Chapter 33
1190 Words
CHAPTER 33
Two days later, it was finally time for the second meeting.
The sound of noisy chattering became louder as people began to fill the conference hall. Everyone was looking forward to the meeting so much that they began to form their own opinions on how it would go.
The noisy discussions among the officials continued as they waited for the royal family to arrive. Minutes later, His Majesty, the Emperor, and His Highness, the Crown Prince, entered the hall and everyone rose up and fell quiet.
The officials waited for the emperor to take his seat before settling down as well. The Crown Prince, on the other hand, walked towards the podium and started his opening speech.
“For today's program, we'll continue our discussion about the tragic bombing at the central plaza of the capital.” Noah started. “During our previous meeting, we interrogated the assassins we apprehended who were behind the bombing incident. They mentioned a man named ‘Julio’ as their mastermind, and during the past two days, I conducted a thorough investigation into this matter. Today, I will now present to you the conclusions I got.”
Noah paused and glanced around the room. Everyone was looking at him with big anticipation. They were eager to know who the suspect is.
However, Noah had a different thing on his mind. He took a deep breath before disclosing the information.
“Through our thorough investigation, we have therefore concluded that the man named ‘Julio’ doesn’t exist. The assassins were told a lie.”
The officials, particularly those from the Aristocratic Faction, were outraged, and the hall was filled with protests as a result. Each was expressing their disbelief at the absurdity of the news Noah had given. Now, they see Noah as incompetent.
“That is impossible! Was the investigation really done thoroughly?!”
“Yeah! Why would the assassins be lying when their life is on the line?!”
“I can’t believe this! How difficult could it be to find a man who has already been identified? Maybe something went wrong!”
The officials from the Aristocratic Faction continued to express their dissatisfaction. On the other hand, the officials from the Imperial Faction did everything they could to defend the prince.
“What are you saying?! Are you doubting the Crown Prince of the Empire?!”
“They may have indeed lied to protect their true master! Also, it was already suspicious that they mentioned a name in the first place!”
The conference hall was filled with endless debates, and the emperor was already massaging his temples due to the commotion. However, Noah only watched them while not showing any emotions.
He remained silent and did not respond to any of the queries posed to him. He was waiting, and while doing so, he took the chance to observe the officials and check for any suspicious behavior.
Moments later, the knight beside Noah walked towards him and whispered something. Noah nodded and looked at the officials again.
With a stern and deep voice, he commanded, “Silence.”
The commotion subsided quickly, and everyone sat and listened.
“I am deeply disappointed to hear that some of you doubted the process of the investigation. It seems to me that you were underestimating my competence and authority.” He paused. “Let me remind each one of you that His Majesty, the emperor, has personally appointed me to lead the investigation of the bombing incident. Doubting me is the same as doubting His Majesty, and I’m sure you’re all aware of what comes after.” Noah’s cold warning made everyone in the hall shiver in fear. Meanwhile, the emperor looked at his son proudly.
Feeling guilty, the officials averted their eyes. They wouldn't dare to question Noah again now that he mentioned His Majesty.
Noah looked at them with satisfaction before he continued.
“As I’ve said, after a thorough investigation, we have come to a conclusion that the assassins were lying and the man named ‘Julio’ doesn’t exist. From now on, I will be presenting the findings that led us to this conclusion.” Noah turned to the knight again and nodded.
Soon after, the door to the hall opened and a man with ginger hair entered. That man was no other than Kael Arder or Kai.
As Kai walked down the hall, everyone’s eyes were on him including Noah’s. Looking at him now, Noah remembered his conversation with Kai yesterday.
“Your Highness, Mr. Kael Arder is looking for you,” George reported.
Noah's brows wrinkled as he realized he hadn't expected Kai to show up. He had already informed Kai that his work was completed. He even compensated him for his services, so does he want to suddenly meet now?
“Let him in,” Noah said.
George nodded and bowed before leaving his office. Minutes later, he came back with Kai following him.
“Greetings, Your Highness. How have you been?” Kai greeted and bowed.
“I’m fine. What is the purpose of your visit?” Noah asked immediately, without beating around the bush.
Kai was not expecting Noah to be straightforward, so he took a moment before answering.
“I have come to offer you my help, your highness.”
Noah furrowed his brows even more. He was confused as to what help he was trying to offer and how someone like him could possibly help him.
“What do you mean by that?” Noah asked.
“Your Highness, I heard you’re looking for the suspect behind the bombing incident. If I’m not wrong, you are looking for a man named ‘Julio’, correct?”
Noah only raised his eyebrow at him, so Kai continued. “Well, I happen to know who that man is.”
At his response, Noah’s eyes grew cold, and a dark aura was starting to emanate from him. The sudden heavy atmosphere almost made Kai tremble, but he held his stance and pretended that he’s unaffected.
Noah was enraged not because Kai had the audacity to approach him and offer assistance when he doesn’t know anything. He was enraged because he claimed to know who Julio is.
As far as what Noah is aware of, he is the only one who knows the identity of Julio. Hence, he believes that there is no way Kai would know it was Tatiana.
Noah only knows Kai as someone who happens to witness Tatiana’s incredible fighting skills, but he has no idea that Kai and Tatiana are friends. This is why, to him, Kai was trying to deceive him by saying he knows Julio when in fact, he doesn’t.
“I see...” Noah decided not to reveal that he knew he was being tricked. He acted as though he believed him, so he could see the end of Kai’s lies. “Who is it then?”
It took Kai a moment to answer, and before he did, he took a deep breath and stared directly at Noah’s eyes.
“It was me, your highness. I am Julio.”
---
reyankleyr
- Writer
