Chapter 154: Freedom in Prison (1)
The Crown Prince seemed to feel pity for the long journey I had to undertake and demonstrated thoroughness by sending a teleportation mage. To think he’d extend such consideration to a mere subject; truly, he possesses the qualities of a wise ruler.
Although, to be more precise, it seemed like he was trying to pick up the traitorous scoundrel who caused a major incident to ensure he wouldn’t escape to some peculiar place.
As if I had anywhere to go in the first place.
Considering the royal assault incident that had summoned me here, if I tried to stray off course, I’d instantly be made a wanted man with a bounty on my head. I can’t help but wonder how long I’d last after being labeled a fugitive for laying hands on royalty. Am I supposed to become a shooting star starting today?
Of course, that isn’t what I want at all. I just want to live a simple life as an unemployed person in my cozy, cherished home.
This is driving me mad.
Yet, upon seeing the Crown Prince’s palace, the thought of living as a prisoner rather than an unemployed person flashed through my mind. While I doubt this incident would land me in jail, being under probation or incarceration feels no different from being locked up.
“His Highness the Crown Prince is waiting for you.”
Suppressing a sigh, I approached, and the knight guarding the Crown Prince’s palace promptly opened the door for me.
Honestly, I was half-hoping for a “No unscheduled visitors allowed!” scenario. But naturally, since the Crown Prince had already given the green light, I had a free pass.
Every servant and guard I passed bowed their heads, making me feel strangely uneasy. Before long, I too would likely be bowing my head like them.
No, it wouldn’t be just bowing—I’d probably have my face plastered to the ground.
“Executive Manager.”
“You’ve been working hard.”
Upon entering the Crown Prince’s office, the knight saluted and welcomed me. It was nice to see him again after a while, but the reason for our meeting was far from pleasant.
Knock, knock
“Your Highness, the Executive Manager has arrived.”
“Let him in.”
With the knight’s report, the Crown Prince responded briefly.
“You may enter.”
“…Right.”
Ah, I really don’t want to go in.
*
Just after I was told to enter, the door swung open. Shifting my gaze from the documents to the door, I saw the Executive Manager cautiously stepping in.
He knows he’s done something wrong.
Usually, the Executive Manager wears an expression indicating he’d rather swat a bug away. His careful demeanor now suggested he was acutely aware of his precarious position.
Of course he should know. If he didn’t, then what could he be if not a beast with both bravery and cunning?
“Ah, the loyal servant has come.”
“I’m honored, Your Highness.”
“Were you so worried about my exhaustion from work that you even went to the trouble of bringing me such unique news? Could there be another loyal subject like you in this world?”
As I spoke, the Executive Manager quickly bowed his head. It was almost like cursing him for bothering me with such nonsense during my busy schedule.
Yes, it indeed was news that brought some zest to my otherwise monotonous routine. The absurdity of the report from the Ministry of Education had me genuinely questioning whether my fatigue had affected my hearing.
Had he really killed a member of the imperial family, thinking it was just exercising some restraint to hit a royal?
Shivers.
While I wanted to dig deeper into what had happened at that time, the Executive Manager’s current attitude suggested he didn’t need further provocation. Agitating someone already admitting guilt would only lead to a meltdown.
Unless the situation turned sour, this matter fortunately got resolved smoothly. So, no need for me to rage about it.
However, if I openly acknowledge that everything’s fine, the Executive Manager would surely regain some confidence, so I maintained a displeased look.
“Take a seat. I hardly think we should have this conversation standing.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
A strange anger welled up as I watched the Executive Manager hastily seat himself. If only he were half as compliant under normal circumstances.
But I suppressed it. After all, I had appointed him knowing fully well he wasn’t naturally compliant. It would be bizarre for me to get angry over his personality now.
“I heard about yesterday’s incident.”
Well, given my overwhelming advantage, there wasn’t much need for me to be angry anyway.
“It seems unfortunate accidents happen regularly when lively students gather. I recall the same when I attended the academy, and it seems nothing has changed.”
Of course, this incident was far from just youthful exuberance gone awry. How had things escalated to this level?
Just before the match, an unexpected vacancy arose, the Executive Manager filled it, and, lo and behold, royalty was participating in that very match. When coincidences stack up like this, it almost feels inevitable.
“Fortunately, it seems it ended with only minor injuries.”
Thank goodness the Armein side didn’t make a fuss about it. The participation in the match was entirely the choice of the Armein prince, and injuries during a game aren’t unheard of.
A student and participant in an academy event getting injured was just part of the deal. It would actually be more peculiar if the voluntarily participating prince complained about getting hurt.
Should they protest, it would outwardly seem like a tragic injury that requires the culprits to be punished. But behind the scenes, murmurs of “It happened because of his lack of skills” would certainly arise. From Armein’s perspective, ignoring the incident was in their best interest.
“Is the prince alright?”
“Yes. He has completely recovered.”
I nodded at that. Such a definitive statement hinted that the prince was genuinely fine.
I’d already heard of the prince’s recovery through the Ministry of Education, but it was still vital to hear it from the instigator’s side.
