Chapter 577: The Head of the Investigation
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 577: The Head of the Investigation
"Involved in... the assassination... of the First Prince?"
Hearing the Old Marquis Dion speak with such apparent conviction and heartfelt sorrow, the others were merely stunned, silently weighing the credibility of his words. Sharp, however, looked as if his eyes were about to pop out of his skull.
Assassinating the First Prince?
What kind of sick joke was this? That would be an act of filial impiety akin to murdering his own father. Even if he were stupid enough to lose his mind, he would never do such a thing.
Besides, why would he? He, and the people behind him, were practically in the same camp as Albert. To be more precise, they all took orders from him. What was this—sabotaging his own master?
"Nonsense! Utter, absolute nonsense!"
Sharp’s eyes turned bloodshot instantly. He pointed a trembling finger at the Old Marquis and roared, "That never happened! This is slander! Blatant, naked slander!"
"Heh, slander? I expected you to say that."
The Old Marquis shook his head and let out a weary, wistful laugh. It was a look filled with bitterness and self-reproach, mixed with a hint of regret—the look of an old father watching a disappointing son. It made Sharp want to lunge forward and tear that old face to pieces.
However, his noble upbringing—and a fear of that face that was etched into his very marrow—forced him to restrain himself.
"You need evidence!"
"Evidence? Naturally, I have none. If I did, I wouldn't have had to throw away my dignity and come here specifically to expose you, my rebellious son."
The Old Marquis sighed and continued, "Whether this is slander or not will be known when the truth comes to light. But let me ask you: do you dare claim that you... or the Dion family at that time, were not involved in those events? Or rather... that you weren't standing on Prince Andrew’s side back then?"
"Of course not! The Dion family never supported—"
Sharp was so incensed by these shameless lies that the blood rushed to his head. He was about to use the facts to righteously refute the Old Marquis’s blatant falsehoods, but before he could finish the sentence, he froze.
In that moment, a sudden realization struck him. He perceived a massive loophole—a pit the other man was digging deeper and deeper, bit by bit, dragging the filthiest secrets of the Dion family and the Inner Council out into the light of day.
It was true, as he had just thought: neither the Dion family nor the Inner Council would ever actually assassinate the First Prince. That would be self-destruction.
The events of that night had been entirely under Albert’s control. The so-called "Inner Council helping the Second Prince with an assassination" was merely a charade. It was a play designed to eliminate the Second Prince legitimately without tarnishing the First Prince’s reputation, while simultaneously drawing out the hidden forces of the Campbell family, the leaders of the Royalist Faction.
The Second Prince was dead.
The First Prince remained untainted, playing the role of the pitiful victim.
The Campbell family had suffered heavy losses and was now forced into dormancy.
Judging by the results, everything had gone perfectly.
The First Prince had cleared all obstacles. Barring any accidents, he would naturally become the supreme ruler of the Empire once the Emperor passed away.
But an accident had happened.
Celicia had suddenly stepped into their path and seized them by their fatal weakness.
Not the First Prince’s weakness.
His weakness. The Dion family’s weakness.
That was it... outsiders didn't know the truth.
Aside from the Inner Council, the First Prince, and Celicia—who was closing in on the truth—the other Imperial nobles, the various factions, and the common people... they didn't know.
An event of that magnitude couldn't have its traces erased completely. The collusion and interactions between certain nobles had been noted by observant eyes. Therefore, in their view, it was perfectly normal to believe that the Dion family was among the many nobles who had secretly supported Andrew back then.
They didn't know that the Dion family was actually the First Prince’s staunchest supporter. On the contrary, in the eyes of outsiders, there was no connection between the First Prince and the Dion family at all.
And why would there be?
What connection could there be between a "brain-damaged" prince who had been awake for less than two months—who should have had no power and was nearly killed while fleeing Andrew’s assassins—and an established noble family that had faded from the political spotlight for years but still held deep influence?
There was no connection.
