If You're Going to Sell Yourself, Sell It to Me - Chapter 127

Dinner was served in Angus’s suite rather than the inn’s dining hall.

Until they reached Northwest, Angus continued to invite Locke to dinner under the pretense of checking in on him—and Locke never once refused.

Not that he would have needed an invitation to come.

Though they didn’t dote openly, Angus watched Locke and Leona exchange subtle glances throughout the meal and had a bittersweet thought that his granddaughter’s wedding might come sooner than expected.

It was clear their feelings ran deeper than mere affection.

The war hadn’t ended that long ago, so Angus assumed most of their history must have been formed while they were on the ship together.

Suddenly, he recalled the time when Locke, just before the independence war broke out, had come to him in a rush to request leave, saying he had to rescue a civilian woman caught up in a mission.

Remembering the look on Locke’s face that day, Angus realized his feelings for Leona must have started even back then.

Well…

Who wouldn’t fall for a granddaughter like that?

Angus looked at Leona, who quietly ate with grace, his face full of fondness.

“Commander, I have something to report.”

After dinner, instead of retiring to his room, Robin, the aide, remained in Angus’s suite.

“What is it?”

Whenever he had something serious to say, Robin would place a hand over his chest—just as he was doing now.

A warning of an ambush, maybe?

That wouldn’t bother him alone, but he couldn’t let Leona be harmed. Worried, Angus sat up from his long couch.

“Commander, in two days we’ll arrive at your Northwest estate.”

“I know that.”

“Even after you return, I’m sure you’d want to spend more time with your granddaughter.”

“Of course.”

Angus looked at Robin with some confusion, wondering where this was going.

Robin lowered his voice, wary of eavesdroppers through the walls.

“But unfortunately, unless something drastic changes, you’re guaranteed to be elected President in the upcoming election. It’s too late to swap in another candidate, and the newborn Republic would suffer from instability if things shifted now. Everyone wants you to lead this new nation.”

“Didn’t I ask you to find a suitable replacement? I’ve grown old through this long war and only want to spend time with my granddaughter now. I even said I’d support as Vice President if needed.”

Angus had never intended to lead the Republic as its first President, and meeting Leona had only solidified that resolve.

The draft constitution stated a four-year term for the President.

Four years was far too long for him.

Still, he couldn’t ignore the consequences of instability, and so he crossed his arms with a disgruntled face.

Seeing that, Robin pointed toward the right-hand wall and said, “That’s why I propose this: you take the presidency for now and recommend Count Locke Rivern as Vice President.”

“What?”

Angus’s eyes widened at the unexpected suggestion.

“Back then, I thought Colonel Locke’s presence lacked the warmth needed for politics, so I dismissed the idea. But recently, he seems quite changed.”

“True.”

If even he could see the difference, others surely could too.

“As a noble, he could secure the support of the Senate. His brother is a major plantation owner in the South, so he’d gain backing there too. And no one has contributed more to the independence effort—no one would oppose him.”

“You’re right.”

The more Robin spoke, the more it made sense.

If Locke hadn’t stolen those documents from Edmund and injured him, the independence movement might have failed.

Though he’d quietly retired, turning his story into a public narrative could stir the entire continent as the tale of a young hero.

A man who was willing to die for freedom.

It was the perfect origin story for the founding of a nation.

“Moreover, if he takes on the Vice President’s role, your workload will decrease, and you’ll have more time with your granddaughter.”

Robin stroked his mustache with a confident look.

That last part was what pleased Angus the most.

“Well… I suppose he’ll be practically living in the lobby of my estate in Northwest anyway.”

“Once he gets used to the work, he could even run in the next election. He’s still young.”

“You’re good, Robin.”

Angus patted his aide on the shoulder with a satisfied smile.

Privately, he was already plotting to make Locke busier than himself as Vice President. That way, even if Locke married Leona, she’d naturally end up spending more time with her grandfather.

After all, a grandfather meeting his granddaughter for the first time in over a decade deserved a bit of selfishness.

And if her partner had such a title, that was more than acceptable.

“Once we arrive, call a meeting with the senators the next day.”

“Understood. And how should we go about convincing Count Rivern?”

“Leave that to me. I’ll have his answer by tomorrow.”

Robin was surprised by the timeline but nodded at the confidence on Angus’s face.

After Robin left, Angus smiled, imagining his granddaughter already asleep.

She was someone worth giving the world to.

And he had the power to do just that.

Now, he intended to use all of it.

***

“Would you mind if I accompany you for the afternoon ride, Count?”

The next day after lunch, Angus stood in front of Locke’s carriage and asked.

Locke, who had always ridden with Georgiana, hadn’t expected this.

“Of course.”

He answered calmly, but cast a glance at Georgiana, who also looked puzzled—clearly, she hadn’t been told either.

Unsure of what this meant, Locke tensed up slightly, adjusted his reflection in the window, and stepped into the carriage.

Even when Angus had been Supreme Commander, Locke had never tried to impress him. But now that he was Georgiana’s only family, he wanted to make a good impression.

And yet…

Several minutes of awkward silence passed once the carriage started moving.

It was obvious there was a reason for the Commander to ride with him, but Angus said nothing.

Locke began to regret not having a more easygoing personality like Henry.

Maybe he should work on his conversation skills.

He’d heard some senators hired eloquent speechwriters—perhaps he needed one too.

A salty breeze blew through the window, cooling his head. They’d arrive in the city of Northwest tomorrow, and the sea air was growing stronger.

Clearing his throat, Locke tried to break the silence.

“The sea must be near. The journey ends tomorrow.”

“Do you have a place to stay?”

“I’ll stay at a hotel for now and look for a residence near your estate. I’ll try to find the closest one possible.”

“And who said I gave you permission to do that?”

Locke’s eyes widened at the blunt question.

He had planned to propose properly once he was settled in Northwest. Angus had kept inviting him to meals and hadn’t objected to his company—so Locke thought he had tacit approval.

Was it just wishful thinking?

Swallowing his nerves, Locke decided to speak honestly.

“I’ll do my best.”

“That’s not enough.”

Which meant something more was expected.

“Then I’ll prepare the very best. Nothing lacking.”

“Material things? I don’t lose to anyone in that regard. That’s not what I’m looking for.”

Angus’s eyes glinted dangerously, like those of a seasoned strategist. A chill ran down Locke’s spine.

“Whatever it is you want, I’ll do it.”

If gaining Angus’s approval meant killing the Emperor himself, Locke was prepared.

But the answer that came was beyond anything he imagined.

“Then work under me. Become Vice President.”

“…Excuse me?”

Locke couldn’t hide his blank expression.

He had no interest in politics, and felt entirely unsuited for it—Angus’s proposal was unbelievable.

“Why? Do you object?” Angus asked, eyes narrowed.

Locke, flustered in a way he’d never been even under battlefield orders, opened his mouth hesitantly.

“It’s not that I object.”

“I intend to permit only those qualified to be Vice President to marry my precious granddaughter. That is my condition for a grandson-in-law.”

Darkness fell across Locke’s vision.

But he couldn’t say no.

No—he wouldn’t say no.

After rubbing his eyes once, Locke straightened his posture and answered firmly, “I’ll become Vice President. And when I do, you must promise not to object further.”

“Agreed.”