Chapter: 87
My eyes were trembling with tears, and my hands and feet began to shake. The wicked superiors had no hesitation in ruthlessly tearing apart the miserable underlings.
“Having guests who came for travel purposes stay in the palace is excessive. We cannot skip the entry procedures, so wouldn’t it be a hassle every time?”
The Minister of the Imperial Household, who supported the Crown Prince’s statement using the term ” 명안” (reasonable), began raising the credibility with a not-so-pleasant addition. But wasn’t it the Minister of the Imperial Household who first proposed a room in the palace? Now, without compassion, he was eliminating the palace from the options. His talent for flipping a palm was like art.
Of course, the palace isn’t some local inn, so it could indeed be considered an excessive measure. Even diplomats on official visits have to go through all sorts of procedures to enter and exit the palace, and they can only move within a fixed range.
Simply put, in terms of hospitality, there is no place that can lavish guests as much as the palace. However, keeping travelers in the palace is an awkward and troublesome matter for both sides. A lodging where one can’t move or step out freely, isn’t that just a bit much?
“Even if it’s not an Academy schedule, it’s still true they are students and belong to the pastry club.”
At the Minister’s words, the expression of the Minister of Internal Affairs flickered slightly. It seemed he was about to burst into laughter at the adorable phrase “pastry club” popping out during a serious discussion about welcoming princes and a future saint. He was always someone who laughed a lot, after all.
“Isn’t the Executive Manager an advisor for the club? It wouldn’t be unusual for the advisor to stay with the members. Luckily, the Executive Manager seems to have a smooth relationship with the members.”
Smooth? With those guys? What on earth do they consider a smooth relationship?
“You’re right. Since it isn’t an official visit, it could be difficult for administrative personnel to intervene, but for the Prosecutor’s Executive Manager, it’s feasible.”
“That’s true. The Prosecutor’s Executive Manager has a clear connection starting from the Academy.”
As the Ministers of Justice and Foreign Affairs nodded in agreement with the Minister of the Imperial Household, my hopes for an escape route got swiftly annihilated.
Still, I dared to glance at the Governor, who would probably be hesitant about letting the members stay in the Capital.
‘It’s over.’
However, at that moment, upon seeing the Governor’s expression, I sensed my doom. That veteran loyal to the Imperial family didn’t seem to have any plans of opposing the Crown Prince’s opinion despite showing some bewilderment.
Yeah, it was likely the Governor wouldn’t struggle. It would only be chaotic on their first day arriving in the Capital, while I would be the one managing them from the most proximate distance. If I hold my ground, the Governor has no reason to be bothered at all.
“Really. There’s no one closer to them than the Prosecutor’s Executive Manager.”
As the Ministers expressed their agreement or masked their approval with silence, the Crown Prince turned to me, smiling slightly.
“Don’t think too complicatedly. Just think of it as continuing what you did at the Academy, but here in the Capital.”
How easy it is for you to say when it’s not your business!
My teeth were grinding, but there was nothing I could do. It seemed both the Crown Prince and the other Ministers had no dissent towards this decision. From their perspective, the welcoming process was vital; where the members stayed afterward was of no concern.
“However, if the Executive Manager falls short in hosting the guests, it could be troublesome. Minister of Finance, make sure to provide ample support.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
At least it seemed I would receive adequate support, which brought a small relief.
Anyways, I’m glad. I have to think that way to settle my insides.
The meeting ended without much fuss, save for one Executive Manager’s tear. From the start, the real headache was the peculiar situation of foreign royal families touring the Capital, not really the reception itself. It would be downright strange if the Empire, the center of the continent, couldn’t manage even a single reception properly.
And so, the Ministers and the Mayor exited the conference room.
“You don’t know how reassuring it is to have the Executive Manager.”
“Thank you for your kind words.”
Just the Crown Prince and I were left behind. I had originally planned to leave without a backward glance, but this rascal stopped me, declaring he had something to discuss.
“I hope I haven’t troubled the busy Prosecutor’s Executive Manager with trivial matters.”
Hey, are you feeling peeved?
“It is a subordinate’s duty to follow Your Highness’s orders.”
If you’re aware, be silent.
Such words were practically trolling, weren’t they? Having already stuffed my mouth with fresh sticky rice candy, saying something like that felt beyond reasonable.
When he mentioned it was better to stay at the Capital rather than the Academy, I naturally assumed he would secure a room in the palace for them. Even that cunning Minister of the Imperial Household thought the same at first. Why summon me to the Capital if he was just gonna stick them to me?
“It’s quite unfortunate that even the busy Prosecutor’s Executive Manager won’t get to rest at home.”
That doubt was promptly resolved upon hearing the Crown Prince. He had dragged me to the Capital since staying at the Academy meant I wouldn’t be able to report to the office. The target wasn’t the club members at all; it was me. Damn, are you a human being? You’re the son of an Emperor, but are you really not human?
