Chapter: 80
It’s unexpected for the Patriarch to attend a memorial service since he hasn’t been active in public life since the war. However, it’s highly likely he came here as a representative of the Imperial Assembly since a Count holds the title of being a member by default.
No matter how glorious the title of “member” might sound, the essence remains that they’re civil servants. If I’m an administrative civil servant, the Patriarch is a legislative civil servant… and orders must be followed, right? After all, the territory of Tailglehen isn’t that far away.
“Oh, you’re already here?”
“Yeah.”
As I sat blankly in my office waiting for the memorial to start, the higher-ups began trickling in. The first to arrive was the head of the first department, munching on a piece of bread like a chipmunk. She certainly has a knack for eating breakfast. No wonder she looks so healthy!
“Executive Manager, you are dispatched, right? How come I’ve seen you three times during the dispatch period?”
“I didn’t expect to see you three times either.”
When I was initially sent to the Academy, I thought I’d come back only once during my time there, but lo and behold, the head of the first department showed up during the fair, and then I got dragged here due to the Magic Duchess incident. I’ve unexpectedly experienced this twice. Twice…
“Want some?”
“No thanks. You eat it all.”
“Okay!”
She tore the bread in half and offered it to me, but I declined. It felt a bit like snatching food from my subordinates.
“Oh, I was just getting hungry.”
“Huh?”
As soon as the second department head walked in, he swooped in and snatched the half of the bread from the first department head’s hand. Quite a vibrant morning greeting, isn’t it? The second department head quickly shoved the bread into his mouth and nodded at me. Honestly, it would’ve done him better to run away instead of trying to greet me!
“Spit it out right now!”
The first department head swung a neck slice on the second department’s throat WHACK!
Just then, the fifth department head, who was about to push through the door, caught a glimpse and quietly closed it again. It was a wise choice.
This memorial service saw the attendance of several high-profile figures, unlike last year. Representing the bureaucrats was the Minister of the Imperial Household, the Minister of War and the Grand Invincible Duke represented the military, along with Count Tailglehen representing the Assembly, myself, and the Minister of Finance.
Last year, I barely found time for myself, so many other officials simply couldn’t attend. This year, however, the Emperor started mentioning the Six Swords, so there was a somewhat valid reason for attendance.
“If it weren’t for the dedication of the Empire’s loyal servants, how could the Empire claim to have fulfilled its divine mandate?”
The Minister of the Imperial Household’s voice echoed through the National Cemetery as he read the Emperor’s eulogy for the soldiers who fell in the Great Subjugation War. “Your sacrifices have safeguarded the Empire’s divine mandate,” is among the highest praises the Emperor can give. After all, the divine mandate is what allows the Empire to rule supreme.
“The dedication of the heroes who faced great hardships will serve as stepping stones as the Empire strides into the future, their names shall remain immortal forever.”
Immortal.
It was clear that he put more emphasis into each line this year, almost as if compensating for last year’s subdued remembrance. Or perhaps the Emperor holds some sentiment for those who perished for the Empire? After all, the true threats to the Imperial authority are the living servants, not the fallen heroes.
Once the reading ended, everyone bowed their heads in silence, then as we raised our heads, we began to disperse while exchanging greetings. Compared to last year, there was a little more time to spare, but they were still busy individuals.
“Carl.”
In the midst of hurried departures, I shared a glance with the Grand Invincible Duke before hearing someone’s familiar voice coming from behind.
Turning around, I saw a man with black hair.
“Patriarch, it’s been a while.”
It was Count Tailglehen, here representing the Assembly. I half expected we’d just pass each other with a quick glance and move on, but he started the conversation.
“Indeed, it has.”
“Apologies. I should have visited sooner.”
“Don’t worry about it. You don’t need to feel guilty.”
Honestly, I didn’t think much about it. After years of observing the Patriarch, I knew his nature well. If I had gone out of my way to visit him, he would’ve likely lectured me about neglecting my duties.
In fact, he showed no real displeasure, instead wearing a subtly satisfied expression. Seeing him look like that, resembling my own features, struck a strange chord in me. I might end up looking exactly like him as I grow older.
“Count Blotchen. Have you been well?”
“Oh, you know me. Just the same. Good to see you’re doing well, Count Tailglehen.”
The Patriarch’s gaze shifted to the Minister beside me. Since they were somewhat acquainted, they exchanged pleasantries. However, they weren’t close enough for a lengthy conversation, and the exchange ended rather quickly.
“Is Erich doing well?”
After a brief pause, the Patriarch turned back to me. Wow, I didn’t expect him to ask about his son!
“Yes, he’s in good health.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Make sure to tell him: For a warrior, it’s more important to travel far than to hurry.”
“Understood.”
He nodded at my response and turned away as if there were no lingering attachment. That threw me off a bit.
“I thought he was a bit cold, but that was quite surprising.”
“Indeed.”
The Minister murmured as the Patriarch walked off. “For a warrior, it’s better to go far than fast.” That could be interpreted as, “Hurrying might lead to injury, take your time instead.” A peculiar sentiment coming from a man known for neglecting family.
“Well, it’s common for people to change with age.”
I found myself unconsciously glancing at the Minister. He seemed to have aged so much and yet remained the same in disposition.
“Let’s move before it gets too late.”
“Ah, yes.”
At that moment, the officers who had been standing behind us joined our group.
To reach their tombstones, we had to traverse through the area for those lost in the Great Subjugation War, and finally the Prosecution area.
