Chapter: 280
Just as I was about to head back to the capital, preparing to return to everyday life, I caught sight of Erich, who had come to see me off. I received more presents this birthday than ever before, yet the only one that stuck in my mind was the Laku Laku from Erich. A sad birthday indeed.
So, I made a resolve. I would take responsibility for Erich’s future; he was destined to become a civil servant. Got a different dream? Toss that aside starting today; you’re a civil servant now—administrative, legislative, judicial, or even military or knightly—regardless, you’re serving our family. If you’re a Krasius, you have to serve the empire and the imperial family, naturally.
However, the administrative and legislative positions are already taken by members of the Krasius family. It might raise eyebrows if our family fills all those high-ranking roles together.
‘The military seems fitting then.’
So, the military would be the best option. I could get him to say a word or two to the Vice Captain, and with Erich’s strong warrior disposition, it would suit him.
I am determined to send Erich to the military as a recruitment gift of the Laku Laku. No, in the military, maybe a one-person tent would be more appropriate. A tent that pops up at the press of a button—now, that sounds like a soldier’s ideal.
“Brother?”
With the thought of giving him both gifts in mind, I patted Erich on the shoulder, and he looked at me with a puzzled expression.
“Thanks for the gift.”
To that bewildered Erich, I returned a warm smile. Thank you for that once-in-a-lifetime gift. No matter what happens, I’ll never forget it.
And sensing the brotherly bond, our mother, perhaps touched by the sight, approached us, leaving behind the slightly haggard patriarch.
“I take it you liked what Erich gave you?”
“Yes, it’s truly a useful item.”
As much as I disliked admitting it, I had to be honest; it was indeed useful. It was perfect for the club room, which was practically my hideout.
That’s why it’s such an unforgettable gift. Every time I see that Laku Laku, every time I lay on it, I’d remember Erich’s kindness. Is this what they call reflecting on past kindness?
‘…Maybe I shouldn’t have said that.’
In the midst of this, I could feel six pairs of eyes glaring at me. I guess it’s because I only mentioned Erich’s gift among all those presents, causing a mix of jealousy and disappointment from my future sisters-in-law.
I’ll clear this misunderstanding once we get back to the mansion. What I just said wasn’t a mere thank you; it was an indication I was stealing my brother’s future. That should quench their jealousy quickly.
As soon as we arrived at the mansion and I talked about Erich’s gift, the Second Manager burst out laughing on the spot.
‘Damn.’
It’s fine to laugh honestly, but can’t he at least pretend to hold it in a bit? It stings.
I needed to sign in for just my birthday vacation and was supposed to head back to work like clockwork today. It felt like returning to work on a Monday after an exciting weekend, but what can I do? I need to retire to have a weekend life instead of workdays stretching endlessly.
“Executive Manager.”
“Oh, was everything alright?”
“Nothing but a call from the Judicial Minister.”
As I returned to the Information Department with the Second Manager, the Senior Manager relayed some chilling news. But this time, I could accept it with calmness. Getting called at this time by the Minister was only natural.
My birthday usually falls at the end of January, meaning after a few weeks post-New Year’s Ball, my birthday arrives. After that, February is just around the corner.
I know it sounds obvious, but this weird timing is significant.
“Looks like everyone is moving in a hurry.”
“If we’re late, the budget will be lost. There’s no other way.”
That was perfectly reasonable, so I nodded in agreement. If we leisurely drag our feet, we’ll surely get stepped on by other departments.
February is just days away. That February is when imperial civil servants turn into public warriors.
‘Everyone’s going crazy over money.’
At the end of the year, the Ministry of Finance drafts the budget and hands it over to each department unilaterally. That official budget doesn’t change unless there’s a really solid reason. And while a lot of departments annoy the Minister for those solid reasons, generally, this is how it works.
The only chance the departments get for a budget hike is during the additional budgeting period, where non-standard funds can be fought for.
It’s nothing fancy. Departments just gather their excuses and visit the Ministry of Finance, hoping for the Minister’s approval or rejection.
‘How grand!’
It’s not just grand; it’s a colossal deal. The fate of a department for an entire year hinges on this period.
Civil servants, after the New Year’s Ball, hurry back to their departments, check the regular budget list, and scrounge for any arguments to receive more. They burn through January writing reports begging for more funding. Those reports usually wrap up around the end of January.
But there’s no way these budget-hungry civil servants would sit idly until February; they start lining up at the Ministry of Finance from late January to bow before the Minister right after my birthday.
‘If only I had been born a week later.’
Yes, my birthday is merely a time of rest to prepare for the upcoming chaos—the universe somehow decided I’d get a birthday vacation just to be motivated for work afterward.
Of course, had I been born a week later, I probably would have faced a vacation rejection anyway.
‘If they’re even reaching out to me, things must be dire.’
