Chapter 182 Scheme (IV)
On a sunny morning in Albany, the capital of the state of New York, a historic event was taking place. In front of the majestic Capitol building, thousands of citizens had gathered to witness a much-anticipated moment: the inauguration of the new Governor, Richard Dickson.
Richard emerged victorious, receiving mixed responses from the public. Some booed him, and some supported him. Regardless of what people said, he was a governor elected through a fair election system.
At 10am, the bells of the old churches around the Capitol announced the start of the swearing-in ceremony. On the grand stage, flags fluttered majestically in the bright sunlight. The air was filled with excitement. Citizens gathered in high spirits, dressed in their finest attire and various walks of life were represented in the crowd.
In a ceremony attended by state officials, legislators and dignitaries, Richard Dickson walked steadily onto the stage. Accompanied by his proud family and standing next to a high judge, he was ready to take the oath of office. There was silence, and the audience held their breath.
"In my capacity as Governor of the state of New York," Dickson said in a firm voice, raising his left hand, "I swear to faithfully and conscientiously discharge my duties and responsibilities, to promote the welfare of the people and to obey the laws of this state."
With the oath, low boisterous cheers broke out among the crowd. Citizens gathered to give warm applause as a sign of their support. The inauguration ceremony was broadcast across the country. Only a few lucky people could be invited to this event. Klaus was one of them.
Along with everyone else, Klaus sat quietly, watching the governor excitedly make a speech on stage. He didn't come alone. Alexa sat next to him. Thirty minutes had passed since they had attended the inauguration. Boredom nearly killed Klaus, forcing him to yawn throughout the event.
As his mouth gaped, Alexa nudged him with her shoulder. Naturally, Klaus looked at Alexa with squinted eyes.
"We're at an official event Klaus. Stop yawning. Should I tell you this?" Alexa whispered, slightly annoyed.
Klaus sighed. Leaning into her, he whispered. "Honestly, I didn't want to come, but you forced me to, anyway."
"He is our ally. Not attending his big day is not a good idea."
"So what? I don't owe him anything. I helped him get to where he is now, and he has to pay me. It's a mutually beneficial relationship."
Alexa hissed. "He's the governor now, and he can do anything if we make him unhappy. Give him a little attention, and he'll obey like a dog."
"How long do you think he'll obey us?" Klaus asked back.
Furrowing her brow, Alexa didn't understand what he meant.
Cheers and applause filled the air as Richard ended his speech.
"Thank you, everyone," he said in a quivering voice, his smile radiating throughout. "We stand at the beginning of an exciting journey together, and I can't wait to realize the changes we envision for New York."
On stage, a special moment unfolded. A little boy took the stage, clutching a piece of paper with teary eyes, he bravely looked up at the observing crowd. He unfolded the paper and read aloud a short poem he had written himself.
"In a bright world, we stand, In warm sunshine, A new governor brings hope, For a better future." n0VeLusb.c0m
The audience smiled, and Richard Dickson was moved by the simple but meaningful words. He walked over to the little boy and took his hand gently.
"Thank you, this is really beautiful," he said, voice muffled with emotion. "We're going to work hard to make a better future for you and all the kids of New York."
Afterward, a group of teenagers from a local school choir performed on stage. They passionately sang the national anthem with a melodious voice, thrilling the hearts of all present.
Various small events characterized the inauguration. Klaus couldn't help but be sleepy. However, he had to keep his eyes open as Alexa kept pinching him.
Klaus only started to refresh when the event was nearing its end. Eruption of applause from the audience ended the event. Klaus hurriedly got up from the chair that was getting hot from sitting too long.
The hall did not empty soon enough. Some people immediately left the room, others chatted for a while before heading home. Klaus and Alexa, however, headed to the back lobby.
There was a small ritual after the inauguration was over. People who had played an important role in the election congratulated the governor.
Men and women in neat suits lined up behind the stage. Smoothing their clothes, they tried to look good when the governor came out from backstage.
"Look, these pathetics. They have to lick like dogs so that the governor doesn't forget their merit. Ironically, we are part of them," Klaus muttered.
"Stop whining and just smile, Klaus," Alexa whispered, slightly annoyed.
"Aight, aight. Ma'am."
The door opened, and Richard Dickson emerged from the backstage room. People quickly puffed out their chests as they saw the governor walk over.
"Thanks for all your support, Max," Richard said, his gaze full of appreciation.
The former campaign chief smiled and welcomed his hand. "This is a good start, Governor. I'm ready to serve you again, to realize your vision."
