All of Leon’s exhaustion disappeared as soon as he heard Gwen’s report, and an intense light suddenly blazed in his eyes.
"Social media is ablaze, you say...?" He said slowly, his fingers stilling against the table.
"What information have you gained from the internet?"
Already expecting this question, Gwen promptly answered, "Mostly, it’s about the survivor camps and bases all over the country. The government is behind the internet restoration, so they’re trying to get people to safety by informing them about the locations of the major government camps in each city."
She paused, fixing her gaze on him. After receiving no reaction, she continued.
"They’re also asking for the location of all other survivor camps so they can know how to merge them with the others or boost their security."
Hearing this, Leon’s lips curved into a thin smile. "Is that so? Is it the president directing this?"
The brown-haired lady shook her head. "There’s no news about the President, but we’ve seen videos of the Vice President and some members of the Senate. They’re the ones directing the country."
"Oh, I see..." Leon nodded slowly, his gaze growing distant. "Have you heard about any survivor camps located around Newark and Jersey City?"
This was the most important question to him, and he deeply feared the answer.
Seeing his tense expression, Gwen smiled brightly. "I already done some research, and there is indeed a government camp in Newark. According to the reports, they were originally based in Jersey City, but later moved to Newark to merge with another survivor camp. The camp has around 150,000 survivors from both cities. It’s one of the biggest camps in the country currently."
Leon’s eyes lit up at her words, and he released a trembling sigh. It felt as if a weight had been lifted off his chest, and he could breathe freely.
At the same time, he was excited and motivated. If what Gwen said was true, then there was a chance that his sister was alive. It would be a lie to say he didn’t feel like rushing over immediately.
However, he was well aware that he couldn’t afford to do anything irrational. He needed to wait and make proper arrangements before they could move out.
Everyone at the table sensed the change in him, and they all looked at him with varying emotions.
Leon didn’t pay attention to that, though. His gaze was solely fixed on Gwen, and he asked, "How have things been with the camp?"
"We’ve stabilized the three regions, and there are almost no slackers among the survivors. Also, our population has increased to 7000 after conducting rescue missions led by Reymond," She explained.
Leon turned to the brown-haired guy and gave him an appreciative nod. Then, he refocused on Gwen. "Continue."
"We’ve also started using the slime metal you procured. Just as we suspected, it’s very effective for coating the walls and boosting the defense of the camp. Now, we don’t have to worry about Tier One beasts breaking through the Outer Ring walls."
Gwen had a smile on her face as she reported this, and she couldn’t help but feel proud of her accomplishment.
Leon was also delighted about the news, as it meant the camp was now safer than before.
"Anything else noteworthy?"
She shook her head. "Nothing, really. The rest would be announced at the meeting tomorrow."
Leon nodded, then stood up. "Alright, I understand."
He turned to the others. "I’ll be going upstairs to get some rest now. See you guys tomorrow."
"Goodnight, Boss!" Miguel saluted, a thin smile on his lips.
Leon merely rolled his eyes and walked upstairs with Nora following him. The girl was clearly insistent on staying with him tonight.
With Leon gone, the meeting was concluded, and there was no reason for the others to stay.
"I’ll be going. Goodnight, everyone," Fel said quietly, then excused herself. Cassie silently followed her without a word, and the two went to their room.
Miguel scratched his head and whispered to Richard. "Is it just me or Fel suddenly seems more attractive? It’s almost like she had a kind of glow-up or something."
Richard smacked the back of his head. "Idiot, you shouldn’t even look at her. That’s Boss’s favorite, if you don’t know. Have any funny thoughts and you’re dead."
"Ah, I see..." Miguel nodded slowly, ignoring Richard’s hit. "No wonder you decided to go after a young schoolg—"
"You bastard! Shut up and go inside now!"
The two argued back upstairs, leaving Marie, Reymond, Selene, and Gwen at the table.
The auburn-haired woman sensed that they had something to discuss and didn’t want to intrude, so she tactfully excused herself.
Gwen and Reymond waved her off, then turned to each other.
Reymond immediately frowned. "Gwen. What exactly are you planning?"
The young lady blinked and said, "Planning? I’m not planning anything in secret. What do you mean?"
He sighed softly. "You know what I mean. I heard about you wanting to help Leon build a kingdom or some sort of independent state. Are you sure you want to do that? You know how your grandfather is, and you’re well aware that the government is back into action, if only barely. Do you really want to continue with this plan of yours?"
Gwen fell silent, and she looked at Selene. Her silver-haired friend was also looking at her with an impassive expression. Though, it was obvious that she was also curious.
She sighed tiredly, then said, "Reymond. I can understand why you’d say this. We’re friends, and you’re worrying about my safety. But I know exactly what I’m doing. The government can’t be allowed to take control over the country again—at least, not the current one."
Reymond’s eyes widened, as he had never heard Gwen criticize someone seriously, let alone the government.
Unfazed, the young lady continued. "Selene would understand what I’m saying, and I have made up my mind. I’m going to make Leon the next ruler of the country—by whatever means it takes. Even if it means opposing my grandfather, Selene’s father, and your parents."
...
Unaware that someone had grand plans for him, Leon changed into comfortable nightwear and collapsed onto the bed, thoroughly exhausted.
Nora lay beside him, hugging his waist and burying her face in his chest.
"Goodnight, daddy."
Leon offered a faint smile. "Goodnight, princess."
He gently stroked the girl’s hair, sensing her fall asleep in less than a minute. He also closed his eyes, letting the exhaustion take over him.
Just as his thoughts began to blur, he sensed a shadow at the door and opened his eyes. With his shadow sense, he recognized that it was Marie.
The woman had come upstairs to check on them, and was intending to leave after confirming that they were asleep.
Still feeling sleepy, Leon didn’t bother standing up to open the door. He waved his hand, and the shadows on the ground rose, acting as a hand, which opened the door.
Marie, who was preparing to leave, was startled and looked inside. She saw the two of them cuddling on the bed, asleep.
’Who opened the door?’
Just then, she heard Leon’s voice, soft and faint. "What are you standing outside for? Come inside already. I want to sleep."
Marie froze, then shakily lowered her hands. ’Was I overthinking it?’
She forced herself not to think about it again, then stepped inside. She was already in her own nightwear and just closed the door before climbing onto the bed.
Then, she lay down behind her daughter, with the little girl between Leon and herself.
Unable to resist the deep pull of sleep any longer, Leon whispered, "Goodnight."
Just a few seconds later, Marie sensed his breathing change, and she confirmed that he was asleep. A complicated look appeared in her eyes, but she sighed and whispered.
"Goodnight, Leon."