C82
Indeed, the media has been paying attention to this case since the Iver Merchant Guild was unexpectedly investigated for tax reasons, and the security forces visited Cassius Mansion on the same day.
However, since the involved family was so powerful, they were cautious about mentioning it, and early this morning, the imperial family issued an official statement.
The reaction was heated. If we look at the scale of tax evasion uncovered so far, it was the highest level since the foundation of the Asteroth Empire. Moreover, it didn't take long after it was revealed that the true owner of Iver was Liena Cassius.
In my room in the security officers' annex, I placed today's morning newspapers on the table and carefully reviewed the related articles.
Some phrases stood out.
"A unprecedented large-scale tax evasion crime has occurred! The accumulated amount of tax evasion by the Iver guild exceeds one million gold..."
"Is Iver's crime just tax evasion? Six crimes revealed by the imperial family."
"Yesterday afternoon, a series of state officials were arrested on charges of accepting bribes!"
"How much is Princess Liena Cassius related to this incident?"
"A twist for the princess who was called the second saint!"
The Imperial Spokesperson said: "His Majesty the Great Emperor is angry about the current situation and has declared that he will never stand idly by."
"It is known that His Highness the Second Prince, who successfully led this tax investigation, personally discovered Iver's secret space with his excellent observation and hearing skills."
"Duke Cassius has remained silent on this situation. In fact, he threatened the journalist who asked about this..."
As the situation was so serious, not even the pro-Cassius newspapers could publish articles favorable to Iver. Instead, many argued that we should not jump to conclusions and should wait for the next announcement from the imperial family.
On the other hand, the anti-Cassius newspaper was seizing this as an opportunity to begin attacking Cassius and Liena. They seemed cautious because the investigation was still ongoing.
Of all the newspapers, I chose the one that seemed to have the least useful information, took only the pages with the relevant articles, and brought it to Elliot's room. All I needed to know was that Liena was on the defensive.
"Today is quite early..."
I entered alone, and Elliot, who was inside the cell, frowned. He was eating the bread provided for breakfast.
"Are you disappointed that Count Miloam isn't here?"
"That's not even a funny joke. If you're going to talk about that, leave."
"I thought you might be curious about the outside situation."
I passed the newspaper through the iron bars. Elliot took it and looked at it, but his eyes widened as he read it all.
"What's your intention in giving me this now?"
"I brought it because I thought you might be curious."
"Do you want me to guess what's on your mind? Are you trying to tell me that Lady Liena will abandon me?"
"......"
"You're kind, but you know how to be cool when necessary. If you convince her that I, and not Cecil, am the traitor, she'll abandon me without hesitation."
Even though it was his job, Elliot took a step back and calmly observed the situation.
"The second prince acted as if I were a traitor to hide Cecil, who was the real traitor. Besides, I disagreed with Tara before."
Elliot claimed that Tara was my spy, and Tara probably also told Liena that Elliot suspected her of his repeated attacks.
"I also know that I'm not popular among people. Besides the fact that Lady Liena cares for me, she even considers my personality a nuisance."
Although he knew all this, it didn't change his personality. In any case, it was his personality.
"On the other hand, Cecile Ivert, those around her trust that woman. Despite being a ruthless traitor."
Well, Cecil wasn't a traitor, but I really had no motive to clarify this misunderstanding.
"The reason you noticed Cecil in the first place was that she not only sought immediate gains but also built a strong relationship of trust not only with her subordinates but also with her business partners. I also thought the possibility of Cecil betraying me was less than three percent."
Elliot bit his lip. He knew exactly in which direction Liena's heart would lean: between him and the other two subordinates.
"If this continues, I will become a traitor as you intended. I won't even be able to explain because I will be sentenced to prison in court and imprisoned without even having a chance to see her."
He tilted his head. Soon his body started shaking. Although it was summer, and the air inside was warm, the chills became stronger.
"Hey..."
It was then when I was about to say his name. Wow, a small laughter reached my ears.
"Hahaha!"
Elliot looked up, pointed at me, and laughed heartily.
"Do you think I'll let it end like this? If you think you've won with this, you're wrong!"
His eyes gleamed with triumph.
"I will save the young lady and rid myself of the stigma of being a traitor."
"... What are you going to do? You're stuck in here."