"Of course, Max. I'm going to need your help."
Smiling broadly, Max looked excited, having gotten the answer he wanted.
Richard then greeted one by one the members of his campaign team, volunteers, and close friends who had been pillars of support during his long journey.
It was Alexa and Klaus' turn to shake hands with the governor.
"Miss, Alexa. It's been a while. How are you?"
The bespectacled woman furrowed her brow. "Not pleasant. Like this inauguration."
Both laughed simultaneously
Since the open gubernatorial debate, Alexa had not seen Richard. She didn't even remember the kidnapping that happened to her. All this was because Klaus erased all her memories, making sure nothing untoward happened.
Alexa and Richard exchanged jokes in front of people. Even though Alexa was smiling, she was actually delivering jokes that offended Richard, but the governor was still laughing.
It was an unusual sight. People twisted their faces in astonishment as they watched the two of them. The only person who looked normal was Klaus. His facial expression said he already knew this was going to happen.
After shaking hands with Alexa, Richard finally approached Klaus. The governor smiled broadly.
"Look at this kid. I wouldn't have made it this far without him." Richard hugged Klaus.
"You've done this before. You don't have to do it again," Klaus muttered.
"No, I don't. I'll do it again and again." Richard laughed loudly.
People smiled at them. Most of the people in this corridor were the campaign team. They knew how big a role Klaus had played in winning the governor's election. Although his position was only as a consultant, almost ninety percent of the plans came from him.
"All right, Klaus. I'm waiting for you in my new office. I'll give you the position you deserve, and we'll build New York together."
"Nah, Nah. I'm satisfied with who I am. All I need is for you to fulfill our agreement." Klaus gave him a serious look.
"Of course. I won't forget," Richard replied, returning the gaze with a stern look.
The little ritual ended with Richard leaving the corridor. People said their goodbyes before they went about their business. The campaign chief, Max, shook Klaus with a firm grip. Max invited Klaus to have lunch together. Of course, Klaus declined, but the man insisted on a treat.
"Come on. I don't know when we'll meet again. You've helped me a lot, let me return the favor."
Klaus sighed. "Alright."
In the end, Klaus reluctantly accepted the invitation. Next to him, Alexa had a hint of irritation on her face. This woman with glasses wanted to go home immediately.
The three of them left the corridor together. As they walked out of the Capitol, Max couldn't stop talking. Alexa was sarcastic with him several times, but he didn't notice.
When they arrived at the car park, Max suddenly waved hand. He called out to someone in the distance.
"Ah, good. We got another one," Alexa muttered.
"Now you understand how I feel, right?" quipped Klaus, glancing at her. His eyes held a hint of mockery.
A man in a neat black suit drew up to them. His skin was fair and his brown hair was wavy. Seeing this man's appearance, Klaus cracked his eyes wide open.
"Edward. What are you doing here?" This sentence spontaneously escaped Klaus.
The man frowned. "I'm a friend of Max's. Here to pick him up. What are you doing here?" His eyes rolled to the woman with glasses. In an instant, his expression changed. "You're here too, Alexa."
"Ye... yeah," she replied. "How are you?"
"I'm good."
As their eyes met, there was a shiver of awkwardness between them. It was subtle, but Klaus could feel it, and so could Max. But these two men chose not to speak their minds.
"Wow, wait a minute. You two know each other?" asked Max, curious.
"More than that. They're both like family. He is my cousin," said Edward.
Max held his breath. "Hold on. Hold on. You said Klaus Lee is your cousin." He looked at Klaus with an incredulous look. "He is your cousin?"
Klaus nodded his head. "Yes, he is. You didn't know that?"
"Oh... my... god."
As it turned out, Max had no clue that Edward was part of the Lee Family, one of the largest conglomerate dynasties in the USA. They had been friends for seven years, and Max only knew this now.
Edward Lee was famous for being an S-Class awakener. Not many people knew his background. Not even his own friends.
"Then what about her? Is she your cousin too?" asked Max, enthusiastically.
"That's..." Edward's words trailed off as his eyes caught sight of Alexa.
"I'm just a servant of the Lee Family. I've worked for Lord Robert since I was a child, and now I work for Klaus."
Mouth agape, Max was shocked when he learned this fact. Meanwhile, Edward looked at Alexa, but she pretended not to notice. They were both silent for a reason.
Klaus cleared his throat, taking both Edward and Alexa by surprise.
"Shall we have lunch?"
