Chapter 408
Thanks to the fantastic excuse of founding the Inspection Department, I failed to escape the Emperor’s clutches but consoled myself with the fact that at least I had distanced myself a little from him.
However, it wasn’t long before I got summoned again. This guy doesn’t know when to quit.
– I’ve reviewed the proposal sent by the Minister. I believe it’s safe to proceed with the appointments as they are, but what do you think of the Minister’s opinion?
“There doesn’t seem to be a better option at the moment.”
– Good. The individuals listed will be appointed, so Minister, please bring them to the Imperial Palace.
To make matters worse, he not only summoned me but also directed me to gather the scattered executive appointees like they’re some Dragon Balls.
What a hassle! The executive appointees aren’t even all gathered in one place yet; they’re stuck in the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Intelligence, or wherever they managed to hide in some corner of the capital. Gathering those scattered folks one by one is just too cruel.
“Your Majesty, I regret to inform you, but one of the officials on the list is currently on parental leave.”
The 2nd Division Manager is wielding the powerful shield of parental leave. I wouldn’t dare drag him out, especially not one who’s on paternal leave.
If the 2nd Division Manager got summoned by the Emperor, it would set a ridiculous precedent: “If summoned by the Emperor, you must abandon your parental leave.” What if I have kids in the future? What then?
– Parental leave?
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Fortunately, the Emperor seemed a bit hesitant at the mention of parental leave, slightly furrowing his brows. After all, he’s also raising a Crown Princess, so the word “parenting” must resonate with him.
But if that was where it ended, I wouldn’t be calling him a bastard.
– …There’s nothing more important than caring for children, but please relay that they need to come in for just one day. After the appointments are done, they can leave.
After a moment of silence, the Emperor managed to pierce through the high-powered shield of parental leave. This guy is definitely a jerk.
– Since different departments are merging, a clear hierarchy must be established. Rather than hastily setting up order, it’s best to appoint executives as quickly as possible.
Of course, it seems even the Emperor thought his order was a bit too harsh, so he tried to backtrack quickly. Yet once a command was given, any excuses for it were nothing more than crocodile tears.
‘If the Emperor breaks the law, whom do I complain to?’
Let’s pretend there’s no Imperial Assembly or Supreme Court. If I bring it up, they might respond with some insane statement like, “It’s only fair for subjects to report for duty before the Emperor’s painful decision.”
‘Crap.’
With a small sigh, I tucked the communicator into my pocket. Thanks to someone issuing this harsh and merciless order, I now must bring back my employee, who’s enjoying their parental leave.
I’m sorry. The only gift I prepared was a promotion. I never thought I’d be giving them a surprise return to work.
I’m really sorry.
The appointees for the head positions in the Inspection Department were as follows:
– Head of the Inspection Department: Current 3rd Division Manager, Leonard Hodela.
– Deputy Head of the Inspection Department: Current 5th Division Manager, Marcilio Viago.
– Head of Information: Current Head of Information, Eugen Clou of Hist.
– Deputy Head of Information: Current 2nd Division Manager, Lafayette Baron.
– Head of Special Operations: Current Mukgwang Unit Leader, Penelia Yus.
– Deputy Head of Special Operations: Current Fire Wizard Corps Leader, Nicholas Hedan.
Honestly, with the exception of the 2nd Division Manager, the other executive appointees could be summoned quickly.
If there’s any dread, it’s that it would be strange if no hiccups happened. The Head of Information is staying put in their original role, and Penelia and the 5th Division Manager are pretty loyal to the orders. The guy becoming Deputy Head of Special Operations is thrilled to move up, so there’s really nothing to worry about.
“No, why am I the Head? It doesn’t make sense for someone my age to take on such important responsibilities!”
“Why does becoming a Minister at my age make sense?”
During all this, the future head, the 3rd Division Manager, made an insignificant protest.
“And now that the executive list has gone up to the Emperor, this is no longer a ministerial order; it’s an imperial decree. If you want to be the official who defies that, be my guest.”
Faced with the dazzling imperial decree, he quickly surrendered. Quite the perfect summoning here.
“We pay our respects to Your Majesty.”
“We pay our respects to Your Majesty.”
Thanks to that, seven of us, including myself, bowed before the Emperor. To him, we probably look like living Dragon Balls—ready to handle whatever task he throws our way just with a command.
The difference from the original is that we won’t scatter after making a wish. Talk about a useful bunch.
“Raise your heads.”
As we cautiously lifted our gazes, the Emperor wore a satisfied smile.
But is it just me, or is there a hint of that A++-grade Hanwoo breeder’s look in his eye?
“Although the Inspection Department hasn’t officially been established yet, seeing the talents who will lead it brings me immense joy.”
“I am honored, Your Majesty.”
“Moreover, you are all individuals whom the situation has entrusted with the Empire, so my expectations of you are quite high as well.”
At that statement, goosebumps ran down my spine. It felt as if he was saying he would wield these precious “slaves” handed down by the situation for his own ends.
