As Olivia rushed into the cabin room, she found Kalvin, standing there alone. The ship was operating on autopilot for the time being. The moment they entered, Melvin quickly closed the door to ensure their privacy. Olivia approached the control panel nervously, her gaze fixed on the faces of the chancellors displayed there. Melvin and Kalvin positioned themselves behind her. It's hard to say who was more nervous but Kalvin seems a little paler and quieter than usual.
"Welcome back, sir," Olivia greeted, a warm smile spreading across her face as she addressed Bell. The chancellor returned her smile gently.
"Good morning, Miss Blake," he replied smiling. His eyes then shifted to Chancellor Jupiter.
"Chancellor Jupiter believes he should be the one to announce this decision," Bell stated with a bit of humiliation in his voice, rising from his seat to allow Jupiter to continue. The chancellor took the chair, getting ready to make his announcement.
"I see there has been a secret deal that I was unaware of," Jupiter said, his voice tinged with complaint. Olivia couldn't help but smirk - she knew all too well Jupiter's ruthless and annoying nature.
"No, sir, there wasn't any deal. Just an understanding between few people," Olivia responded, her tone brave and firm.
"I find it strange that Bell ultimately agreed to the medical restrictions," Jupiter mused, his expression doubtful. But Bell quickly interjected.
"We are not here to discuss politics, Jupiter," he said, his voice direct and commanding.
"Okay, then. What's the rush?" Jupiter asked, a smirk playing on his lips."Anyway," he continued, shifting to a more comfortable position.
"This case is more serious than you think," he stated firmly. "It's not as simple as just granting a full pardon. Once we pardon your crimes, people will need to know why. Besides, you can't keep using a fake name forever."
He paused, his gaze steady. "At some point, you'll get caught, because every birth, marriage, and death that happens across the island is recorded. Fortunately, for your sake, your father hasn't registered his marriage or your birth, which means the individuals known as Melvin and Kalvin technically don't exist."
Jupiter leaned forward slightly, his expression grave. "We'll need to correct that first. Your names need to be properly registered."
Olivia listened intently, the gravity of the situation sinking in. She knew this was no simple matter - their identities and legal standing were at the heart of the issue.
"Then how did they stay this long with fake IDs?" Olivia asked curiously.
"Because they were outsiders when they registered for entry. Outside of Octagon Verenda, the laws don't work properly. It's an open secret," Jupiter replied firmly. "That's why they had a chance. But we can't let them continue like that."
Olivia nodded, her brow furrowed. "But if you tell them to reveal their true identities, you have to ensure a pardon for them. Otherwise, people will blame them for their father's crimes."
"Yes, as we've already voted, they will receive a full pardon," Jupiter assured. Melvin let out a heavy sigh of relief, while Olivia seemed to relax slightly, though Kalvin noticed Bell did not appear entirely satisfied.
"But..." Jupiter continued, his expression turning grave. "Kalvin killed a man. That's not forgivable at all."
Kalvin's lips pressed into a thin line as he realized the implications. Olivia quickly stepped in to defend them.
"He did it because of your mistake. They were forced to hide their identity," she argued passionately.
Jupiter's eyes narrowed. "That's why we're considering lowering his punishment," he said firmly. Olivia could see a glint in Jupiter's eyes that did not bode well.
"He has two choices: 10 electric shocks, or a demotion that would mean he's no longer a trainee or Bell's private guard chief," Jupiter stated, his voice laced with a hint of satisfaction. Olivia knew he relished the opportunity to hurt Bell, whom she could see was deeply upset by the options.
Kalvin stared at Jupiter's face for a moment, then looked at Bell, whose expression was filled with sorrow. "I choose the electric shocks," Kalvin said in a defeated tone, leaving Melvin, Olivia, Bell, and Elsa shocked.
Elsa covered her mouth in dismay, while Bell was clearly distraught and hurt. His eyes pleaded with Kalvin to reconsider. "Kalvin, no!" Melvin cried, turning to his brother.
Kalvin shook his head resolutely. "I can't lose that position. Bell has spent so much time and effort training me. I can't disrespect or hurt him by giving it up," he said, his voice emotional.
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"You can regain it later. I don't mind, please, Kal," Bell begged, his eyes filled with sorrow and fear.
"No," Kalvin said firmly. Bell turned away, covering his eyes in pain. Olivia looked back at Kalvin, her voice calm.
"Kalvin, 10 electric shocks mean a lot of pain. Your father will be more hurt to see you hurt," she said.
" Take it back! Take it back!" Melvin cried emotionally pushing him away.
Kalvin paused, then looked back at Bell. "It took me years to gain that position. So much blood, sweat, and tears," he said, his voice laced with emotion.
"Believe me, you can regain it. I'm your teacher, I know your abilities. I guarantee it, please," Bell pleaded.
Kalvin bit his lip, then made his decision. "I choose the other option," he said eventually, his expression pained. Bell smiled gently, relieved to see his protege avoid the harsher punishment. Olivia and Melvin let out breaths of relief as well, though Madam Jessy and Sir Jupiter seemed disappointed.
"Okay, as you wish," Jupiter said in a lazy tone. He then turned his gaze to the screen, his expression growing more serious.
