The Mafia Empire

Calling Dae back was a result of Julian's careful consideration. Just moments after agreeing to let those people join the guild, he suddenly realized a problem—no matter the form or purpose, in many people's eyes, a guild like this would be seen as a gang. As Graf had once put it, this was a gang, not just a community organization with a different agenda. It was a gang.

Julian didn't oppose this idea, but he didn't fully support it either. Where the sun doesn't shine, shadows inevitably exist. However, he didn't want a future where the first thing people associated with his name was the title of a gang leader. It wasn't that he looked down on such a role; rather, he needed more "business cards" and wanted to minimize negative associations as much as possible.

Thus, light and darkness needed to be separated from the chaos and held in each of his hands.

One hand for light.

One hand for darkness.

Some people are born to carve a path through blood and fire, but others are not suited for such a road. Julian had made bold promises and couldn't force those unsuited for this path to march toward their deaths. Instead, he would place them on the side of the light, making them employees of the company. This not only resolved confidentiality issues but also fulfilled his commitments.

Julian's sudden change of heart didn't surprise Dave. Dave knew he wasn't a smart man, so he merely needed to follow orders. He nodded, turned, and left. Julian went back inside to freshen up and prepare to go out.

He glanced at the morning newspaper Dave had brought, its bold, black headline reading "Victory of Justice." Below the headline was an image of Kevin embracing that girl in court.

They had won the case, especially after Kevin presented additional evidence, had two witnesses supplement their testimonies, and produced the "killer's" confession letter, which dealt a decisive blow to Camille and secured their victory.

There were still some unresolved questions in this case, but as Kevin had said before the trial, when the majority wants to be on the side of justice, justice will stand beside them.

The judge knew there were still issues with the case, but under pressure from public opinion and higher authorities, he declared the girl not guilty, effectively sentencing Camille career to "death." The public cheered, the "justice-loving" citizens celebrated, and even the elites breathed a sigh of relief. A win-win, right?

As for minorities like Camille...

Sometimes, justice is "sacrifice."

Kevin had already left Ternell, heading to the Empire's capital to begin his new journey, thus putting a perfect end to his past.

Now, Julian too had to tie up the loose ends of this sudden series of events.

...

"Dear, what happened to your wrist?" The mayor of Ternell, Peter Turner, asked as he sipped his milk tea, laced with fresh cream and sugar. He had noticed the bruise on his wife Vivian's wrist. Reaching out to grab her hand, she pulled away.

Peter Turner, an Ordinian born into the middle class, had graduated from the Empire's Second Military Academy before making a name for himself. Initially assigned to the Canus-Ordo Army Logistics Unit, he later transferred to the military police, where he met Vivian, propelling his rapid rise from soldier to politician, eventually becoming mayor.

Outwardly, he was an attractive middle-aged man, with meticulously groomed hair and a face radiating mature male charm, enough to attract many women.

He kept in excellent shape, and his authority imbued him with an air of gravitas—he was an incredibly charismatic figure.

When his wife pulled her hand away, Peter merely smiled, though he felt a hint of annoyance. His face, however, betrayed nothing. He still relied on his bedridden father-in-law for many things, so he tolerated his wife's impoliteness with a gracious smile.

"I just got it caught accidentally; it's no big deal," Vivian said, a flicker of displeasure in her eyes. Her father had once warned her that this was never going to be a happy marriage.

Ambitious men may be charming and make for pleasurable lovers in the short term, but they do not make the best partners. At the time, she hadn't understood what he meant, and she married Peter without hesitation. Now, however, she understood all too well.

Peter smiled and nodded. "Be more careful in the future. If there's anything that needs doing, let the servants handle it. You just supervise."

Vivian gave a faint, insincere smile, nodded in agreement, and excused herself with, "I'm full." She stood and left. Peter glanced at the untouched breakfast on her plate and shook his head. Find more at mp-y,r.

Vivian was deeply frustrated. Even though she knew her mayor husband had lovers outside the home—possibly more than one—she still wished he would at least come home at night to maintain a semblance of dignity between them.

Last night, he hadn't returned, and even though he emerged from the study this morning, stretching and claiming he had slept there to avoid disturbing her, she knew full well he hadn't come home until dawn.

At this thought, she let out a cold laugh and ordered the butler to prepare her car. She was going to see Delier, and that delightful young fellow.

The bruise on her wrist was a remnant of their last passionate encounter. On the surface, Vivian appeared strong and composed, always displaying a gentle smile, but deep down, she was a fiercely dominant person. She enjoyed conquering young men, or perhaps… being conquered.

Thinking of Jon, her heart stirred with anticipation.

This marriage had been a twisted political arrangement from the start. Perhaps she had once loved Peter, but she had long since woken up.

When she saw Delier, whose face was still swollen and bruised, she recalled her earlier instructions and casually said, "Those three people you mentioned have been found. If you want to do anything, I've already avenged you."

Delier flashed a perfect smile before inhaling sharply and saying, "I truly cannot thank you enough, but I have a small request, though it may be a bit impolite..."

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