The Day the Shadows Ended
Fear shifted from palace to ministers.
Several officials attempted escape via a private harbor—but were intercepted without resistance.
Arrests cascaded.
Investigations uncovered a full network tied to both the past assassination and the recent attempt.
Public trials followed.
Assets were seized.
Institutions restructured.
The shadow system collapsed.
The King's Speech
Lee Soo-yeon addressed the nation:
"Justice is not revenge.
It is restoration."
He reassured citizens and warned enemies simultaneously.
Arcadia had not changed rulers.
It had changed eras.
End of Chapter 20