Chapter: 406
The Emperor issued a dissolution decree.
Now, when you hear “dissolution decree,” it sounds grand, but really it just means he told the dukes who’d been clinging to him that they could go back to their lives. They have to return to the palace for the ceremonial banquet, but hey, a little break is better than nothing.
However, I was not included in this dissolution.
“There are already substitutes at the Academy. You should remain in the system until the banquet is over.”
I wanted to protest against that diabolical declaration that I’d be keeping everyone else here while they got to leave, but then he dropped the follow-up line that made me surrender.
“How about we check on the progress of founding the Inspection Office? You’ve been stuck at the Academy until now; it’s a good opportunity since you’re at the system.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll make sure to do that.”
It was frustrating, but it was such a perfect excuse. Since I was officially the chairperson of the Inspection Office’s founding committee and designated minister, refusing that order would practically be the same as rejecting the Emperor’s last personnel order directly.
So, I quietly headed to the Ministry of Finance office. The poor designated minister couldn’t ignore orders right after the new Emperor took the throne; the consequences would be dire.
‘Damn it.’
It’s bitter. Everyone keeps calling me the Minister of Inspection, which has me momentarily confused, but the actual Inspection Office doesn’t even exist yet. Officially, we’re still divided into the Inspection Department under the Ministry of Finance and the Information Department under the Ministry of Special Affairs. We’re in the stage of trying to integrate those departments.
As the Emperor mentioned, since I was stuck at the Academy, the Senior Manager and Head of Information were already handling the founding preparations. I never thought I’d be dragged up to the system after this year’s abdication ceremony.
‘I have to get everything sorted out.’
With a sigh, I stepped into the Inspection Department within the Ministry of Finance. Since this is how it turned out, let’s just get all the things needing my approval done.
For example, organizing the structure of the Inspection Office or appointing various department heads—just thinking about it implies a whole lot of work.
‘At least the deputy head should be at least the Senior Manager.’
No matter which department it is, I insist on appointing a Senior Manager. More than that would be even better.
This is my resignation promise.
*
When a person’s suffering reaches its peak, they often say they feel like they might die. High work intensity, frequent overtime, and a bed that feels hazy in memory—all the reasons for facing down death vary.
But it’s an illusion. If one is really suffering that much, they’re likely to say something else.
“Please, save me…”
Cries for survival emerge. The sense of impending doom could make anyone scream for their life.
With a pen in hand, my trembling fingers flutter like wings over the documents. The words on the papers dance like debutantes flaunting their elegance.
This is a disaster. My hands and eyes are starting to lose their grip on reality.
‘Where’s Siri?’
Accidentally turning my gaze to Siri, I found her in a similar state. Actually, it wasn’t just her; a fair number of my juniors and seniors exhibited the same symptoms.
I shut my eyes to that horrific sight. Here I am, thinking of the joy I’ve had in the Inspection Department, thanks to the grace of the Chief Supervisor, but lately, that word “happiness” has started to waver.
‘It used to feel like paradise.’
Since I started as a new official in the Inspection Department this year, though difficult, my daily life had been rewarding. Being part of such a powerful department meant that high work intensity was just part of the deal, but I thought it was something I could handle.
Moreover, despite its reputation as a stiff and gloomy place, the mood within the Inspection Department was reasonably good. The experienced senior officials took care of the newly arrived recruits and were genuinely dedicated to teaching us.
However, the sudden announcement of founding the Inspection Office was more than enough to throw everything into chaos.
‘It’s hell.’
With just a short command, paradise became hell in an instant.
The previous Inspection Department’s responsibilities, the upsurge of departments integrated into the new Inspection Office, and the processes for harmonizing all these departments were all dumped on the Inspection Department. The workload was beyond what seasoned seniors and enthusiastic new hires could handle.
Were we not even using the administrative department’s facilities? Every available pair of hands must have been mobilized.
‘Goodness.’
I managed to glance toward the Senior Manager’s office as I opened my eyes, feeling a sense of awe. Even amid the dying officials, the Senior Manager was working diligently through piles of papers with unshakeable calm.
He was even taking papers from other officials naturally. I felt a mix of awe and compassion.
“The Inspection Department doesn’t run without the Senior Manager. You can tell by the lack of noise even with the head being on a long trip.”
Suddenly, I recalled something a senior said a few months ago.
“Plus, the Senior Manager has plenty of field experience, so he collaborates well with other departments. It’s not for nothing that the Senior Manager’s office is called ‘Zero Division’.”
Back then, I thought that was a bit of an overstatement born out of pride in belonging to the Senior Manager’s office. But now, looking back, that was an understatement of their effectiveness.
It’s true. If the Senior Manager weren’t around, the Inspection Department would have crumbled. With a heavyweight like the Director around, the shell of the Inspection Department might appear intact, but inside it would be screaming.
…
‘What happens when the Senior Manager leaves?’
I genuinely felt fear creeping in. The current Inspection Department would likely stay under the new Inspection Office, but word was the Senior Manager would be moving on to become the Minister’s secretary. What would happen to the Inspection Department after losing both the Director and the Senior Manager?
Would we be stuck doing this kind of work, swapping out bodies like our lives depended on it—
“Was there always this many people in the Senior Manager’s office?”
Suddenly, the door to the Senior Manager’s office swung open, and a familiar voice chimed in. Naturally, all eyes shifted toward the door.
The Senior Manager, who’d been buried in papers, reacted and hurriedly stood up.
