"D-Dick? H-How did you end up here?"
Seeing his son standing outside the cell, watching him with a complicated expression, Baron Myka—who had maintained the dignity of a baron without showing the slightest loss of composure even after being captured by John—was utterly shaken.
For the first time, panic appeared on his face.
Seeing the grief written all over his son's face, countless thoughts surged through his mind, causing this usually ruthless baron to lose his customary calm.
He was on the verge of madness.
As long as Dick had led his men to the Victoria Kingdom, even if he failed the mission, House Hartman would still have a chance to rise again with that five hundred thousand D in funding.
And as a baron, he could have secured his escape through a normal ransom exchange.
But now, the instant Dick appeared in this prison, every plan he had made had turned to dust.
How could that not drive him mad?
"Father, we should never have opposed the Empire. Captain John saw through everything long ago through Imperial agents. Your entire arrangement was within his expectations. We have failed completely."
Facing Baron Myka's incredulous expression, Dick spoke this "fact" with a face full of sorrow.
"..."
Baron Myka immediately fell silent.
But soon, he realized something was wrong and stared in shock at his son, who was able to move freely outside the cell.
Seeing Dick's evasive gaze, he seemed to understand exactly what kind of treacherous act his son had committed.
He was so enraged that even his beard began to tremble, and he roared uncontrollably:
"You... you damned bastard! How dare you betray me? How dare you?!"
"I..."
Dick looked at his father, whose eyes were wide with fury. He had initially looked timid, but then he recalled