After a moment of silence, Andrew smiled calmly. "Governor McCormick, let's not beat around the bush. I think what you just said was a reminder that I've been expanding too quickly, which has made you uneasy, right?"

Derek looked surprised, then let out a short laugh. "You sure don't beat around the bush. Here I was, trying to be subtle. You're right, Mr. Lloyd. I am indeed uneasy."

He explained, "Gabo Creek province already has enough troublemakers. The Three Titans alone constantly exhaust me, and now there's you added to the mix. If we switched places and you were sitting in my position, how would you feel?"

Andrew nodded. "I get where you're coming from. When someone below keeps expanding unchecked, the result is always the same: things spiral out of control. You're the head of this state, so naturally, that's the last thing you want. But I'll say this—you can trust me."

Derek raised an eyebrow and asked, "Can you give me just one reason to trust you?"

Andrew looked him i