“Director?”
“Sorry for dropping by unannounced.”
As soon as the Director arrived, the officials who were on the verge of demise straightened their backs and began reading the documents with serious expressions.
Of course, everyone knew it was just a show. They were nearing their limits physically and mentally, but instinct told them they couldn’t show any weakness in front of their superior.
“I think I can come in for a while. The Emperor said I should stay at the office until the banquet is over.”
In that teary scene, the Director calmly talked to the Senior Manager.
‘Come in?’
Sadly, the implications weren’t calm.
It’s only natural for the Director to come to the Inspection Department. However, since the founding of the Inspection Office was decided, the workload has largely been led by the Senior Manager. If the Director intervened and led the work his way, everything we’ve done so far could become meaningless chaos.
Furthermore, it’s only logical that the Director’s opinion, as the chair of the Inspection Office’s founding committee, should take precedence.
‘…What do I do?’
My hands began to tremble again. If everything we’ve done ends up in the trash, I could lose my sanity—
“Is there a problem you’re stuck on?”
“Fortunately, not yet.”
“Then just continue as is. It’s better for you to handle it than for me to interfere.”
Wait…?
‘What?’
I became momentarily dazed when I saw the Director patting the Senior Manager’s shoulder.
Did he just say that leading matters regarding the founding of a new governmental department is better off in the Senior Manager’s hands? Even as someone still new to being an official, I could anticipate how much authority would come with intervening. Along with that authority, a mountain of hardship would inevitably follow, but still, many would jump for that opportunity.
For example, negotiating how to share responsibilities among the merging departments and swiftly filling the increasing workforce with suitable candidates—just those thoughts were overwhelming.
‘He’s going to give that up?’
I found it hard to understand. Of course, from the standpoint of someone who should be doing anything to make this execution smoother, it’s a kind act, but from the Director’s perspective, wouldn’t it just mean being able to roll us around more easily to gain that authority immediately?
“Oh, are there things needing my approval?”
“Only things that absolutely need the Director’s attention are left. The structure of subordinate departments and heads is within the committee chair’s authority, so I can’t decide.”
“Perfect.”
Even amid the confusion, the Director continued the conversation calmly. He then picked up a sheet of paper from the Senior Manager’s desk and started jotting down something.
“Make only three departments. The current Inspection Department will become the Enforcement Department, and the Information Department should stay the same, while the departments under the Ministry of Special Affairs will merge into the Special Operations Department.”
“Yes, understood.”
“Any information-related divisions within the Inspection Department should be all merged under the Information Department. It’ll make it more convenient for the new department head.”
The command to ensure the Inspection Department—or rather, the Enforcement Department—focused solely on military strength meant a steep decrease in bureaucratic burdens. The share of work related to interrogations in Division 1 and information-sharing in Division 2 was nothing to scoff at.
“All personnel in the Senior Manager’s office will join the Minister’s office. That alright?”
“It’s an honor.”
With that last addition, I almost wanted to cheer.
You place absolute trust in your subordinates and shift them where they want; that’s a true boss…!
Tears threatened to spill. The Director is indeed a merciful and generous supervisor.
*
After drafting a proposal for the organizational structure and handing it to the Senior Manager, I thought about how the Ministry of Finance has four departments, minus the Inspection Department, so it would look sufficiently large from the outside with three departments in the new Inspection Office.
‘I’ll just make the Head of Information the new Head of Division 2.’
How nice. With the Information Department in place, it’s perfect to slot the new Head of Division 2 in.
Though there technically is an existing Head of Information, they won’t be merging into the new Inspection Office and will remain with the newly formed Intelligence Division under the Ministry of Special Affairs. While it’s a pity, I’ll be able to promote Division 2’s Head, so it’s a trade-off I can manage.
Just picturing the surprised face of Division 2’s Head, delighted by the unexpected promotion, warms my heart. How many bosses would allow something like that in the world?
‘Gotta make sure to promote everyone else too.’
For instance, Division 3 can become the Enforcement Chief, Division 5 can become the Deputy Chief of Enforcement, and Penelia can be the head of the Special Operations Department.
‘Perfect.’
With this lineup, it feels like the heavens were paving the way for everyone’s promotions.
But Erzebet is a tricky case—there aren’t many clear openings, but thankfully it’s not urgent, so let’s just set that aside for now. A good position will crop up eventually.
‘Huh?’
It was only after my chest was full of satisfaction that I finally noticed the desperate environment of the Senior Manager’s office.
At first, when I entered, it seemed like everyone was just going about their work, but now it felt like a nest of zombies. It was reminiscent of when I first became the Head of Inspection, surrounded by an overwhelming amount of work but limited manpower.
“Everyone’s really working hard.”
“Not at all! We’re just doing what we’re supposed to!”
As soon as I casually commented, the official seated closest to the Senior Manager replied instinctively, almost as if by reflex.
Seeing that, my heart sank even further. They might be dying inside, but they must keep smiling on the outside; it’s a wretched life that reflects my own.
“Let’s at least get a few Great Silver Coins to them. I’ll cover it with my own money, so don’t worry about the budget.”
As I casually mentioned that to the Senior Manager, the zombie-like officials’ expressions brightened a bit.
Sorry about that. I know what you truly need isn’t money but rest.
‘Even I can’t give that…’
But then again, since I’m being dragged around by the Emperor, I can’t hand out vacations to others. If I could, I would’ve taken one for myself.
So, sorry. Just work hard and take the money instead.
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