Chapter 829
“This is maddening.”
Jin threw the newspaper aside, his brow deeply furrowed.
They had been careful to prevent rumors from leaking beyond the palace walls, yet the special report published by Maylee Daily laid bare the current crisis in all its raw detail.
The Prime Minister, too, let out a quiet sigh, having grasped the implication behind Minister Ian’s words.
“It seems Minister Ian himself leaked the information.”
Since it would be problematic if Ian slipped beyond the palace’s control, they had tried to pressure him by threatening suspension from the Ministry of Magic.
But Ian had boldly linked the Hyman rebellion to himself, forcing the palace into a corner where they had no choice but to dismiss him.
The Prime Minister pushed the paper aside.
“They’ve framed this as Ian acting on his own, without palace approval. The intent is clear. The Minister wants to be removed.”
“If he’s gone, we lose control over the Ministry of Magic. You know that. He’ll find a way.”
“At this point, all we can do is claim it’s false reporting. But that would cost us dearly.”
The ‘Hyman’ card had once been a tool to pressure Ian. Throwing it away now was almost like handing over their own advantage. Still, it was better than letting Ian be dismissed and become uncontrollable.
In any case, the Prime Minister was impressed by Ian’s cunning and deftness—he was a seasoned player, having spent his life at the heart of central politics.
“Even so, it’s uncertain whether Maylee Daily will accept that so easily. Perhaps you should meet with their editor and negotiate a suitable agreement.”
“I’m already swamped with chaos from all directions. Contact Maylee Daily. Immediately—”
Knock knock.
Jin paused his command and glanced toward the door. The Prime Minister turned his head, curious.
“Your Majesty, Sir Romandro, the aide to the Minister of Magic, has sent someone. They say it’s urgent. Shall I admit them?”
“Who? Romandro?”
“Yes.”
Jin hesitated briefly, surprised. Though he and Romandro shared a deep connection, Romandro was still Ian’s man—and a key figure under constant scrutiny within the Ministry of Magic. It was hard to guess his true intent in sending someone now.
“Let them in.”
Better to hear them out first. Jin gave permission, and the newcomer’s arrival only deepened the confusion in his mind.
A woman cloaked head to toe in a robe, gloves covering even her hands—no skin was visible. And above all—
“Your Majesty, I beg you, dismiss the attendants.”
A familiar voice.
Jin searched his memory and recognized the woman before him: Melania.
Once the others had left, Melania removed her robe, revealing her face. The Prime Minister’s expression darkened.
“…Melania, daughter of the Hyman family.”
Her face was unreadable, devoid of emotion. She didn’t seem to have come bearing a grudge, the Prime Minister sensed. He lowered his guard and asked,
“Why have you come here on your own accord? The empire is on the brink of upheaval because of you.”
“I intend to restore order to this chaos.”
“What did you say?”
Melania bowed respectfully to Jin. Despite years spent wandering outside, her noble bearing remained intact—an unmistakable grace befitting the Hyman family, one of the most prestigious noble houses.
“Your Majesty, I do not know the full details between the royal family and the Ministry of Magic, but I understand from today’s Maylee Daily special report that the palace is in a difficult position.”
Jin smirked, sensing what she was about to propose. Such tenacity—having been cast down to the lowest depths, she had clawed her way back up and now dared to reach out to him.
“Pardon me, but I ask for your pardon.”
The Prime Minister paused at her words.
“No, rather, declare publicly that she has already been pardoned.”
That single statement would be far more effective than refuting every point in the article.
That Ian’s actions were not unilateral but carried out under palace orders. That Melania, though descended from traitors, had sworn loyalty to the empire and had aided in capturing the rebels.
After all, it was true that Melania had helped apprehend Rutherford.
“If that’s the case, there will be no need to dismiss Minister Ian, and no further complications.”
Melania spoke with confidence, as if certain Jin would accept her proposal without hesitation.
“I vow to atone for my family’s sins with lifelong loyalty to the empire. And if this resolves the current crisis, I earnestly ask for a new chance.”
Jin exchanged a glance with the Prime Minister.
From the palace’s perspective, there was little to lose. In fact, they stood to gain as much as Melania did—chiefly, the ability to completely thwart Ian’s schemes.
Jin nodded slightly, and the Prime Minister lowered his gaze in agreement.
“Very well.”
At the emperor’s consent, Melania lifted her head sharply, tears streaming down her face without her noticing.
The restoration of a fallen house—what had seemed a distant dream was suddenly so simple. Overcome with emotion, her voice choked as she expressed her gratitude.
“…Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“We should coordinate our statements. I will draft a palace declaration to counter the Maylee Daily special report, focusing on Melania’s role. Melania, wait here for now. Prime Minister?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I will prepare it.”
The Prime Minister rose and motioned for Melania to follow.
She trailed him into the administrative building, where staff bustled frantically, exchanging documents and managing urgent tasks.
“Prime Minister, you’ve arrived just in time. There’s a missing approval—”
“Hmm? And who is this? You look familiar.”
“Everyone, attention please.”
With a sharp clap of his hands, the Prime Minister silenced the chaotic office. It was like magic.
“We will issue a palace statement refuting the Maylee Daily special report. It will focus mainly on Melania.”
