplating it with a thoughtful expression
before bursting into laughter. “How can you be certain it is authentic?”
Levi hesitated, shaking his head slowly. “I cannot confirm its authenticity. It is
up to you to discern the truth.”
In his eyes, Teddy was a sage–a wise man capable of discerning reality from
deception.
“Very well, I will give it due consideration.” He tucked the book away, then
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suddenly inquired, “What do you think of this young man, Gautier?”
“He is a remarkable individual,” Levi replied, not holding back in his praise. “He
embodies many traits of a great leader patience, an ability to conceal his
brilliance, and both courage and ruthlessness. Most importantly, he
possesses a keen sense of timing. If given the right circumstances, he might
very well become another president like yourself.”
“Haha… so you’re saying I am also ruthless?” Teddy threw back his head,
laughter spilling from his lips like a refreshing spring.
“Mr. Tanner, I didn’t mean it that way.”
Levi, feeling the heat of embarrassment rise, broke into a cold sweat. He
rushed to clarify, “Mr. Tanner, you are just and righteous. Thus, your
ruthlessness serves the greater good of the country.”
“Enough already. No more flattery that might backfire. Hahaha…”
Teddy waved his hand dismissively, his laughter echoing in the room. He had
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Chapter 2001 The Struggle in the West End
鐘
no intention of lingering on the topic. Yet, a sudden sigh escaped him as he
added, “Whether you call me just or evil, my greatest regret is that I have no
heir,”
Levi understood the weight of Teddy’s words and the pain that hung over him
like a dark cloud.
Teddy’s wife, Catherine, had endured a severe injury in her youth that
rendered her unable to bear children.
As for Teddy’s other brothers, their offspring were a mixed bag. His daughter,
Yuna, shone with talent in both arts and skills. However, his sons were nothing
more than disappointments, unable to rise to the occasion.
No matter how great Teddy was, he found himself with no one to pass his
legacy to, and the thought gnawed at him.
“Mr. Tanner, are you suggesting you want to train Gautier?”
Levi gasped in surprise, the realization dawning on him. “This young man
could be useful to us, but he is not to be trusted. His ambitions may be vast,
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and his loyalties are uncertain.”
Teddy chuckled heartily, waving his hand again. “I merely have that thought
in mind. Even if I were willing, he may not share my desires. Let’s see if he
proves loyal to me first.”
Levi sighed heavily, feeling the gravity of the situation.
After their conversation, Levi took his leave, the door closing softly behind
him.
Left alone, Teddy held the Dragon Tome in his hands, its ancient pages whispering secrets. As he studied it closely, an eerie sensation enveloped him, drawing him into an illusion. A sudden, intense pain throbbed in his head
and he felt as if the world around him blurred.
Desperation surged within him, and finally, after striking himself with a fist, he
spat out blood, jolting back to reality. He had narrowly escaped the clutches
of madness.
“Damn it,” he cursed under his breath.
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Chapter 2001 The Struggle in the West End
Teddy, usually exuding an air of authority, felt an uncontrollable rage swell
within him. In a fit of frustration, he hurled the ancient text to the ground,
where it lay as a forgotten relic.
From his earlier conversation with Levi, he pieced together the text’s origins. It
seemed the hidden Summerton family had deliberately set a trap, hoping
that anyone ambitious enough to grasp the Dragon Tome would descend
into madness and meet a grim fate.
“Those treacherous Summertons must be eradicated to prevent future
troubles,” Teddy seethed, his voice laced with venom.
“Teddy, what’s wrong?”
A gentle voice suddenly floated in from outside the room, interrupting his
thoughts.
“Catherine, what brings you here?”
Teddy opened the door, surprise washing over him as he saw his wife
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Chapter 2001 The Struggle in the West End
standing there.
He knew all too well that he had made many enemies. In his efforts to maintain a clean image, he often chose to reside in ordinary homes and frequently changed his location, always on guard against vengeful foes.
It was rare for them to see each other, making Catherine’s unexpected visit
all the more startling.
However, upon noticing the injuries on Catherine’s body, alarm surged within
him like a thunderclap. “What happened? Why are you so badly hurt?”
“I was attacked,” she replied calmly, as though sharing the mundane details
of an everyday occurrence.