Is there any way to fix this?
The old man sat with his eyes closed, basking in the sunlight, lost in thought. Dust danced slowly in the air, shimring in the light, and everything seed so peaceful. Yet, within him, a storm raged, with no mont of calm.
Political struggles have always been the cruelest battles, devoid of the smoke of the battlefield or the assault of bullets, but they drag everyone into a whirlpool of endless struggle until they ultimately drown.
Regardless of whether the opponent is with the New Party, the trap has already been set, and to make matters worse, that fool Gador has already fallen into it. Getting him out of this ss would be relatively easy; it would just require a word with Lady Vivian, swallowing so pride. Lady Vivian would surely give him so leeway and let the matter slide. But would doing this leave behind any clues?
Would it expose any flaws?
After carefully weighing the options, the old man decided there might indeed be so issues.
In political maneuvers, problems don't co in big or small; a big problem just skips the ferntation period and so necessary ans, allowing the opponent to reveal their true intentions directly. A small problem requires ti to fernt and the use of other thods to amplify its severity. Either way, it can create the sa opportunities that arise from a major issue.
Where is the problem?
The problem lies with Pronto!
This is a criminal case involving robbery and bodily harm. Pronto, eager to appease Lady Vivian and resolve the matter quickly, used certain ans to convict three people and imposed appropriate penalties in record ti. All of this was done with procedures, which are sotis prepared for oneself but, more often than not, are prepared for the enemy.
Once the New Party seizes on the fact that Pronto, the local police chief, abused his power and colluded with gang mbers to obstruct justice, a small problem will turn into a big one. When the Ministry of the Interior's investigation team arrives, even if no problem exists, they might create one.
The more he thought about it, the more the old man admired the person behind this move, who, at a clever and sensitive ti, used such an inconspicuous thod to subtly alter the entire power structure of Ternell City.
It's foreseeable that once Pronto is taken down, those behind him will inevitably have conflicts and divisions, and the New Party will be able to smoothly pry the police chief's position away from the Old Party's territory in Ternell City.
If this crucial role falls into the New Party's hands, they could use "enhancing public safety" as an excuse to begin purging certain undesirable individuals and matters.
By that point, all Old Party forces within Ternell City would be affected, potentially triggering an avalanche effect that could influence the upcoming midterm elections.
The more he thought about it, the more the old man felt he could not afford to get involved. Internally, he had already conceded, a dangerous state of mind, signaling his retreat, though he hadn't yet realized it.
Intervening was not feasible. With the speed of telegraph communication, the events unfolding in Ternell City today could be on the front pages of all the Empire's mainstream dia by tomorrow morning. The public and the press had no sympathy for the Old Party, and once public opinion began to stir, the rot within Ternell City's political system would quickly spread across the entire Empire.
But if he didn't intervene, Gador would beco a discarded pawn. He knew too much and had handled too many dangerous matters. If he started talking, it wouldn't just be the old man who suffered; it would implicate every key figure associated with the Old Party in Ternell's high society.
The old man opened his eyes at this mont, his gaze dull and murky. He looked at Gador and asked, "Do you still have the courage you had twenty years ago?" Then he added, "Do you still have the guts to gamble with your life?"
After analyzing and understanding the old man's words, Gador nodded firmly. "I can do it!"
The old man nodded with satisfaction. "Good, I like that about you."
"Pronto is a clever man, and he's always in control. He must have found a way out, so in this matter, you'll be the only one to suffer in the end. But you don't need to be afraid; offending Lady Vivian is not an insurmountable issue. If she goes too far, His Excellency the Governor will step in to advise her. More than three months."
"Act like you know nothing for now. When Lady Vivian takes action, don't resist; admit your guilt and explain the situation honestly. They won't completely destroy you, as you are still my man. Once you plead guilty and serve your sentence, this matter will end. Given your abilities, I'm confident that even if you end up in the local prison, you'll enjoy privileges others won't."
A classic sacrifice, but if a pawn can save more valuable pieces when discarded, then even a sacrificial piece has significant worth.
After finishing his words, the old man waved his hand, indicating that Gador could leave. He had said all he needed to; the rest was up to Gador to execute. Gador's expression showed no change as he maintained a respectful deanor, bowed slightly, took two steps back, and then turned to leave.
Watching through the window as Gador got into his car and disappeared down the street, the old man called his butler, whispered so instructions, and closed his eyes again.
It was unclear whether he was pondering a solution or rely resting.
Sitting in the car, Gador was jolted from his thoughts by the bumps in the road. He clenched his fists, knowing that he was facing the third major crisis of his life. He wasn't sure if he could survive this one, as no one can always rely on luck in tis of danger.
He understood the old man's ssage: continue as he was, clash directly with Lady Vivian, and then spend three months in prison before getting out.
However, as a gang leader, Gador knew very well that without soone pulling strings on his behalf, that place would be far from pleasant. He could get in, but whether he would co out alive was another matter.
He was troubled, unsure whether he should heed the old man's advice and take a risky gamble. Since soone had set him up, they—or so faction—must have considered all his options.
He was no longer the man he was twenty years ago, with nothing to lose and the guts to gamble his life.
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