Considering this is the time when literally every department flocks to their offices, my help is desperately needed. So, from the Minister’s perspective, the role of Executive Manager looks enticing.
Thinking about it again, it really gets on my nerves. My fate is tied to the Ministry of Finance when I should be in the military, making my life a mess.
‘Dammit.’
Truly, half of my troubles come from the Crown Prince.
*
So annoying. I want to throw away all this talk about extra budgets. If they need money, I’d rather just shove a few platinum coins at them and send them back.
But I need to endure this. If I brush off budget-related issues casually, the aftermath will return to haunt me tenfold. I can’t give up my future for some momentary comfort.
“Your Highness, I humbly ask for your support.”
“I’ll review it as positively as I can.”
Thus, I repeated the same mechanical words as I sent off the bureaucrat from the Ministry of Justice.
‘Damn it.’
As soon as I confirmed the bureaucrat left, I rubbed my temples. I never expected a visit from the Ministry of Justice. They were a department that was usually content with their regular budget.
“I plan to execute a large number of death row inmates and refurbish the prison.”
Who would have guessed they’d throw that reason into the mix? Executing death row inmates and refurbishing a prison; how would I, an outsider, know about that?
‘Execution of death row inmates.’
My head throbbed. Unlike traitors who are executed immediately after sentencing, these others languish in the prison corner. To propose executing all of them at once isn’t your everyday operation.
Usually, to avoid staining their reign with blood, executions are spread out and delayed as much as possible, but His Majesty seems determined to proceed with the executions regardless of those qualms. The reasoning is clear.
‘This is probably preparation for abdicating.’
It’s all for the future of the Crown Prince to come. To avoid leaving a legacy of bloodshed right from his ascension.
Please, not now! At least not while I’m still in office. The thought of banging my head against the wall for three days at this age is unbearable.
– Knock, knock
Amidst this turmoil, a knock caught my attention, making me frown. I figured the next knock would come from the military, and not just from any soldier.
“Your Highness, it’s me. I was told you were looking for me.”
Ah.
“Come in.”
With a mix of relief and irritation, I opened my mouth. This kid sure knows how to keep a guy on his toes.
After the surprise attack from the Ministry of Justice, I was glad I didn’t have to deal with him back-to-back like that. This kid is much better.
“You seem to have had a rough time. You’ve aged at least ten years since I last saw you.”
Actually, neither of us looks that different at this point.
Upon entering, the kid greeted me in a way that was rather odd. I waved him off, telling him to sit down.
“How many have visited you?”
“Welfare, Oceanic Affairs, Culture, and Justice.”
“Oh.”
“Oh,” indeed. The kid acts as if this isn’t even noteworthy.
“Next will be the military…”
Before I could finish, the door flew open.
‘This stubborn brat.’
The audacity of barging into the office of the second highest official in the Ministry of Finance. I could guess who it was with just one look, and I sighed.
In this world, there exists a decorous and polite culture of knocking, yet this little barbarian has never learned it. I’d be ashamed to introduce him as my acquaintance at this point.
“I’m here. I’m not late, am I?”
In fact, I would have preferred it if he hadn’t shown up.
*
Suddenly, the door swung open without any warning. What the… Did he even knock?
Caught off-guard, I had a fleeting thought that maybe it was the Crown Prince. Not even the Minister of the Imperial Household could behave so recklessly—so who could possibly be this bold?
‘Ah.’
The moment I saw who it was, it all clicked into place. Of course, it would be him.
“I’m here. I’m not late, am I?”
“You arrived just on time.”
With the curt response from the Minister, the lady next to me, her eyes sparkling, waved her hands vigorously when she spotted me.
“Oh look, the little guy is here too! How’ve you been?”
“Yeah, pretty much…”
As soon as I answered, the lady—the Commander of the Central Army—sat next to me, throwing an arm over my shoulder and smiling widely.
“Wow, it’s been a year. You’ve grown a lot. Is it because it’s that growing age?”
“What growth spurt at twenty-something?”
Despite the Minister’s valid point, the Central Commander just chuckled in response. Her playful pats on my shoulder felt like she was treating me like a kid, but sadly, to her, I was still a kid. Given her rank, I’m just a rookie in her eyes.
Compared to her, I lag behind in age, experience, and everything else. Even my feat of killing a Kagan paled in comparison.
After all, this person was actively involved in the struggle against Kagan, fighting alongside the Minister during pivotal battles.
“By the way, I heard you’re getting married soon. Congratulations! How many kids do you plan to have?”
“Well, I’m thinking we’ll take it slow…”
“Oh? Well, one kid per wife should be plenty!”
I silently closed my eyes for the birth of FC Krasius. The Minister may be eccentric, but this person is no easy match.
Honestly, anyone capable of wounding Kagan isn’t exactly sane, and I fear I’m losing it right along with them.
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