The imperial administration of the Nadal Empire was officially divided into several departments.
Each of these departments played a crucial role in maintaining order within the empire and assisting the Emperor in governance. One such department was the Inspection Bureau.
This was a body with special authority, tasked with uncovering illegal activities across the empire and empowered to issue immediate sentences—regardless of the accused's social status. This right had been granted to the Inspection Bureau by the very first Emperor as a means of preserving order within the state.
However, despite being an independent organization responsible for combating unlawful actions, the Bureau rarely received titled visitors. Nobles often protected each other and rarely gave up their own voluntarily.
Which is why the unexpected guest that day came as a true surprise.
"Lord Carter?" The officer on duty at the Bureau's ground floor was visibly surprised. "We weren't expecting to see you here today."
"My apologies," the young man replied calmly. "I need to speak with the head of the Inspection Bureau. As soon as possible."
His voice was unnervingly calm, and the front desk officer hesitated for a moment before nodding.
"I'll see if the director is available. If not, you may have to wait."
"Of course."
Livius Carter waited a short while, eventually being informed that the department head was currently free and able to receive him. Without hesitation, Livius made his way directly to the office.
The head of the Inspection Bureau, Gevel Corson, looked at him with the same open surprise the desk officer had shown.
"Lord Carter, may I ask what brings you to our office?"
But his questions died on his lips the moment Livius placed something on the desk before him. The Inspector frowned.
"What is this?" he asked flatly.
"This is a forged natal chart belonging to my older brother," Livius said evenly. "It was issued twenty-four years ago. On the basis of this document, Michel was declared the legal heir to our family. But the chart is a fake."
The Inspector was genuinely stunned. For a few moments, he couldn't say a word. Livius, meanwhile, produced another folder and placed it on the desk.
"These are additional pieces of evidence I was able to gather."
The Inspector remained silent, slowly opening the folder and sifting through pages with diagrams of star constellations. Livius continued:
"As you can see, the so-called 'authentic' chart contains falsified star coordinates. But this one—this one reflects the true configuration. And I can prove it."
The Inspector's frown deepened as he studied the documents more closely. His eyes narrowed at the astrological signs, the mismatched coordinates, discrepancies in dates and alignments...
Finally, he asked in a low voice:
"Who composed your brother's original natal chart?"
"The former Archivist of the Astrological Tower, Padalio Xian."
At the mention of that name, the Inspector's expression darkened further.
Of course he knew that name.
Not only had the Archivist once been one of the most influential figures within the Astrological Order, but he was also known for something else—he had mysteriously disappeared more than ten years ago. His body was never found. Eventually, he had been declared legally dead, as any further search was deemed futile after so much time.
The Inspector furrowed his brow, staring at the two wildly different natal charts on the table.
"You're saying that Lord Michel's chart doesn't match the actual star configuration?"
"Not just doesn't match," Livius replied. "It was deliberately created to fit the prophecy of a 'great heir born under the Serdel Star.' But that night, none of the key aspects required for such a prediction were present. I've checked it myself, year after year."
The Inspector listened intently, then let out a heavy sigh.
"You do understand," he said quietly, "that forging a natal chart is considered a state crime?"
"I do," Livius nodded. "But I only want justice and truth. Not for myself—but for the honor of House Carter."
He spoke calmly, almost gently—but there was a firm resolve in his voice.
"Did anyone else know about this?" the Inspector asked.
"Besides the Archivist who forged it? My father. And my brother... I'm convinced he knew as well."
The Inspector sighed again and closed the folder.
"This is sufficient to open a formal investigation," he said, voice steady. "But be warned: if even one of these documents turns out to be falsified, you will bear responsibility. You could be charged with slander against a noble heir."
"I understand," Livius replied. "Even so, I won't back down."
The Inspector couldn't help but glance at the young man with a flicker of respect. It took courage to stand against one's own family for the sake of truth. But he gave no hint of his thoughts and said with professional neutrality:
"Very well. As of today, the Bureau will formally take on this case and launch a thorough investigation. You will act as the formal accuser. Later, you'll also have the opportunity to testify before the independent Imperial Court."
Livius nodded.
"I hope and believe the Bureau will do everything in its power to ensure long-overdue justice is served," he said with a faint smile.
***
The main doors of the Carter estate burst open with a crash.
"For the Empire! Everyone remain where you are!"
Soldiers stormed in without warning.
Duke Carter, who had been quietly enjoying a late breakfast in the dining room, looked up at the approaching unit as if someone had interrupted a conversation about the weather. He showed neither fear nor surprise.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" he asked calmly.
