Chapter 116 |
Daniel's eyes, visible through the rearview mirror, were like those of a predator that had spotted its prey.
Because of this, Freyen's hands gripping the steering wheel unconsciously tensed, and his heart began to beat a little faster.
From Freyen's perspective, who already admired Daniel, the image of Daniel actively trying to build his own power base looked brilliant.
Of course, Daniel was closer to struggling to survive in the current situation, but Freyen had no way of knowing that.
Driving with a faint smile on his face, Freyen suddenly had a thought and opened his mouth.
"...But Lieutenant Colonel Daniel? Isn't Melbarton an independent newspaper that doesn't receive government support or corporate advertising? They're also famous for their slogan of reporting only the truth."
"That's right."
"Then won't there be difficulties in making them follow you? I think they'll probably insist on not publishing biased articles in their newspaper."
It wasn't wrong.
"Second Lieutenant Freyen. Do you know that the Melbarton newspaper once advocated for anti-war protests?"
Freyen shook his head.
"I don't read newspapers much. So the Melbarton newspaper made such disgusting noises."
"Yes. Understanding their advocacy for anti-war protests itself is possible. Many citizens were feeling fatigued as the war entered a prolonged phase. But after I gave my total war speech, the Melbarton newspaper withdrew their claims."
A question mark appeared above Freyen's head.
"Why is that?"
"Because numerous customers canceled their subscriptions. Unless they receive support from the government and corporations, they have to survive on citizens' sponsorship, so it's a natural course of action when they published articles that went against public sentiment."
There was something that could be clearly understood from this.
The Melbarton newspaper's beliefs were intertwined with money.
It's natural if you think about it.
The printing press, ink, and paper needed to spread the truth aren't given for free.
Without money, they couldn't spread the truth either.
Nevertheless, the Melbarton newspaper was refusing all support from the government or corporations to maintain their shallow belief in independence and neutrality.
No, it would be more accurate to say they had become too small-scale to receive such support.
At this rate, the Melbarton newspaper won't be able to avoid bankruptcy.
Daniel intended to take advantage of this point to put a leash on the Melbarton newspaper.
"So..."
Looking at Freyen who was concentrating on driving, Daniel whispered quietly.
"Freyen. I'd like you to help me a bit."
11 Volverfelk Street.
Melbarton Newspaper.
"Haa..."
Voelm, sitting at the desk in the editor-in-chief's office, let out a deep sigh.
He had a headache because the number of subscribers was decreasing day by day.
'At this rate, we won't be able to maintain not only the printing costs but even the distribution network.'
What meaning is there in a newspaper company that can't print newspapers?
But when he thought about filing for bankruptcy, the faces of the employees who trusted and followed him and the family waiting at home flickered in his mind.
'What should I do...'
While he was pondering ways to increase subscribers, someone knocked on the door.
Thinking it was a subordinate employee, Voelm frowned.
"Tom! I told you I needed to think! If you haven't come up with a solution, don't show me that stupid face of yours..."
Voelm stopped mid-sentence and closed his mouth.
It wasn't Tom who entered as the office door opened, but an officer of the Empire.
Moreover, it was Daniel Steiner, hailed as a hero of the Empire.
Accompanied by Freyen, who was famous for using black magic.
Daniel smiled faintly at Voelm, who was frozen as if in a dream.
"Since I've come to discuss methods, I don't need to leave, right?"
Hearing Daniel's voice, Voelm quickly stood up.
"L-Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Steiner. What brings you to such a humble newspaper company..."
He asked because he truly couldn't understand the reason.
Daniel approached him and pulled out a chair in front of the desk to sit down.
"Didn't I just tell you? I came to discuss methods."
"When you say methods..."
"Methods for the financially troubled Melbarton newspaper to make a dramatic recovery. Let's sit down first."
Voelm nodded cautiously and sat down.
Daniel stared intently at Voelm's tense face before opening his mouth.
"From what I know, the Melbarton newspaper is on the brink of bankruptcy. Is that correct?"
Voelm hesitated for a moment before nodding.
There was no point in hiding it anyway.
"You're right. The number of subscribers is decreasing day by day, and now we're struggling even to cover the printing costs."
"I see. Then, may I offer help to your newspaper company?"
"...What do you mean by offering help?"
In response to Voelm's question, Daniel raised his hand to point at Freyen standing behind him.
"You may not know this, but the father of Second Lieutenant Freyen standing behind me is the senior pastor of the Glory of the Holy Fire Grand Church. The number of believers is also considerable."
Daniel lowered his hand and interlaced his fingers.
"I'll ask Second Lieutenant Freyen to have the believers of the Glory of the Holy Fire Grand Church subscribe to the Melbarton newspaper. That should put out the immediate fire, don't you think?"
