Chapter 2617
Over the next two weeks, Cross Group's cancer medication research team cooperated with the team of royal physicians to treat the president. During that period of time, Garrett's condition would improve at times and worsen at others. As he was being treated, he also discussed the matter of his successor with the Cab as well as the military personnel.
Nathan and Zion who was the cab secretary had a lot of supporters, so it was natural that they were popular choices of the presidential candidates. Unfortunately, Nathan had publicly claimed that he wouldn't be running for president, so Garrett had no choice but to vouch for Erwin. For a moment there, the debate about whether Zion or Erwin would be the next president became a hot topic.
Tension began rising from the supporters of both sides.
It got to the point where some even got into fights due to their political differences.Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.
Luckily, Zion was usually grounded, and Erwin was known for keeping a low profile. They both did their best to calm the crowd, allowing the conflict from their supporters to remain under control.
Nevertheless, controlling their supporters didn't mean that Zion and Erwin would become friends. Their mutual hatred bloomed, and conflict rose.
In Zion's opinion, he would be fine if he were to compete against Nathan for the role of the president. He would even be fine with losing the job to the Chief Military Governor.
But who the hell does Erwin think he is? That guy is the least powerful member of the Cab, so why is the president on his side?
That thought was what upset Zion.
It got to the point where he had decided that if he won the election, he would rub his victory in Erwin's face and humiliate Erwin.
As for Erwin, he knew that Zion hated him.
Still, he remained as humble as he had always been and was polite when talking to Zion. "I wasn't going to run for president at all, but President Woods chose me and asked me to do so. That is why I have no choice but to embarrass myself and run this campaign. I am certain that I don't have a shot at winning, though. My role is probably to fill up the seat. At the end of the day, you are the one who is destined to be the president. That is why I wish that you won't hold this against me. I will still be counting on you in the future."
Zion bought that lie after hearing it, but he kept his guard up, anyway. He was an experienced politician, after all, so he didn't believe Erwin wholeheartedly.
To be on the safe side, he knew that he had to win by a landslide.
That was why he went to Nathan.
Everyone knew the latter held the most powerful position in the military, and every commander of every army would bow to the guy.
If Nathan were to help, then many military leaders would follow his lead.
That, in turn, would ensure Zion's victory in the presidency.
Inside the Headquarters of the Chief Military Governor, Nathan and Penny were having dinner with the family.
They didn't expect Colin to enter and report Zion's arrival.
Nathan was pleasantly surprised, so he quickly ordered, "Invite him in."
It didn't take long before Zion, donning a white shirt, black suit, and windbreaker, entered the place. The tall and thin Zion Lucas had two subordinates with him when he entered the room with a smile.
"Chief Cross, sorry for coming unannounced and interrupting your meal with your family."
Nathan smiled cheerfully. "You are just in time, actually. It's been ages since we last drank together. Come in and have a seat. Let's down a few drinks together."
After that, Nathan ordered the server to bring them another set of plates and cutlery.
Zion was there to build a rapport with Nathan, and his intention was to get the latter to support him, so he didn't shy away from the invitation. He joined everyone at the table soon after.
Nathan and Zion had a few drinks before the former asked about why the latter paid him a visit.
“Haha! So, what brings you here today, Mr. Lucas?"
Zion grinned and replied, "I was on my way home from the Cab, and I happened to pass by your place. That is when I recalled that it had been a while since we last hung out, so I dropped by. You don't mind, do you?"
Nathan smiled. "Having a VIP like you dropping by and drinking with me is an honor. Why would I ever mind that?"
Zion picked up his wineglass and
smiled. "Nathan, we have a past together. We both served the previous président. I was the former president's subordinate, whereas you were his favorite disciple back then. I may be a few years older than you, but there's not much difference in our seniority. It might even be right to say that we are comrades."
Nathan smiled. "It's true. I have always seen you as an elder brother and respected you like one."
Zion deliberately talked about his previous employer, Hansel, because the latter was also Nathan's mentor. Talking about Hansel would highlight a connection between them. All Zion had to do was to bring up Garrett's illness and redirect the topic to the ongoing election.
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In the end, after all the twists and turns, Zion finally tested the waters by asking the crucial question. "Nathan, you're the Chief Military Governor, and you hold great power. That is why your opinion carries a lot of weight. I'd like to hear your thoughts on the matter. Who do you think would be a better president?"
Zion became nervous when he reached that part of the story.
He was a man who had gone through countless political and social hardships. By right, he should be immune to all that, but the matter involved his chances of being the next president. It hit too close to home, so at the time, he was as nervous as a teenager asking a girl to prom.