Ch.1212. False Hope

The Western Prosecutor’s Office in the Imperial Capital.

This was the workplace of Gregory Hyde, a high prosecutor.

He was a prosecutor who had built a relatively successful career. It was thanks to his early decision to pursue a career in law and starting at a young age.

Since he was the type to carefully prosecute any crime, he didn’t have many enemies for a prosecutor. Having no enemies also meant that he had a rather faint presence, but that wasn’t particularly a flaw. After all, he was a prosecutor who thoroughly pursued safety.

However, lately he had been unnecessarily drawing people’s attention.

“What about the procurement corruption case of the 6th Regiment of the Guard?”

“I think we can wrap it up by additionally indicting two officers with clear evidence of wrongdoing. In fact, it would be right to consider that the regimental commander was also involved, but…”

“That’s too dangerous for us to touch. The headquarters said they’ll soon discipline him with a personnel transfer, so we should let them handle it.”

“Yes. But, Prosecutor?”

The junior prosecutor who had been discussing the case suddenly looked around cautiously and leaned in toward Gregory Hyde.

‘Here we go again.’

He wanted to ignore it, but unfortunately, this junior was the Law Minister’s niece. Since Gregory, with his humble background, couldn’t openly ignore someone like that, he had no choice but to go along with it to a reasonable extent.

“When are you holding your daughter’s wedding? As far as I know, they’ve been engaged for quite some time, so shouldn’t you be setting a date soon?”

“…Haha. I’ll take care of that myself, so you…”

“Ah, of course, you might not be pleased about giving your only daughter to a commoner who was expelled from the Royal Order. But looking at it positively, doesn’t it mean he has nowhere else to turn? In the end, he can be brought under your influence, sir.”

“……”

“Above all, the dowry is 40 billion, 40 billion! I heard the Imperial Bank and the Merchant Guild’s credit vault were shocked. What commoner in the world would deposit such a large sum?”

The junior prosecutor looked at Gregory with envious eyes, saying “I’m jealous.”

“Haha. That’s right…?”

Gregory could only laugh.

There wasn’t a hint of sarcasm in the junior’s admiring gaze and tone.

Only jealousy seeped through, truly envying him for having a prospective son-in-law worth 40 billion. He couldn’t bring himself to be stern about it.

Anyway, Erick was currently the talk of the Imperial Capital.

Regardless of rank, gender, or age, everyone was talking about Erick’s windfall. And the blonde beauty who would marry the protagonist of this windfall, as well as her father, the high prosecutor, were also becoming topics of conversation.

– Who would have thought this would happen to someone who voluntarily left the Hero’s party?

– Aren’t they engaged? But why haven’t they held the ceremony for over six months? I heard he doesn’t even bring her to social gatherings.

– It’s probably because he doesn’t want to show her off. Commoners are usually overly cautious when dating someone from a noble background.

– I heard she’s quite good-looking. Anyway, he hit the jackpot, really hit the jackpot.

Gregory Hyde’s insides were rotting as he heard such whispers.

‘Damn it. And I can’t even reveal the truth.’

It was just ten days ago that Gregory Hyde had struck Erick, his daughter’s fiancé, from behind.

Of course, it was something he had done reluctantly because of his daughter’s insistence.

He had even done his best to moderate the severity. All he did was recommend a verbal warning by finding a minor misconduct, just enough to make Erick feel a minimal sense of caution without cornering him.

Of course, it was bizarre in itself that he had gone after his future son-in-law, whether it was a verbal warning or whatever else.

That’s why few people suspected it was his doing. Even legal professionals understood Erick’s disciplinary action as “the result of a young prosecutor’s excessive zeal.” Colleagues who had roughly figured it out were also keeping quiet about it.

‘I tried my best to clean up the mess.’

In fact, Gregory Hyde had been busy moving around for the past few days to hide his involvement.

First, he transferred the junior prosecutor who had lent him his name to another region. Not in the form of dismissal due to accountability, but rather sending him to a better workplace. He had mobilized all the connections he had built over 20 years to accomplish this.

That wasn’t all. He did his best to reverse the disciplinary recommendation, albeit belatedly.

Just a few days ago, he had met with the administrative director of the Royal Order and pleaded, saying that “setting a precedent for excessive discipline would become a disgrace to the Royal Order.”

Honestly, the administrative director had no real authority. His job was just to support the knights. However, since there was no way to directly meet the commander or vice commander with their lofty status, he had clung to this straw in desperation.

But all of Gregory’s efforts came to nothing. No matter how hard a prosecutor tried, he couldn’t reverse the Royal Order’s decision.

‘That Erick… I heard he even gave up his chance to defend himself.’

Although the atmosphere was surprisingly calm for someone being unfairly expelled, the fact that he was dismissed due to an unreasonable disciplinary action couldn’t be denied.

And the one who had caused it was Gregory himself.

“…What am I going to do about this.”

Gregory sat down blankly and stared into space.