No worries then.
Bringing attention to this incident would only cause more embarrassment to both Armein and the prince, especially since the prince’s injury had fully healed. Moreover, the prince himself claimed it was merely an accident during the game.
Thanks to this quiet resolution, the major incident of assaulting a royal didn’t blow up. Quite the stroke of luck. Well, if it had truly been good fortune, this sort of mess wouldn’t have even occurred in the first place.
And now that it was over, it was time for some follow-up actions.
“Executive Manager.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“You were careless.”
The Executive Manager’s gaze dropped to the floor once more.
“It’s fortunate that Enen’s interference prevented this from spiraling into a considerable issue.”
Lady luck was on our side, as the situation was resolved by Armein’s forces at the academy before the Empire could even budge.
Naturally, framing it that way would lead the Executive Manager to believe I was gravely upset about how things unfolded.
“Still, considering the dignity of the royal family, shouldn’t we show some gesture?”
Truthfully, there was no necessity for that. If Armein wished to pretend this incident never happened, having the empire apologize with a “We are sorry, please take this” would only provoke them. The more the empire intervened, the more attention would focus on the prince’s misfortune.
Undoubtedly, this would cause the Executive Manager to think I was contemplating offering some goodwill toward Armein.
“Reflect on yourself for a moment.”
“I will heed your command.”
The Executive Manager’s placid acknowledgment was quite a shock. Was this the same person who had previously submitted a furious scrawl when called for a report?
“If we’re considering the Executive Manager’s efforts, a week should suffice.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
The Executive Manager’s expression brightened substantially at the mention of a week-long probation.
Regardless of how punitive it was, being on probation meant stepping away from his work and merely staying at home. A week off from responsibilities would provide ample time to catch his breath.
If it stretched beyond a week, it would even start raising concerns about potential backlash, so from the Executive Manager’s perspective, it might seem like a well-deserved mini-vacation.
Not a chance!
Why on earth would I grant such a traditional probation for anyone’s benefit?
“Nonetheless, the role of the Executive Manager at the academy is significant, isn’t it?”
Indeed. The Executive Manager monitored crucial figures from other countries within the academy. It wouldn’t be right to keep such a talent confined to their home for an entire week.
“Your probation will take place at the academy’s lodgings.”
Probation typically occurred in the individual’s home.
But isn’t the Executive Manager’s home his workplace? How audacious to even think of leaving work so nonchalantly! From today onward, the Executive Manager’s home will be at the academy.
“Your High—”
I raised my hand to intervene as the Executive Manager opened his mouth to retort, and immediately, he snapped his lips shut, his silence saying all.
This is it. This is exactly what I wanted. I needed the Executive Manager to accept an arbitrary decision without protests.
Didn’t I briefly send that summons and show my displeasure for this reason? It was so the Executive Manager would comply with this punishment I handed down.
Not bad at all.
Of course, when I first caught wind of the major incident involving an assault on a royal, I nearly cursed outright.
But as time passed and I had a chance to calm down, it transformed into mere amusement. The fact that the Executive Manager took part in the ruckus was hilarious, and that he attempted to control his strength only to fail made it even more entertaining.
Crucially, as it hadn’t escalated into a diplomatic issue, I could relax and enjoy this situation.
“Since the probation location isn’t your home, you’ll need to prepare. That much consideration I can extend. Your probation will begin tomorrow.”
“…Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness.”
A wave of satisfaction rushed over me for the first time in a while.
*
Damn.
Damn, damn, damn, damn.
That goddamn lunatic.
I sincerely hope he ends up living a long life plagued with illnesses.
Hearing the Crown Prince’s absurd punishment nearly sent me over the edge. What kind of probation is this? Who undergoes probation at their workplace?
Oh, right here.
That’s me, damn it.
No rest for me then.
Spending all that time at the academy hardly sounds like rest. I’d probably be a bundle of nerves worrying about everything blowing up. If something went wrong, I’d already be scrambling to fix it.
I wouldn’t even be able to act directly since I was technically on probation. I’d have to navigate potential issues through some convoluted methods.
Damn it.
It’s infuriating. I can’t stand how unfair this is; it drives me insane.
Working at the academy isn’t the issue. I’m already doing my job anyway, so what’s there to complain about?
But being on probation without any chance to rest is something I could scream about from the rooftops. If I’m going to be stuck on probation anyway, at least let me take a break.
Can’t even argue it.
I’m the clear perpetrator in this incident. The Crown Prince must have been out of his mind because of the mishap, so one wrong word from me could turn a simple probation into something far worse.
Third probation…
Behind all that frustration lies a paralyzing sense of helplessness. This now means my record stands at three probations and nine written reports.
Just one more to go.
One more report, and I’d be facing imprisonment.
This isn’t just probation anymore. I’d have to step into a cold, hard prison cell.
Honestly, I feel like it’s going to happen before this year wraps up. How disastrous.
An Executive Manager with a criminal record.
My heart shriveled at that thought. Is this really happening?
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