"Hah! Did you really think I couldn't do anything? That's stupid."
The cunning trickster whispered.
"My plan was already set in motion even before they captured me."
------------------------
Imperial Palace, in front of the emperor's office. The chamberlain looked at Terence and seemed worried.
"Your Highness, I apologize, but His Highness the Crown Prince is currently attending an audience with His Majesty."
The chamberlain wasn't just in trouble because he had to make the second prince wait.
"Are you still mad?"
The emperor's roar echoed from within. The crown prince also spoke loudly to his furious father.
"Your Majesty, am I not making an unreasonable request?"
"Why is it not an unreasonable request to release a criminal who turned the world upside down?"
"It hasn't been confirmed that Princess Cassius is a sinner yet! And is it not possible to continue the investigation even after her release?"
"Then what if she escapes!"
"She is an honorable member of Cassius and has many things. There's no way she would hide and leave behind her fame and fortune!"
"That's what you say!"
"Please! The imperial palace prison is such a harsh place for such a weak young lady!"
"I thought that annoying Cassius and putting her in a noble prison was bad enough!"
"Cassius is Cassius, right? Besides, the princess is a benevolent person who always cared for the underprivileged and made donations. Consider that!"
"Hah! If taxes are paid correctly, wouldn't the money go to the empire anyway? She even shows off by donating her tax money!"
"Father!"
"Enough! I don't want to see your face, so leave!"
The conversation ended there. Not long after, Crown Prince Mikhail, with a stern face, exited his office and saw Terence.
"... Older brother."
Terence responded with a smile.
"It's been a while, brother."
Several days had passed since Terence entered the palace, but the two hadn't had many opportunities to meet. They weren't close enough to hold a family meeting.
"You've come to see His Majesty. My audience is over, so please go in."
"See you later."
Just as the two were about to pass each other without much friction, the crown prince spoke in a low voice.
"Don't touch me anymore. I can still treat you as an older brother."
Terence tilted his head as he looked at his half-brother, who was a year younger than him.
"Eh? I don't remember ever touching your person. Only a criminal."
Mikhail stared harshly at Terence.
"It's not 'brother' but His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. You must speak clearly. As I am the crown prince, you must address me as such, even if we are brothers."
"......"
The chamberlain took a deep breath. It was indeed the right thing according to Asteroth's imperial etiquette, but it was so strict that it was openly ignored.
"Moreover, unlike usual, Prince Terence is older than His Royal Highness the Crown Prince..."
Contrary to the chamberlain's prediction that a fight might break out immediately, Terence didn't lose his smile.
"I'll remember that, Your Highness, Crown Prince."
Mikhail looked at Terence and left. The chamberlain felt relieved and reported to the emperor that the second prince had come.
"Oh! What's with you?"
The emperor welcomed his son into his office. Initially, the emperor tried to be kind to Terence, perhaps out of pity, but recently, he felt more pleased with him. It wasn't necessary to say why.
"Did you see the newspaper article? Thanks to you, I feel indescribably renewed after defeating those Cassius guys."
"I'm also happy that Your Majesty is pleased. By the way, what happened to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince? I saw earlier that his complexion wasn't good."
"That guy came to bother me because of that young lady. But why are they so polite among brothers?"
"Ah, actually, a moment ago, His Highness..."
Bam! After hearing Terence's story, the emperor slammed the desk with all his might.
"That bastard! The crime was committed by his own wife, and he comes to you and starts a fight!"
"Your Majesty, calm down! I'm worried that
your body might be damaged."
The emperor let out a long sigh.
"After all, you're the only one who thinks of me. Don't pay attention to what Mikhail said."
"But the etiquette..."
"I will order those outdated manners to be eliminated immediately."
Terence smiled gently.
"I appreciate that you think so much of me."
"Why? He insisted on releasing a criminal, but when I see you, I feel relieved."
"His love is probably so extreme that his judgment was temporarily affected."
Despite Terence's defense, the emperor's anger deepened.
"What a terrible thing, loving Cassius's daughter because he has no one else to love? I'm getting more disappointed each time."
At that moment, the chamberlain said from outside.
"Your Majesty, I'm sorry, but I mention this because it seems to be an important matter."
It was content that would provoke a drastic change in Iver's guild's current situation.