Read Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Novel by Only For You Updated 2025 -26 - Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3173

Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3173

The next day arrived beneath a bright, cloudless sky.

Andrew stood at the highest point of Throne Hall, gazing out over the vast Wastelands. Below him, merchants, mercenaries, and refugees streamed steadily into Throne City. Life was returning, inch by inch, until the city once again carried the hum of prosperity.

Conrad let out a quiet sigh.
“Honestly, if you stayed overseas as an uncrowned king and lived like this for the rest of your life, it wouldn’t be bad at all.”

Andrew smiled faintly.
“I’ve thought about it too.”

“After I settle the grudges back home and find my father in the Veiled Paradise,” he added calmly, “I might actually come back to Throne City and retire.”

Conrad smiled with open admiration.
“I really envy you. But that’s all I can do—envy. Achievements like yours, becoming king of the Outlands… that’s not something just anyone can accomplish.”

Franz walked over and gave Conrad a light pat on the shoulder.
“There you go again, getting sentimental. But you’re not wrong.”

He glanced toward Andrew.
“What he’s achieved now is beyond your reach. That doesn’t mean you should belittle yourself—but you do need to face reality.”

Conrad straightened and bowed respectfully.
“You’re right, Mr. Hearst. I’m not the man I used to be. I understand my own worth now.”

Franz nodded.
“It’s not that I enjoy dredging up the past. But your old way of thinking really deserved criticism. You and Andrew were both outstanding men of Holtrien, yet you ended up fighting to the death.”

He snorted.
“If I’d been in the country back then, I’d have slapped some sense into you myself.”

Conrad’s face flushed. He glanced toward Andrew, who seemed focused on the distant horizon, not listening. Only then did Conrad relax slightly.

“Mr. Hearst,” he pleaded softly, “could we please stop talking about the past? I truly recognize my mistakes now. And Andrew has already let bygones be bygones.”

He paused, then added earnestly,
“Just the fact that Mr. Lloyd Senior trained me in the Outlands without holding my past against me is enough for me to be endlessly grateful. If I were still foolish enough to stir up trouble now, I’d be worse than an animal.”

Franz chuckled.
“You’re a good kid at heart. I believe in you.”

He waved his hand.
“Go get ready. We’ll be returning home soon.”

Conrad immediately understood—Franz wanted a private word with Andrew. He rose, bowed once more, and quietly withdrew.

After a moment of silence, Franz turned to Andrew with a faint smile.
“What do you think of Conrad now?”

Andrew smiled back.
“Mr. Hearst, you’re worried I might still hold a grudge—or make things difficult for him, aren’t you?”

Franz laughed wryly.
“I really can’t hide anything from you.”

His expression grew serious.
“I’m a soldier of Holtrien. The only reason I’ve wandered overseas all these years is for one purpose—to serve my country, without regret.”

He looked Andrew in the eye.
“So I hope to see both you and Conrad alive and well. At the very least, not killing each other. That would be a loss for Holtrien.”

After a pause, he added quietly,
“Especially you. You’re both pillars of the nation.”

He sighed.
“I have no right to lecture you now, and frankly, I can’t find fault with anything you’ve done. But for this return home, I have just one request.”

Andrew raised an eyebrow.
“And that is?”

“That you act with the bigger picture in mind.”

Andrew’s expression cooled.
“So what—you’re saying I shouldn’t kill anyone? That I should let all old grievances go?”

Franz shook his head immediately.
“Not at all.”

“My heart belongs to the country, but I’m not rigid. I would never ask you to swallow injustice or forget past wrongs.”

He continued carefully,
“If you have revenge to take, then take it. If you have debts to settle, then settle them.”

He hesitated, then added with an awkward chuckle,
“I only ask that you don’t go too far—like wiping out entire families or erasing everyone involved.”

“That would be… excessive,” he admitted. “And it wouldn’t look very good.”

Andrew snorted coldly.
“So that old fox Philip knew I was coming back and got nervous, didn’t he? Sent you to whisper in my ear?”

Franz waved his hands at once.
“Don’t think of it that way.”

“I know you’re dissatisfied with the General, but these words are my own thoughts. If they offend you, I won’t bring it up again.”