Mythology Rebooted-Chapter 350 - 170 Wayne: What should we do then_2

Moreover, requesting bribes isn’t something shameful, and it’s actually good for the Moonlight Church. Only when the higher-ups of the Magic Department have taken bribes, will the Moonlight Church feel at ease.

What seems to be soliciting bribes, in reality, is taking a stance. That’s what you call the art of politics.

Wayne stared dumbfounded, "You mean, one of the higher-ups coveted the five treasures, wanting them all for themselves, so they arranged everything and even framed the Magic Department for the crime?"

"As it stands, that indeed seems to be the case, which is why the minister is so infuriated."

Austin gave Wayne a look, "The Royal Family’s strategy towards the Magic Realm has always been to align with some and suppress others, never to grossly offend any side, no wars, only business. This time, the direct killing had a very bad impact; the other churches are all watching. Without a reasonable explanation... Can you imagine the consequences?"

Wayne could roughly imagine; verbal disputes escalating into violence, if Windsor dares to set a precedent, the other churches will dare to follow suit, and peace would be unattainable thereafter.

Thinking of this, Wayne couldn’t help but ask again, "So it really isn’t the intention of the Magic Department but a betrayal by one of the higher-ups?"

"Betrayal is a good word, an excellent charge," Austin mused seriously.

Wayne was exasperated, his situation was dire, and here was Austin still keen on figuring out how to frame political rivals!

"According to what the High Priest of the Moonlight Church said, four trade items were taken by the Magic Department. Now the items are in your hands, which could as well be considered in my hands... This makes things difficult for me!"

Austin, holding an ancient silver coin and sitting on the sofa, said cheerfully, "This is such a headache, maybe I should hand you over. As the heir of the family, how about you sacrifice a bit for the family, eh?"

Wayne curled his lips and sarcastically shot back, "Fine by me, but could you grant me a month’s reprieve? This heir hasn’t continued the lineage yet. I’d like to wait till Veronica is pregnant before I die. That won’t be too late, right?"

Austin: (눈言눈)

Wayne: (눈益눈)

The two stared at each other for a while until Austin broke the silence, "As for who the traitor is, it remains unknown. The five of us who took bribes are the prime suspects, having both the motive and the capability to mobilize so many resources privately."

"You saved the High Priest of the Moonlight Church, exacerbating the situation. The minister is not pleased, but at the same time, such redundant actions have cleared me of suspicion."

Austin, curious, said, "The High Priest of the Moonlight Church used Star Beast flesh and blood, which shows she was driven to a desperate situation. You were able to defeat the enemy, help her free herself from the Star Beast’s corruption, and even deceived her into actively providing you with cover... tell me, how did you manage that?"

"I thought you knew everything," Wayne answered, not forgetting how Austin tricked him.

"I only noticed the outcome—you’re still alive, it’s that simple."

Austin replied succinctly, confident in his choice. He believed his heir would do more than just survive; he must have gained other benefits.

"Mine’s even simpler, because of love!"

Wayne boasted, "I made that woman fall in love with me. Love is blind; she was willing to cover for me. Love is powerful; it allowed her to overcome the Star Beast!"

Austin laughed out loud, "Good reason. You can fool me, as I don’t have a choice, but you can’t fool others. Do you think the Magic Department will believe your tall tales?"

"What if they do? Maybe the minister will believe it."

"..."

Seeing that Wayne was unwilling to tell the truth, Austin shook his head in resignation and said seriously, "Get serious. You’re in danger now, being watched by many."

"If it’s Isaac’s doing, why come after me, Wayne?"

"As I said, once suspicion arises, the charge is as good as established. The Magic Department higher-ups know you were Bruce, and if you could be Bruce, you could also be Isaac," Austin stroked his chin, feeling both proud and troubled.

The heir is extremely capable, never at a loss wherever he goes;

The heir is very troublesome, stirring up chaos wherever he ends up.

"I sent you out for a business talk, and you’ve blown up the Magic Department’s old home. Be frank, what will it take for you to stay out of trouble?"

Wayne spread his hands, "What can I do? The trouble came looking for me. They brought the fight to my doorstep; of course, I had to respond."

"It’s not that I blame you for responding, I’m just..."

Austin hesitated, the heir always inadvertently entering into whirlpools, seeking benefits amidst danger. He didn’t know whether to consider it good or bad luck.

"Austin, do we need to surrender these ill-gotten gains?"

"Whatever."

"That casual?"

"What else can I do? Handing it over would make me look guilty and solidify the charges against me. Not handing it over would seem arrogant, and they would find ways to frame me." Austin rolled his eyes, "As I thought, it’s best to have you take the fall. Why don’t you sacrifice a bit for the family?"

Wayne followed suit with an eye roll. One day, when he takes over the Lando Family, the first order of business would be to settle scores with the former family head - sleep with Old Login’s daughter, beat up Old Login’s grandson, spend Old Login’s money, and then throw Old Login into prison.

Happy.JPG

"What are you so happy about?"

Austin huffed annoyedly, judging by his own standards, knowing Wayne must be plotting against him.

He continued, "You don’t have to tell me what happened between you and the High Priest of the Moonlight Church, nor how you broke the Forbidden Magic Domain or Mirror Space, but you shouldn’t have saved her. How dreadful the contamination of the Star Beast is, the Magic Department has long researched and is well aware of it. Someone will come after you because of this."

Austin was clear, starting with Plank, the Asylum Director who specialized in such matters.

Then there’s Borne, who requested the Star Beast flesh and blood, the head of the Magic Department’s biological research team, the Dragon Blood Modification was his masterpiece.