---- Chapter 3173 The next day arrived, and the weather was still bright and clear. Andrew stood at the highest point of Throne Hall and looked out over the entire Wastnds. Merchants, mercenaries, and refugees were gradually entering Throne City. Little by little, the city returned to a scene of bustling prosperity. Conrad sighed and said, "Honestly, if you stayed overseas as an uncrowned king and lived like this for the rest of your life, it would not be bad at all." Andrew smiled and said, "I have thought about it too.
After I settle the grudges back home and find my father in the Veiled Paradise, I might actually considering back to Throne City to retire." Conrad smiled wistfully. "I really envy you. But that''s all I can do, envy. Achievements like yours, bing king of the Ounds, aren''t something just anyone can aplish." Franz walked over and patted Conrad''s shoulder. "Here you are again, getting all sentimental! But you''re not wrong. Andrew''s aplishments now are beyond your reach. Conrad, no need to put yourself down, but you also have to face reality." ---- Conrad stood up respectfully.
"You''re right, Mr. Hearst. But I''m not the man I used to be. I understand my own worth clearly now. Franz nodded. "It''s not that I''m deliberately bringing up the past. But your old way of thinking really deserved criticism. You and Andrew are both outstanding men of Holtrien, yet you ended up in a serious fight. I wasn''t in the country then, or I would have pped some sense into you!" Conrad''s face flushed. He nced at Andrew, who seemed focused on the distance and not paying attention, which made him feel a little relieved. He pleaded with Franz, "Mr.
Hearst, could we please not talk about the old days anymore? I truly recognize my faults now. Not to mention that Andrew has let bygones be bygones. Just the fact that Mr. Lloyd Senior trained me in the Ounds without holding my past against me is enough for me to be endlessly grateful. If I were still foolish enough to cause trouble, I''d be worse than an animal." Franz chuckled.
"You''re a good kid at heart, and I believe in you Go and get ready; we''re returning home soon." Conrad understood that Franz wanted to speak with Andrew alone and that his presence was inconvenient, so he wisely got up and walked away. ---- Franz was silent for a moment, then smiled at Andrew. "Andrew, what do you think of Conrad now?" Andrew smiled back. "Mr. Hearst, you''re worried I might make things difficult for him or still hold a grudge, aren''t you?" Franz gave a wryugh. "I really can''t hide anything from you.
I''m a soldier of Holtrien, and the only reason I''ve been drifting overseas all these years is a single purpose: to serve my country, with no regrets. So, I hope to see you and Conrad both well, at the very least, not killing each other. That would be a loss for Holtrien. You are both pirs of the nation, especially you." He sighed and added, "I have no right to lecture you now and can find no fault with you. But Andrew, for this return home, I have just one request. I hope you will act with the bigger picture in mind." Andrew raised an eyebrow. "Mr.
Hearst, are you saying I shouldn''t kill anyone? Or that I should just let all the old grievances go?" Franz quickly rified, "Not at all. My heart is for the country, but I''m not rigid, and I would never ask you to swallow all your past grievances and injustices. On the contrary, if you have revenge to take, take it, and if you have grudges to settle, settle them. I only ask that you do not go too far, like wiping out entire families ---- or erasing everyonepletely." He chuckled awkwardly. "That would be somewhat excessive and wouldn''t look good." Andrew snorted coldly.
"So, that old fox Philip knew I wasing back and got anxious right away, didn''t he? He sent you a message to whisper in my ear?" Franz waved his hands dismissively. "Andrew, don''t think of it that way. I know you''re very dissatisfied with the General. But these words are my own thoughts. If they upset you, I won''t speak of them again."