“…I will surely repay Your Majesty’s trust.”
But to the casual ear, it sounds like pretty ordinary flattery, so I gave my usual obligatory response.
To which the Emperor nodded in apparent satisfaction. The impulse to slap him just kept bubbling up.
“Now, Minister. Didn’t you say the Inspection Department would be composed of three divisions?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. The executive branch will handle the existing tasks of the Inspection Department, while the Information Department will integrate with the two divisions of the Inspection Department, forming the Special Operations force.”
Luckily, before that impulse could grow too strong, we managed to shift into pure work dialogue. If I had been even a moment late, I might have been labeled the traitor!
“I see, then the executive branch will be smaller than before. I will allocate more of my budget, so increase your manpower accordingly.”
“I cannot express my gratitude sufficiently for Your Majesty’s grace.”
Bowing my head in gratitude for the Emperor addressing one of my concerns eased my mind. With two of the four divisions vanishing in the executive branch, I was worried about its smooth functioning. Now that the Emperor personally promised budget support, there’s no need for concern.
The 3rd Division Manager will also be thrilled to see the department he manages grow under the Emperor’s attention. Why wouldn’t he be?
“Oh dear, I’ve kept busy officials here too long with idle chatter. We should proceed to the appointment ceremony.”
After saying that, the Emperor approached the executives behind me. I could hear the gentle pats as he greeted them.
“Is it because the Minister is young that the executives are also young? I expect vibrant work from you all!”
‘Crap.’
This is odd. He seems to be addressing the executives, but it feels directed at me.
Him saying he’s going to give me a fiery hard time sounded like a declaration of war.
*
I couldn’t help but laugh at the appointees the Minister brought forward.
‘The impulsive section chiefs are this young?’
Though not something a twenty-something Emperor should say, given the influence lineage has, it is possible for a two-year-old heir to be in line for succession.
However, bureaucrats aren’t like that. The effect of lineage on bureaucratic society is minimal. Good family connections can provide advantages for promotion, but plenty of bureaucrats come from good families. Therefore, it’s ultimately ability that leads to victory. Just like how the current Minister of Relief is from an orphan background.
Yet even with that in mind, the executives of the Inspection Department are excessively young. Even the oldest, the Head of Information, is still relatively sprightly compared to other senior officials.
‘The Minister has had a longer bureaucratic life.’
But what can you do? Starting with the Minister, who is the embodiment of “shock,” I can’t criticize the young executives he selected.
In fact, the younger they are, the longer they can work… I mean, the longer they can provide service.
‘Not bad at all.’
And such drastic appointments can stimulate bureaucrats. It can provide hope to those with ability and ambition yet muted by jaded superiors.
The wall of experience may be high, but it’s not an impenetrable wall.
“I look forward to your future contributions.”
“Yes, Your Majesty! I will surely repay Your Majesty’s faith!”
After giving an encouraging pat on the shoulder of the new Deputy Head of Special Operations, I turned my gaze back to the Minister.
“It’s unreasonable to keep busy officials held up, so only the Minister should remain and others can leave.”
I caught a glimpse of the Minister’s eyes twitching. While it’s fine to send everyone back after finishing the appointments—he himself isn’t included. That’s not exactly surprising.
Moreover, the establishment of the Inspection Department is currently being led by the Deputy Head, so there’s no need for hesitation.
‘Perfect. There are some things I want to ask too.’
At this point, I’m genuinely curious how I keep finding tasks or questions every time I see him.
*
I was gritting my teeth. My beloved toy was brought into the Imperial Palace, and I felt like shedding tears at the deed.
Damn it, if this is how it’s going to be, just pay me an imperial servant’s salary. What else qualifies as serving in the palace?
That surging resentment and pain intensified with the Emperor’s words.
“Minister, how’s the management of your territory?”
‘This guy?’
Why would he suddenly bring up territory affairs? Is he mocking me because he’s about to inherit the title of Imperial Count?
Caught off guard and unable to respond immediately, the Emperor blinked a few times before bursting into laughter.
“Not the territory you are about to inherit but the one you already possess.”
…
‘Oh.’
That’s when I finally caught on to what the Emperor meant. Slowly, I recalled a region that had been slipping from my memory.
‘Right, Wyridia…’
I remembered receiving the title of Count of Wyridia but had completely forgotten about the territory itself. I was certain I remembered it just when I returned to the Academy after the peace treaty.
“We’ve been managing Wyridia through local officials since the time it was under direct control, so everything is fine. But after all, it is the Minister’s territory.”
“…I apologize.”
It was awkward that local officials appointed by the Imperial House were still working in a large territory granted to a noble. There was no room for excuses—only the option to bow my head in regret.
Having officials funded by the Empire overseeing lands that aren’t directly controlled by it is quite generous. From the Empire’s perspective, they were paying to manage land that’s technically not theirs.
Damn it, with all these recent events, how could I forget about my own territory?
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