Chapter: 47
The daily routine of the Deputy Chief of the Inspection Department, Deiras Croton, was as repetitive as ever. Sandwiched between a superior who was somewhat inept at paperwork and subordinates who show no interest in such matters, Deiras, the only officer responsible for paperwork, was always buried in documents.
Within the Ministry of Finance, the office consisting of Deiras and his aides was colloquially referred to as the Inspection Department 0 Division, so it couldn’t be downplayed. Of course, the tasks of Division 0 were solely focused on paperwork and miscellaneous duties, not field activities.
That’s why, even in the face of the Chief’s indefinite dispatch, the Inspection Department kept running smoothly. Deiras had been handling most of the paperwork anyway, and when the Chief went off to the Academy, he entrusted Deiras with the authority to act as Chief. Therefore, many approvals were processed under Deiras’ signature.
The only concern was the rampage of the Manager Trio, now free from the Chief’s restraint, but surprisingly, they had remained quiet until now. Particularly, the 1st Manager had returned from the Academy and was as quiet as a mouse. It was puzzling, but considering it was no harm, Deiras decided to let it be.
Thus, Deiras was spending a relatively peaceful time acting as the Chief.
At least, until just now.
‘Chief?’
The communication crystal on Deiras’ desk was glowing with a blue light. Although they usually checked in at regular intervals, he hadn’t received contact at this hour.
“Yes, Chief.”
BEEP BEEP — An imperial edict was delivered.
With the forceful words of the Chief, Deiras adjusted his posture.
BEEP BEEP — “I hear that you’ve received documents from the Information Department?”
“Yes. It’s about families that had contact with the Third Honor. I received it this morning.”
BEEP BEEP — “His Majesty has expressed doubts about the loyalty of these three families.”
Deiras nodded quietly at that statement. Those were families that had contact with organizations talking about the revival of Apels. It was only natural for the Emperor to question their loyalty and take action.
BEEP BEEP — “Therefore, the Inspection Department will follow the imperial command and eradicate the traitors.”
“Understood. What’s the scope?”
BEEP BEEP — “No exceptions.”
Deiras’ eyes twitched slightly at that response.
“Understood.”
But that unease was brief. Quickly taming his chaotic feelings, Deiras complied with the Chief’s directive.
BEEP BEEP — “I’d like to go myself, but regretfully, I cannot be away from my position.”
“We will handle it. Please don’t worry.”
BEEP BEEP — “I trust you, Deputy. I believe you’ll handle it efficiently.”
“I won’t let you down.”
As the Chief nodded and cut the communication, the crystal dimmed. Deiras leaned back in his chair, rubbing his forehead.
PHEW — ‘Looks like trouble has arisen.’
When asking about the scope, he received the answer, “no exceptions.” An order to kill every member of the identified families, regardless of age or gender, and to wipe out their servants as well.
Naturally, that was the right approach. The principle was that traitors must be eradicated, along with anyone associated with them, as it was the way to prevent future threats. But that was a principle for a time when the Emperor’s power couldn’t be ignored, when they had to closely monitor any criticisms.
In the overwhelming imperial power of today, it was custom merely to eliminate the ringleaders and demote the rest to slavery. Even if the seeds were left, they posed no real threat to the Emperor.
HMMMM — ‘Something is definitely going on.’
Of course, it was acceptable to assert principles when customs collided. The Inspection Department, being the Emperor’s blade, had every right to execute the seed of traitors threatening the imperial power. It was clear that the Emperor would be pleased with their loyalty too.
What puzzled him was why the Chief, who usually acted within modern traditions, suddenly decided to uphold the principles. Clearly, something lurked beneath the surface, something he didn’t know about.
Having collected his thoughts, Deiras reached out for the communication crystal. The Chief had given an order, so there was no need to hesitate. He had to act.
While examining the materials conveyed by the Information Department, a knock at the door made him look up.
“Come in.”
As the door opened, four people rushed in. It seemed they had encountered one another on the way.
“What’s going on? It’s been a while since we held a meeting.”
The 2nd Manager, trudging in, randomly chose a seat. Following him, the other three also took their places, casting glances at Deiras. While the 2nd Manager voiced doubts on behalf of everyone, it was evident that the sudden gathering raised suspicions among them all.
“1st Manager.”
But before responding, Deiras fixated his gaze on the 1st Manager, who blinked in surprise, seemingly not knowing she’d be called.
“What happened at the Academy?”
At that question, her eyes trembled. Something indeed had transpired.
“The Academy? Didn’t they just catch those third-rate fools called Third Honor?”
The 2nd Manager yawned, speaking in a dull tone, yet Deiras continued to fixate on the 1st Manager. He was certain she had received reports regarding the apprehension of the Third Honor but sensed something more was left unsaid.
The 1st Manager, feeling the weight of Deiras’ stare, darted her eyes around nervously and eventually spoke softly.
“The Third Honor mentioned the North in front of the Chief.”
The 2nd Manager froze mid-yawn.
“And even spoke of the Six Swords.”
A chilling silence enveloped the room at the 1st Manager’s revelation.