The senior officer of the Inspection Bureau—a man with closely cropped gray hair—stepped forward. He presented the Bureau's seal without delay and declared:
"Duke Michael Carter, we are acting under orders from the Inspection Bureau. You are to be taken into custody for questioning regarding the falsification of your son's natal chart, which was used to name him the legal heir of House Carter. The order has been authorized by the Imperial Administration. You will be brought in for further interrogation."
The Duke set down his teacup.
"On what grounds?" he asked coolly.
"Evidence has been submitted sufficient to warrant a formal investigation. You are hereby temporarily suspended from your titular duties. Any resistance will be considered treason against the Empire."
The servants along the walls stood frozen. In the heavy silence, one of them let out a startled gasp before quickly covering their mouth. Duke Carter merely glanced at the swords gleaming at the guards' sides, then gave a curt nod.
"Of course," he said evenly. "If the Empire wishes to hear my side, I shall provide it."
Not a single muscle twitched on his face. Not a single question crossed his lips. Only his gaze remained steady—unflinching.
The Duke rose slowly, brushed invisible dust from his garments, and looked the officer in the eye.
"The Bureau sent an entire squad to my estate..." he noted without surprise. "Impressive. I'm pleased to see law enforcement functioning so diligently in our Empire."
He calmly extended his hands. The guards stepped forward. The silver restraints clicked around his wrists, marking the official start of the investigation.
For a moment, the only sound in the hall was the cold ring of metal. Then—
"Father!"
It was Michel Carter. The young man had come running down the stairs, panic etched across his face.
He froze at the sight of his father surrounded by armed guards. His eyes darted between the officer and the restraints on the Duke's wrists.
"What is the meaning of this?!" he cried. "Father, what's happening?!"
"Not here, Michel," the Duke cut in. "The Bureau is simply doing its job. Don't interfere."
"What? But... I... I don't understand..."
Duke Carter cast a sharp, composed glance at his son.
"Do as you're told, and don't complicate matters. Our family will survive this," he said coldly.
"But... this must be a mistake...!" Michel whispered. "They have no right to arrest you!"
The Duke turned his gaze away and never looked back at his son as the guards led him out of the estate. Only the senior officer and a few soldiers remained behind.
The officer turned to Michel:
"Until the investigation is complete, you, Michel Eben Carter, are temporarily suspended from all rights and duties associated with the title of Heir. The Carter estate will be overseen by a provisional representative. According to imperial law, that shall be the nearest adult family member not connected to the accusations."
Michel said nothing. He only stared at the officer blankly.
From a side corridor, Livius appeared. He looked at Michel, who was still staring at the open doors, hands hanging limply at his sides.
The officer then addressed Livius:
"Livius Natantin Carter, until the conclusion of the investigation, you are recognized as the acting head of House Carter, with powers limited to internal affairs. The Empire expects you to maintain order and neutrality."
Livius gave a simple nod. His eyes met Michel's, who stared back in disbelief.
Livius didn't look away.
Once the officer and remaining guards left, the doors slammed shut, and silence fell.
Almost immediately, Michel rushed at him:
"Livius—was it you?! You brought them here?!"
"I only wanted to uncover the truth," Livius replied.
"The truth?! What truth?!"
Michel grabbed him by the collar in frustration, but Livius remained unmoved and said quietly:
"You know it yourself. Sooner or later, the truth about your natal chart—and father's illegal actions—was going to come out."
Michel's hands dropped. His pupils dilated, trembling. For a while, he couldn't speak, then finally muttered:
"You... No matter what you say, you've destroyed Father. You've destroyed this family!"
"Destroyed?" Livius said softly. "No. From this moment on, I will do everything I can to free this family from the chains of lies—and help it rise again."
His voice was quiet. And that only made it more terrifying.
Looking at his brother's helpless and enraged expression, Livius felt the same emotion he had felt on the day Katrina died.
On that day, Livius felt something he hadn't dared admit—not even to himself.
Satisfaction.
He had finally avenged his sister. Punished her tormentor—the one who had made Remesis' life a misery. He was no longer the helpless boy who could only watch from the sidelines.
And now... another of his sister's tormentors stood before him.
Livius smirked as he looked at his brother's face—a mixture of powerlessness and anger. At long last, vengeance had arrived.
"It seems my brother is tired from all this stress," he said calmly. "I ask the servants to escort him to his chambers."
"........"
The servants hesitated, pale and frozen. None dared approach the young man who, until recently, had been heir to the house.
Livius repeated, this time cold and firm:
"Did you not hear me? I am now the acting head of this house. No one here has the right to disobey me."
Michel stared at Livius with wild eyes, struggling desperately as he was finally seized by force.