
Chapter 37: Leverage
A press conference had been arranged the moment Mica got word of what happened. He organized for the press to come to the ballroom and for Haru and Kazuya to speak. It was an international concern that the son of an ambassador - let alone the president's son - had been severely harmed in such a way. The guards had done nothing to stop the attack nor control the protest. That was another issue.
Before, Vethela had the upper hand in negotiations solely because of their military strength. It wouldn't matter if Echal started a war with Umayena because they could easily defend it. And because they had that military advantage, other countries would find it difficult to jump into the war as well. They had neither the influence nor the economic power that Echal did, so they wouldn't even try. However, it was another story when Vethela ruined its public image.
Perhaps, if Haru was the only one harmed, it wouldn't have been such a concern to Mica, but Kazuya had given up his own eye to restore his son's full visibility. The move was used to put further pressure on Vethela. Kazuya had made an announcement to Echal, showing off his eyepatch and explaining the lack of respect the country had for him or his family. And, when Echal was a country so concerned with its sons and daughters, the image was strong. A president who had gone off in hopes of stopping child labor and corruption in Umayena chose to surrender his own eye because his own child had lost one in Vethela's negligence and bias. The country, despite some people's views on Haru, suddenly rallied around him. Now Echal had the upper hand; a hand Vethela was crumbling under the weight of.
Mica tried. He tried to do whatever he could to salvage their relationship. Besides the press conference, he tried to send the embassy all kinds of doctors, invited them to meals, and even sent gifts. Every single gesture was rejected. The kind Kazuya he knew refused to speak with him. That alone went to show how much he valued his son and how truly pissed he was. And other countries had a reason to feel the same.
The ballroom was not decorated nor were any chairs provided to the press. It was standing room only, a countless amount of people packed into the massive room. They all readied themselves to receive answers, people practicing their questions and trying to push to the front. Ironically, this time, the palace guards controlled them, making sure there would be no more injuries.
Mica waited impatiently as any of the ambassadors had yet to arrive. He knew why. They were all probably taking the opportunity to discuss their discontent against Vethela. Perhaps they were planning not to show up at all; to show the entire world that Vethela's golden age was over. And, he, as a regent, had ruined it all. Though Rei had shown up, he was not officially king, meaning that he could make no large statements or promises to rectify the situation. All of the pressure was on Mica and Mica alone. How his sister would cringe.
In the end, Kazuya did show up, but he did so with countless bodyguards, shielding his son and (Y/n). The cameras pointed to them, many reporters pointing out the show of distrust. The other ambassadors came in right behind them, insinuating they stood with Echal on the issue. Haru was still terrified, gripping onto the younger girl's hand, even as they sat. He would occasionally bring his hand up to his right eye, still entirely unused to the brown eye. The male also glanced up at his father on the brink of tears, unable to stop staring at the eye patch.
Rei hated the entire situation. Not only had his close friend been harmed by nobodies and forced to go into surgery, but his country had been shown in a negative light because of it. He was not of the opinion that it was Haru's fault, since all he had done was defend himself and his android. Rather, he couldn't help but blame both the protest group and the guards, particularly because one was responsible for drawing the media's attention and the other was responsible for negligence. But, perhaps what he was most pissed at was the sudden knowledge that (Y/n) was with Haru the entire time.
The blonde gazed over at the girl, uncertain of how to feel. She was immersed in taking care of the brunette, which, in some small way, he guessed he appreciated. Of course, it wasn't to the extent of wanting to spare her life. Far from it, as he looked at her, he all but guaranteed her death. Oddly enough, she shot him back a look of her own, promising something similar. He smirked, wondering where she got such audacity from.
"I'd like to start this conference by explaining what we know," Mica sighed, trying to regain his confidence, "Yesterday evening, a protest group known as VLATO both dismantled an android belonging to the Akahito family and severely mutilated Haru Akahito. His father, President Akahito, bravely gave his own eye for his child." A pause. "Vethela would like to make a public apology. The extremist views of VLATO not only harmed a genius but a son, and, for that, we are deeply regretful."
