Chapter Seventeen: The Secretary of Parochial Concerns

"We must not lose this case," said the cloaked man to the Secretary of Parochial Concerns while being pushed against the wall. The look in the Secretary's face is reminiscent of a certain horror in a situation of great danger, likely fearing for his life. This unexpected visitor has been harassing him for months, and he forces him to bear false witness against the Tenth Kingdom.

"I cannot do this," the Secretary said. "This is a parochial concern appointed to the Tenth Kingdom. An internal and domestic matter reserve to the states. I cannot grant your request, it is impossible!"

The cloaked man burst into an evil laugh. "Request? Who said I am making a request? I am commanding you to do as I please."

The Secretary of Parochial Concerns tried to suppress his disgust, but failed at it miserably. He tried getting off as the cloaked man pin him further to the wall, ready to fight for his life. But the cloaked man was strong and sturdy.

"You will do this or you won't see your family again," the cloaked man said while he showed a necklace to the honorable Secretary.

"How did you get this? Where is my daughter?!" 

The Secretary of Parochial Concerns became very anxious now, for the fear of losing his family is something he wasn't prepared for. He wanted to fight the cloaked man and save his daughter right away, but he knows what is really at stake in this situation. He is being coerced to do something beyond disbelief.

And he was certainly defeated now.

"I will not hurt your daughter if you will testify against the Tenth Kingdom regarding this tariffs case. After that, I will return your daughter safe and unharmed. Is this clear?"

The Secretary of Parochial Concerns knew what was going on, remembering what the Executive Secretary told him once. A grand conspiracy is now underway, preparing for something hidden and unexpected. For now, there is nothing left to do but witness it unfold because everybody is being held hostage. There is nothing that can be done for now.

"Yes. I will do it," he said. His voice was definitely trembling.

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