"...I've always been a law-abiding citizen. I studied art in Royal Capital and believed the world was beautiful. A few days ago, I returned to inherit my father's business, and everything was just starting to improve. Then, this morning, Inspector Lewis came to my door, accusing me of crimes, and took me to the Security Office. They pinned all sorts of charges on me and demanded I confess. I refused, so they punched and kicked me, and finally even threatened me with a gun..."
"I don't understand how, in such an era where civilization is widespread, such barbaric and illegal acts can happen in a safe and peaceful city like Wenster. I also don't get how someone like Lewis slipped into the ranks of law enforcers. How many more lawful citizens and good merchants like me has he harmed before this! It's heartbreaking!"
Ethan delivered his impassioned speech, his entire face turning pale from excitement.
The reporters eagerly documented every word and quickly captured his image, along with the Security Office behind him, in their photos.
A perfect scene.
This photo might be more sensational than the ones taken in the interrogation room just now.
Absolutely superb material.
Definitely tomorrow's front-page headline.
The headline could already be finalized: Art Student Returns Home to Start a Business, Wrongfully Accused and Tortured by Rogue Law Enforcer, Where is Wenster's Rule of Law and Justice?
As for the previous photos of Ethan being arrested and whether Ethan is actually a good person, does it matter?
News, the most valuable news, is what matters most.
A half hour later, Ethan was receiving treatment at Saint Louis, Wenster's best hospital.
After the doctor briefly treated his wounds, he was basically fine.
In fact, he was never in much trouble to begin with.
The punch from Lewis looked intimidating, but Ethan himself was no ordinary person. He had the 'True God's Name,' and the punch's impact was merely some broken skin, a little bleeding, and a sore jaw.
Compared to what he sacrificed, he gained so much more.
Lewis was finished.
He was out of the game right from the start of this struggle.
Furthermore, for a long time, Ethan wouldn't need to worry too much about the issues with the Security Office.
Now they just want to stay as far away from Ethan as possible.
"Ethan... sir, how exactly did you do it? It's unbelievable," said the lawyer Bob Older, who was also at the hospital.
It was because of his connections that Ethan was released so quickly.
Of course, Lewis's punch and gun incident were crucial.
"As I told you, Bob, I merely said a few words."
Ethan smiled.
During the twenty minutes Bob was in, Ethan asked Bob to do a few favors.
First, he asked him to bring more reporters to the Security Office entrance; second, if they heard a gunshot, he should have Anya lead people in.
Lastly, he asked Bob to punch him.
Bob had no objections to the first two requests; that's what a lawyer should do.
But the third request puzzled him.
He didn't understand why he was supposed to punch Ethan.
"You seem tired and annoyed, Bob. Don't you want to punch me and let off some steam?"
Then Bob punched Ethan.
The punch surprised Bob.
"Oh my God, what have I done? I'm sorry, Ethan, I didn't mean it."
"It's fine, Bob, it's not your fault. I just said a few words."
Indeed.
Ethan discovered a new technique to exercise his authority: using words to incite others to violence.
This inspiration came from Lewis.
Lewis tried to influence and command him with words.
That was the application of his True Name Ability.
So Ethan wondered if he could use words to control others' violence.
After all, his name includes the idea of inciting violence.
And then, he successfully tested it on Bob.
The rest was simply a display of his authority.
After chatting with Bob for a while, Anya returned from outside, walked to Ethan's side, and said, "Young master, as of now, all areas are calm."
"Have them stay alert, though there probably won't be any issues."
With Lewis taken down, the Evans family likely won't launch another attack, but the authenticity of this so-called attack remains in doubt.
At this moment, Bob couldn't help but glance at his wristwatch again.
While chatting with Ethan earlier, he had this urge, but he suppressed it.
Clearly, he had something to take care of.
"Bob, if you have urgent business, go ahead. You don't need to stay here with me."
"Sir Ethan, I do have a matter to attend to, so if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave." Bob showed an apologetic expression, preparing to leave.
"Ethan, call me Ethan. Bob, we're friends, aren't we? Are you in any trouble? Tell me, if I can help, just say the word."
"Ethan, thank you, but I think I can manage. I'll take my leave first." Bob nodded and left.
"Anya, later on, check on him. See what trouble he's in. We still need him," Ethan hinted.
"Yes, young master." Anya paused and then added, "Young master, what should we do next? Are we going to strike back against the Evans family?"
"No rush, Anya. I just said I'm a legitimate businessman, how could I do such a thing?" Ethan smiled, "Prepare some gifts. Tonight, I'm going to pay a visit to the esteemed Sandro. Since taking over, I haven't personally visited him, and it's rather impolite of me."
The Evans family's counterattack made him realize he needed to quickly find some allies.
After all, the bootlegging business is too large for him to handle on his own for now.
Later, on Glacier Avenue, Klaus Long Spear faced the cold wind heading towards the northernmost coast.
Unlike the other families of Wenster's five great families, Sandro didn't settle in the eastern suburbs. His Conte Manor is on the northernmost shore.
In fact, all of Wenster only Sandro has such unique taste, as the northernmost coast is not just bitterly cold but occasionally overrun by waves, making it an unsuitable place to live.
As you get closer, you can see more clearly that the Conte family's manor is more aptly described as a castle than a manor.
It's a castle built next to the rocks, entirely constructed of deep black stones.
From a distance, especially in the sunset, with the icebergs looming faintly in the sea beyond, it's like stepping back several centuries.
You couldn't tell if the castle housed knights guarding the coast or demons feeding on sirens and human hearts.