Prologue
‘From a distance, it seems like a comedy, but up close, it’s a tragedy.’
It’s quite a famous line and, personally, it has resonated with me deeply over the past few years. That’s exactly how my life as a civil servant feels right now.
From afar, I might appear to be a tyrant with absolute power, but take a closer look and you find a pitiful middle manager being squeezed from above and below. Yes, the authority of imperial civil servants is indeed formidable, but if you look around, you’ll find them scattered everywhere like stray dogs.
What does it matter if I come from a good family and hold a decent rank? Above me are dukes and ministers, watching over my every move. Even if I somehow manage to achieve the pinnacle of civil service through ability, luck, and connections, I can never let my guard down. Because, sitting above all that, is the royal family. Can we just brush the royal family aside? That would be like asking for a celestial family reunion with three generations forcibly gathered!
This is why the life of a civil servant is so sorrowful. There’s the boss who only knows how to pressure you, the coworkers who are competing for promotions, and the subordinates who are advancing at a terrifying pace. In that chaos, even if I do a good job, it’s just treading water; if I fail, well, I’ll definitely get knocked around. Ah, it’s so nerve-wracking!
“Executive Manager, the Minister said he’ll kill you if you don’t come immediately.”
And even now, my atrocious boss isn’t shy about threatening a poor civil servant like me.
“Tell him that I fully acknowledge my responsibility and will resign.”
“Didn’t you use that excuse before? I remember the inkwell came flying through the air. It was no laughing matter.”
“Was that during that time?”
I sneak a glance out the window. The raging storm seems to reflect the wreckage of my heart. It’s strange; weather-warping mages are supposed to be a rarity…
“Is he very angry?”
“As angry as always.”
“So he’s really furious, huh?”
Sometimes, I feel a twinge of pity for him. If he keeps that temper up, he’s bound to kick the bucket soon. The Deputy General Manager, who was quietly delivering the status report, nodded in silence.
Sure, you’re having a hard time too, acting as the messenger.
“I’ll be on my way then. Gather all the department heads.”
“Come back in one piece.”
“I sure hope so.”
Leaving the Deputy General Manager behind, I trudged along with heavy steps. Sure, as a manager, I shouldn’t have to jump when called, but alas, it’s the Minister summoning me. I sincerely wish that one of us, either he or I, would retire soon.
“What the hell are you doing about this work?!”
“I’m sorry! I’m sorry!”
As soon as I stepped into the Minister’s office, I was hit with a shockwave of shouting, and instinctively, I bowed my head. Today was just another typical day.
Well, it’s just another awful day. sigh
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