Alone
Xiao Ran left the crowded hall and headed up the stairs to the higher floors of the Governor's Mansion. Vireta led the way, with Jeremiah following behind.
To Jeremiah, Xiao Ran's actions just now could only be described as reckless. When he had brought Xiao Ran here, he had never expected everyone in the circle to be so hostile toward him. Of course, Jeremiah himself was also being excluded because of the two incidents that had happened before. But he had been even less prepared for Xiao Ran to state his position so directly and deliver such a shocking retort to those people.
In his view, Xiao Ran should not have been that sort of person. From their earlier interactions, Xiao Ran should have been more rational and reserved—mysterious and powerful—not some hot-blooded, chuunibyou teenager. Yet Xiao Ran had done something even more frightening than a chuunibyou teenager would.
After leaving the hall, Jeremiah hurried forward a few steps to catch up with Xiao Ran and asked in a low voice, "Teacher, why did you do that just now?"
"You think it was inappropriate?" Xiao Ran turned his head toward Jeremiah, letting him feel his gaze sweep over him. After a moment of silence, Jeremiah said, "No. It's just that, in a setting like that, it will make even more people dissatisfied with you, Teacher."
"Their dissatisfaction is irrelevant. Why they exclude me is irrelevant. Whether they continue excluding me afterward is even less important." Xiao Ran turned back around and calmly said, "What matters is ensuring Area 11's stability amid these drastic changes, guaranteeing a smooth transfer of authority, and successfully concentrating all authority in Area 11 in the Governor's hands."
"It is not because their dissatisfaction with me might affect their respect for Governor Euphemia. Even if