“I’ll take the lead.”
“Sure, please do.”
Once we reached the location where six tombstones stood in a row, the Minister stepped forward first with a bottle of Boyar wine. Yup, the eldest should pour first, after all.
The scene of the Minister pouring a bottle for each tombstone was quite a sight. “Drink up! This is a rare wine, and you can only receive it once a year!”
“Executive Manager.”
“Yeah?”
After pouring the wine, the Minister fondly touched each tombstone and as he turned around, the Senior Manager handed me a box. I could’ve held it myself, but it tends to attract attention when someone from the front row carries something substantial. It was considerate of the Senior Manager, so I hadn’t said anything about it until now.
As I approached the tombstones, holding the box, the Minister patted my shoulder as he passed by. Seems like he’s feeling a bit emotional today too!
Should I really give this?
Laughing at the drenched tombstone, I thought, how fitting! That Boyar wine is quite strong; pouring two bottles consecutively would certainly get anyone intoxicated! I hesitated for a moment, but then decided, why not? It’s an annual tradition—what’s a little staggering?
Let’s start with the origin of this mess, the drunken fool behind it all:
Gerard, Born 1348 ~ Died 1375
“You probably would’ve died young just from drinking, anyway.”
With that thought, I poured the wine over his tombstone as soon as I opened the first bottle. He drank more than the combined capacity of all the other team leaders; yet, this drunkard was remarkably skilled with a spear.
“Oh, not bad! At this rate, in 300 years, you might be able to match my level.”
“Have you finally lost your mind?”
The man was utterly hopeless at teaching, but here I was, blossoming into a fine specimen thanks to his terrible tutelage.
Oliver, Born 1346 ~ Died 1375
On the other hand, this guy barely touched alcohol, maybe indulged once or twice a month at most.
“A man devoted to serving God shouldn’t indulge in such pleasures.”
But hey, his church’s next saint was the King of Roulette! His fate just turned out a bit better by avoiding seeing that.
Drake, Born 1351 ~ Died 1375
This guy was fond of booze but not very adept at drinking. It was entertaining to watch him gradually build up his tolerance.
“If you hold a sword in each hand, can’t you strike double? Isn’t that right?”
“Are you saying I’m at the same rank as this guy?”
“Hey, don’t go bragging about being from the Prosecutor’s Office.”
The downside to that scenario was his intelligence took a peculiar turn over time. Still, it was surprising when he truly mastered dual-wielding!
Walter, Born 1350 ~ Died 1375
Still, comparing him to someone who started with questionable intelligence, he was relatively stable. This guy was exceptional in many ways.
“What are you doing?”
“Practicing walking on water. If I step with the other foot before I sink, it should work, right?”
“Well, wouldn’t it be easier to walk in the air?”
“Oh.”
“Now, that’s ridiculous. Are you going to come up with something or not?”
In the end, he actually managed to walk on water! Of course, he only did it with mana wrapped around his feet—but if he lived a bit longer, he’d have probably found a way to fly too. A real-life version of the Wright Brothers in this world!
Idrid, Born 1349 ~ Died 1375
As I popped open the fifth bottle and poured it over Idrid’s tombstone, an oddly serene feeling washed over me. Among the team leaders from the 4th Team, who were all complete oddballs, he was the sole rational individual. In modern terms, he’d likely hold the positions of Senior Manager or even the 5th Manager.
“Once this war is over, I’m officially quitting this hell of a Prosecutor’s life.”
He was the first to dream of escaping the dysfunctional Prosecutor’s Office, which had turned into a running joke. I was trying to fulfill his bucket list of deserting the office on his behalf.
‘I’m sorry.’
Even now, I hadn’t accomplished that. My lone opportunity to switch to the military came crashing down because of the Crown Prince, followed by the Minister showing no intentions of accepting my resignation. Most of the others’ wishes have roughly been fulfilled, yet it seems Idrid is still going to struggle ahead.
As I reached the final tombstone, my body momentarily stiffened.
Hecate, Born 1352 ~ Died 1375
Like the others, I quietly poured the last bottle over her tombstone.
An overwhelming emotion started to swell from within, but I fought to suppress it. Truth be told, it’s just too much! With all you put me through after you left, I’d like a chance to hold you accountable just once!
‘What were you thinking?’
Gently stroking Hecate’s alcohol-soaked tombstone, I released a small sigh. The burial divisions at the National Cemetery are stringent; they bury soldiers with soldiers, but Hecate committed suicide, which technically didn’t allow her to rest here among them.
Yet somehow, I managed to change the narrative to ensure she could remain alongside these comrades.
‘Why’d you do that?’
I’m the one writing out your death. How do you think I felt creating a fake cause of death? I sought out the one who knew the truth and bowed my head repeatedly, pleading for discretion. I mean, sure, it was only the Grand Invincible Duke, but still…
‘Seriously, why’d you do that?’
Honestly, I felt a good amount of resentment. It was tragic that five of us left before their time, yet here we survived. I wanted to carry out what you and the others desired, to keep your memory alive while understanding who you truly were.
But what did you do? I found your body, I picked up the pieces.
“I’m sorry, Carl.”
Why did you do something that would leave you apologizing? Your choice was agonizing enough, but it cut even deeper knowing I wasn’t there to support you when you needed it.
I stepped back after touching the tombstone several times. This was shaping up to be a circus.
‘How am I still the youngest among us?’
I was the only one who aged among the seven, yet somehow, I remain the youngest. Quite a shocker indeed!
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