Chapter 60
No matter how accustomed I became to the dispatched location, I couldn’t help but feel that my original workplace was more comfortable. It’s quite strange to compare my workplace to my home, but unfortunately, the place I’ve stayed longer than my own home is the Prosecutor’s Office. What can I do about it?
So, since I was here anyway, I thought about resting in a comfortable place. There are several important figures to be mindful of at the Academy, but there’s no one above me in the Prosecutor’s Office. At most, I only need to be attentive to the Minister who shares the same building.
That was what I thought.
‘Oh no, the news has spread already.’
Seeing the glowing communication crystal made my heart ache. As a public servant, I only have to concern myself with the Minister. Sure, there’s the royal family, but they at least don’t send unexpected messages. Fortunately, I shouldn’t have to deal with any royal contact for a while.
But before being a public servant, I am also a noble of the Empire. The number of higher-ups I have as a noble greatly exceeds those I have as a public servant. To put it bluntly, I’m just a mere successor without a title. Just considering the Dukes makes me shudder since I have five superiors waiting above me.
“I’m the Executive Manager Carl Krasius.”
— Carl, it’s me.
I couldn’t keep my superior waiting, so I picked up the call. A gentleman appeared, sporting a neatly groomed beard and a warm smile.
“Heir to the Krasius family and Executive Manager of the Ministry of Finance, Carl Krasius, greets Your Grace, the Invincible Duke. How have you been, sir?”
— Well, I’ve been well. What could happen to a man who’s just keeping his seat?
As soon as I recognized the caller, I quickly bowed my head. The person on the other end was one of the five Dukes—the Invincible Duke. First, I was in touch with the Mage Duchess, and now the Invincible Duke? What a day!
— I heard from the Mage Duchess. You’re in the capital, aren’t you?
“Yes, Your Grace. I came up here for some urgent matters.”
The one spreading the rumors was indeed the Mage Duchess. Oh dear, your mouth is a bit too loose, old lady! Perhaps she thought it considerate to let me see some friendly faces before heading back to the Academy.
— It was a shame I couldn’t see you off before your dispatch. Do you have time?
“Of course! If I don’t have time, I’ll make some!”
— Haha, thank you! I’m always in the same place, so come over whenever you’re comfortable.
“Understood.”
After confirming that the communication crystal’s light had dimmed, I placed it back in my pocket.
‘I should at least pay my respects before heading out.’
It wasn’t exactly planned, but since he reached out personally, I couldn’t just ignore it. What kind of nutty noble would decline an invitation from a Duke?
I didn’t have much time as I needed to return before the club activities started. Comfort? What comfort? I needed to move quickly if I wanted to get back to the Academy on time.
The Imperial Military headquarters. This was the stronghold of the Invincible Duke, who leads the Empire’s army in the Emperor’s place, the nominal Supreme Commander. Not even the Minister of Defense dares to exercise control over him since he’s the Emperor’s father-in-law. This is where the undisputed head of military affairs resides.
‘It’s always a bummer seeing it.’
And originally, this should have been where I worked. The Invincible Duke promised me a good position once he transitioned into the military, but due to the Crown Prince’s glorious treachery, I haven’t even gotten close to the headquarters. I wonder how different my life might have been had I not been blindsided back then.
If I had spent two years in the military headquarters under the Invincible Duke’s light, what position would I be in now? At least I wouldn’t be stuck in such a bizarre role as the Executive Manager of the Prosecutor’s Office.
With a heavy heart, I entered the headquarters, and the guards greeted me with a salute. I felt somewhat like a military person instead of an outsider, considering how often I came and went before my dispatch to the Academy. It could be seen as a result of my fond lingering thoughts of escaping the military headquarters, now firmly tethered to my reluctant duty.
“Good work, as always.”
I returned a casual salute and headed for the Deputy Commander’s office, only to be greeted along the way. Each encounter felt like a mini-event as I acknowledged every familiar face. Two years ago, I assumed I’d easily find my way here, and therefore, I had made an effort to forge connections ahead of time.
‘Oh, that damn Crown Prince.’
Even after two years, deep rage bubbled up. I still vividly remember how people in the headquarters saw me with a mix of congratulations and ‘What’s this kid doing here?’ when I got promoted. It felt like I was bluffing about joining them in the military.
Yet, it felt unjust! My promotion was a surprise to me, as well! Normally, one would be informed ahead of time about promotions at my level, but that Crown Prince decided to spring a surprise with our elevations out of nowhere.
‘Ah, I have arrived.’
While I was busy scolding the Crown Prince in my head, I reached the Deputy Commander’s office. Tick-tock, time flies when you’re gossiping about your superiors in shadowy corners.
Knock, knock.
“Your Grace, it’s Carl Krasius.”
“Oh! You came fast. Come in.”
Upon opening the door, I saw the Invincible Duke walking toward me. Well, you could have just stayed seated!
“Welcome, Carl! It’s been a while.”
I bowed my head toward the Invincible Duke, who patted my shoulder and smiled. Regardless of his title, I owe him quite a bit.