Kazuya cocked a brow, unimpressed with the apology. Though, even if they offered the entire country as compensation, it wouldn't be enough. To him, Haru was priceless, and to see him harmed and in such a poor state was unforgivable. As a result, he couldn't stop glaring at the silvery-blue-haired man. No matter what he said, he would not change his mind about his stance on Vethela.
"Though groups like these act out of love for our country and try to uphold Ezdia's beliefs, when they harm others, we must rethink whether we are doing this for what is right. Haru Akahito and his father came to our country to negotiate peace, not to break down our way of life. Their noble mission, of which I cannot disclose to the public yet, is one that could free a countless number of impoverished individuals. Vethela believes this is something worth fighting for. We would be honored to participate in these discussions."
The regent continued speaking about how the royal family did not condone the actions of the protest group. He then went into what steps they were taking to rectify the situation, such as doing an investigation of all protest groups. They claimed to have started the process of understanding the motives of each organization and documenting them for all citizens to see. However, at that, Kazuya stood up and took his place at the other podium, speaking calmly but firmly.
"And for VLATO, who, as you say, orchestrated this assault," the man paused, taking a look back at Haru in concern, "have they been determined to be a violent organization?"
"Well, we can't speak for the whole of the group based on one individual, but - "
"Putting the fact aside that, indeed, the whole group of protesters present yesterday were throwing things at my son, have you caught the individual directly responsible for his injury?"
"...No, but we've launched an investigation to find them and bring them in."
"I see. And the leader of the organization, Andromeda Eliades, has been arrested?"
"It's regretful to say, but, as of yet - "
"You haven't. What of the guards that stood by while they threw rocks?"
"They have been taken into custody. Their positions at the palace have been revoked and they are facing time in jail for negligence. We will also take steps to interrogate and punish all those responsible, including Andromeda Eliades and Rodis Moros, who we've identified as the assailant. And, since the palace is indirectly responsible for this incident, we're, of course, going to offer reparations."
"Would those reparations include jewels?"
Mica froze. Kazuya, despite the fact that he had agreed to keep the discussions of Umayena quiet until they reached an agreement, appeared as though he would no longer do so. In fact, it would benefit the man drastically to announce it alongside the incident to best paint Vethela as "negligent" at best. That adjective could describe both the inaction taken to protect Haru from attackers and the way they turned a blind eye to the forced labor in Umayena. The silvery-haired man gritted his teeth and covered the mic, turning to him.
"I'd like to continue discussions about that. Far from your initial request, I can have Vethela lend military support as well. If we can negotiate, Vethela can also supply food and supplies."
"Discussions never began in the first place. I'll not take your word for anything this time either," Kazuya snapped quietly before addressing the room, "I came to Vethela in order to negotiate peace. Umayena is a nation that exploits its citizens and forces labor onto children. The freezing country has people starving from lack of food, lack of shelter, and lack of education. Vethela is a close trading partner for them, and in exchange for protection from the global power, Umayena provides them jewels and bribes."
Rei wasn't sure if he wanted to intervene or not. For one, Vethela was well-known for being close with the dictatorship. In fact, they traded things for cheap and posed no threat to them because of it. For two, their relationship between one another was well established in the media. They always extended invitations to the country's powerful central family, and, if Vethela was the one to host a meeting between countries, Umayena was always invited. This was true even though every other nation refused to invite them.
Still, on the other hand, he wasn't so fond of coming into power when there was an instability between them and Echal. Should the situation have spiralled out of control, other countries may have turned hostile towards them, too. So, if it was avoidable, he would have liked to change the situation. Similarly, Mica was stressed out, and though the blonde wasn't sensitive to other people's pain, he did have a lot of things he personally owed to the man.
