kscans

Chapter 197 - The Press Conference ★

I was sitting in a chair in a certain room, watching television.

"Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister has arrived."

As I was watching TV with a gloomy feeling, the secretary standing behind me informed me.

"Show him in here."

"Understood."

As the secretary nodded, the door was thrown open with force.

"Prime Minister, the conference hasn’t started yet, has it!?"

The Foreign Minister who opened the door strode into the room and asked in a loud voice.

"Minister, I must ask you not to enter so freely."

"What are you talking about? Is this any time for tedious formalities?"

The Foreign Minister took a seat, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it.

"This is a non-smoking room."

"Don’t be so stiff."

This was the kind of man the Foreign Minister was. To put it kindly, he was a bold man who wore his heart on his sleeve. Because of this, he often made gaffes and was criticized by the media, but he was also a competent and valuable asset who could lead everyone.

"And Shindo-sensei?"

"He’s finished. Desperately clinging to his position as a Diet member. Even that great sensei is done for now that he’s gotten old."

Shindo-sensei had served as a minister and was a man of merit, but his recent actions have been inexcusable.

"His thinking is from the Showa era..."

"I’m one to talk, but it’s dangerous when you can no longer keep up with the changing times."

Well, at our age, it wouldn’t be strange to be called old men.

"Shall we cut him loose after all?"

"I have no intention of commenting on his embezzlement or bribery, but this latest incident is a clear betrayal. We have to make an example of him, and frankly, he’s in the way."

So it comes to that... It’s impossible to work with someone who would so easily leak state secrets.

"Understood. It is unfortunate, but we will have him resign."

"You should have made that decision sooner."

"That’s easy for you to say, but dismantling Shindo-sensei’s faction takes time."

Even though it has shrunk considerably, dismantling a political faction takes time.

"I know. Also, America is apparently taking a wait-and-see approach."

"Wait-and-see? America?"

They always intervene.

"They have their own route to connect with the witch. They say it doesn’t matter to them whether Eleanor Ocean is human or demon."

Just as expected of America. Purely business-minded.

"I wish we could be that pragmatic."

"But we can’t."

"I suppose not. What about the other countries?"

"All sorts of things. ‘Eleanor Ocean should be freed,’ ‘She is one of our compatriots,’ ‘Information should be disclosed.’ I can’t be bothered to deal with them, so I’m ignoring them."

What a bold man. Well, you can’t be Foreign Minister if you’re not.

"We’re so busy, and it’s almost the end of the year."

Christmas is just around the corner. Well, now that my children are grown, I don't really think about Christmas anymore.

"Can’t be helped. That witch certainly brings us gold, but it makes us busier in turn. Honestly, lately it feels like all we do is hold councils about that witch."

"Indeed."

We have so many other things to do.

"Well, it’s almost time..."

The Foreign Minister looked at the television. On the screen, a crowd of reporters was filming a table where no one was yet seated.

"To think they’re even broadcasting it live."

"It’s overkill. But it means it’ll get good ratings."

I’m sure it will. The video of that witch’s first television appearance has a staggering number of views.

"A press conference... I have a very bad feeling about this."

"Me too. But it has to be done. The one I feel sorry for is the Director."

I truly think so. That man became the Director at an incredible time.

"Oh! She’s here!"

Just as the Foreign Minister reacted, the Golden Witch, Eleanor Ocean, appeared at the conference venue. Dressed in her usual black robes, Eleanor Ocean's appearance was met with the sound of rapid clicks and continuous camera flashes.

"She’s so composed."

Just as the Foreign Minister said, the witch seemed completely unfazed as she walked to the table, straightened her back, and stared straight ahead.

"Well, it’s not as if she’s done anything wrong."

In fact, the witch has done nothing.

"Well then, let us begin this mysterious press conference."

The witch, seated in her chair, began to speak on her own.

"Hey, where’s the Director!?"

The Director was supposed to lead the conference.

"Did he run away? No, I can’t imagine the Director would run. Did the witch outsmart him... Prime Minister, brace yourself. The witch has hijacked the press conference."

This is the worst. What is she planning to say?

"Please let this end peacefully."

Please...!

"Give up."

The Foreign Minister shook his head.

"I have no idea why I must hold a press conference, but since it cannot be helped, I shall explain. It seems everyone is interested in my private life... It’s so trying, with all these stalkers."

The witch on the screen smiled.

"She’s already started provoking them..."

"This is going to get messy."

It most certainly will.

"Now, let me begin my explanation. First, regarding the reports that Frontier is demanding my extradition, there is no such thing. It’s fake news."

The witch denied it flatly. However, I have also said as much in a conference.

"Is it true that there was an inquiry made to various countries!?"

A certain reporter asked the witch. At that, the witch’s expression twisted.

"What do you think you are doing, interrupting me while I am speaking? Be quiet. Do you want to die?"

"Want to die... Is that a threat!?"

"You're noisy. Shut up!"

The witch glared at the reporter.

"...!"

Hm? The reporter is acting strange. He's clutching his throat and flailing about.

"Now, the noisy one has been silenced. I will set aside time for questions later, so please listen to me quietly. I am a kind person, so I let you off with just this, you see?"

She used magic right then and there! She sealed the reporter’s voice.

"So she really is a genuine witch..."

"I wish she wouldn't do that."

The reporters are terrified.

"Now, let me continue. Regarding the matter of representatives from various countries inquiring whether I am from Frontier, that is likely true, as the fool from a moment ago said. However, I was not the one who made the inquiry, nor did I answer it, so I do not know the details."

The witch said this, then took out a plastic bottle of tea from her bag and began to drink.

"She’s so carefree, this one..."

I truly think so.

"The answer to the inquiry was that the possibility of me being from Frontier is low, apparently. If the people of Frontier say so, then it must be true... fufu."

The witch laughed mysteriously.

"No one’s going to believe that."

"She’s clearly making fun of them, isn’t she..."

She’s mocking them.

"Um, next, was it the invitation from Frontier? That is a private matter, so I cannot say. That is all. Now, it is time for questions. Is there anything? Those who have a question, please raise your hand."

As the witch said this, the reporters all raised their hands at once.

Please! Don't do anything else crazy!