“It’s indeed been a while, Your Grace. I’m relieved to see you’re doing well.”
“Why ask about my health more than once now? While you think about me, you up and leave without a word. That was a bit hurtful.”
“I apologize, it all happened so suddenly…”
“Haha! Just teasing you. Of course, I understand.”
He pulled me in for a seat, and as he turned to the tea set, I quickly stood to help, only to have him wave his hand and insist I sit down. This kind of innocent consideration was utterly terrifying.
“Surely you’ve had a drink with the Mage Duchess, but would you join me for one too? Is that okay?”
“It would be an honor!”
I sat in awe, staring at the Invincible Duke while he prepared tea. Ever since I was forcibly seated after offering to help, this is how it’s been. Wow, tea brewed by a Duke? What a delightful honor…
“I had a good dream today; perhaps it was a sign of a dear guest’s arrival!”
“I’m surprised that Your Grace cares about dreams.”
“I think it’s because I’m getting older. Oh, and do keep that remark between us and the Mage Duchess a secret!”
“Of course, it will be our little secret.”
I chuckled at the playful words of the Invincible Duke as he brought over the tea. It was well-known among those who knew the Mage Duchess that she had developed an interest in dream interpretation some years back. If she found out about the Invincible Duke’s remark referencing his age, she would surely storm in!
It didn’t matter that such words came from the Invincible Duke; attacking the Mage Duchess on the basis of her age was still a sensitive topic.
In fact, no one cared that the Mage Duchess was 120 years old, but because she reacts so much to it, other people start noticing too. Is this the kind of disaster one brings upon oneself?
“I’ve heard that many noble bloodlines have gathered at the Academy.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“It must be hard on you. I sincerely regret not being able to assist.”
“Your Grace, how can I expect any help from you? I appreciate your kind words indeed.”
With those words, the Invincible Duke and I both brought our teacups to our lips. After a brief moment of silence, the Invincible Duke spoke again.
“Well, if it’s you, Carl, I know you’ll handle it well. The Crown Prince also expresses great trust in you.”
“I can only be grateful for that.”
It suddenly struck me that he hadn’t just called for tea.
‘So, the status quo remains.’
Regarding the noble bloodlines assembled at the Academy, the mention of Rutis, Lather, and Tannian springs to mind, but from the Empire’s perspective, it must always pivot to Ainter.
The Invincible Duke’s message was simple. He lamented that I had to endure the Crown Prince’s order regarding oversight on Ainter, yet there was nothing he could do about the Crown Prince’s wishes. Thankfully, he indicated that the Crown Prince had no further plans, allowing me to manage Ainter however I pleased.
That’s a relief! I had been worried that the Crown Prince might suddenly decide to eliminate Ainter, but it seemed the Invincible Duke had successfully stabilized things. He didn’t pick his son-in-law, the Crown Prince, but rather took my situation into consideration instead. I’m immensely grateful!
“It’s all due to the groundwork you’ve laid yourself.”
The Invincible Duke smiled lightly at my gratitude, earning a smile from me in return. Yet, it’s uncomfortable how this tiny debt keeps accumulating.
The Invincible Duke, aside from that bit about the Crown Prince’s stance, didn’t delve into any other work-related topics. For a Duke, if there were matters serious enough to convey personally, that would indicate something even graver.
As we shared a casual conversation over tea, something crossed my mind, and I cautiously inquired.
“Are the others doing well?”
“They’re probably all right. Other than myself and the Mage Duchess, most stay within their territories, so I can’t exactly know how they are.”
What a relief! I was worried about getting summoned by another Duke. Yet, if they’re not in the capital, I have nothing to fear. Naturally, Dukes typically remain in their territories until the Emperor calls upon them.
The Iron-Blooded Duke has fallen into a state of retirement. The Golden Duke is lost in his business, while the Wise Duke seems to enjoy playing SimCity in his territory. I know these Dukes are rare at the capital, but having this confirmation grants me peace.
As I nodded in comfort, the Invincible Duke chuckled and remarked.
“Didn’t I need to inquire about the Iron-Blooded Duke’s news from you?”
“Yes? What do you mean?”
“Oh dear, old age has me mumbling about irrelevant things. Forget I said anything!”
He erupted in laughter as it was obviously an intentional slip of the tongue.
‘Just how far did that rumor spread?’
It was likely Marghetta who had mentioned the ball to the Iron-Blooded Duke, who then relayed it back to the Invincible Duke. I can only imagine how amusing it was for them to hear that I, someone who had never danced before, suddenly did a waltz with Marghetta.
‘Now that’s a burden.’
The Invincible Duke is one of the few who knows that I’m holding out on getting married—or even engaged—at this point. Though he brushed it off as a slip of the tongue, it was clear he was probing my response regarding Marghetta.
I understand he’s merely concerned for me, devoid of malicious intention, but it’s a tad chilling how he brings it up just when I start to forget about it. It’s not like he’s my elderly relative I visit during family occasions!
I certainly didn’t receive this kind of pressure from my own family patriarch. Anyone uninformed would mistake me for the Invincible Duke’s child!
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