In the afternoon, Lolita sat in the boardroom beside Axel, her posture regal in a black leather chair. Around her, government officials shifted uneasily.
"We need to discuss budget cuts in Intermarium's prison system," she said, her voice cold and clipped.
"We need to talk about budget cuts in the prisons in Intermarium," Lolita said coldly.
"And what cuts do you have in mind?" Artemis raised his eyebrow.
Lolita smiled. "We'll reinstate the death penalty. No more feeding criminals with our tax dollars."
"Lolita!" Maxwell blurted. "That's barbaric!"
Lolita snapped. "Maxwell, don't argue back. I'm the ruler of Intermarium, and the laws I'm enforcing are non-negotiable."
She reached into a black leather satchel at her feet and pulled out a glossy photograph of herself. In it, she wore a closed-lip smile, her cheeks blushing a vibrant pink.
"Every household must display my portrait," she said. "First offence: warning. Second offence: arrest. Deface it—imprisonment."
"But most citizens can't afford framed portraits," Maxwell said.
"I've already purchased prints to distribute," Lolita replied. "To cover costs, we'll eliminate tax deduction on hydro, water, and electricity. Except for government officials."
The council dispersed for a one-hour break. Maxwell stood beside Artemis in the courtyard.
"The new laws, Lolita is enforcing are absurd." Maxwell scowled.
Artemis shrugged. "There's nothing we can do. We can't argue back."
"Come on now. She wants to give citizens the death penalty for spitting on a statue of her! She's out of her mind-"
"What're you talking about?"
Maxwell turned around and looked at Axel's scowling face. Maxwell snapped, "It's called none of your concern."
"You better not be talking shit about Lolita. She's a good ruler."
"Do you know anything about the police case on Ethan's death?" Artemis asked.
Axel pulled out a vape pen from the pocket of his black blazer and took a puff. "The case is cold."
"What?" Maxwell's mouth dropped. "The police can't give up on finding the murderer."
"They don't have any evidence to find the murderer. The police are very busy solving other murder cases."
Artemis said, "There needs to be more government funding in policing."
Axel shook his head. "Even with more money, the police wouldn't be able to solve the case."
"How do you know that?" Maxwell's voice was cold.
A servant approached them and said, "Lolita wants you to return to the boardroom."
Maxwell picked up his cigarette and threw it in the trash can. They returned to the boardroom.