Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 3123

Andrew sneered. "On the surface, you act like you don't care, but deep down, you know exactly how serious the consequences of my words are. You can kill me, but the Cathedral's war in the Wastelands absolutely cannot fail.

"If your actions cause the Cathedral's efforts to crumble and tens of thousands of Vindicators to die for nothing, Arya, I'm afraid you'll be the one who ends up dead. The Pope will probably personally burn you at the stake in Lomuia's execution grounds."

Arya took a deep breath. "No matter what you say, it's useless. Andrew, I will purge you. The darkness in your heart and the evil within you can never coexist with me."

She sheathed her white greatsword and leaped down from the City Lord's Mansion walls, quickly disappearing into the night.

Andrew let out a long breath. That insane woman had to be dealt with, one way or another.

The next day, as soon as dawn broke, Andrew brought Petra and headed for Aurora City. He did not bring anyone else along.

When Vance saw Andrew arrive, his expression was not particularly welcoming. Still, he politely gestured for Andrew to sit down.

"Your Highness, I've noticed Aurora City's morale seems pretty low these past couple of days," Andrew said with a smile as soon as he sat down.

Vance snorted coldly. Instead of answering, he countered, "I heard you gained the Highland Tribe's loyalty?"

Andrew did not hide it. "I just got lucky and picked up a bargain."

Jealousy and wariness flashed in Vance's eyes as he replied with a forced smile. "The Highland Tribe is known for its pride, fierce nature, and unyielding spirit. Guess they're not all that, after all. Andrew, you're really something, forcing them to work for you like that."

Andrew smiled. "You're reading too much into it. The Highland Tribe chose to follow me willingly."

Vance waved dismissively. "Everyone knows what kind of person you are, so there's no need to brag about yourself. Just tell me, what's your business coming to Aurora City?"

Andrew felt contempt in his heart. Vance always assumed that he had used extreme methods to force the Highland Tribe into submission. However, the truth was something Vance would never imagine.

He suddenly erupted in anger.

Andrew ignored him and instead looked at the attendant standing beside Vance.

Andrew had noticed the lady once before at Abyss City. Initially, there was nothing particularly noteworthy about her. Still, whenever Vance lost control of his emotions, this attendant's reactions seemed to fluctuate accordingly.

Moreover, Andrew had caught glimpses that suggested this attendant harbored unusually intense hostility toward him.

'She wants to kill me!'

The thought surfaced in Andrew's mind, and his gaze gradually turned ice-cold. He hesitated, wondering whether he should make a small move to test this person out.