"There is one more question to ask," he said gently, his eyes fixed on Olivia. "And it's for you."
Olivia could already sense what Jupiter was about to inquire about. The gleam in his eyes did not bode well. Elsa stared at Jupiter, fear for her daughter's life evident on her face.
"How long ago was it that you found out?" Madam Jessy interrupted, her tone direct.
"I was 16 when I found out," Olivia answered, trying to remain as calm as possible.
"I told you it was a bad idea to keep the pen drive without destroying it," Madam Jessy said, turning to Jupiter.
Jupiter nodded in agreement. "It was Penny who wanted to keep it," he said, shifting his gaze to Madam Browns.
"It's my daughter's last memory. She's in it," Madam Browns said, her voice filled with fury.
"Then why was it kept in Elsa's home?" Madam Jessy questioned directly.
"Because she wanted to get over that thing and to keep it safe," Elsa said, defending Madam Browns.
"Well, now it's clear it wasn't safe in your home," Jessy said, her complaint evident.
"Nobody else saw it, I can swear to that," Elsa stated firmly.
"How many people did you tell about this, Olivia?" Jupiter asked directly.
"No one. I knew it would cost my life if I told anyone," Olivia replied sincerely.
"Smart girl," Jessy said, her voice dripping with condescension.
"Elsa, you have clearly caused a risk of exposing the council's top secrets," Jupiter said, his tone accusatory.
"No secret has been revealed. You can't accuse me," Elsa said, her voice unwavering.
"For now," Jupiter said, raising his eyebrow and indicating his doubts.
"It seems you've been aware of Asia's case all this time. I'd like to know how that came to be. Did your mother happen to tell you about it?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of vengeful undertones.
"She told me nothing," Olivia replied immediately, meeting Jupiter's questioning look.
"She would've never told me, as it would've risked my life. I found it out on my own. I knew Diane had died in an accident, and I was curious. One day, I saw Madam Penny giving my mother a pen drive. I stole it when she wasn't home and watched it. She later found out I had discovered it, as the pen drive was placed a bit further from the mark she had left. She made sure I didn't tell anyone about it," Olivia explained, her nerves showing.
"Anyway," Jupiter said again, turning his attention back to the screen to address Melvin and Kalvin.
"It's clear you two knew about Asia's case as well since your father was caught keeping it. Madam Elsa even caught Kalvin watching it as a little boy, which is why she tried to kill you. Luckily, you both managed to escape."
Jupiter paused, his gaze hardening. "Your father had connections with Madam Penny's husband, who was executed for trying to cause a public panic by revealing this secret information. He made the video, and his daughter Diane helped him. They thought people had a right to know, but we can't afford a public panic or a riot."
He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "Before his death, the pen drive was given to Turner, a highly wanted criminal with an alcohol problem. He was trying to sell the pen drive for money, but luckily we were able to catch him before that happened."
Jupiter's expression grew contemplative. "So, my question is, should we take the risk again by trusting these children, including Olivia?"
"The vote was clear, you can't disagree now!" Elsa screamed in anger.
"Wait, Elsa, not so fast," Jessy said, her tone humiliating Elsa once more. Elsa glared at her, seething.
"Can we trust?" Jupiter asked again, his gaze piercing.
"I don't have a death wish. I won't tell," Olivia said directly. Melvin nodded in agreement.
"If any of us wanted to tell, we would've done it already," Melvin stated firmly.
"We won't tell," Kalvin said, trying to calm the situation.
Jupiter let out a dramatic sigh. "It's too much risk, yet... But you three are highly valuable people from each sector. Considering your past actions and sincerity, we will allow you to live, but we expect you to remain silent. If the truth ever comes out, you three will be interrogated and punished harshly. Is that clear?"
"Yes, sir," Olivia said sincerely, accepting the terms.
"Yes, sir," Melvin echoed, following Olivia's lead.
"Yes, sir," Kalvin eventually agreed, his expression resigned.
"Okay, so this is what you'll tell your friends," Jupiter stated firmly. "You were the children of a highly wanted criminal named Turner. You have nothing to do with his crimes, but you were afraid, which is why you've been faking your identities. That's also why Kalvin committed an unwanted murder."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the group. "After Kalvin eventually chose to confess, they were forgiven, considering their poor situation. That's why Kalvin's position has been lowered. Is that clear?"
"Yes," the three young people agreed, their voices resigned.
Jupiter's expression turned condescending. "You'll have to face a lot of disapproval from people, but you'll eventually make it through," he said, his tone laced with a hint of disdain.
Kalvin nodded, his shoulders slumped.
"So, I guess we're done here," Jupiter announced, standing up. Kalvin glanced over at Bell, who gave him a reassuring smile.
Elsa was looking at Olivia with a loving smile. "I'll call you later, Mom," Olivia hurried to say.
"Sure," Elsa replied, her voice filled with happiness. Finally, her daughter was seeking her support and love.
"Be careful," they heard Jupiter's cautionary words before the communication system went quiet, signalling the end of the long, stormy night.
Olivia, Melvin, and Kalvin were left to grapple with the weight of the secrets they had been forced to keep, their futures uncertain but their resolve hardened by the gravity of the situation.