"I came here to ask them not to assist Echal in waging war against them, but to simply stay out of the fight. I wished to limit casualties on both sides and maintain friendly relations between two major countries. And, yet, my stay here has been met with both bias, xenophobia, and constant ignorance. I've been denied meetings, forced to play games to keep me otherwise occupied, and even prohibited from entering the palace at all. Now my son has been hurt and I have given up my eye for him, because, unlike Vethela who treats him with scorn and greets him with rocks, Echal believes in the talents and opportunity that Haru Akahito brings to the table."
Kazuya turned around to motion to his son, beginning to explain the plans he had to better the country. Though Haru had mostly been interested in developing technology that amused him, he had dabbled in other kinds. For instance, he had collaborated with Fenhua Akiyama in order to bring food to more people's tables. And, as he was stationed in the embassy with nothing more to do, he had begun drafting plans in tandem with his father to support the recently liberated and clueless population of Umayena.
"So, you're saying Haru Akahito is planning to use technology to efficiently survey the population of Umayena? To what end?"
"The goal is to use newly developed AI in order to see what areas or people need the most help coming out of the war. Other technologies will be used to start and speed up the agricultural process, giving tens of thousands of jobs to Umayena citizens. More jobs will be created through education. Kids, in particular, will be taught by androids specifically designed for them."
The media kept asking questions about the program, especially interested in Haru's involvement. Though they were still skeptical, seeing the brunette curled up in (Y/n)'s arms, trembling and touching at his eye, it was hard to deny he was human after all. Public perception of the brunette, especially overseas, was improving drastically. And, if one was to look at social media, countless people were offering him suggestions to help. Of course, there were still those who vehemently opposed the brunette, but there always would be. The vast majority overseas were realizing his potential.
The rest of the press conference consisted of reporters asking questions about the goals of the president and his son. Kazuya answered them confidently, and with every question, their reputation rose. He thoroughly represented Echal's beliefs; as a father, he sacrificed for his child, and as a leader, he extended goodwill to those who needed it. He paved the way for Echal to launch an attack on Umayena, and, more still, he gave the people the confidence to do it. And though the man would never be the best president the country ever had, he would probably remain the most kind-hearted, for better or for worse.
Mica could say nothing more, nor could Rei intervene any longer. As a result, when the conference ended, they left wordlessly. The blonde then went after Haru and the younger girl, all but demanding an answer as to what happened years prior. For a while, they stared at one another, no one saying anything at all. That was when the brunette finally broke the silence, mumbling quietly.
"I took her."
"I can see that," the blonde responded, crossing his arms over his chest, "I guess I'm just surprised you managed to keep it a secret. I'm also shocked that you chose him, (Y/n)."
"I didn't really," she chuckled humorlessly, "but I'm actually satisfied with him. Unlike you, he actually listens when I tell him 'it hurts'."
"I listened. I just like the expression you make when I hurt you. I think it'll be the same when I rip out your throat for betraying me."
"Really? After all that's just happened, you want to give Echal more of an upperhand by attempting to murder me? Like it or not, I'm here as an ambassador. Any harm done to either of us will only result in you being in hot water."
Rei scoffed. He didn't really care what the rest of the world thought of Vethela. Sure, she was right in that killing her was more trouble than it was worth. Then again, no matter how much trouble it brought him, that was just about all he wanted to do. As always, he carried on him a very precious gift from his playmate, an antique revolver - one that could kill with just one bullet, if he placed it well enough. Aiming it at them, he debated whether to get rid of her first or not, but, as Haru was already in pain, he figured she needed some of her own.
Before he fired, however, a crash sounded, and Orion appeared, quick to grab at the gun's barrel and point it up, away from anyone. And though Rei snapped his head to scream at the male that interrupted him, instead, he could only gaze in shock at the sight. Everyone did, wordlessly staring at the orange-haired male standing up. He had run from his wheelchair all the way to Rei, and though he was panting and on the verge of throwing up from the physical exertion, he was standing nonetheless.
"Your highness," Presley gawked, rushing to the male's side and trying to support him, "How did you...?"
