IWDFLSB 82

Chapter 82 …………………………………………..

In truth, the media had already been paying attention to the case from the day the Iver Merchant Guild underwent a surprise tax audit and the city guard visited the Cassius estate that same day.

However, because the family involved was so powerful, the press had been cautious in its coverage. Then early this morning, the Imperial Family released an official statement.

The reaction was explosive. Based solely on the amount of tax evasion uncovered so far, it was already the largest in the history of the Asterot Empire. Moreover, it had not been long since it was revealed that the true owner of Iver was Riena Cassius.

In my room within the guard annex, I spread out the morning papers across the table and carefully examined the related articles. Several phrases stood out.

An unprecedented large-scale tax evasion crime! Iver Merchant Guild’s cumulative unpaid taxes exceed 1 million gold…
Is tax evasion Iver’s only crime? The six additional charges revealed by the Imperial Family.
Government officials arrested en masse last night on bribery charges!
To what extent is Lady Riena Cassius involved in this situation?
The shocking reversal of the lady once called the Second Saint!
According to the Imperial spokesperson: “His Majesty the Great Emperor has expressed his fury at the current situation and declared that he will not tolerate it.”
It is reported that His Highness the Second Prince, who successfully led the tax audit, personally uncovered Iver’s secret chamber with his exceptional powers of observation and hearing.
The Cassius Duchy maintains silence regarding the matter. Our reporter was even threatened when seeking comment…

Given the severity of the incident, even newspapers inclined toward Cassius could not publish favorable articles about Iver. Instead, they emphasized that hasty conclusions should be avoided and that further statements from the Imperial Family should be awaited.

On the other hand, anti-Cassius papers were already revving up to tear into both Cassius and Riena. They were still somewhat cautious, since the investigation was ongoing.

Among the stack, I selected the paper that seemed to contain the least useful information and tore out only the page with the relevant article. That was all Elliot needed—to know that Riena was being cornered.

“Today you’re quite early—”

I entered alone. Elliot, inside the barred cell, frowned. He had been eating the bread provided for breakfast.

“Disappointed Count Miloam isn’t here?”

“That’s not even amusing. If that’s all you came to say, leave.”

“I thought you might be curious about what’s happening outside.”

I handed the newspaper through the bars. Elliot skimmed it once—then apparently finished it in an instant, his eyes widening.

“What’s your intention in giving this to me?”

“I told you, I thought you’d be curious.”

“Shall I guess what’s going on in that head of yours? You want to say that Lady Riena will abandon me.”

“……”

“Lady Riena is kind, but she knows when to be cold. If she becomes convinced that I—not Cecil—am the traitor, she will discard me without hesitation.”

Though it concerned his own fate, Elliot observed the situation calmly, as if standing a step removed.

“The Second Prince acted as though I were the traitor to conceal the real one—Cecil. And I previously clashed with Tara.”

Elliot had claimed Tara was my spy. Tara, in turn, likely told Riena that Elliot was suspicious, given his repeated attacks on her.

“I’m aware that I don’t have a personality that wins people over. Separate from the fact that Lady Riena values me, she also considers that aspect of me a headache.”

So he knew—and simply chose not to change. Very like him.

“On the other hand, Cecil Iver is trusted by those around her. Despite being a cunning traitor.”

Well, Cecil wasn’t actually a traitor—but I had no reason to correct that misunderstanding.

“In the first place, the reason Lady Riena took notice of Cecil was because she didn’t simply chase immediate profit. She built strong relationships of trust not only with her subordinates but also with business partners. Even I thought the likelihood of Cecil betraying her was less than thirty percent.”

Elliot bit his lip. He knew exactly which way Riena’s heart would tilt between him and her other subordinate.

“Certainly, if things continue like this, I’ll be branded the traitor just as you intend. I’ll be sentenced to prison without ever getting the chance to see Lady Riena, and I won’t even be able to explain myself.”

He lowered his head. Soon, his body began to tremble. It was summer—the room was warm—yet his shaking intensified.

“Hey—”

I was about to call his name when a small chuckle reached my ears.

“Khahaha!”