In truth, the lack of a public connection didn't matter, because once Albert took the throne, everything would fall into place. The Glory’s Blood would shine again under the rule of the Empire’s wisest Emperor.
But.
He wasn't there yet.
He was still just the First Prince.
And in that brilliant play that had fooled almost everyone, the Dion family—or rather, the Inner Council—had helped Prince Andrew "assassinate" Prince Albert. That... was a fact.
An indisputable fact.
The Dion family had done it.
The Dion family had actually, fucking, assassinated the fucking First Prince!!!
The realization hit Sharp like a physical blow. His head throbbed, and he staggered back a few steps, barely steadying himself by grabbing the table. He felt as if the blood had been drained from his body, leaving him cold and weak.
Some things, if left unsaid, remained a "tacit understanding" among peers. But once exposed to the sun, the heads of the entire Dion family wouldn't be enough to fill that bottomless, blood-colored pit.
He finally understood the sinister intent behind his opponent's move. This wasn't actually a loophole; after all, during that period when the situation was unclear, most support was given in secret.
But the opponent was using an identity capable of tearing through that veil. By using the Old Marquis—a "fake" who had become "real"—they were turning their "staged play" into a "proven crime."
Sharp’s body trembled uncontrollably, his back drenched in sweat. He instinctively looked toward Albert.
Albert remained with his head bowed, his hands gripping his knees so tightly his knuckles were white, his expression hidden.
He couldn't react. He absolutely could not react. The moment a link was established between the "First Prince" and the "Dion family," too many things would become impossible to explain.
"Don't worry, Royal Brother."
Celicia seemed to sense his psychological distress and patted his back comfortingly. "As your only sister, I will make sure justice is done for you."
"..."
Albert said nothing, his grip tightening further.
"It seems this matter requires an investigation."
Sharp’s abnormal reaction had not escaped the notice of those present. After another round of meaningful glances, Marquis Angus broke the silence. "An attempted assassination of the First Prince is too grave a matter to ignore. Since both sides hold their own versions of the story, the truth must ultimately be found through evidence."
"Oh? We're going to investigate a Marquis?"
Pink Bear rubbed his chin. Though his tone suggested concern, he looked very much like a man enjoying a good show. "This is no small matter."
"It is because he is a Marquis that we must investigate!"
The blunt Marquis Morse slammed the table. "If he is being framed, the truth must be restored. But if it is a fact... for a noble house of a Marquis to plot the assassination of the First Prince? Such an act must be severely punished to serve as a warning to others! Otherwise, the entire Empire will fall into chaos!"
"Reasonable. It must be investigated."
The others, who had been idling for a long time, chimed in one after another.
Sharp watched them with cold eyes. He knew some were just following the crowd, some were unable to help, and some truly wanted to tear the Dion family to shreds.
The Empire’s political arena was never a monolith. A weakened Marquis family would inevitably attract countless hungry wolves.
But fortunately, he wasn't alone. Behind him stood the ancient blood representing the Empire’s glory. They would help him. They had to.
"Do you have anything else to say regarding this?" Pink Bear looked at Sharp again.
"...No." Sharp lowered his head. "The Dion family is willing to cooperate with the investigation."
Having calmed down, Sharp realized that further opposition would only push him deeper into the fire. An investigation into the Dion family was now inevitable. Since resistance was futile, he needed to start thinking immediately about how to erase traces, pull strings, and cover up the facts...
"Since the investigation is decided, as for the personnel in charge..."
"Regarding the choice of personnel, I have a suggestion."
"No!"
Sharp snapped his head up, glaring at Celicia, who had suddenly spoken. "Princess Celicia has a personal grudge against the Dion family. I do not believe her people will conduct a fair investigation."
"When did I say I would recommend my own people?"
Celicia remained expressionless, not even deigning to look at Sharp. "I am well aware that the position of lead investigator is vital and could influence the so-called truth. However, the Empire’s factions are entangled; it is difficult to find someone everyone trusts. If I appoint someone, or if my Royal Brother appoints someone, the honorable Sharp—who hates us both—will not be satisfied. Therefore..."
