# 45
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Thus Edwin was like an unknown cave whose depths could not be explored.
However, the two princes were very attached to their family, just like their father, and they loved their younger brother as well.
To them, Edwin was terrifying… yet intriguing, unapproachable, yet difficult to look away from.
And the youngest of the family got married...!
“Who was able to capture Edwin’s heart?”
“I am also concerned about it.”
The faces of the three sons turned towards the Empress.
“Do you know anything?”
She answered calmly.
“Until Edwin presents his bride himf, everyone will remain silent.”
“Heh…”
“Heh…”
The Empress raised the opening cup of drink, her expression unchanged.
The three men raised their glasses, imitating her.
As soon as the drink touched their lips, the voice of a confused servant rang out outside the door.
“C… Your Majesty. The Third Prince has arrived…!”
Everyone froze.
Is he coming? Edwin who never thought of attending!
Eyes widened in amazement.
The Empress continued to taste her drink languidly, then slowly put down the cup and said.
“Please come in.”
At the same moment, the door opened violently.
And Edwin did.
He went forward without hesitation to the table and greeted the Emperor and Empress.
“I hope you two were okay.”
"Sit."
Edwin slowly scanned the faces of his family members, then sat down in the empty seat.
“Really, our little one has come...? Isn’t this your usual work time?”
Harry stared at him in astonishment, especially after noticing that he was not wearing a Magic Department uniform.
Apparently he replaced it so he wouldn't be discovered to be a prince.
The father and brothers' questions rained down on Edwin, filled with compassion.
"Have you eaten? Are things going well these days?"
“This father was longing to see his little one...”
"What about marriage? What happened?"
Edwin made no answer, instead picked up Harry's cup and swallowed the opening drink in one go.
Then the Empress arranged the atmosphere with equanimity.
“I see you came with something you wanted to ask.”
“Isn’t this the time to discuss state affairs?”
The princes' eyes widened.
For the little one to utter the word about state affairs...!
Edwin was far from it. He may read books about it, but rarely delve into it.
He continued his speech.
“After the monster incident, the policy Your Majesty adopted caused harm to a large number of people.”
“Forget about your title, Your Majesty. Call me father.”
“You facilitated loan procedures by using only the family ID card, in the hope of simplifying bank transactions. As a result, large numbers of victims emerged. A quick investigation should be opened and appropriate measures should be put in place.”
After his sudden appearance, came an even more surprising case.
The Emperor absorbed the atmosphere, and his features appeared serious.
“The decision was made in consultation with the ministers. Being the son of the emperor does not give you the right to tamper with politics as he pleases.”
He continued in a stern tone.
“It was a policy put in place for the Empire's subjects following the monster incident. We reduced loan interest and simplified procedures, which helped many who had financial problems.”
Despite his usual meekness, seriousness accompanied him when it came to running the state.
As a ruler, not a father, his prestige stood out to Edwin.
“You cannot make a judgment based on one part of the picture.”
Everyone stopped eating, waiting for what would happen between them.
Edwin showed his respect and said.
“I fully realize that you made the decision after thinking for a long time. But times have changed, and more people are taking advantage of this policy.”
At the same time, he presented the Emperor with a neat package of documents.
It showed in numbers how the number of people affected by loans that they did not even know existed was increasing, and how the bank was forced to form a special internal team to contain the angry people.
“Not one or two have had their lives shattered because of their families. If this continues, it could lead to the worst consequences.”
The Emperor leafed through the papers in silence.
Interviews with victims whose names were taken advantage of by their families were carefully structured.
In some cases, it was enough to ignite his anger.
His features darkened.
He lowered his gaze and muttered in a deep voice.
“I did not realize that the situation was this serious...”
No matter how thoughtful the decision is, every policy has two sides, light and shadow.
The Emperor had long been told this, but facing the dark sides always left a bitter aftertaste.
“Well, it seems that there is no way to amend the law. I will summon the ministers to the next meeting and we will discuss the matter.”
He had a flexible mind, easily admitted his mistakes, and accepted the opinions of others.
This was possible because he was truly working for the empire.
He gave Edwin a satisfied look.
“You're finally starting to take an interest in state affairs. Is there something else you'd like to bring up?”
“No, I'm done. I'll excuse myf.”
Their mouths opened in astonishment.
“P…at least eat some food before you go!”
But the Emperor's hope did not find its way to him.
He gave a short salute and disappeared.
The Emperor stammered in amazement.
“He came all this way just to say this?”
Johannes replied.
“Do you see that Edwin is starting to practice his role as a prince?”
“I don’t know...”
While the three remained immersed in their amazement, only the Empress smiled softly.
She had seen the reason.
What Edwin did today, without a doubt, was for the woman he loved.
As I expected, today's talk was all about Dana alone.
Edwin left the dining hall, recalling in his mind a past conversation.
'When I visited the bank and saw victims who looked like me, I didn't feel good.'
Dana's dark face that day rose in his memory.
‘I don’t know who originally drafted this law. The oppressed will increase if it remains as it is.'
Everything that hurt Dana should have been removed.
For this reason, Edwin did not hesitate to take advantage of his position, which he never cared about.
As he walked down the hall, Assistant Peter approached him cautiously.
“Greetings, Third Prince. I am Assistant Peter...”
“Submit the report.”
"Yes!"
Peter quickly took out his papers.
“The investigation into Lord Humbern has been concluded. It appears that for a long time he ran illegal usury and gambling halls, and in the process made numerous deals.”
Edwin replied coldly.
“No need to hear more. The result is clear.”
Exploiting greedy people and gambling addicts was the easiest path to his wealth.
“More recently, he came into contact with a human trafficking ring that came from foreign countries.”
A cold smile appeared on Edwin's lips.
“Why hasn’t he been arrested yet?”
Peter caught his breath and continued cautiously.
“Some of the Guard received bribes from Lord Humbern. They turned a blind eye to his crimes even though they knew about them.”
“And you got their names too?”
“Yes, here.”
Edwin received the file and flipped through it with astonishing speed, until it appeared that he was not really reading.
Peter remained frozen in place, awaiting his verdict in horror.
Finally Edwin called out to him in a low voice.
“Huh, Milo.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Go immediately to the guard commander, and show him these papers. And inform him of the following.”
Edwin's finger settled on the name Lord Humbern.
“Tell him that the Third Prince wants to see this moneylender writhe in pain.”
“Understood? Stand next to him and check everything.”
Peter was confused.
“I'm just an assistant… and the guard captain is too proud, I can't—”
Edwin interrupted him coldly and indifferently.
“Use my name.”
"Sorry?"
“My name, my position, use whatever you want. I will take responsibility.”
And with those words, he disappeared as if he had never existed.
Peter's heart thudded in his chest.
To be given such trust...!
“I...I will do my best!”
He bowed reverently into the empty hall.
Although he knew that the task was beyond his capacity, the enthusiasm continued to rage within him without stopping.