Indeed, spring is coming.

The weather in Winster is getting warmer day by day.

What delights Sofia is that the violet seeds she planted have finally broken through the soil and have started to sprout.

But her joy is not just about this.

She is delighted because life is back on track.

Her father's crisis is over, Ethan is back, and she can still enjoy her afternoon tea in the garden, waiting for Ethan to chat with her about art.

The only slight blemish is that Ethan and her father have both been very busy recently and may not have time to accompany her.

However, she fully understands, as the city has experienced many events lately, and there are too many things that need their attention.

Besides, spring is a season full of vitality.

If El could hear Sofia's sentiments, he would surely agree wholeheartedly.

Now, even just sitting in his office and seeing the tiny budding leaves on the branches outside the window can make El happy for half a day.

Of course, what makes him so happy is more than just the new buds.

What truly makes him happy is...

He is about to become the acting president.

Acting President of Winster University.

Even with the word "acting" in front, it was something he never dared to imagine in his previous life.

In his past life, retiring smoothly from his position at the School of Arts at Winster University, with a bit of reputation in Winster's art circle, was his best vision.

Becoming the president was something he could never reach.

But now it is within his grasp.

All of this, of course, is thanks to the great Ethan.

Yes, he has now habitually added the word "great" before Ethan's name.

Without Ethan, none of his current achievements would exist.

He feels the most important decision of his life was answering that enrollment call from Ethan.

Additionally, another thing that makes him happy is that the annoying Ramon has left Winster; it is said he went to the Old Continent, and hopefully, he never returns.

He originally planned to visit Ethan today, but Ethan had an outing today, probably to visit an orphanage, alongside the Governor.

This made him marvel at Ethan's rapid ascent and strengthened his resolution to follow Ethan to the end.

Only by following such a person can one constantly move upwards, right?

Perhaps, being president is not his final destination?

Spring is the time for flowers to bloom everywhere.

The flowers at the orphanage as well.

The orphanage's full name is Winster's House of Ice and Snow, a newly opened establishment primarily funded by Ethan and John Hott.

Its main purpose is to shelter the orphans wandering from Saint Kuanti.

The prototype of Ethan's painting "The Orphan of Saint Kuanti," which sold for a fortune, is naturally here at this orphanage.

The orphanage, in fact, has been open for quite some time, but during the recent upheaval in the city, especially during the days when Ethan disappeared, there were rumors of its closure.

Fortunately, everything is back to normal now, and with the warmth of spring, City Hall personally took the lead in organizing this orphanage visit.

Of course, a large number of reporters came.

Apart from official requirements, they were eager to follow Ethan on their own, as he is now the biggest star in Winster.

At the moment, under a tree with new buds in the orphanage yard, Ethan, John Hott, the hunting-loving Governor Oswaldo, and several city officials stood together with the little girl who was the prototype for "The Orphan of Saint Kuanti," smiling for a group photo.

After the photo, Oswaldo naturally had to leave—after all, his governmental duties were demanding, and he couldn't stay at the orphanage forever.

However, before leaving, he took a walk with Ethan and had a piece of cake.

"Ethan, spring is coming, and there is a lot of rain in Winster's spring. I remember the city's sewers haven't been repaired for many years. Are you interested in helping?"

"Of course, it's my duty as a citizen."

Ethan naturally understood that Oswaldo was again asking for money, but it didn't matter; he's willing to participate in things that can earn him a reputation.

"I knew you'd be the most enthusiastic; there will be a hearing at City Hall in a few days—you should come and participate."

Having said that, Oswaldo swallowed the piece of cake and left the orphanage with a satisfied nod, accompanied by his attendants.

While Ethan continued to watch him leave.

After a while, when Oswaldo was completely out of sight, John Hott walked over and said, "So, that greedy ghost also asked you for money? City sewers?"

From his tone, it seemed Oswaldo had already discussed this matter with him.

"It's nothing, just a little money," Ethan shook his head.

"Ethan, we should hold a meeting again, shouldn't we?" John Hott was also eating cake, took a bite, wiped his mouth, and said.

After Sandro's death, many things have changed.

The most important thing is the territory under his control.

With so much territory and industry, even with Ethan's appetite, it can't all be swallowed at once.

He's still slowly digesting it.

Although he is now outwardly the underground overlord of Winster, in reality, he's still a distance away from truly controlling the entire Winster.

The illegal liquor business hasn't stopped these days, but he also hasn't held a business meeting.

So even though John Hott is quite close to him, as they were both on the same boat as Ned, there's a sense of insecurity, and today he couldn't help but bring it up.

"Alright, let's gather with old friends in a few days. It's indeed been a while since we last had a drink together." Ethan nodded.

John Hott let out a slight sigh of relief.

At this point, a small figure came running over from afar.

This person was the prototype little girl named Mia.

Mia hurried to Ethan, held up a sheet of drawing paper, and handed it to Ethan, saying, "Brother Ethan, this is for you."

Ethan took it and, upon seeing the tiny flower on it, smiled and patted her head, "Thank you, Mia, I love it, it's very well drawn. Does Mia also want to become an artist someday?"

"Yes, Mia wants to be an artist like Brother Ethan." Mia nodded repeatedly, her little face blushing with excitement.

Ethan was patting her head but sensed someone watching him.

It was a boy about ten years old, looking similar to Mia but with a fierce look in his eyes.

It was Mia's brother, Crenzo.

Honestly, Ethan initially had a deeper impression of Crenzo.

Because this kid was like a hungry wolf, he grabbed the bread that Ethan originally intended to give Mia and shielded her behind him, glaring viciously at Ethan.

Always ready to attack.

"Crenzo, come here," Ethan beckoned to him.

Crenzo hesitated for a moment but eventually came over.

"Your sister's dream is to become an artist. What about you?"

"I... I want to be someone very powerful, stronger than you, so I can protect Mia." Even though the child seemed to harbor some hostility towards Ethan, he still protected Mia behind him while saying this.

Ethan merely smiled, "You want to become stronger than me? Alright, do you want to learn how to use a gun?"

"A gun?" Crenzo showed some confusion but more eagerness, and he couldn't help but nod.

"In a few days, that sister will come again. At that time, you can choose a few good friends and learn how to use a gun together." Ethan pointed to Anya not far away.

And the desire in Crenzo's eyes had already turned into a burning fire.

These are the foundations of the Kingdom.

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