Chapter 476
Count Nerkaff, Duke Kilanas, and Cardinal Alexandriana.
Just seeing their names is enough to make anyone’s heart swell with awe. Though they’re visiting the Academy in a personal capacity, treating foreign leaders like regular folks is an act of madness that practically gives up on diplomacy. It means we can handle them more casually than if they came as part of an official delegation, but it certainly doesn’t mean we can disregard them.
Thanks to that, the principal started preparing to welcome these dignitaries with an emergency budget from the Ministry of Education, and the vice principal was rallying the staff and student council to work frantically.
And amidst all this chaos, I was also going through some trying times.
– The Great Emperor did not tolerate the sins created by Apels’s greed and pride. Yet, he maintained the Academy, hoping the entire continent would embrace proper education and unity.
“Such lofty intentions are beyond my humble comprehension.”
– Who can fully grasp the Great Emperor’s will under heaven? Neither can I, so don’t dwell on it, Minister.
No matter how many times I thought about it, there’s nothing more agonizing than having a video call with the highest boss—the Emperor.
I could scream. No matter how it’s framed as a commuting task, doing official business while having a pregnant wife is already tough enough. On top of that, major figures are lining up to visit, and now I’m on a call with the Emperor.
‘This is the third day.’
Yes, three consecutive days.
– I may not fully understand the Emperor’s will, but I can see how his intentions have finally come to fruition, positioning the Academy at the heart of the continent. Thus, Minister, you must care for those longing to stand tall as pillars of the Empire.
“Yes, Your Majesty. I will keep that in mind.”
I mechanically bowed my head and replied, having heard this same speech for three straight days.
Of course, the Emperor isn’t a recording device, so the wording might have shifted slightly, but the essence is always the same.
‘This really builds up the prestige.’
Having foreign royalty enroll at the Academy is a monumental event that elevates the Empire’s dignity. To the staff on the ground, it feels like a disaster, but it also outwardly implies that these countries recognize the Academy’s educational superiority.
Now, not only do we have royalty enrolling, but we’re also getting head honchos visiting the Academy’s event. This is a big event that emphasizes the Empire’s superiority over other nations.
The staff on-site might be feeling the heat even more, but considering the Empire’s prestige, it’s clearly a positive development. That’s why the Emperor is so invested in this.
– Yes, as the Minister, you should be able to welcome the guests splendidly. I’m truly relieved you’re at the Academy.
“I’m honored. I will certainly meet Your Majesty’s expectations.”
I bowed repeatedly as the Emperor emphasized my role.
Repetition can be annoying for the listener, but I understood why the Emperor insists on it, so I had no choice but to agree.
Unfortunately, I have this strange habit where I turn into a beast whenever I interact with guests from other countries. So this time, I’ve been given strict warnings to keep it in check.
‘…It’s hard to argue my record is impressive.’
Honestly, even I think no one else could top my record. During the anti-rebel competition two years ago, I made the foreign royalty Rutis bleed, and last year, I sculpted meteorites above the guests’ heads. I’ve been setting yearly legends, and I’m sure it’s causing the Emperor to worry about what might happen this year.
So far, I’ve scraped by, but there’s no guarantee that the third time will go smoothly either. Even if the guests let it slide, the Emperor would still want to tear me apart.
What can I do? A former offender has to keep quiet and follow orders.
– The Minister has always met my trust. However, if something troubling arises, do not hesitate to inform me.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
I sincerely hope that won’t be necessary.
Due to the Emperor’s daily nagging via remote communication, the day of the club fair finally arrived. The ruler who controls time is indeed not just anyone.
“The Academy looks the same. Nothing’s changed.”
“You’ve only been graduated for a few months. It’d be stranger if things had changed!”
“True, only a few months have passed since then.”
Right before the fair opening ceremony, while I was walking around the Academy with Mar, her response brought a soft smile to her face.
Seeing Mar like that made me smile too. I mean, although I said it’s only been a few months, I graduated from the Academy after three years, so that brief gap really feels significant. Back in my previous world, when graduating from school, I always felt a little empty, as if the graduation ceremony was a thing of the past.
It’s an emotion I haven’t experienced in this world, but still.
“It’s amazing how the Academy seems to run just fine without me. I thought it would fall apart if I wasn’t there during my time in the student council.”
mar said, her tone a little subdued as we walked for a few more minutes.
Though the comment came out of nowhere, I understood how she felt. I knew how much effort Mar put into her roles as vice president and president in the student council. Perhaps due to her sense of duty as a princess, she never handled any task lightly and double-checked everything to eliminate any gaps.
