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Clown.
In the past few months, these two words had stalked Hog Foster like a shadow. With the relentless promotion by the media led by the Ragus Foundation, an Innovator Faction, the reputation of the Foster Family had suffered an unprecedented assault. What's more, the misguided decision that led to the demise of Six Stars rescuer Wild Bone had caused his Conservative Faction colleagues to also harbor criticism against him.
Even his standing within the family had become shaky, as the younger generation believed he had tarnished the Foster family's honor. At various occasions, they subtly expressed their wish for him to voluntarily retire, rather than let the situation deteriorate into an embarrassing spectacle.
The recent downfall of the Iris Consortium only intensified Hog's anxiety.
He felt it was necessary to emphasize one thing to everyone—he, Hog Foster, was not a clown!
