170 – Challenge From The Royal Police
Fatigue caught up with her, and Scarlett still fainted; fortunately, her life wasn’t in danger. However, the doctor recommended that she rest for a while, prompting Viktor to take swift action and bring her to Dumfelt. Upon learning that pirates had abducted Scarlett, Isaac immediately rushed to Dumfelt. He hurried to Scarlett’s side, his anxiety evident as he paused to see if she would wake up. Taking a deep, trembling breath, he gazed at Scarlett.
“Scarlett.”
He quivered, cradling Scarlett’s hands in both of his and burying his face. For a long time, the sight of Isaac wasn’t that of an ordinary sibling.
Isaac composed himself, his breath still shaky. He turned to Viktor and spoke softly to Scarlett, who was still asleep.
“Have you ever noticed how Scarlett laughs so genuinely? It’s not a matter of humour, yet she seems to smile as though she’s disregarding the situation.”
Isaac’s observations aligned with what Viktor had felt about Scarlett throughout their marriage. He was certain that Scarlett had been lying during the interrogation. In Viktor’s eyes, Scarlett, who used to laugh, appeared to be avoiding reality.
“She’s always been like that.”
“I don’t mean she’s being insincere or evasive. She believed that if she smiled at me, who couldn’t see, I wouldn’t detect her pain. She thought that hiding her pain and laughing would reassure me, and even after falling in love with Lord Viktor, she believed that laughter was a way to be loved. She’s not skilled at deceit.”
Isaac spoke with a silent chuckle.
“If there were a role that required nothing but smiles, she’d be just as adept as this kid.”
Viktor remained quiet for a while. Later, he spoke up.
“I heard you’re involved with rafts.”
Isaac responded to Viktor.
“I’m stepping away from that now and learning navigation.”
“Navigation, huh?”
Viktor nodded and continued.
“I don’t know if Scarlett mentioned it, but both Crimson and his predecessor were in the Air Force.”
“Yes, Scarlett mentioned it. They’re planning to develop an engine.”
“Whether in the Navy or the Air Force, we have positions available. If you’re interested.”
“That sounds good.”
Isaac added further.
“If you’re planning to retaliate against those who harmed Scarlett, I’m willing to collaborate.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Thank you.”
After this exchange, Isaac repeatedly kissed Scarlett’s hand and patiently awaited her awakening.
Viktor briefly observed the scene and left the hospital room.
After leaving the room, Viktor received a phone call from Pallin, who had gone to the newspaper under Viktor’s orders. Viktor answered the phone, and Pallin said,
“Captain, this picture was taken at the store. When the deputy captain went to the store and questioned Hylum Pitt, it turned out that a member of the Royal Police had taken the picture. He had a friend at the newspaper, so they met in secret. It’s confirmed that the Royal Police released an advertisement with Miss Scarlett’s location and face.”
“I understand.”
“Doesn’t this seem strange? It’s like the Royal Police challenging the Navy. Don’t let this slide, Captain.”
Pallin’s voice was filled with frustration and anger.
“All the navies in the Rubied fleet are furious about this news. How dare they attack the Navy and its Captain?”
Beside him, Evan could be heard cursing.
“The Royal Police sit in their comfortable offices, do paperwork, summon people for questioning. Do they understand how tough it is for us?”
“I know! They really have no idea. We need to strike at the Royal Police HQ now!”
“Come on, calm down, calm down. Pirates act like this as well. It’s not the Navy; it’s kidnapping civilians and attempting to negotiate.”
“Well, that’s your perspective, isn’t it?”
“You’ve made it clear that there’s a difference in punishment between the Navy and civilians. Involving civilians is a different matter.”
“Captain! Even the pirates can’t just stand by!”
Evan emphasised to the Navy that Scarlett was a civilian to cover Viktor’s negotiation with Scarlett. The Navy, aware that Viktor had already been punished, accepted it as a given.
Viktor hung up and dialled the Holton family, where his friend Larry was.
♔♔♔
Viktor gazed at the splendid building that housed the Royal Police headquarters and lit a cigarette, placing it in his mouth. Viktor’s childhood friend, Senator Larry Holton, who had been summoned through a phone call, approached. Senators mainly held honorary positions until the heirs of Salantier’s nobility took over the family.
Larry spoke, “Viktor, I have my own schedule as well.”
“Let’s go inside.”
Viktor nodded towards the building, but Larry glanced at it and replied, “I’m not so sure about that.”
“Let’s go.”
Viktor’s reply was determined.
“For some reason, you called me first. I’m a senator just because of my old family connection. What authority do you have to get me into something like this? Sir Viktor Dumfelt of royal lineage.”
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