But now, here’s the student council she worked so hard for still peacefully functioning even without her. It’s natural for her to feel a bit empty about all that effort over the past three years, thinking maybe it was all in vain.
“It’s thanks to you teaching your successor well. The handover is crucial.”
I gently patted Mar’s head, offering words of comfort.
I genuinely meant it. A person’s abilities aren’t only highlighted when they’re in office. The impact they leave after stepping away is also a factor for judging that person’s competency. Handling tasks competently even after leaving ensures that problems won’t arise and mentoring one’s successor is something that not everyone can achieve.
Those of us who have dealt with the previous head of the Information Department sure had our work cut out for us. The little brat who caused so much hassle while in office just up and left without completing the handover. So much so that the Minister who stepped into the position got promoted to the Ministry of Finance shortly after, creating a chaotic mess for me to toil through.
“And you’re managing something far more important than the Academy, after all.”
At that, Mar’s eyes widened, and then she burst into a grin.
“Right, I’m currently the lady of House Krasius.”
Thank goodness, it seemed her slightly gloomy mood had perked up again.
*
I looked up at the main building of the Academy. It was a grand structure that projected wealth, likely an inheritance from the Apels era, barking loudly about how much gold must have melted away to create it.
“Your Excellency, Grand Marshal!”
“I understand.”
After gazing at the main building for a while, I turned to the voice of Baron Villar standing next to me. There would be plenty of time to admire the building later. Right now, carrying out the task from His Highness is my priority.
And before fulfilling the command, it’s only proper to greet the hosts as a guest.
“Are we the first to arrive?”
“Yes, Your Excellency. Duke Kilanas and Cardinal Alexandriana have not yet arrived.”
“Good.”
I nodded at Villar’s report. There was an important person I needed to make contact with, and if the guests were in the middle of greeting their hosts, it would just be a waste of time. I’m glad we hurried over.
‘What a hassle this is.’
I navigated through the decorations of the hallway adorned with various paintings and sculptures while sorting out my complex feelings.
I’m nearly fifty by now. I’ve scarcely had time to relax while managing the brave soldiers of His Highness. Yet I’m not even visiting the borders of Armein; I find myself in a foreign Empire. Just the thought of the pile of documents I left for the aide makes me want to sigh.
“I can’t trust anyone other than my little brother. I know he’s busy, but I’m counting on him.”
However, the Emperor personally requested it, so there’s no way I can refuse.
“And while I’m at it, check in on that Rutis kid for me. He listens well to my little brother.”
Also, I had received the order to check on the well-being of Rutis. I couldn’t shake my head at that either.
…Hmm.
“Where is he located?”
“At the pastry club booth, Your Excellency. However, he’s aware that you’re coming, so he’s prepared to come out at any time.”
When I asked Villar for the prince’s location, I received a quick answer.
“I can’t go and trouble the prince. I’ll go and personally greet him, so there’s no need to say anything.”
To that, I firmly shook my head at Baron Villar.
Royalty always must hear the reverence and praise of their subjects. No matter how humbly the King treats me as if I’m his brother, and how his kids treat me like an uncle, I don’t have the right to command them.
On the contrary, as a subject receiving such excessive trust, I should show even more reverence. That is the proper way for the royal family and the country.
“W-well, there’s…”
However, Villar was fumbling over his words, looking flustered.
“Why do you—”
“Uncle!”
Before I could finish my question, it seemed unnecessary. Villar’s quieted expression became immediately clear when he cut me off.
The booming voice caught my attention, and I turned to see Rutis sprinting toward me at full speed.
“…I told him you’d arrive just before you did.”
“Huh.”
I couldn’t help but exclaim. I had even forgotten the obvious fact that the Baron, who closely follows His Highness, would immediately relay any information to him.
Of course, even considering that, Rutis’s energy was astounding. The prince, who had said he’d be prepared to come out at any moment, already made his way to the main building.
‘Bored, huh?’
It seems he decided to come out simply because he had nothing to do in the booth.
Given Rutis’s character, that’s not surprising at all.
‘…Hmmm, I could make contact while sending him back to the booth.’
With Rutis now right in front of me, I bent my head and organized my thoughts. I can send him back to the booth while making contact with the minister of the Information Department.
“Welcome, Uncle! It’s wonderful to see you here on this imperial soil!”
“I’m honored to meet you even abroad, Your Highness.”
But first, I should calm down the prince’s enthusiasm a bit.
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