Through the rearview mirror, Daniel’s gaze was akin to that of a fierce predator that had spotted its prey.
This caused the hand gripping the steering wheel to tense up involuntarily and the heartbeat to quicken further.
From Prien’s perspective, someone who already admired Daniel, his efforts to build his own power base seemed nothing short of brilliant.
Of course, Daniel was merely flailing about trying to survive the current situation, but there was no way Prien could know this.
With a faint smile on his lips, Prien continued driving, but she eventually opened her mouth as she pondered over something.
“…But Colonel Daniel, isn’t Melbarton a completely independent newspaper that neither receives government support nor corporate advertisements? It’s also known for its slogan ‘reporting only the truth,’ isn’t it?”
“That’s right.”
“Then wouldn’t there be some difficulties in making the newspaper follow Colonel Daniel? They will surely take a stand and not print biased articles, I imagine.”
It was an insightful observation.
However, in Daniel’s eyes, the Melbarton Newspaper was not a media organization driven by a sense of mission.
“Prien lieutenant, do you know if the Melbarton Newspaper has ever supported an anti-war protest?”
She shook her head.
“I don’t read newspapers much. So, the Melbarton Newspaper made such a repugnant statement?”
“Yes. Supporting anti-war protests themselves is something understandable. As the war dragged on, many citizens were feeling fatigued. But after my speech on total war, the newspaper retracted its stance.”
A question mark hovered over Prien’s head.
“Why is that?”
“Because many of their customers canceled their subscriptions. If they don’t receive support from the government or corporations, they need the public’s support to survive. Publishing an article that goes against public sentiment was therefore bound to lead to this result.”
From this fact, one thing became crystal clear.
Melbarton Newspaper’s beliefs are entangled with money.
Which is understandable.
Because the printing press, ink, and paper needed to disseminate the truth do not come for free.
Without money, they cannot disseminate truth either.
Even so, the Melbarton Newspaper, which claimed independence and neutrality, insisted on its shallow beliefs by refusing to accept support from the government or corporations.
No, to say that they couldn’t bear to receive any support would be more accurate.
At this rate, the Melbarton Newspaper wouldn’t avoid bankruptcy.
Daniel intended to take advantage of this weakness to put a collar around the Melbarton Newspaper’s neck.
“So….”
While Prien was concentrating on driving, Daniel softly whispered.
“Prien, I’d like you to help me a little.”
*
Volberperck Street, No. 11.
Melbarton Newspaper.
“Haa…”
Sitting in front of the editor-in-chief’s desk, Voll sighed deeply.
The number of subscribers had been decreasing day by day, causing him a tremendous headache.
‘At this rate, I won’t be able to cover the printing costs, not to mention the distribution network.’
What kind of meaning is there for a newspaper that cannot produce news?
Yet, declaring bankruptcy was out of the question when he thought about the loyal employees who trusted him and his family waiting at home.
‘How should I…’
Amid pondering ways to increase subscribers, a knock came on the door.
Thinking it was one of his subordinates, Voll frowned.
“Tom! I said I need to think! If you haven’t figured anything out, don’t bring that silly face of yours to me…”
Voll stopped mid-sentence, realizing that the person entering the office was not his subordinate but an officer of the Empire.
None other than Daniel Steiner, the hero of the Empire.
Accompanied by Prien, famous for her Black Magic.
Thinking he might be dreaming, Voll froze as Daniel offered him a faint smile.
“Since we’re discussing solutions, I don’t need to leave just yet, do I?”
Voll immediately stood up upon hearing Daniel’s voice.
“D-Daniel Colonel Steiner. Whatever brings you to our modest newspaper…?”
He really couldn’t comprehend the reason.
Approaching, Daniel pulled out a chair from the desk and sat down.
“Didn’t I just say, I’ve come to discuss solutions?”
“Solution? What you mean by that…”
“Methods for the Melbarton Newspaper, which is now facing grave financial troubles, to make a miraculous comeback. Please, take your seat.”
Cautiously nodding his head, Voll sat down.
Daniel, observing the tense face of Voll, finally spoke.
“I have heard that the Melbarton Newspaper is on the brink of bankruptcy, is that correct?”
After hesitating for a moment, Voll nodded.
There really wasn’t a need to hide this fact.
“Indeed, you’re correct. The number of subscribers keeps decreasing, and now we’re struggling to even cover the printing costs.”
“I see. Would it be acceptable, then, for me to lend assistance to your newspaper?”
“…Assistance? What exactly do you mean by that?”
As Voll asked, Daniel gestured behind him, indicating Lieutenant Prien.
“You may or may not be aware, but the father of Lieutenant Prien standing behind me is the pastor of the Church of the Glorious Flame. He also has a considerable number of followers.”
As Daniel rested his hands in his lap,
“I will request Lieutenant Prien’s father to encourage the followers of the Church of the Glorious Flame to subscribe to the Melbarton Newspaper. Wouldn’t that extinguish the immediate fire for you?”
