Chapter: 754
Thanks to Mar’s soft and warm advice, I was finally able to confront the truth.
But my outings didn’t stop. On the day after Mar’s advice, the day after that, and the day after that, I continued to leave the mansion.
I had already made appointments to meet with newbies from various departments. I’d already visited a considerable number of departments. To cancel these appointments unilaterally after making promises would just leave the ministers and staff standing there like fools.
Of course, if I end up being cursed and my reputation takes a hit, it’s something to consider— the Emperor would likely say something like, “You reap what you sow; work hard to pay it back.” It’s a given.
“Damn it.”
Thinking of the Emperor sent an uncontrollable anger surging through me.
That bastard knew I was in a rough spot and instead of helping, he just applauded my misery. Our bastard? No, your bastard!
Shouldn’t one of his closest aides at least offer some comfort, even if it’s just with empty words about extending my vacation and promising a future retirement? Is it such a problem to hold on to the hope of retiring someday instead of thinking I want to retire right away?
“Seems like a problem, huh?”
After cooling my head, I gained some objective perspective.
Honestly, dreaming of retirement at twenty-six isn’t exactly normal. In a sense, it’s like telling the Emperor, “Since I’m preparing for retirement, you should consider abdicating since you’re older than me.”
Still, my anger wouldn’t settle down. The Emperor being a bastard doesn’t change, after all.
“If only I could meet a boss like you in my next life.”
And be born with my luck in the bureaucratic world. That would make for a super interesting life.
Today, I was set to meet with the newbies from the Magic Department.
“Welcome, Minister! It’s been a while since Lord Hardiner’s wedding. Have you been well?”
As I approached the Magic Department’s headquarters, I was greeted at the main entrance by none other than the Minister of the Magic Department himself.
Such an extravagant reception took me by surprise for a moment. The Magic Department is technically below the Inspectorate, but since he has been a bureaucrat longer than I have, this excessive politeness isn’t necessary.
“Of course! I’ve been enjoying my honeymoon and resting comfortably, so how could I complain? I should be asking how the Minister is fare in advancing the Empire and the magical realm.”
“Ha ha, you flatter me too much.”
I forced a smile at his mention of flattery.
“The light of Trixie shines bright…”
The reason the Minister of the Magic Department was being overly humble is simple: I am Trixie’s husband, plain and clear.
Trixie is a pillar of the continent’s magic community and a respected elder. Even though the Magic Department is administrative, most of its members are practitioners of magic. The head, the Minister of the Magic Department, is no exception.
Thanks to this, the Minister treats me not as a colleague but as family to the industry’s top luminary. It’s both proud and a bit embarrassing, burdensome yet delightful.
“Will our kids get to feel this way too?”
I suddenly thought about that. In about ten or twenty years, when our kids step into society, if I’m still in active service, won’t they benefit from their dad’s influence?
Living a life where they get honor and respect everywhere they go because of me, feeling proud about it.
“Sounds nice.”
That was just a short daydream, but it somehow brought a smile to my face. Nothing is more rewarding than knowing the path I’ve walked helps my children.
“Now, please come inside. Everyone in the department is eagerly waiting for your visit.”
“I appreciate how much you care, especially for someone who made such a sudden request.”
“A sudden request? We’re actually the ones grateful. The newbies just stepping into the Magic Department have strong identities as magicians, so it would be an honor for them if you could personally offer some encouragement and advice.”
His sincere words caused me to lower my gaze slightly.
My conscience pricked at me. While the Minister was so welcoming of my visit, here I was, pestering him with requests to hold a meeting to prepare for my retirement. I couldn’t lift my head in shame.
“Though Trixie is a member of the Magic Tower, she also holds great interest in the Magic Department. The Magic Department and the Magic Tower are the two pillars supporting the Empire’s magic realm, right? Trixie asked me to give some nice words to the future of the Magic Department.”
So, to soothe my conscience, I made sure to say something nice.
Fortunately, it wasn’t a total lie. It’s true that Trixie has an interest in the Magic Department among all the administrative bodies. I just can’t tell whether that interest is professional or personal.
“Is that so?”
But what does it matter? If it makes the recipients happy, isn’t that good enough?
“It’s an honor to have a direct interest from His Excellence, Duke Marcilio. As a junior walking in his footsteps, it’s a glorious thing.”
Seeing that the Magic Department Minister was genuinely touched by my interest through Trixie, he fell silent. It seemed he wanted to quietly savor the moment.
*
Guided by the Minister of the Magic Department, I arrived at the grand meeting hall.
“Minister?”