Elliot raised his head and burst into loud laughter, pointing at me.

“Did you really think I would let it end like that? If you believe you’ve already won with this, you’re mistaken!”

His eyes gleamed with triumph.

“I will save my lady—and clear myself of the false charge of betrayal.”

“…How? You’re locked up in here.”

“Hah! Did you really think that meant I could do nothing? Foolish.”

The cunning strategist whispered:

“My plan was already set into motion before I was captured.”

Imperial Palace, outside the Emperor’s office.

When Terence arrived, the chief attendant wore a troubled expression.

“Your Highness, I beg your pardon, but His Highness the Crown Prince is currently in audience with His Majesty.”

The attendant’s difficulty was not merely that he had to ask the Second Prince to wait.

“Have you still not come to your senses?!”

The Emperor’s furious roar echoed from inside. The Crown Prince responded loudly in return.

“Your Majesty, I am not making an unreasonable request.”

“Demanding the release of a criminal who has shaken the entire empire is not unreasonable?!”

“Lady Cassius has not yet been confirmed guilty! And the investigation can continue even after she is released!”

“And what if she runs away?!”

“She is a proud member of House Cassius and a woman of great wealth. She will not abandon her honor and property to flee!”

“Watch your tongue, you—!”

“Please! The palace prison is far too harsh for someone as delicate as she is!”

“I already placed that troublesome Cassius woman in the nobles’ wing of the prison—what’s so harsh about it?!”

“A prison is still a prison! Moreover, she has always cared for the marginalized and donated generously. Please consider that!”

“Ha! If she had just paid her taxes properly, that money would have gone to the nation anyway! How benevolent indeed—donating with money meant for taxes and gaining praise for it!”

“Father!”

“That’s enough! I don’t want to see your face—leave at once!”

The conversation ended there.

Soon after, the Crown Prince—Mikhail—emerged from the office with a hardened expression and spotted Terence.

“…Brother.”

Terence smiled faintly.

“It’s been a while, younger brother.”

Though Terence had been in the palace for several days, they had not had many chances to cross paths. They were not close enough for family gatherings.

“You’ve come to see His Majesty. My audience has concluded, so please go in.”

“Yes, we shall meet again later.”

Just as they were about to pass each other without incident, the Crown Prince spoke in a low voice.

“Do not touch my people again. While I still treat you as my elder brother.”

Terence tilted his head slightly at his half-brother, who was one year younger.

“Is that so? I don’t recall touching your people. Unless you mean criminals.”

Mikhail glared sharply.

“Not ‘younger brother’—Your Highness the Crown Prince. Mind your words. As long as I am Crown Prince, even you must address me properly.”

The chief attendant inhaled sharply. Technically, according to Asterot imperial protocol, Mikhail was correct—but it was a rigid rule often ignored.

Especially considering that Prince Terence was, unusually, older than the Crown Prince.

Contrary to the attendant’s fear that a physical altercation might erupt, Terence did not lose his smile.

“I shall remember that, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

Mikhail shot him a final glare and departed.

Relieved, the attendant announced Terence’s arrival to the Emperor.

“Oh! What brings you here?”

The Emperor greeted his son warmly. Perhaps out of lingering guilt, he had always tried to treat Terence well—but recently, he seemed even more pleased with him. The reason was obvious.

“Have you seen the newspapers? Thanks to you, we’ve dealt the Cassius bastards a heavy blow. I can’t tell you how refreshing it feels.”

“I’m glad Your Majesty is pleased. But did something happen with the Crown Prince? His complexion didn’t look well just now.”

“That fool came to argue with me over a woman. And why are you being so formal between brothers?”

“Well, just earlier, Your Highness—”

Bang!

After hearing Terence’s explanation, the Emperor slammed his desk.

“That insolent brat! His woman commits the crime, and he dares pick a fight with you instead!”

“Your Majesty, please calm yourself! I fear for your health.”

The Emperor let out a long sigh.

“You’re the only one who truly considers me. Pay no mind to what Mikhail said.”

“However, the etiquette—”

“I’ll have that outdated etiquette abolished at once.”