CRICK CRICK — It was the 3rd Manager who finally broke the long silence.
“Why are you only mentioning this now?”
“What good would it have done to say it sooner? Do you have a way to appease him?”
“Well, I don’t, but…”
Sighing as if feeling hopeless, the 3rd Manager shifted the topic and the 5th Manager questioned the 1st.
“How did the Chief react?”
“What do you think? He acted like it was fine.”
“So he really exploded today.”
Deiras’s words brought all eyes back to him, and he placed the Information Department’s report on the table, quietly continuing.
“We have pinpointed the families that contacted the Third Honor: the Gorpu Viscountcy, the Vendel Barony, and the Dosil Barony.”
“They’re all a bunch of nobody’s.”
“Right? Maybe they acted recklessly because they had nothing to lose?”
“The Chief has ordered unwavering punishment for these three families.”
Once again, the Managers ceased their murmur and exchanged glances. Unwavering punishment was something very rare. Even during the great purge two years ago, the few families that faced such consequences were extremely limited. Even then, while the Chief had it out for the Asilon family, only the head and heir were executed.
“If we don’t execute this correctly, won’t it be our turn next?”
“He mentioned he believes it’ll be done cleanly.”
GULP — The 2nd Manager shivered at the thought, while the 3rd wiped sweat off his forehead. Right now, the Chief’s fury was directed solely at those three families, but if the eradication against them were to be even slightly insufficient, the source of that ire was obvious.
YIKES — “He’s out in the Academy, huh? Does that actually change anything? If the Chief truly goes into a rage, he’ll care little for excuses. Despite the Crown Prince’s reassurance that there’s no need to kill the Asilon family, the Chief had gone ahead and disguised a killing as a suicide.”
UGGH — He had even delighted in mocking them before delivering the fatal blow. Thanks to that, the Asilon family was recorded not as murdered but as nobles overwhelmed by shame who took their own lives. They became the foolish nobles who couldn’t bear a fleeting moment of shame and chose to end their existence.
“The punishment toward the three families is an imperial command.”
Deiras spoke to calm their rising panic. Yes, it was an edict from the Emperor. It was both an order stemming from the Chief’s anger and a stern imperial command. Even without mention, they had to deal rigorously with this. The only difference was the widened circle of concern.
“3rd Manager Leonard Hodella and 5th Manager Marcilio Viago, lead your divisions and eliminate the traitors!”
“Understood.”
“Yep.”
The 3rd Division was responsible for the Inspection Department’s main force, while the 5th took care of those the others failed to handle. Together, they could swiftly manage these three lower noble families.
“1st Manager Elizaveta Massello and 2nd Manager Lafayette Varon, apprehend the servants first before dealing with them.”
“Understood.”
“Yes, Chief.”
It had been a while since all divisions of the Inspection Department mobilized. But what could they do? This wasn’t a simple corruption issue; it involved treason, with potential bombs about to explode right in front of them. A little negligence would surely unleash rage about to erupt.
“Let me stress this again: There are no exceptions. No delays are allowed. We’ll ask for cooperation from the Special Service Agency; therefore, move quickly!”
If they trudged over to find the three families by foot, it could take quite a while, giving the other two families a chance to catch wind of it and flee before they got around to one of them. Thus, teleportation became essential. While it was a slight bother to plead with the Special Service, with treason at stake, they would likely cooperate willingly.
Watching the Managers disperse in haste, Deiras let out a sigh without meaning to.
YIKES — “They really brought up the Six Swords before the Chief?”
GOODNESS — ‘What a bunch of lunatics.’
If they were looking for a way out, they certainly found it. It might have been safer to hurl a few insults at the Chief’s parents instead. Now he wondered if there were any bodies left behind.
*
In a place crowded with eyes, I couldn’t give orders to the Senior Manager outright. I slipped outside into the hallway and discreetly relayed the orders. Then, I took a moment to sit on a nearby bench, enjoying the breeze.
AHHHH — ‘They’ll do well, I’m sure.’
It was unfortunate that I couldn’t take action myself, but I couldn’t leave this post carelessly. I had to prioritize my public duties over personal reasons. Had the command been issued solely to Carl Krasius instead of Chief Carl Krasius, I would have dashed off immediately.
BLAH — ‘Such a bummer.’
I trust my people. Even if the Inspection Department seemed like a cluster of lunatics, they knew how to deliver when it came to their job. Of course, instances like the incident with the 3rd Manager’s misfire are not entirely ridiculous, but with such a clear target set, they couldn’t afford to mess this up!
It was just disappointing to have to leave such matters to others.
Nevertheless, let’s find satisfaction in this. If there had been no families contacting the Third Honor, I would have had to rage by smashing heads somewhere in that forest. At least this order came from me, and my subordinates are the ones acting on it!
“Oppa!”
As I was staring blankly at the sky, Louise came running toward me, trophy in hand, with other club members trailing behind her.
“Careful! You might trip!”
CHUCKLE — I couldn’t help but smile as I got up from my seat.
Yes, let’s be satisfied. Today seems like a lucky day, so I’ll trust the Inspection Department to send back some good news!
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