Melania? Ah, yes.
…Wait, Melania?
“Is this the Melania?”
A wave of shock cut through the room. So this was the Melania of the Hyman family—the one Minister Ian had secretly spirited away?
The officials whispered among themselves but quickly fell silent. The Prime Minister’s explanation had made the palace’s political maneuvering clear.
Melania, too, recounted her story in detail and soon began collaborating with the officials to craft a plausible cover story.
“Prime Minister, I have a report.”
“What is it?”
“The editor of Maylee Daily has entered the palace. Also, Captain Akorella from the Ministry of Magic has caused a disturbance.”
“Captain Akorella? Why is she in the palace?”
“I don’t know yet. We’re investigating, but the situation is… complicated.”
The Prime Minister stroked his beard as he reviewed the report. Suspicious potions? And magic, too?
This was a serious matter that couldn’t be ignored. Setting the report down on his desk, he muttered with a hint of satisfaction. With the Hyman card gone, they needed a new way to stop Minister Ian.
“Understood. And the Maylee Daily editor?”
“No news beyond entering the main palace.”
“Summon them here. We’ll deliver the statement personally.”
“Understood.”
An official dashed out to fetch the editor. The main palace was just next door, so it wouldn’t take long.
“Captain Akorella, please tell the truth.”
“Ah, damn it! I’m not! I’m not!”
Bang!
Akorella slammed her head on the desk. She didn’t hide her frustration, and each time she did this, the investigator lost his nerve and trailed off.
“Please, don’t do that—”
“Call my lawyer, damn it! The only thing I did wrong was sneaking into the Ministry of Magic! The potion? It’s a memory recall potion. If it comes to it, I’ll take the truth serum myself!”
“But you made that truth serum, didn’t you?”
“Just look at what it’s for! Don’t think about what else it might be tied to! Ugh, this is so frustrating. How can anything improve with such sloppy work?”
The investigator pressed his brows together, clearly unnerved.
According to witness testimony, Akorella’s suspicious potion implanted false memories of ‘Ian Verosion.’
If this went unaddressed, it would become a major issue at the upcoming conference, with unpredictable fallout.
“Captain Akorella, this is a serious problem.”
“Yeah, yeah, I get it. So just let me request an audience with His Majesty. I’ve cooperated fully with the investigation, haven’t I?”
“That’s not possible. Due to the mental manipulation charges, you cannot see His Majesty at this time.”
“That’s not what I was told!”
Bang!
Akorella slammed her forehead down again. The investigator shook his head, resigned, and stood up. Continuing was a waste of time—they were at an impasse.
“Back inside.”
“Yes, sir.”
Following the order, Akorella was dragged back and locked in a cell.
Exhausted, the investigators left the interrogation room and soon spotted a stranger pacing the corridor.
“Hey, who are you?”
“Ah!”
The president of Mailly Daily approached them with an awkward smile. A strange face in a prison? Well, since this was inside the palace, he must be someone with verified credentials… but who was he again?
“This area is off-limits to outsiders. Which organization are you with, and who exactly are you?”
“I’m Roxo, president of Mailly Daily. Here—my business card.”
“Mailly Daily?”
“Yes. I came into the palace to get the palace’s official stance on the recent special report we published. I heard the head of the Magic Department is being held here?”
After questioning everyone passing by, the president had managed to find out where Akorella was being held—and why.
“And…?”
Though he was a president now, Roxo had once been a reporter, running around, risking his life to gather information.
He glanced around to make sure no one was watching, then pulled a silver coin from his pocket and slipped it into the investigator’s hand.
“What’s this?”
A silver coin.
The investigator was caught off guard by the sudden bribe and lowered his voice. Despite his surprise, the coin remained firmly in his grasp.
“I have some questions for the head of the Magic Department. Could you arrange a meeting?”
“Questions?”
“Nothing major. I want to ask about some inappropriate remarks made by Captain Akorella during the discussions on the commercialization of the truth potion. Even a simple confrontation would be fine. Please, just let me meet her. I came in a hurry and have nothing to offer now, but if you ever visit Mailly Daily’s headquarters, I’ll treat you to a proper meal.”
Roxo nudged the investigator’s side.
It’s not about the current situation, but something else. The investigator cleared his throat and motioned for Roxo to follow.
“Keep it brief.”
“Of course! Won’t take long.”
creak
A little while later—
When the investigator returned, Akorella glared at him irritably, her unusually swollen forehead only adding to her scowl.
“What now? Why are you back? What is it?”
“Ahem! Hello, Captain Akorella. I’m Roxo, president of Mailly Daily. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Behind the investigator’s shoulder, Roxo extended his hand through the bars, offering a handshake.
Akorella just stared at the hand. When Roxo sent her a pleading look, as if begging her to shake it, she reluctantly clasped it.
“Mailly Daily, huh…”
At that moment, she felt the texture of paper in her palm. While pretending to shake her hand, Roxo had slipped her a letter from Ian.
Blinking in surprise, Akorella looked up, and Roxo gave a small nod.
“Yes, yes. The newspaper that received a lot of help from Ian before.”
It was proof the letter was truly from Ian.
Akorella carefully hid the letter behind her back. The investigator, uninterested, was looking the other way.