Governor's Speech

"For the Governor..."

Devere switched off the alarm and repeated those words.

He quickly went to the washroom, splashed water on his face, and neatly groomed his pale blond hair, his expression resolute.

When he left his room and entered the dining room, Marty had already prepared breakfast—a small piece of Sawdust Bread and Corpse Starch.

Devere sat down and ate breakfast while reading an old newspaper by the table.

It had been his father's habit, and now he had picked it up as well.

The Hive City's newspapers were now on the verge of collapse and no longer printed new editions.

He read those old papers only to remember the former splendor of the Upper Hive.

After breakfast, Devere walked to the door, put on a grim black coat, and fastened the Golden Lion Armband.

At that moment, he transformed from a young man into the Black Reaper everyone feared.

The Logistics Department now wielded immense power. It controlled the distribution of supplies in the Palatine District and even possessed the authority to forcibly collect human protein.

Even as an ordinary Logistics Department official, he was enough to inspire fear.

Marty came over to straighten his collar and instructed him,

"Serve the Governor well. Do not bring shame upon the family!"

"I will, Mother!"

This set of actions had become a ritual-like routine, constantly reminding Devere.

That was to remain loyal to the Governor!

Devere hugged Marty, then turned and left.

The instant he stepped outside, his expression turned cold and his stride became firm and resolute.

As an administrative official in the Palatine District, and one responsible for protein collection, he could not afford mercy.

Mercy meant weakness!

If the people lost their sense of awe toward him, then death would not be far away.

Those rioters and cultists would try every possible means to drive a knife into him!

Who would have imagined that a cute little girl might be hiding a dagger, capable of plunging it precisely into someone's throat?

Who would have imagined that a dim-eyed old woman might have a Bio-bomb hidden on her, yet still pull out a gun and exchange fire with Black Armor Troopers before it exploded, killing several people!

He had seen too many such things. Too many colleagues had died because of them!

So he had to be cold. He had to make people fear him!

To preserve his life.

To complete his mission.

For the Governor.

He chose to be the one who fired first, even if it might lead to mistakes!

This was the Hive City—a Hive City of deceit and danger lurking everywhere!

Pale sunlight filtered through the hazy gray fog, and large numbers of Logistics Department personnel could vaguely be seen approaching from every direction.

They were equally cold, giving slight nods to their colleagues as they gathered into ranks.

The black tide of people marched forward in silence, heading toward the Logistics Department Headquarters!

Gentle sunlight streamed into the bedroom, bringing traces of warmth.

Ron woke naturally and stretched comfortably.

After the maids helped him wash and dress, he went to the dining room, where he drank morning tea while listening to Bayev's arrangements for the day.

The most important matter that morning was visiting the Logistics Department.

For Ascension Day of the Emperor and the plans that would follow, he intended to make a certain degree of adjustments to the Logistics Department.

Nearly ten thousand Logistics Department members had already assembled and were waiting for his inspection.

Before long, under Carter's protection, Ron took a Hover Car to the Logistics Department Headquarters.

The Logistics Department Headquarters stood to the front-left of the Spire, an overall cold and black structure.

A small square lay before the building.

The square was packed with neatly formed ranks of Logistics Department personnel.

They stood ramrod straight, not daring to show the slightest slackness.

The entire area around the square had already been sealed off. The security forces deployed by the Logistics Department had established a strict perimeter.

They had to ensure the Governor's safety and avoid committing an unforgivable offense!

Devere stood slightly toward the front of the crowd, his body trembling faintly with excitement.

The Governor was about to arrive!

Ever since receiving the news, his heart had been unable to calm down.

He took a deep breath, adjusted his breathing, and straightened his body even more.

He would welcome the Governor in his best state!

After waiting nearly half an hour, the Hover Car convoy from the Spire finally arrived.

The Governor had come.

Like the others from the Logistics Department, Devere continued staring straight ahead, not daring to turn his head for a casual look. Otherwise, it would be seen as disrespect!

Ron reclined in his Hover Car seat, looking at the densely packed crowd beyond the window.

He was starting to go numb.

Oh no, my social anxiety is about to act up.

Why are there so many people?

If I'd known, I wouldn't have arranged a public speech. I could've just recorded something and sent a Mechanical Loudspeaker to deliver the message.

The Hover Car stopped.

Ron got out and exchanged pleasantries with the Logistics Department's senior officials before walking straight toward the podium at the front of the square.

As he stepped onto the podium, the stirring music of the Earth Resistance March began to play, making everyone solemn.

Below the stage, Devere finally saw what the Governor looked like.

He wore a magnificent, imposing dark-gold robe.

That young, icy face, that noble black hair—this was their great Governor!

He was so young, yet possessed astonishing ability!

After the rebellion broke out, the Governor had almost never left Spire Mansion again.

As a result, many people had never seen the Governor at all.

Though Devere had seen countless portraits of the Governor, this was the first time he had seen him in person.

He was so excited that tears nearly fell.

The other young people from the Logistics Department beside him were equally excited.

They had all received the most orthodox Loyalty education in the Palatine District and were the Governor's most devout supporters!

Ron steadied himself at the podium as the music came to an end.

Seeing the sea of people below, he took a deep breath.

Actually, from this distance, with so many people, he could not make out what anyone below looked like anyway.

He just needed to follow the script and read it to the end.

Thump, thump!

Ron instinctively tapped the microphone in front of him, and a sound came through.

"Good morning, everyone..."

"Hail!"

The moment Ron spoke, everyone in the square stomped their feet in unison. The synchronized crash of boots made the entire square tremble.

They stood at attention and gave him the Aquila Salute.

The black tide, the overwhelming reverence, filled Ron with an inexplicable sense of awe.

The scene likewise inspired those below the stage. He could vaguely sense their confidence rising.

The Power of Hope was gathering!

Next, Ron began reading from the prepared speech.

The script truly deserved to have been written by a professional writer from the Administratum. It perfectly expressed what he wanted to say.

And it was immensely inspiring.

Even he, the speaker, felt somewhat moved.

From now on, he would have that writer prepare all his speeches!

In truth, the content of the entire speech was quite simple.

Put plainly, it meant: everyone had worked hard, and their Governor had found a way to solve the problem.

Please trust the Palatine District, work hard with him, and they would not be treated poorly when the time came.

Put even more simply—

Selling them a dream.

Perhaps it was because of their Loyalty education, or perhaps previous Governors had been too aloof and high above everyone else.

Ron's slightly heartfelt speech brought the Logistics Department personnel below the stage to tears.

The Power of Hope rose by nearly three thousand points on the spot!