Can't I Raise Myself? Chapter 21

However, things do not always go as planned, and there are always people like Ryan who are kind-hearted and cannot bear to see the suffering of the world.

Just as he was contemplating his next move, he suddenly received word from a colleague that Director Jonathan had stormed into the Municipal Office with his men, slammed the evidence he held onto Holder's face, and slapped handcuffs on him in full view of everyone!

Immediately following this, Jonathan launched a lightning-fast interrogation of Holder, piecing together the entire chain of evidence regarding the Municipal Office's approval of land plots for the Mafia and making it public.

Because of this, an entire group from the Housing and Construction Department was implicated, with seven people from the management level alone being arrested, two of whom were minor nobles.

In reports covering interviews with journalists, Jonathan publicly stated that the Bureau of Governance would protect the very last piece of land for those homeless citizens of the Augustus Empire.

Collecting evidence, making arrests, interrogating, and going public—the entire sequence of events was completed in less than a day, with an efficiency so high that even the people within the Bureau of Governance hadn't reacted in time.

Jonathan had not informed Ryan and the others beforehand because he knew that the people in the Bureau of Governance were not solely loyal to the Bureau; once the people at the Municipal Office found out in advance, the matter would likely never have been accomplished.

As for now.

The deed was done, so what could they possibly do to him?

After the news was made public, Ryan noticed that the higher-ups in the municipal government had collectively chosen to remain silent. Although public opinion was leaning toward Jonathan, he suspected it also had something to do with his status as an investigator for the Burning Covenant.

After all, while matters concerning Supernatural Beings were secrets to ordinary people, that was not the case for certain nobles and powerful figures.

It was only to be expected, however, that Jonathan would certainly be targeted after this.

"Director, aren't you afraid that the people above will make things difficult for you after doing this?"

Inside the office.

Ryan asked curiously.

Jonathan lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, exhaled, and said leisurely, "This world cannot be without voices, but it also cannot be deaf to any sound. Someone has to stand up. It's fine; this little matter isn't enough to crush me. As for you lot, don't get involved. Remember one thing: only take on what you have the capacity to handle."

"Do you know why I didn't continue the interrogation? There is definitely someone behind Holder, but, well, I can't handle anything further on my own, so let's leave it at that."

Ryan nodded slightly, saying nothing.

"Do you think I'm being hypocritical? Wanting to get things done but being timid?" Jonathan smiled faintly.

"No, I think you're very smart, Director."

"Oh? Tell me why."

"Because if you were to die, there wouldn't even be anyone left to handle these small matters. It's like a spring; if it's pressed too tightly, you have to loosen it, lest it break. The Empire is exactly like that right now."

Jonathan looked surprised. "You really have the guts to say that, kid."

Ryan laughed. "I only say it in front of you, Director."

"It's best if that stays true; don't go around saying these things outside." Jonathan took another deep drag, then stubbed the cigarette out in the ashtray. "The situation in the Empire is unstable, and everywhere is starting to fall into chaos. You're right—if it's pressed too tightly, it will break. We can only do our best to loosen it. It treats the symptoms but not the root cause; the key still depends on that group of people at the top."

"Let's go, Ryan. This matter ends here. Come with me to meet someone who can treat the root cause."

"Who?"

"Princess Caslathdi."

Ryan hadn't expected that Caslathdi would take the initiative to contact them.

Jonathan himself was also quite puzzled; he had only just learned that this princess had already arrived in Berman City. Since the princess had summoned him, he naturally had to go.

Seven o'clock in the evening.

Inside a private room at a restaurant in the East District.

"Director Jonathan." Caslathdi sat at the dining table and nodded slightly. "I am very pleased to meet you."

"The honor is mine."

The director, who was usually imposing and majestic, acted like a gentleman at this moment.

It was only natural, after all; the young girl before him was the Fifth Princess of the Empire, the Princess Royal most favored by His Majesty the Emperor.

"I read today's news report. You have done a remarkable thing," Caslathdi said suddenly.

Jonathan was taken aback, then replied, "It was just a small matter."

"A friend once told me that the fate of the lower classes depends on the attitude of those above. Having experienced this, I understand the truth of her words even more." Caslathdi stood up and extended her arm.

Jonathan took the hint, stepped forward, and bowed slightly.

Caslathdi placed her hand on his shoulder, her expression solemn. "You are like a noble knight; the Empire needs talent like you."

Ryan stood to the side. He knew this was a ritual of the Augustus Empire, a form of honor and recognition, generally used between nobles and their subordinates.

Once this ritual was used, it meant that the noble's trust in that person had reached a certain level.

Although Jonathan knew this was Caslathdi's way of winning hearts, he had to admit that he was still very happy inside. After all, he had done the deed, and he actually wouldn't receive any benefits from it, but being praised by a princess like Caslathdi made him feel that his actions were worth it.

Recognition was a very important attitude.

However, Ryan felt something was suspicious. He knew Caslathdi was not the type to be naive; even if she appreciated Jonathan, there was no need to risk being discovered just to meet him.

"And this is?" Caslathdi looked toward Ryan.

Jonathan smiled. "He is the deputy captain of our Criminal Investigation Division. His abilities are quite excellent."

"I see." Caslathdi nodded slightly. "Back to the point, Jonathan. I will arrive in Berman City by train tomorrow. I've asked you here because I need your help with something."

Jonathan asked in confusion, "If it is a guard duty, we will naturally do our utmost. If you are still worried, you can contact the headquarters directly, or contact the mayor; he will certainly send more people to welcome you."

"Do you know why Mayor Bill was not there last time?" Caslathdi asked.

"This..."

"Because it was I who told him not to come. The train station is very dangerous; you are well aware of that, aren't you?"

"Your Highness, rest assured, I guarantee that the same thing will absolutely not happen again this time!"

"Jonathan, I believe in your loyalty, but determination alone cannot solve anything, can it?" Caslathdi's gaze was calm. "After all, the ones who want to kill me are a group of Supernatural Beings, and only a Supernatural Being like you can help me."

"..."

"..."

The room was quiet for quite a while.

After a long moment, Jonathan let out a breath and smiled with relief. "I didn't expect Your Highness to already know my identity." After saying this, he asked with slight confusion, "Since that is the case, why must Your Highness go to the train station again? Even if we protect you as well as we can, there will always be a slip-up eventually."

"Regarding this matter, I would like to invite a friend of mine to come and chat together."

"A friend? Is it a friend of yours in Berman City? Your Highness, your safety is of the utmost importance. Forgive my bluntness, but if the other party cannot be trusted absolutely, it is best not to let them know your location."

Caslathdi smiled slightly. "Rest assured, she is a friend who is absolutely worth trusting."

Just as she finished speaking, the door to the private room was knocked upon.

"Your Highness, the person has arrived."

"Come in."

Eiko opened the door from the outside and stood at the entrance, making a gesture of invitation. Subsequently, a figure wearing a milky-white priest's robe walked in, amidst the surprised gazes of Ryan and Jonathan.

"Good evening, everyone," Lin Qi said in a cold tone.

4k5, starting today, I will be adding extra chapters~