But things would not always go as hoped. There would always be kind-hearted people like Ryan, unable to bear the suffering in the world.
Just as he was considering what to do next, he suddenly received word from a colleague: Director Jonathan had led people to storm the municipal office, slapped the evidence in his hands onto Holder's face, and then handcuffed him in full view of everyone!
Immediately afterward, Jonathan interrogated Holder with lightning speed, connecting every link in the chain of evidence regarding the municipal office's approval of land for the Mafia and making it public.
Because of this, an entire group from the Housing and Construction Department was implicated. Seven people from management alone were arrested, two of them minor nobles.
In an interview with reporters, Jonathan publicly stated that the Bureau of Governance would preserve the last piece of land for those homeless citizens of the Empire.
Gathering evidence, making arrests, interrogating, publicizing—the entire process was completed in less than a day. The efficiency was so high that even people within the Bureau of Governance had yet to react.
Jonathan had not informed Ryan and the others beforehand, because he knew that not everyone in the Bureau of Governance was loyal only to the Bureau. If the people at the municipal office had found out in advance, there was an eighty percent chance this would never have been carried out.
As for now—
It was already done. What could they do to him?
After the news was released, Ryan discovered that the people higher up in the municipal government had collectively chosen silence. Although public opinion leaned toward Jonathan, it was probably also related to his identity as an investigator of the Burning Covenant.
After all, matters involving Supernatural Beings were secrets to ordinary people, but not to certain nobles and powerful figures.
Still, it was foreseeable that Jonathan would certainly be watched after this.
"Director, weren't you afraid the people above would make things difficult for you by doing this?"
Inside the office.
Ryan asked curiously.
Jonathan lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and slowly exhaled. "The world cannot be filled with nothing but voices, but neither can it be a place where no voices are heard. Someone has to stand up. It's fine—this little matter won't crush me. As for you all, don't get involved. Remember this: handle only matters within your capabilities."
"Do you know why I didn't keep interrogating him? There must be someone behind Holder, but if I went any further, I couldn't handle it alone. So let's stop here."
Ryan nodded slightly and said nothing.
"Do you think I'm hypocritical? Wanting to do something, yet hesitating and holding back?" Jonathan asked with a faint smile.
"No. I think you're very smart, Director."
"Oh? Tell me why."
"Because if you died, there wouldn't even be anyone left to do this much. It's like a spring—if you press it too tightly, you have to loosen it a little, or it'll break. The Empire is like that right now."
Jonathan looked at him in surprise. "You really dare to say that, kid."
Ryan smiled. "Only in front of you, Director."
"It'd better stay that way. Don't go spouting those words outside." Jonathan took another deep drag, then stubbed the cigarette out in the ashtray. "The Empire's situation is unstable. Disorder has begun breaking out everywhere. You're right—if it's pressed too tightly, it'll break. We can only do our best to loosen it a little. It treats the symptoms, not the root cause. In the end, it still depends on those people above."
"Come on, Ryan. This matter ends here. Come with me to meet someone who can treat the root cause."
"Who?"
"Princess Caslathdi."
Ryan had not expected Caslathdi to contact them on her own initiative.
Jonathan himself was also 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 that evening.
At a restaurant in the East District, inside a private dining room.
"Director Jonathan." Caslathdi sat at the dining table and nodded lightly. "I'm very pleased to meet you."
"The honor is mine."
The director, usually so imposing and fearsome, behaved like a gentleman at that moment.
Naturally. The young girl before him was the Empire's Fifth Princess, the Princess Royal most favored by Your Majesty the Emperor.
"I watched today's news report. You did something remarkable," Caslathdi suddenly said.
Jonathan froze for a moment before replying, "It was only a small matter."
"A friend once told me that the fate of those at the bottom depends on the attitude of those at the top. After experiencing this, I understand the truth of her words more deeply." Caslathdi stood and extended her arm.
Jonathan understood the gesture. He stepped forward and bowed slightly.
Caslathdi placed her hand on his shoulder, her expression solemn. "You are like a noble knight. The Empire needs talented people like you."
Standing to the side, Ryan knew that this was a ritual of the Augustus Empire, as well as a form of honor and recognition. It was generally used by nobles toward their subordinates.
Once this ritual was performed, 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 people over, he had to admit that he was still pleased. After all, he had done what he did without expecting any benefits, but receiving praise from a Princess like Caslathdi made him feel that it had all been worthwhile.
Recognition was an important attitude.
However, Ryan found it somewhat suspicious. He knew that Caslathdi was not some naïve, sweet girl. Even if she admired Jonathan, there was no need for her to take the risk of being discovered just to meet him.
"And this is?" Caslathdi turned her gaze toward Ryan.
Jonathan smiled. "He is the Vice Captain of our Criminal Investigation Division. He's quite capable."
"I see." Caslathdi nodded slightly. "To get to the point, Jonathan, I will arrive at Berman City by train tomorrow. I asked you here because I need your help with something."
Jonathan asked in confusion, "If it's escort work, we will naturally do everything we can. If you are still worried, you can contact headquarters directly, or contact Mayor Bill. He will certainly send more people to receive you."
"Do you know why Mayor Bill wasn't there last time?" Caslathdi asked.
"This..."
"Because I told him not to come. The train station is dangerous. You understand that very well, don't you?"
"Please rest assured, Your Highness. I guarantee that the same thing will never happen again!"
"Jonathan, I believe in your loyalty, but determination alone cannot solve everything, can it?" Caslathdi's gaze remained calm. "After all, the people trying to kill me are Supernatural Beings. Only a Supernatural Being like you can help me."
"..."
"..."
The room fell silent for quite a while.
After a long moment, Jonathan let out a breath and smiled in relief. "I didn't expect Your Highness to already know my identity." Then he asked, somewhat puzzled, "In that case, why do you still insist on making another trip to the train station? No matter how well we protect you, there will always be unforeseen gaps."
"Regarding that, I would like to invite one of my friends to discuss it with us."
"A friend? Is it your friend in Berman City? Your Highness, your safety is of utmost importance. Forgive my bluntness, but if the person cannot be trusted absolutely, it would be best not to let them know your location."
Caslathdi smiled faintly. "Don't worry. She is a friend who is absolutely trustworthy."
Just as she finished speaking, someone knocked on the private room's door.
"Your Highness, she has arrived."
"Come in."
Eiko opened the door from outside and stood at the entrance, making a welcoming gesture. Then, beneath the astonished gazes of Ryan and Jonathan, a figure wearing an ivory priestess's robe walked in.
"Good evening, everyone," 'Lin Qi' said coolly.
4.5k words, extra updates start today~
Before you continue