Erin recalled the day when Mila confessed about being pregnant. To talk in detail about the conversation they hadn’t finished that day, Erin quietly asked Mila to meet at the boutique. In the private room of the boutique, Erin had first asked Mila what she was thinking.
“Sister, what do you want to do in the future?”
At that moment, Mila’s eyesight was still vividly remembered.
“I want to get away. I want to raise the child confidently without worries. And…”
Mila looked as if she had already made a decision after much deliberation. Listening to Mila’s story, Erin was not worried.
“She’s already made up her mind.”
So Erin could also organize her thoughts about what would be good to do in the future.
“Sister, you will do well. You will do well for both the child and yourself, for everything.”
“I wish that were possible.”
At that time, Mila was earnest. And Erin wanted to help her wish come true. For that to happen, Mila’s role was necessary. So Erin made her a proposal.
“Then will you help out? At this business presentation…”
Erin started to explain the plan to Mila. Mila listened quietly and steadily without any sign of agitation.
***
And this was the result. Mila had gathered evidence from within about the deeds Gael and Helena had committed. Furthermore, she said she would testify herself.
“Would that be alright?”
Apart from getting away from Gael and Helena, testifying herself was no easy task. However, Mila did not hesitate.
“I want to do this. If I do, it can all truly come to an end.”
Mila was determined. So Erin told her to wait until the last moment. If Gael and Helena refused to admit anything and persisted until the end, that was when she should step in. And it was after discussing this fact with Aiden that they planned this gathering today.
In the end, the situation was resolved when Mila stepped forward with the evidence she had gathered and her testimony.
With her stepping out as a member of the Zahard family, Gael’s blatant claims were no longer credible. The business presentation ended in complete disaster. Fedrerick had already reported the situation to the emperor before coming here and had been delegated the relevant authority.
“Gael Zahard and Helena Zahard are confined to their residence starting from this moment,” Fedrerick commanded.
It was merely a grace period until the official punishment was decided. The charges against Gael Zahard and Helena Zahard were clear.
The evidence was too solid to deny any longer. The emperor naturally did what was necessary. Regardless of who protected them, the incident was unforgivable.
The Zahard family was shattered in an instant.
After the dust settled, Erin made a proposal to Mila. “Stay at the Lienster estate for the time being.”
“Thank you,” Mila responded, nodding slightly. Erin, with a smile, took her hand.
Erin had already prepared a room for her to stay in before coming today.
***
The business presentation banquet was just the beginning. Before deciding the fate of Gael and Helena, the emperor summoned Erin and Aiden, accompanied by the crown prince.
“It seems that all the people involved in this incident are somehow connected to the Duke and Duchess of Lienster.”
“I am fully aware of our responsibilities,” Aiden replied, bowing his head slightly.
“It seems that Elder Sirion truly didn’t know about the drugs.”
The emperor’s gaze narrowed as he looked at Aiden.
“However, it appears there were other issues.”
“I am ashamed to admit it.”
“Let the Duke of Lienster make the decision regarding Elder Sirion. I will then decide the punishment for the investments made accordingly.”
“Thank you. I will follow Your Majesty’s command,” Aiden responded respectfully.
“And next… the real problem lies with the Zahard family.”
The emperor’s voice became considerably lower.
Drugs were considered most heinous and a sensitive issue within the empire.
About fifty years ago, the empire had been affected by the spread of drugs.
At that time, the empire fell into sickness and decay.
Afterwards, it took an enormous amount of money and time just to restore society back to its original state.
Since then, drugs have been strictly banned within the empire.
Therefore, anything related to drugs was an unforgivable act for anyone involved.
“In fact, the punishment for the two has already been decided. There is no need for discussion.”
The emperor spoke calmly, suppressing his anger.
The implication was clear.
The punishment for Gael and Helenw would be either the death penalty or something of similar severity.
Because they knew about the drugs and even attempted to distribute them, their crime was too serious to be lessened in any way.
It was a natural decision for the emperor.
“What I am considering is what to do about the existence of the Zahard Viscount family.”
“…”
“Duchess of Lienster. What do you think? It is your family home, after all.”
The emperor asked Erin, as if trying to probe her inner thoughts.
Erin did not beat around the bush but openly disclosed her intentions.
“This incident was solely the reckless atrocity of Gael Zahard and Helena Zahard, and not a structural problem of the Zahard family.”
“…”
“Thus, wouldn’t it be better to strictly hold the two individuals accountable rather than the entire family?”
“Hmm. Is that what you think?”
The Emperor’s voice resonated strangely.
“That’s because there are also members of the Zahard family who are the exact opposite of those two.”
Erin continued without any sign of tension.
“The person who has been of the greatest help in this matter was also Mila Zahard. Thanks to her, we were able to uncover this case.”
“Of course, that part must be acknowledged. But Mrs. Zahard is…”
The Emperor’s voice trailed off as if he was troubled.
It was then that Erin looked straight at the Emperor and spoke.
“Lady Zahard, the wife of the Viscount, is currently pregnant.”
“…What?”
The Emperor’s demeanor froze for a moment.
For good reason, this was a fact not yet made public.
Erin looked into the surprised eyes of the Emperor and brought up her real intention.
“How about allowing the Viscountess to continue the lineage of the family?”
It was Erin who made the suggestion first.
***
The issue with the Siron family was passed on to Aiden.
The crime of Elder Siron was embezzlement.
“The profits from the mining industry must be completely transparent.”
“…”
“And yet, to brazenly siphon off money from there.”
Aiden chuckled dryly as he looked sharply at Elder Siron.
He turned his eyes to the other elders as if asking for help, but they all looked away.
They knew better than anyone that getting involved even a little meant they would all go down together.
“And it’s not just embezzlement we’re talking about.”
Elder Siron remained silent, without a word.
“Even the embezzled money has ultimately led to an outcome akin to having invested in drugs.”
Aiden’s gaze narrowed.
“It’s a situation that has brought disgrace upon the family.”
Aiden’s voice remained calm throughout. That made it all the more powerful.
“You will lose everything.”
Aiden had already made his decision.
“You will no longer have any association with the Lienster family.”
“Haven’t we maintained time-honored ties?”
He cried out desperately as if seeking one last acknowledgment.
“Isn’t that why we have stuck together up to now?”
Aiden cut him off coldly.
“Furthermore, this won’t be the end of it.”
“…?”
“Don’t you know? The empire is extremely sensitive about drugs.”
“…”
At Aiden’s meaningful warning, Elder Siron trembled with fear.
It was a fact known to everyone.
Elder Siron’s end would likely be the same.
There was no escape.
“In light of our past… could you not lend just a bit of assistance?”
But Aiden’s response was lukewarm.
“I beg of you, please.”
Elder Siron, looking for any sign of a response, bowed his head in supplication.
Aiden gazed down at him thoughtfully.
After a moment of contemplation, Aiden’s lips slowly parted.
“I will see to it that the remaining family members can live well, even if they leave the capital.”
That was all that Aiden left them with.
In the end, the Siron family fell into ruin.
No one could cover for Elder Siron.
The mining business they managed naturally reverted back to the Lienster family.