“I promise to do my best to lessen your burden. So, try not to worry too much.”
While I brainstormed ways to trip the Crown Prince up, he casually dropped some vaguely hopeful words. Even he seemed to realize that he might’ve gone a bit too far this time.
“Coincidentally, there are extra hands in the Ministry of Intelligence. They should be able to assist the Prosecutor’s Executive Manager.”
“Thank you for your generous consideration.”
With the Crown Prince directly guaranteeing support from the Ministry of Intelligence, my mind began to whirl. It was odd that the Minister of Intelligence had stayed silent throughout the meeting, but it seemed he had coordinated with the Crown Prince before.
While I had entered the Academy alone due to discussions with the three nations, the Capital was not the Academy. It’s expected for the Empire’s forces to circulate around, and the presence of those forces often seen near my residence was merely coincidental.
Not a bad form of support at all. Having dependable eyes and hands on standby for intervening during occurrences involving club members is far better than handling everything single-handedly. Ah, this is not bad.
“And wouldn’t it be problematic if the Executive Manager often leaves their post?”
“That is correct.”
I nodded vigorously at the Crown Prince’s words. I even received permission to not attend the Prosecutor’s Office daily. Rather than being bound to the office every day and working late hours, I was advised to mostly stay at my residence and only show up when necessary.
I had prepared myself for remote approvals from the Academy all this time. If I could commute from the Capital, there was no absolute need to clock in every day. Even inconsistent attendance would be way more effective than working remotely.
But what is this, the terms appear to be surprisingly favorable. Material support was coming from the Finance Ministry and personnel from the Ministry of Intelligence. Not only that, but I was freed from daily office attendance. For offering just one residence, the deal was shockingly reasonable!
Why is this actually okay?
Perhaps sensing my bewilderment, the Crown Prince burst into a grin.
“It’s all about receiving important foreign guests on behalf of the Empire, right?”
In other words, since it was something linked with the Empire’s prestige, he would be paying special attention. With those last words, the Crown Prince took his leave first.
“It is a gift from His Highness.”
At that moment, the Crown Prince’s secretary approached me and handed me a small pouch. Upon opening it, I noticed ten shining gold coins. That was precisely double the amount I had lost at Boyar’s casino!
Indeed, His Highness the Crown Prince did not overlook the efforts of his subjects and embraced them warmly. Truly, a future ruler of great merit. I have always believed in the Crown Prince.
You little rascal.
The support, surprisingly outstanding, allows me to let this pass this time.
*
After wrapping up the unexpected meeting, I returned to my office.
How annoying.
While massaging my stiff neck, I sat down. The Emperor was aging, leading to more responsibilities falling onto me, and then news of royal family members from other lands planning to visit? What’s the deal with that?
On any other day, I would want to block their entry or simply ignore them, but this was related to the Empire’s prestige. After suffering for two years under the traitor, the Empire had drawn not-so-subtle suspicion and challenges from various nations across the continent.
Finally, I’d gotten rid of many of those uncomfortable gazes. But, no matter how informal this visit may be, to welcome foreign royalty carelessly? Those uncomfortable looks could return again. What an utterly irritating situation.
At least Ainter isn’t something I need to bother about.
However, through this event, one thing became clear: Ainter held no ambition for the throne. If he did, this kind of situation wouldn’t have occurred.
Even if he had connections with foreign princes or future saints, what of it? The Emperor and the nobles support me! If he were vying for the throne, why on earth would he come flaunting it so openly here in the Capital?
He’s not so foolish as to not recognize the simple calculations here.
Ainter was a kid with good reasoning and social skills. If he had ulterior motives, he absolutely wouldn’t have come to the Capital. And even if he did, it wasn’t a threat in light of the current context. It was sufficient proof that Ainter couldn’t keep the other princes on a leash.
A royal visit? A somewhat bothersome and irritating affair, but I could reconfirm Ainter’s intentions, so it wasn’t entirely negative. I just needed to show up briefly and shake some hands.
Only the Prosecutor’s Executive Manager will be in the struggle.
Just thinking of the bug-chewing expression of the Prosecutor’s Executive Manager made me chuckle uncontrollably. It’s regrettable, but what can I do? That was the optimal solution. I would have considered other options if there had been any, but there simply weren’t.
Moreover, whenever I assign him a task, even if he complains grumpily, he always returns with results above average. How could I not trust him? With just a bit of support and lubrication, he’d quickly unwind and get to it.
Not using someone like him would be odd.
I had an outstandingly capable, diligent subordinate who held no grudges. And what’s more? He was still young. Whoever might take my position would’ve probably used him more than I have.
At least I’m more of a person than that bastard Dorgos, who’s probably stuck in Hell.
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