“Yes, please, speak.”
“Why don’t you take a seat as well…?”
“Embarrassingly, I may be older, but I’m not really in tune with the young folks nowadays. Yet since you’re here personally comforting the newbies, shouldn’t I also get to hear your precious teachings up close?”
What was planned as a meeting for the newbies suddenly turned into a gathering presided over by two ministers.
While he claimed to be here for ‘teachings’ and whatnot, I had a feeling his desire was sparked by Trixie’s request for good words. It seems he wanted to hear those nice words alongside me.
“What do I do about this?”
Even though the grand meeting hall was already filled with newbies, footsteps approaching from the hallway drew near.
“Looks like it’s not just the Minister barging in.”
There’s a chance that other directors and mid-level officers might join as well.
When I get back to the mansion, I’ll ask Trixie to send some kind words to the Minister of the Magic Department.
*
The Inspectorate Minister visiting every department in the administration was a genuinely delightful occurrence. How could whispers not circulate among bureaucrats suggesting I’ve sent him for inspection?
However, the Minister’s cheerful antics were not due to any command of mine. That’s what makes it even more amusing. A subordinate who brings joy without needing my interference.
“I can’t believe he would go this far.”
Then I received a report that he had conducted meetings with the Minister of the Magic Department, as well as directors and mid-level officers. I began to seriously ponder how far the Minister’s limits could stretch.
Could he possibly end up giving a lecture to all the ministers? The topic could be something like “How Humans Can Influence Artistically.” Or maybe, “How to Live with Futile Hopes” would be good too.
…
“Of all places, the Magic Department?”
Finishing my little laugh, I gently rubbed my temples.
Here was a Minister who already gained influence among the magicians by marrying Duke Marcilio. How could he end up meeting with the heads of the Magic Department? This wasn’t something the Minister intended, yet it raised the likelihood of forming factions.
Often, even a mere meeting can lead to clandestine faction formations. If the Minister has met with the heads of the Magic Department, then it’s clear to anyone that this meeting was held under Duke Marcilio’s approval. Now, he can wield vast influence in the Magic Department too.
“Minister, you seem to be bustling about these days.”
So I decided to contact the Minister through the communication device. He was so busy that I felt guilty calling him back to the Sun Palace.
– Yes, Your Majesty. Seeing the energetic newbies has reignited my own dwindling zeal, so I’m pushing myself to cover more ground.
His words made me chuckle. Which subordinate would ever openly admit to losing their drive in front of the Emperor?
“Since when did the Minister of the Magic Department become a newbie without me knowing?”
– Ah.
I cheerfully stated my business, but all I received in return was a faint sigh from the Minister.
“Does the Minister also keep pets? Or maybe a cat?”
– I’ve heard he has a few snakes.
“Doubtful. They wouldn’t make a great match for Titi.”
Quickly, I noticed the Minister’s eyebrows began to twitch through the communication device.
– Your Majesty.
“Speak.”
– I am fully aware of your concerns, and therefore, I have no thoughts of forming any factions. After visiting the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, I plan to return to the mansion to keep a low profile.
“Hmm?”
I was momentarily surprised by his proclamation. Speaking so directly about ceasing his external activities—
“He’s back to his senses.”
The Minister, who had seemingly lost his grip on reality, was now back to his former self. Sure enough, smartly observing the flicker of madness in his eyes had given way to sheer determination.
A pity. It had been amusing watching the crazed Minister run around. Sadly, that amusement would end today.
“Minister, it’s reassuring to hear you say that. Your efforts to reassure the bureaucrats have not gone unnoticed. Please wrap up your remaining schedule smoothly and take a good rest.”
– Yes, Your Majesty.
I ended the communication while looking at the bowing Minister.
“What a trooper he’s been.”
The Minister made visiting the Ministries of Culture and Maritime Affairs his final itinerary. Not that there was any special reason; those were just the only two departments left.
Even I, as the Emperor, can’t visit every department in a short time, but to see him out and about during his leave…
“I won’t let myself go that far.”
It seems one’s mental health is more important than physical fitness.
*
I quietly tucked the dimmed communication device back in my pocket.
Damn your bastard. As soon as he figured out I had my wits about me, he stopped messing with me. He clearly left me in disarray on purpose.
“You idiot.”
– Woof?
On my way home after the meeting, I coincidentally ran into Titi, who tilted her head at me.
“I meant another kid, not you.”
I patted Titi’s head with a wry smile.
Now that I think about it, both Titi and that kid have yellow fur… Why does that creature look so different from our Titi?
What a strange affair.
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