Chapter 183: Let’s Go to Prison (1)
Watching the leader’s headless body collapse gave me a chill that made my blood run cold. Due to my instinctive frustration, my fist shot out without a second thought.
Well, throwing that punch wasn’t really the main issue. Throwing a bit of force during an interrogation? Totally reasonable. Yeah, just a bit.
“Damn.”
The real problem was that my punch came out in such a reflexive manner that I completely lost control. The most critical captive fell far too easily and shamefully.
“Rise, leader…! Show us the spirit you had when you advocated for republicanism in this hierarchical society! Display your will to live, even without a head!”
“Pff… Pfft…”
Hearing a stifled laugh next to me, I turned to see the 1st Manager desperately trying to hold back her laughter. Her face was flushed, and she was biting her lips, looking like she might burst into tears at any moment.
Crap.
Was her restraint her final act of consideration? The sight of the 4th Manager, who stood rigid and cautious, conjured mixed feelings. Oh, right. She was clueless about the inter-class competition incident. Perhaps she had been on another mission and missed the news.
“No wonder I haven’t heard from her.”
The 4th Manager, who always remembered to text me even on anniversaries I forgot, hadn’t been in touch. It was even odder considering the 1st Manager’s recent ramblings about tofu.
Unaware of the situation, the 4th Manager shrank back at my sudden outburst. I felt bad; I must have shocked her during the Third Honor incident as well.
“…1st Manager.”
“Yes, yes… Aahahaha…!”
Finally unable to contain herself, the 1st Manager squatted down and erupted into hearty laughter.
Honestly, it was legendary. How many people could boast about being told by the leader of the Red Wave, “You seem more republican than us, haha”?
As far as I knew, such a phenomenon was practically nonexistent. Common sense said it shouldn’t happen. If someone like that existed, I’d want to see their face; what kind of lunatic must they be?
‘Ah, right. That’s me.’
Wow, truly an unexpected realization.
“Elizaveta.”
However, the 4th Manager, who was completely oblivious to the background, turned pale and shook the 1st Manager’s shoulder, as if questioning what was so funny. Meanwhile, the nearby members of the Masked Unit were also caught in a state of confusion.
Yeah, it was indeed unexpected to dredge up such an embarrassing history, but the Masked Unit’s concern wasn’t necessary.
A simple explanation could clear up the misunderstanding, yet I found myself lacking the courage to voice it. How could I articulate this situation?
“I’ll go ahead, so explain it to the others.”
In the end, my choice was to escape.
As I turned away, I made eye contact with the 2nd Manager who was rushing over.
“E-Executive Manager.”
“I’m leaving.”
Waving my hand at the sweating 2nd Manager, I quickened my pace toward the academy.
Not long after, I could hear the thunderous laughter of the 1st and 2nd Managers behind me.
Damn it, damn it all.
*
It hurt. My body felt fine, but my mental state was a wreck.
If the goal of the Red Wave was to infuriate as many blue-bloods as possible, then I had to say it was a success. The 2nd Manager’s ego was bruised, and I was hurt emotionally too.
“Executive Manager, are you now the new leader of the Red Wave?”
Shut up.
“This is amazing. This is the first time an Executive Manager has become the leader of the Red Wave, right? This will be a historical moment!”
I said, shut it.
The gleeful laughter of the two managers flanking me was pushing me to the brink. Please, just leave me alone, you damn fools!
— Executive Manager, are you alright?
Even the 4th Manager’s concerned inquiry didn’t reach me.
She probably just wanted to comfort me, but the timing felt worse than ever. Still, I couldn’t just disregard her.
“I’m fine, so don’t worry.”
With a forced smile, I tried to reassure the 4th Manager.
Fortunately, the communication crystal only transmitted audiovisual information. At least it wouldn’t reveal how much my hands were shaking.
‘Damn it.’
Until a short while ago, I had even directed my anger toward Robin, who was left in the forest. After all, wasn’t it because of him that I had to endure such nonsense? Why did he even report such trivial things?
Yet I managed to suppress my rage. At that time, Robin was a spy for the Red Wave. It was only natural for a spy to report major incidents happening in their infiltration point.
After all, what could I do? I couldn’t exactly turn Robin into another headless person.
“But why are you here?”
Leaning back, I finally turned to the 1st Manager, feeling something was off.
While the 2nd Manager’s presence was understandable, the 1st Manager should have been deep into her interrogation of the captives. She wasn’t one to give up her cherished toys simply to return.
“I’m shaking because I laughed so hard. Honestly, if I keep working in this state, a few more might end up dead.”
It was a teasing remark, but I couldn’t chastise her. The intent was playful, yet there was an undeniable truth to it.
Indeed, the 1st Manager frequently called it quits at the slightest glitch. Her work demanded meticulous control; pushing it too hard could spell disaster.
