Chapter 377 It's Time to Run Away
Meanwhile, the rest of the former Vofors Republica's leaders scattered like leaves in the wind.
Knowing that the cats are out of the bag, they have no choice but to make a desperate run for their lives.
"Huff...Huff...," Ferdinand is one of them.
His breaths came in ragged gasps, his chest heaving as he fought to catch his breath.
His once impeccable attire was now rumpled and dishevelled, and his finely groomed appearance was marred by the glistening beads of sweat that dripped down his furrowed brow.
He had been a staunch supporter of Metternich, the late president, during his rule, and had been an influential figure within the republica.
Among the many contenders for Metternich's political throne, Ferdinand had risen as a prominent candidate to potentially succeed the former president as people increasingly believed Metternich was failing in his duties.
Secretly, he enjoyed the public's criticism of Metternich. People's frustrations and dissatisfaction with Metternich's leadership worked to Ferdinand's advantage.
It not only painted Metternich in a bad light but also elevated Ferdinand's own position in the eyes of the public and fellow politicians.
Ferdinand had believed that his future was auspicious. He was the rising star.
But then came Barlia, a force that shattered his plans and dreams.
The invasion wreaked havoc on his political dreams and disrupted the order he had meticulously worked to establish.
The chaos and violence were unpredictable, and he could do little to prevent or control it.
Their control over the republica, however, didn't last long as they were soon defeated when Ryntum swept in.
But that makes matters worse.
As if out of the frying pan and into the fire, Vofors found itself with no say in preserving its independence.
Ferdinand watched powerlessly as his dreams of a bright political future were dismantled one piece at a time.
Perhaps, many of his fellow politicians felt the same way.
The tide of history had shifted, and he was caught in its undertow, watching his once-certain rise to the presidency crumble.
He bit his nails in frustration and anxiety, seeing everything he had worked for slip through his fingers until...like a beacon of hope in the darkness, a crisis emerged, and with it, help came.
It was a lifeline from a neighbouring country that offered the chance for Vofors Republica to regain its independence.
To his surprise, the plan for this resurgence of independence was a part of something bigger.
Ferdinand didn't have to start from scratch.
He simply needed to step into the role of an agitator and set the plan into motion.
For Ferdinand, this opportunity was more than welcomed.
It was a chance for redemption.
Their objectives aligned perfectly.
He yearned to reclaim the power he had once wielded, and Cerdeauxia, in turn, sought a buffer state between them and Ryntum.
As for how the plan turned out... it ended up like his current self, a total mess.
Even the individuals that came to support him were nowhere to be found.
Arrived at his mansion, his mind was racing with a sense of urgency.
He knew there was no time to waste.
He rushed inside and found his wife in the living room, engrossed in a book.
She's totally unbothered by the chaos that happened in the city.
Breathing heavily, he told her, "You need to pack everything necessary, and do it quickly."
His wife, startled by his urgency, quickly set the book aside and stood up.
Her eyes reflected a mix of surprise and worry as she asked, "What's going on? Why are you panicking?"
Ferdinand, struggling to maintain his composure, replied with an edge of desperation, "I don't have the time to explain right now. Just do as I told you!"
His wife, sensing the seriousness in his voice, didn't hesitate. She rushed through their home, gathering essential belongings.
In their bedroom, Ferdinand stood by a wooden chest, a sturdy leather trunk open and ready.
He was packing clothes and personal documents haphazardly.
He stuffed the trunk with shirts, trousers, and a few cherished items.
His wife moved to a wooden dresser, pulling out jewellery boxes and collecting a few precious items. She handled them with care. Delicate chains and gleaming earrings were gently placed into a smaller bag.
The room was a whirlwind of activity, and the commotion had drawn the curiosity of their two children, a boy and a girl.
Their wide eyes peered into the room, their faces a mix of confusion and concern.
"Mom, where are you going?" the boy, the older of the two asked.
Ferdinand and his wife exchanged a quick, knowing glance, silently communicating their shared concern.
He realized that it was time to explain the situation to the children, to the best of their ability to understand.
He knelt down to their eye level and gently said, "We're going on a little trip. It's important that we go now, but don't worry, we'll be back as soon as things get better."
His voice was soft and reassuring, attempting to soothe their fears. "You go and prepare the kids," he then said to his wife. "Leave all of these to me."
His wife nodded and promptly left the bedroom with the children.
As the sun moved closer to its zenith, the family of four hastily readied themselves for the journey.
Ferdinand took the reins, guiding the horse as they set off.
The mansion, once a symbol of his influence and power, stood in the background.
He couldn't help but cast a lingering glance at it, knowing that it might be a long time before he returned, if he ever did.
But for now, the main priority was to move east, to cross the border into Cerdeauxia.
He urged the horse forward, and with a flick of the reins, the animal neighed and started its steady trot.
Their carriage moved along the secluded streets.
Few people were seen using the road most of them busy storming the political leaders' houses.
Luck was on his side.
The angry mobs were so fervently raiding his fellow companion's house that they most likely forgot about him.
Nevertheless, there was still an air of tension remained hanging in the atmosphere.
In the quietude of their journey, a voice suddenly greeted him, "Excuse me, sir. Where are you going?"
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