After bidding farewell to Nigel's lifeless body, Catherine stepped out of the mourning hall at Westeria Residence.
"Catherine, wait!"
Hannibal caught up with her outside, blocking her path. "Before your grandpa passed, he entrusted me with the Westeria Token. From now on, you'll wield it in his place.
"The Westeria Token holds immense power, overseeing the Intelligence Bureau, holding the highest decision-making authority in the Westeria Military Zone, and granting one of the eight key leadership roles in national defense.
"Catherine, this token carries great significance. Your grandpa entrusted it to you with boundless expectations
"Never forget—Draconia rose from nothing. It withstood the pressure of powerful nations because its people refused to surrender! Their unyielding determination is what kept this country standing.
"And remember this—a nation's honor is not earned through submission or flattery. It's built on independence, unity, and resilience!
"Any act of bowing to foreign influence or deceiving one's people is nothing but hypocrisy.
"This token is a symbol of responsibility. You must wield it with strength and stand firm against oppression.
"Just like what you swore before your grandpa's memorial. Even if everything ahead is filled with despair, you would rather give up your life than let our last shred of dignity be trampled!"
Tears streamed down Catherine's face as she clutched the token tightly. "Dad, I swear I won't forget! I'll carry on Grandpa's legacy. No matter how difficult the road ahead, I'll never submit to those who choose disgrace over honor!"
Hannibal gently wiped her tears away and placed Lord Westeria's gun in her hands.
"Catherine, I can't stand the thought of you stepping into such danger, facing life and death!
"It's humiliating to have a girl like you shoulder the burden of our pride and honor ... "
Catherine stubbornly wiped away her tears. "So what if I'm a girl? As long as I refuse to give up, this is what youth is all about!
"Grandfather always quoted the Dragon Lord, saying that we only live once, and life and death aren't worth fearing! What truly matters is making your actions last forever.
"As for the Snow Valley incident, General Quintana issued a statement ten days ago, but it's been completely ignored. They're still caught up in endless debates, unable to reach a decision.
"When things are dragged out like this, they lose all meaning."
Hannibal shook his head bitterly. "Catherine, don't be so quick to judge. Not everything is as straightforward as you think."
Catherine sneered. "Dad, I don't want to hear it. It's suffocating!
"I don't understand these so-called diplomatic strategies. I don't know what 'the greater good' really means, nor do I care about this so-called peace for everyone.
"I'm a descendant of Lord Westeria! And I know one thing—dignity is earned through action, not begged for, and certainly not justified with empty words!
"I have nothing more to say. It's all just frustrating! Dad, take care!"
Catherine gave her father a tight hug, then turned and walked away without hesitation.
Just then, two military vehicles approached.
"Ms. McKay, please wait!"
Hadley Herrera, head of the Decision Research Directorate, stepped out, flanked by four bodyguards.
He adjusted his suit, attempting to fasten his jacket. After struggling momentarily, he realized his stomach had grown too much to allow it.
When he reached Catherine, his belly was already inches from her. Instinctively, she took a step back.
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