The relationship between his daughter and Erick was already in ruins, and reconciliation seemed far off. To be honest, it was surprising that the engagement had been maintained until now. It wouldn’t be strange if they announced the breakup right away.

‘Could he still have feelings for Ember? …No, that’s impossible.’

After spending some time in silence like this.

Another person came to torment Gregory Hyde, who was pulling at his hair. This time it wasn’t even a prosecutor but a suspect who had come in for questioning. Just a petty criminal.

“Prosecutor. Have you heard? Your son-in-law.”

“…We haven’t set a wedding date yet.”

Now even criminals are acting up. Gregory Hyde felt like he wanted to break the office window and escape right now.

However, the suspect shook his head in denial. Saying that wasn’t what he meant.

“No, I heard he’s moving to District 3 soon? He’s already made a preliminary contract through a friend.”

“…!”

District 3 of the Imperial Capital.

It was where high-ranking officials, officers, and Academy professors working in the Imperial Capital mainly resided. Among them, many were lower nobles. After all, humans tend to live among their own kind.

And above all, it was where Gregory himself had been living for 10 years. Although he was considered somewhat humble in District 3.

“I heard the house he’s buying is 300 million in a quick sale, whew. Well, considering your son-in-law’s wealth, that’s probably nothing, right?”

“Is that true?”

“Yes, yes. Of course. The owner of that house was a lawyer, and I have a special connection with him. You could say I helped build the doorpost of that house.”

“……”

The suspect chuckled, but Gregory Hyde had no energy to care about some criminal.

What was important was that Erick, his daughter’s fiancé whom he thought had already severed ties, might be moving near where he lived.

If he couldn’t stand the sight of Ember, would he have come to the same district?

That couldn’t be. Because he could frequently encounter Ember or her family while walking on the streets. The fact that he came to District 3 despite knowing this was evidence that he had less aversion than expected.

Moreover, the owner of the house he was said to be purchasing was an Academy classmate with whom Gregory himself was quite friendly.

“Ah, come to think of it, you also live in that district, Prosecutor? That house with the red roof…”

“Shut up.”

“Ah, I’m sorry.”

As soon as he got off work, Gregory Hyde delivered this good news to his daughter.

He told her that although it wouldn’t be easy, there might be a faint spark of hope to restore their relationship, that there might be a chance to make up for the mistake he had committed in a moment of misjudgment. Ember’s complexion, which had been withering away, gradually revived.

“Dad, is… is that really true?”

“Yes.”

Gregory looked sympathetically at Ember, who had become noticeably haggard, and suddenly reached out to remove a strand of hair stuck to her face.

Although she was a daughter with excessive material desires and a lack of self-awareness, she was still his beautiful daughter whom he cherished dearly.

She had made a fatal mistake by falling for the temptation of the female knight Selin, but that was a mistake made because she was still young. With someone as beautiful as her, if she showed enough remorse and atonement, wouldn’t Erick give her one last chance?

There was no basis for it, but he wanted to believe so.

“In a way, you’re a victim too. If you abandon your arrogant attitude, you can regain Erick’s love.”

“Yes, Dad.”

Ember answered with a forced smile.

Father and daughter exchanged solemn glances and strengthened their resolve. However, there was one fact that Gregory didn’t know in all this. That there was no love to regain in the first place.

***

“This is a good property.”

I kept exclaiming in admiration while looking around the house in District 3 that I was about to purchase.

A south-facing house with a spacious garden. Thanks to the surrounding walls, privacy could be ensured, and it had a basement that could be used for various purposes. Although the price was expensive, it was worth it considering it would be my home.

And another thing I liked was the owner of this house.

A lawyer with a generous impression. He said he was planning to retire soon and return to his hometown.

It was fortunate as I needed a lawyer. Since I was planning to pay the 300 million house price in cash, I could ask for some legal consultation.

I heard he was a classmate of Ember’s father, but that wasn’t an obstacle. Humans are more vulnerable to money than one might think.

“Sir Erick… Ah, I’m sorry. I made a mistake.”

“It’s fine. I was actually a knight until a few days ago. More importantly, may I ask for some advice? You’re a lawyer, right?”

“Haha. That’s right. Actually, I’m your father-in-…”

“I’d like advice on the engagement termination procedure.”

“……”

“Of course, I know that a commoner’s engagement is like child’s play compared to nobles, but the other party is an ambiguous noble, you see. And I’m also in a somewhat unique position. I’d like to settle this as quickly as possible, so is there any way?”

“…Ah, engagement termination.”

His eyes wavered left and right upon receiving my request.

However, his hesitation didn’t last long.

“I can give you a few pieces of advice. However.”

“Yes. I understand.”

I promised that if his advice proved effective, I would expedite the purchase contract and payment.

Only then did the lawyer smile brightly and began sharing the knowledge he had accumulated through years of legal practice. To ensure that I could become a free man without any complications. Despite obviously knowing who I was planning to break off the engagement with, he didn’t seem to mind at all.