Chapter 453

Critic’s Report: “Outrage! Numerous lawmakers suspected of being abducted, Public Security Bureau accused of gross dereliction of duty!”



Daily Highlights: “Royal Palace attacked! His Majesty on sick leave after a shock, plans for Princess to ascend the throne early.”



Royal Post: “Lionheart Duke saves the day with loyalty; His Majesty praises: Pillar of the nation and my ideal son-in-law.”



Horn Alley Report: “Both military and political key cases pass successfully; major reshuffling expected in the Kingdom’s upper echelons.”



Sun Newspaper: “Exclusive Interview – Minister of Finance: I blinked, and poof! The throne was gone!”



Sun Newspaper: “Correction: Coup rumors were false. Former Minister of Finance: It was just temporary jealousy; public apology forthcoming soon.”



“…”



After reading the headlines of the newspapers that had piled up during his business trip to Dream Realm, the Red-haired Bureau Director couldn’t help but doubtfully open a drawer and glanced at the calendar inside.



Whoa… Was I really only gone for a week? Not a month? How could so much happen in these few days?” Leon!”



With a loud slap on the desk, the Red-haired Bureau Director narrowed his eyes and barked:



“About what happened these past few days, don’t you think it’s time you explained things to me?”



“Erm…”



Realizing the Director seemed genuinely upset, Leon hesitated for a moment before cautiously explaining, “These few days… should be considered good news, right? An unknown organization took advantage of your absence to raid the palace and slaughter royal family members. That was a serious provocation against you, our Virgo Subdivision, and even the entire Clearing Bureau! But I, representing our subdivision, arrived just in time. After an intense battle, not only did we protect the royal family, but there were no casualties throughout the whole process. The royal family even wrote a thank-you letter to the General Bureau. Isn’t that great?”



“Don’t play dumb with me!”



Amused by Leon’s response, the Red-haired Bureau Director lowered her voice and gritted her teeth:



“You can fool the General Bureau with this nonsense, but not me! Who exactly are the remaining anomalous item holders within the rebels listening to? You know very well yourself! If I had to guess, you bastard probably led them to kidnap lawmakers first, then stormed the palace to help the princess seize power!



As for that mysterious organization, either you knew about their plan beforehand but didn’t report it, or you simply had no idea they existed and just happened to bump into them when you acted. Am I right?”



“…”



Good grief, you’re saying you can’t read minds?



“Hmm, Director, you’ve got it all wrong.”



Seeing the almost overflowing anger in the Director’s fox-like eyes, Leon couldn’t help but blink and stubbornly denied:



“They’re rebels! To get them to accompany me on such a dangerous mission would definitely require some conditions. Their condition was for me to help them kidnap lawmakers. Don’t believe me? Go ask them; they really asked for it.



Besides, the bureau was short-staffed at the time, and the situation was extremely urgent. On one side, the palace was under attack, and the royal family was about to be killed. On the other side, it was just kidnapping a few lawmakers. What choice did I have?”



“How did you know the royal family would be in trouble?”



“My ability is forced intelligence acquisition. I extracted it from people affected by my power.”



“What about your assault on the palace?”



“No choice. That thing’s ability controls people in the kingdom who rank lower than her. Only the rebels could resist her control.”



“What about the anomalous item user who released the ability?”



“Eliminated by the other side.”



“What about the remains?”



“Just ashes now. I’ve got them in a jar if the bureau wants to take a look.”



“And the princess and the old king?”



“Father and daughter getting along splendidly. Any investigators sent will confirm the old king sincerely wishes to abdicate.”



“…”



“Alright~”



“There’s more!”



Watching Leon slightly relax after matching his statements, the Red-haired Bureau Director couldn’t help but frown and remind him:



“Remember, never again! This time you were just lucky! If you hadn’t encountered that anomalous item or if it was something you couldn’t handle, what would you have done?”



“If it’s unsolvable, I’d come back immediately for backup or seek out whatever you left behind. With two layers of indestructibility, my life should be safe. And if I hadn’t met that anomalous item…”



Understanding his words could fool the General Bureau but definitely not the Director, Leon pondered for a moment and frankly admitted:



“I wouldn’t have acted then. Kidnapping lawmakers and attacking the royal family were the rebels’ actions, what does it have to do with me, a Level 3 Cleaner? Besides, there’s no need to worry about their punishment afterward.



Once the princess ascends, she won’t pursue any investigations. Moreover, according to the rules of the bureau, serious criminals can join the Cleaning Bureau to atone for their sins by dealing with anomalies. Isn’t this a win-win situation?”



“You sure think things through.”



With a dissatisfied huff, the Red-haired Bureau Director muttered:



“If I report you upwards or someone at the General Bureau decides to investigate thoroughly, even if I try to block it, there will still be specific reviews of those anomalous item holders among the rebels. What’s your plan then?”



“That’s Aquarius’s conspiracy!”



Upon hearing the Director’s question, Leon, who had already prepared an excuse before acting, immediately declared firmly:



“Their anomalous items weren’t provided by me; they were all created by the Aquarius Director. This shouldn’t be blamed on me. Moreover, the other night, the Aquarius Director tried invading Prince Joshua’s dreams, and I managed to drive her back. That incident has been reported.



By connecting these two events, we have sufficient reason to conclude that after regaining her strength, the Aquarius Director has become increasingly unhinged and is planning to harm the royal family!



Fortunately, Director, you were one step ahead, sending me undercover into the rebel group where I gained the trust of many members. I guided them onto the right path and recruited numerous talents for the bureau.



As for storming the palace, it was purely to lure the Aquarius Director into action, eliminating a major threat for the bureau. Unfortunately, the Aquarius Director, being crafty, noticed the situation wasn’t right and didn’t fall for it.”



“…”



Goodness… If I were willing to cooperate, this explanation might actually hold water…



“And another thing.”



Seeing the thoughtful Red-haired Bureau Director, Leon couldn’t resist continuing:



“As for whether the old king stepping down might raise suspicions within the bureau, there’s no need to worry. He definitely won’t hold an abdication ceremony anytime soon; he needs to recuperate first. So, there’s no coup involved.



Moreover, he has strongly supported the princess’s reforms for over six years, and the trend has always been towards the princess ascending the throne. How could it suddenly change to the prince? Besides, Joshua isn’t cut out for kingship anyway. There’s clearly something off here. Considering the Aquarius Director’s invasion of Joshua’s dreams, we have good reason to suspect this isn’t the first time she’s done such a thing. Unknowingly, the old king has likely been influenced by the Aquarius Director. Thus, we’re merely correcting the chaos, not violating any rules.”



“…”



You’re truly a genius! Even if the General Bureau went crazy, forcibly lifted the headquarters’ lockdown, and pulled out the time-reversal anomalous item, they might still struggle to convict you.



Because following your logic, no amount of evidence matters. Ask why, and the answer is always my unwavering loyalty. As for your actual intentions and motives, well, only the worms in your stomach know.



“Director.”



Noticing the slight twitch at the corner of the Red-haired Bureau Director’s mouth, who was now speechless, Leon cautiously reminded:



“This time, we not only anticipated the enemy’s moves, thwarted Aquarius’s schemes, uncovered a malevolent organization plotting against us, and completely dealt with a True God-level anomaly, protecting the safety of the royal family, but also recruited quite a number of talents for the bureau.



No matter how you look at it, we must request heavy commendations from the bureau!”