Indeed, if even 10% of the believers subscribed to the Melbarton newspaper, they wouldn't struggle with printing costs or maintaining the distribution network.
"Also..."
Daniel took out a tape recorder from his chest and placed it on the desk.
When he pressed the play button on the recorder, the tape started spinning and a recorded voice played.
─ I confess. I, Campbell, the leader of the Liberal Social Party, have transmitted confidential information of the Empire to the Kingdom of Velmore.
What? As Voelm was shocked by this startling fact, Daniel pressed the pause button.
"This is information that even the Imperial Daily doesn't know yet. If you wish, I'll let you be the first to report this fact."
He was offering to hand over an exclusive scoop.
Voelm couldn't help but look quizzically at Daniel Steiner, who was offering to secure subscribers and now bringing an exclusive story.
"...What exactly do you want from me?"
There's no such thing as pure goodwill in this world.
Voelm became wary, sensing that Daniel had come to demand something.
Pleased by Voelm's quick perception, Daniel leaned back in his chair.
"It's simple. From now on, have the Melbarton newspaper submit articles to me for review before publishing. As needed, I will directly provide guidelines for articles."
"What? What do you mean..."
It seemed like a joke, but Daniel's expression was extremely calm.
As a result, Voelm frowned and flared up.
"Are you saying you want to turn the Melbarton newspaper into a mouthpiece that's loyal to you?"
"There's some exaggeration, but depending on how you hear it, it could be interpreted that way."
"Are you in your right mind!? Melbarton is an independent newspaper! Our founding principle is to inform the citizens of the truth!"
Daniel, who had been silently staring at Voelm, quietly opened his mouth.
"Truth? It sounds good. Then let me ask you. What is truth?"
"Well, news without lies is..."
"Who judges that there are no lies?"
Voelm opened his mouth to answer but couldn't make a sound.
After all, the information that the editor-in-chief of a small newspaper like Melbarton could obtain was limited.
Seeing this, Daniel slowly raised his upper body.
"People always live telling lies. And only a few privileged people with power and authority can judge whether those lies are true or not."
"But..."
"I assure you. You will never get close to the truth. You just interpret the information that comes down from above in fragments and repeat it like a parrot."
Voelm vaguely knew.
He had seen how those who had offended the nobles, corporations, and government disappeared without a trace, and only much later would there be a single line in the news saying they had been robbed or met with an accident.
That's where the truth that couldn't be told lay.
"I can see your future, Editor-in-Chief. Either living like a parrot, under the delusion of reporting the truth, or meeting death by getting too close to the truth."
Both were terrible ends.
"Or..."
For some reason, Daniel's voice sounded like mockery.
"Going bankrupt, crushed by the weight of money, without being either."
Voelm's hand trembled slightly.
There was no hope visible in the future Daniel was listing.
Amidst the despair occupying his mind, the devil's whisper was heard.
"Let's be honest. You don't want the truth, do you, Editor-in-Chief? You want 'power' that won't get you fired even if you tell the truth, and 'money' to protect your family, right?"
Daniel's outstretched hand lightly wrapped around the back of Voelm's hand.
"I can give you both. The price is one lie. If you swear to tell a lie for me..."
Voelm slowly raised his head and met Daniel's gaze.
The devil's eyes resembled those of a human.
"I will provide you with a thousand truths and unshakeable money."
Abandon your beliefs to keep your beliefs.
Sacrifice the small for the greater good.
Take my hand for your employees and family.
The meaning contained in Daniel's words was weighing down on Voelm's shoulders.
The moment he gives in to that sweet offer, he'll have to walk a path of no return.
But turning back and refusing meant the cliff of bankruptcy was waiting.
When belief and reason collide, reason usually wins.
After a deep breath, Voelm opened his mouth.
"...What do you want me to do?"
Voelm's voice echoed dejectedly in the office.
Hearing the answer, Daniel withdrew his hand and stood up.
"First, report the exclusive story I gave you. We need to reveal to the world that the leader of the Liberal Social Party is a collaborator before the Imperial Daily beats us to it. Then, wait for my instructions."
Daniel, after adjusting his clothes, was about to turn around but stopped.
"Ah. Just in case..."
Daniel took out a folded piece of paper from his chest and placed it on Voelm's desk.
"If you forget the favor and try to betray me, you'll have to pay the price."
After delivering these cryptic words, Daniel smiled once and turned to leave.
Only after Daniel had opened the door and left the office did Voelm pick up the folded paper and unfold it.
'This is...'
The paper had the address of the house where Voelm's family lived written on it.
Below, he could see not only the names and hobbies of his family members but even their usual routes of movement.
It even included information about how Voelm's son had once dabbled in drugs out of curiosity.
Seeing this, Voelm pressed his trembling hand to his forehead amidst the dizziness.
'Daniel Steiner from the beginning...'
He had no intention of accepting a refusal from him.