Indeed, if only ten percent of the churchgoers subscribed to the newspaper, not only would they cover printing costs, but they would also avoid the hardship of maintaining the distribution network.
“Additionally…”
Daniel pulled a tape recorder from his coat and placed it on the table.
When he pressed the play button, a recorded message started to play.
– I confess. Thomas Kemball, the leader of the Free Society Party, delivered secrets of the Empire to the Belmoore Kingdom.
What? Stunned by the shocking news, Voll gasped as Daniel pressed the pause button.
“This is information even the Empire Daily doesn’t know yet. If you’d like, I can give you the opportunity to report on it first.”
It was an offer of a world scoop.
After proposing to secure subscribers and following up with an offer of a sensational scoop, Voll couldn’t help but look at Daniel Steiner with bewilderment.
“…What exactly do you want from me?”
There’s no such thing as pure goodwill in this world.
Voll sensed that Daniel had come to make a demand and became cautious.
“Simple. From now on, before publishing any article, let me review it. When necessary, I’ll provide a guideline for your articles.”
“Huh? Is that… a joke?”
Although Voll thought it was a joke, Daniel’s expression was calm and serious.
As a result, Voll frowned and snapped,
“Are you trying to turn the Melbarton Newspaper into a mouthpiece that serves you?”
“Maybe that’s a reasonable interpretation.”
“Are you mad!? The Melbarton Newspaper is an independent entity! Our founding principle is to inform the citizens of the truth!”
Remaining silent, Daniel finally spoke.
“Truth? It sounds good. But let me ask this: What is truth?”
“Why, news without lies…”
“Who determines that it doesn’t have lies?”
Voll opened his mouth to reply but couldn’t utter a word, recognizing the limitation of the information a small newspaper editor like himself could access.
Witnessing this, Daniel slowly straightened his upper body.
“People always live by telling lies. And only a few, elite people with power and authority can judge whether those lies are the truth.”
“But…”
“Let me assure you, you will never reach the truth. You’ll merely interpret the bits of information given from the higher-ups and parrot them like a parrot.”
Voll already understood to some degree.
People who fell out of favor with the nobles, corporations, and governments disappeared quietly, and articles about theft or accidents would later come out.
The truth that couldn’t be told was right there.
“Mr. Editor-in-Chief’s future seems quite foreseeable to me. Either you’ll remain delusional, thinking you’re reporting the truth while living like a parrot, or you’ll step too close to the truth and meet your death.”
Both were horrific fates.
“Or…”
Daniel’s voice sounded mocking.
“Crushed under the weight of money, you’ll go bankrupt without choosing either.”
Voll’s hand trembled slightly, as none of the futures Daniel listed offered any hope.
In the despair that gripped his heart, the whisper of the devil resounded.
“Let’s be honest. Mr. Editor-in-Chief doesn’t desire truth, does he? What you seek is the power to speak the truth and not be punished, and the money to protect your family.”
The hand Daniel extended towards Voll gently covered the back of his hand.
“I can give you both. All I ask in return is a single lie. Swear to lie on my behalf, and…”
Voll slowly raised his head and met Daniel’s gaze.
The devil’s eyes resembled those of a human.
“I’ll provide you with a thousand truths and unshakable funds.”
To uphold your beliefs, you must give up the same beliefs.
Sacrifice the individual for the greater good.
Hold my hand for the sake of your employees and family.
The meaning behind Daniel’s words weighed heavily on Voll’s shoulders.
Once you fall for this sweet offer, there will be no return.
But rejecting it would mean facing the cliff of bankruptcy.
When faith and reason collide, reason usually prevails.
Voll took a deep breath before speaking.
“…What should I do?”
Voll’s voice echoed heavily in the quiet office.
Upon hearing the answer, Daniel retracted his hand, stood up.
“First, report the scoop I’ve given you. You must announce to the world that the leader of the Free Society Party is a traitor before the Empire Daily steps in. After that, await my orders.”
After adjusting his attire, Daniel hesitated slightly before continuing.
“Ah. Just in case… If you ever think of betraying me after accepting my kindness, there will be consequences.”
Then Daniel pulled a folded piece of paper from his coat and placed it on Voll’s desk.
“If you ever think of betraying me after accepting my kindness, there will be a price to pay.”
After uttering this cryptic message, Daniel flashed a smile and turned away.
Only after Daniel opened the door and exited the office did Voll pick up and unfold the folded paper.
“What is this…?”
On the paper was the address of the house where Voll’s family lived.
Below it, Voll’s family’s names, hobbies, and even their usual routes of movement were marked.
Even the information that Voll’s son had once dabbled in drugs out of curiosity was noted.
Upon seeing this, Voll, caught in a vertigo, supported his forehead with his trembling hand.
“Daniel Steiner… he…”
Had never considered the possibility of Voll rejecting him from the very start.