It was genuinely unfortunate that I was the one to provide that variable.
— The Special Service Agency will be taking charge of the captured Red Wave members. Mages from the Tower are expected to arrive soon.
Upon hearing my sigh, the 4th Manager cautiously spoke up.
Yeah, it would be better to send them along quickly if there wasn’t going to be any interrogation here.
“Shouldn’t you go with them, Executive Manager?”
The 2nd Manager snickered, chiming in.
“Since you’re going to face repercussions for this whole incident anyway, you might as well travel comfortably with the mages. Just write your report and come back.”
With that, the 2nd Manager started to laugh, but then his face suddenly stiffened, as if he had recalled something significant.
I chuckled lightly, having a hunch about what he might have realized. When people are pushed to their limits, it’s not only anger they feel; they also get overwhelmed by a profound sense of emptiness.
“Executive Manager?”
“What?”
“I’m sorry, but I’m struggling to remember—how many reports is this now?”
I didn’t respond.
My silence left the 2nd Manager, the 1st Manager, and even the 4th Manager on the communication crystal speechless.
An awkward silence filled the sorrowful dawn.
*
Fortunately, I didn’t end up in the absurd situation of being transported with the Red Wave to the capital. No formal summon had been issued, and it wasn’t like I was inclined to go voluntarily.
After all, while getting punished sooner is usually better, who would willingly step into the frying pan when they knew it meant imprisonment? Everyone just wants to hang on to a shred of freedom.
— Regarding the Special Service Agency…I’ll take care of the report.
“Right, I’ll count on you.”
To delay the summon as much as possible, the death of the Red Wave leader was to be reported by the 4th Manager. As the one reporting, I would likely get an immediate summon to the capital sternly telling me to show up.
The 4th Manager had suggested labeling the leader’s death as a casualty, but I insisted on just telling the truth.
‘Hiding it will only make things worse.’
From my experience in civil service, I learned that regardless of attempts to hide it, incidents eventually come to light. A cover-up, no matter how seamless, still remains a cover-up. It’s wiser to confess before facing additional penalties for deceit.
The incident about the 4th Manager having killed the Third Honor’s leader was indeed dealt with, yet it hadn’t been completely hidden.
Yes, being forthright was the right course of action. It may be incredibly sad, but it felt like the right thing to do.
‘Damn it.’
Despite knowing it was the right path, I couldn’t help feeling so down.
“Eriko Trian and Robin have been expelled.”
The Principal’s voice helped dispel some of the gnawing sorrow within me.
“I never suspected there would be members of the Red Wave amongst our staff.”
“Don’t worry too much. They were very secretive.”
I offered a few comforting words to the Principal, who let out a sigh of disbelief.
It must have been frustrating for him to recognize that some faculty members, not just passing students, were part of the Red Wave.
Yet, that didn’t fall under the Principal’s jurisdiction. The blame lay with those crazy enough to join the Red Wave.
“And Robin has expressed regret and sought the Emperor’s forgiveness. He reformed during his time at the academy.”
Using Robin as an example seemed to lighten the Principal’s mood a little.
Thinking about it positively, you might even say a traitor was influenced by the academy and has now become a loyal subject again. It’s quite a nice little redemption story.
“I think I’ll need to step away for a moment.”
After a few more exchanges, I finally brought up the main issue.
“Step away? For what purpose?”
“There are a few things I need to sort out.”
The Principal gazed at me, puzzled.
From an outside perspective, the situation was resolved smoothly. The internal spy was identified before causing any ruckus, and the Red Wave’s external attack was successfully deflected—it was a pristine victory.
But what kind of matters could require sorting?
“That’s right.”
This situation wouldn’t finish until I found myself in prison. What a lovely climax, isn’t it?
However, I couldn’t outright say to the Principal, “I expect to be punished for killing a captive. Looks like I’ll be spending some time in detention now.”
And after some rest, a futile hope appeared: would the Crown Prince perhaps show some mercy? The leader was dead, yet the higher-ups remained unharmed; maybe he would simply let it slide.
‘It’s still uncertain.’
I wouldn’t know until it happened whether I’d be punished or not. If I spoke up to the Principal and then the Crown Prince allowed mercy to reign, it would create an awkward situation for everyone.
I believe in him. I trust that the Crown Prince has vast compassion and mercy.
Please, Your Highness… Just this once, consider the efforts I’ve made…
“[The Executive Manager’s dedication and tireless work toward the empire are commendable, yet it’s regrettable when unforeseen incidents unfold. I wish to receive a direct report from the Executive Manager, so please return to the capital.]”
This message flew to me through the communication crystal immediately after finishing with the Principal.
Fortunately, the summon was much gentler than the one that followed the previous incident involving Rutis.
Please, for the love of the stars, let this go easy!
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