Chapter 110 Councilor Kondo's Requiem

Councilor Kondo’s Requiem

Councilor Kondo’s PoV

Finally, the time has come. The hotel hall is reserved for the press conference. Dozens of reporters were waiting.

Shivering, I walked up to the podium, my eyes blinking from the flashes of the cameras. I couldn’t help but jump at the sight of so many cameras, more than I had ever seen before.

“Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to join us. I would now like to begin the press conference by Councilor Kondo to explain his scandalous incident.”

The moderator, the branch manager, has already started the execution. He didn’t seem to care about my preparation.

“I apologize for the trouble my son and I caused. …”

When I bowed to them, there were more flashes.

Some of them were mixed with blatant insinuations such as “I don’t care about you!” and “Hurry up and tell the truth!”

[Councilor Kondo. Is it true that you threatened the school and the victim’s family to cover up the incident of your son’s assault?]

[How do you take responsibility for the citizens who voted for you?]

[Are you aware that you have committed a clear criminal act?]

The questions were asked in rapid succession. It’s a complete shouting match.

“There is an ongoing investigation into this, so I will refrain from going into details. …”

Before I can finish, angry shouts fly.

[How can such an excuse be accepted!?]

[You can’t fool the citizens!]

[Do you still think you can get away with this!?]

[What did you mean when you said “shut up” in the morning?]

I can feel the sweat pouring down my back as I flinch from the abuse.

“I’ll tell you when the time comes. …”

These words only added fuel to the fire.

The reporters got up from their chairs and began to move as if they were going to pounce on me.

The moderator, the branch manager, said,

“Everyone, please calm down! Kondo-kun, you have an obligation to explain. Answer clearly!”

Shit, shit, shit!!! I don’t care anymore. I’ll tell you everything.

“I was only working for my son’s future… I had nothing to do with direct violence. My son did it on his own.”

At this moment, the camera flashes are at their highest.

[Take note! His son did it on his own.]

[He practically admits it.]

[That’s too bad.]

There’s some laughter in there.

“As for the alleged threats, I was just upset about my son’s arrest, and I didn’t mean to say it so strongly. I was in a hurry and I misspoke. That’s all. …”

Tears unintentionally well up from nervousness and fear. I can’t stop sobbing.

“Just like that. The recording said it wrong. …”

[What’s wrong with your eyes?]

[Are you crying?]

“I’ve been working so hard all this time. But even though I’ve been working so hard, the branch manager has been terrible. He usually depends on me for money. But, at times like this, he quickly cuts me off. I supported him a lot until he got to the position he is in now. …”

I said things I shouldn’t have said. I wanted to confess everything when I was pushed into a corner. Well, that’s what I’m going to do. I have done it. If I’m going down, the branch manager is going with me.

“What are you talking about?! No matter how much it’s a lie. It’s not something you can say!!”

Seeing the branch manager in a panic, I felt a little relieved. However, this was also something that I shouldn’t have revealed, but since I was unable to think properly, I couldn’t realize it.

The reporters couldn’t help but pounce on the tasty-looking prey.

[Does this mean it’s a bribe?!]

[Councilor Kondo. Are you going to admit that you bribed him?]

[Can your statement be justified?]

The journalists, who’re sensitive to the smell of scoops, turn up the heat.

And then, a hell of humiliation was born.

The branch manager quickly said,

“It’s a misunderstanding. Councillor Kondo is saying this out of bitterness, so please calm down!”

… and tried desperately to defend himself.

It’s not a lie. The branch manager received bribes in exchange for supporting my appointment as mayor. If this came out, it would be a big deal. …

But the confusion was immediately quelled by one man.

The sound of shoes echoed in the noisy hall. At that moment, everyone stared in that direction. A mature man with a straight back slowly took the podium. I knew immediately who it was. I was sure that there was no one here who didn’t know who he was.

[Why is he here?]

[It’s real?]

[Why is the number two of the ruling party?]

The man who took the podium slowly sat down next to me.

“I will answer your questions on behalf of both of them.”

He smiled softly and said it with dignity.

I couldn’t help but open my mouth.

“Secretary General Ugaki…”

He is the number two of the ruling party and a big shot who holds the personnel and budget authority of the party. The monster who rose to this position at the age of 45, the youngest in history, is also known as “the Shadow Prime Minister” because of his financial and political power.

The tycoon muttered in a voice that no one could hear.

“Kondo-kun. You’re ready for this, right?” and …