Celicia paused before continuing, "I recommend a candidate who, due to her background and personality, has no vested interests or dealings with the majority of the Imperial nobility. I believe she would be very suitable for this investigation. Furthermore, her identity should be enough to convince most of you."
"Oh?" Count Bugard looked intrigued. "Your Highness is referring to..."
"Heh..."
The corners of Celicia’s mouth curled slightly as she answered, "She is..."
*
"Who are you?"
In the shadows of a street corner, Ariel held her hand in a half-clench, staring warily at the man in the black formal suit who had suddenly appeared. "What do you want with me?"
"Don't be nervous, don't be nervous. I'm not anyone suspicious."
Muen, still in disguise and even more careful not to reveal his true face to this particular person, smiled and tipped his hat. "I am merely a messenger. I am here on behalf of the Empire’s high command to deliver an important mission to you."
"Empire’s high command? A mission?"
Ariel frowned, her suspicion unabated. "I don't know anyone in the high command, and I don't know why anyone would give me an 'important mission.'"
"Haha, look at this. You should believe me then."
Muen produced an exquisite letter and showed Ariel the clear Royal Seal upon it.
"The Royal Family?"
"And this."
Muen showed Ariel another emblem—a blooming ice-blue flower, cold and elegant. One could tell at a glance who the owner of this crest was.
"Celicia?"
Ariel’s guard dropped significantly. She leaned in to inspect the emblem closely. "You’re one of Celicia’s people?"
"Mm, you could say that."
Muen nodded and handed the letter to Ariel. "So, you can trust that this isn't anything suspicious. This is indeed an important mission assigned to you by the highest levels of the Empire."
"But if the order is from the high command, why didn't they notify me through the Bugard family? Why come secretly in the middle of the night?" Ariel was still puzzled.
"That is because this wasn't issued to the Bugard family. It was issued directly to you, Ariel Bugard, bypassing them entirely."
Muen answered solemnly, "Do you understand?"
"..."
Ariel said nothing, but her expression turned serious instantly. She quickly took the letter and tore it open.
"Investigate... Marquis Dion?"
A sharp light flashed in Ariel’s eyes. "The turmoil in the Lower District from a while ago?"
"You knew about it?"
"...I don't know the details, but I killed a lot of those monsters back then." Ariel waved the letter and looked up at Muen. "The Dion family is the mastermind?"
"If you're asking for my opinion, then yes, the Dion family is indeed one of the masterminds. But such things require evidence, so my words don't count for much." Muen shrugged.
"Why me?"
"Because you have no interest-based ties with most of the nobility. Naturally, you won't be restrained by them. You can investigate with a free hand."
Muen answered earnestly, "But most importantly, we believe in your ability."
"We?"
"Princess Celicia," Muen said. "She believes in you."
"..."
Ariel fell silent. But in the dim light, Muen could clearly see her eyes brightening bit by bit. Celicia’s trust was like a shot of adrenaline. This girl, who had been acting a bit like a "salted fish" lately and fading into the background, was beginning to glow with purpose once more.
"Leave it to me."
Ariel’s lips curled into a confident smirk. "I definitely won't let Celicia down!"
"That’s good to hear." Muen smiled again. "I’m counting on you."
"It’s fine. Even without Celicia’s request, I was planning to deal with bastards who target innocent people. Now that I have official support, it’ll just be easier to finish. However, regarding that..."
Ariel scrutinized Muen again. "Have we met before? You seem very familiar..."
"No."
Muen’s expression turned stern as he answered categorically, "Never."
*
A few minutes later, watching Ariel disappear behind a door, Muen couldn't help but wipe away a cold sweat.
As expected of Ariel—her intuition was terrifying. Even with this level of disguise, he had almost been recognized.
However...
"This is a good thing."
Muen looked into the distance, his own lips curling into a smirk. "Let’s show them what a so-called Child of Destiny and a Protagonist Aura can really do!"