I Reincarnated to Another World as a Woman-Chapter 154: Fallout
Mid-Autumn 6th, 03.00 a.m.
A loud shattering noise echoes through the large dining room. ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐๐๐๐ท๐๐ฟ๐๐ต.๐๐๐
An ashtray made of transparent glass lies shattered on the floor, one of many unfortunate objects broken into pieces. Wine glasses, plates, chairs, and countless other items are strewn everywhere.
The dining room no longer resembles a dining room. It looks as if it has been struck by a massive storm. Almost everything inside is destroyed.
The mansion staff stand outside the room, frozen in place, afraid to interrupt.
Greg Thornfield has been tearing the dining room apart, a culmination of his complete inability to express his anger in any other way.
Yesterday, when he first read the article published by Arvion Daily, he scoffed. He dismissed it as nothing more than a ploy by that scheming Arthur Montrose to monopolize the Heartstone discovered in the Mt. Helene dungeon.
But he could no longer scoff when he read the follow-up article published eight hours later.
Especially this part:
Expansion of the Investigation
As the investigation progressed, further evidence emerged that corroborated earlier findings and expanded the scope of involvement to include Ryan Blackwood.
As of this publication, Ryan Blackwood has not been charged, but authorities confirm that he is now considered a person of interest in a broader investigation into illicit Heartstone dealings and abuse of authority networks.
Investigators emphasize that the inquiry remains ongoing and that no conclusions have yet been reached regarding culpability beyond what has been formally established.
Representatives for the Blackwood family declined to comment, stating only that they are "reviewing the matter internally and will cooperate fully with lawful investigations."
When Greg read it, he felt his blood pressure spike, so violently that he nearly passed out from sheer rage.
It was 6.00 p.m. when he read the follow-up article.
When the hearing was first announced, he had looked down on it, believing it to be nothing more than a power play completely orchestrated by Arthur Montrose. Even when Arvion was already shaken, he had remained calm.
Then, two days later, the article was published.
Those who had watched the hearing live wanted to know the verdict, since it had not been announced publicly. Those who had not watched it, relying only on hearsay, wanted the full story.
It was difficult to find a single citizen in Arvion who had not read the first article. The news had spread throughout all of Altheon.
Greg had not worried about being implicated. He had no direct dealings with Harrison Stille, and he had always warned Ryan to be careful.
And his wifeโs nephew had always assured him that he was.
Then what is this?!
Greg grew even angrier when he could not contact Ryan. He was not in his office. His assistant, Silvia, did not know where he was either.
Greg searched high and low for Ryan, exhausting every contact and lead he had, but found nothing.
Then, at midnight, the news arrived. Ryan had fled to an unknown location.
Greg spent the next few hours desperately trying to track him down. By three in the morning, with no new information and no response from anyone, his fury finally exploded, culminating in the destruction of the dining room.
"Do you really think I canโt find you, you little shit?!" Greg growls.
"I swear to God, I will find you!"
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Mid-Autumn 5th, 4.15 p.m.
Fifteen minutes after the follow-up article is published.
"Baroness Voss Comes Forward," the Baroness reads out loud.
She is lounging in her humongous bathtub, enjoying a hot bubble bath. A champagne glass rests in her right hand, a tablet in her left, as she reads the follow-up article.
"In a development not disclosed during the public hearing, Baroness Maristella Voss voluntarily approached investigators shortly after the verdict was delivered.
According to confirmed sources, the Baroness provided additional testimony and submitted corroborating evidence related to Harrison Stilleโs conduct.
Investigators confirmed that Baroness Voss was not under formal suspicion at the time of her cooperation. However, her prior association with Stille placed her within the scope of inquiry.
The evidence she provided supports the committeeโs findings of systemic corruption within Arvion DEU and establishes that she herself was misrepresented and exploited by Stille for access, influence, and personal leverage.
Following her testimony, the committee formally cleared Baroness Voss of any wrongdoing connected to Harrison Stilleโs crimes.
Legal representatives confirmed that her cooperation was voluntary and not part of any immunity agreement."
She takes a slow sip of her champagne and laughs.
"I am a victim," she says in what she believes is a seductive voice.
Then she laughs maniacally.
The next second, she narrows her eyes. "Run, Young Blackwood. Run. Donโt let me find you."
She laughs again, wild and unrestrained.
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Mid-Autumn 5th, 07.00 pm.
Montrose dining room.
"Mom, what is this?" Julian enters the dining room, eyes going wide as he looks at the table. "Why is there so much food? Whatโs the occasion?"
Theo is already seated, hands neatly on his lap, eyes sparkling as he takes in the spread laid out before him. He likes most of the dishes. No, correction. He likes almost all of them.
Arthur enters right after Julian and stops short at the sight, just as stunned.
"Mom," Arthur says slowly, scanning the table. "This is the second time weโve had this much food. The last time was Theaโs first dinner at home after waking up. Whatโs the occasion now?"
Maurice chuckles from his seat. "Come on, kids. Do you really not know?"
Julian pulls out a chair and sits down, then looks at Leila. "The article?"
Leila places her famous meat pie down on the table and lets out a long sigh.
"Yes," she says softly. "The article. And you, Arthur. And the follow-up article. And the fact that both of you came back without serious injuries after clearing a mutated dungeon." She pauses, then smiles. "Itโs everything. I just want to be thankful. I want to show my gratitude."
Her eyes glisten as she speaks.
"Oh, Mom!" Julian jumps up from his chair and rushes over, wrapping his arms around her in a tight hug.
Leila laughs and pats him, then lightly hits his arm. "Alright, alright. Iโm not going to cry." She exhales. "I just feel blessed. And overwhelmed. Iโm fine. Now go sit down and start eating."
"Yes, maโam," Julian says with a grin as he darts back to his seat.
He claps his hands together enthusiastically. "Letโs eat, family!"
Laughter fills the dining room as everyone reaches for the food and the evening settles into warmth and noise.
End of Season 1