It took the orange-haired male the longest to understand that he had moved his legs, let alone rushed across the room. In shock, his legs started to tremble before they gave out from under him, sending him straight to the floor. Confused, he gripped at Presley's hands and looked around for an explanation. He, himself, didn't know how he had managed to walk either, tensing up in bewilderment.
(Y/n) and Haru also ran to Orion, though, while the brunette leaned down to observe him, she very quickly disarmed the blonde. He hissed in pain as she twisted his wrist, removing the gun, but said nothing further. The male also made no attempts to kill her, particularly because of the coral-haired man. Though the knight was loyal to the royal family, Rei had not yet become king, and, as such, Presley would not follow his orders, especially not any related to killing the younger girl.
"I-I just heard that things went bad," the prince stuttered, panicking over his sudden miracle, "I wanted to come and see what happened, and I-I wanted to make sure Mister Haru was alright, but - "
"This is good!" the brunette beamed, hugging the boy tightly, "You're getting better!"
"Am I...? Do you really think so?"
Haru practically tackled the prince to the ground with his embrace, even happier than him for his progress. He enthused about how, in no time, Orion would be healthy and be able to run around all he wanted. His words excited the prince, the boy gripping tightly onto him and giving a shy smile. He then muttered back "you, too", making Haru pause. Subconsciously, he touched his eye, feeling a bit of pain still lingering there. He didn't know he needed someone to say that, so, in gratitude, he hugged Orion a bit tighter.
Rei glared at the (h/c) haired girl and she returned the same gaze. Both planned on killing one another. It was just a matter of timing. And, whereas the younger girl planned to end him just before sun-up the next morning, he attempted it a bit sooner in the dead of night. Yet, on his way to the embassy that evening to have her pay for her betrayal, someone had other plans. Celith stood in front of him with a very irritated expression, pouting, almost. He attempted to get in the blonde's way, stopping him from progressing, but, on the contrary, Rei just shoved him away.
"Get out of my way."
"I think he was trying to save you," a familiar voice sounded.
The blonde recognized the blue-haired male, having descended to the caverns under the palace to meet specifically with him. Though he knew him as "Endon", a mysterious figure that could grant wishes to people of Vethelan royal blood, the truth was not so one-sided. The man knew a lot, meaning that any questions or concerns could be answered or solved by him. And though he was callous and unfriendly, Rei had never recognized him as a threat - only a loyal servant of the royal family. That was probably why he ignored the ringing in his head that alerted him of danger.
"From what? (Y/n)? She's smart and all, but there's no way she'd pose a threat to me."
"Most people think that until it's too late. But, I was more so referring to myself. Truth be told, I don't think much of our previous deals, but Celith cares for you. You get one chance. Leave this country and don't come back."
The thought was absurd to the blonde. In the first place, he was to be the next king of that country, destined to rule above others. He had the intelligence, the character, and the experience to do so, his blood only solidifying such a thing. Secondly, the thought that the individual in front of him could challenge that notion was laughable. Endon was made to serve the royal family, there to guide them on behalf of Ezdia, and though he enjoyed a reputation of being a "demon", he was anything but.
"Why are you involving yourself? You never do anything that doesn't benefit you."
"Maybe it does."
"An enigma, like always," the blonde huffed, placing his hand on his hip, "but I'm not backing down. She's dead."
Rei walked off, continuing on his way to his destination as if nothing in the world could harm him. Realizing he had not given up the pursuit, Celith took a few steps back and twiddled his thumbs in guilt, only for the blue-haired male to gently ruffle his hair. He tried to make an apologetic expression, but he didn't manage much more than a smile. Either way, the white-haired boy nodded and turned his back, covering his eyes childishly. The last thing Rei saw was a monster, towering over him, and the last thing he felt was a freezing cold before a split second of unbearable pain, and then, finally, nothing at all. And Akari Otsu watched it all.
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: Truyen247.Pro