Chapter: 646
Today, I arrived at the Information Department, accompanied by my beloved wife Christina and our adorable son Julian, who were both giving me a cheerful send-off.
Honestly, rather than giving me a boost, their farewell made my motivation hit rock bottom. It’s not that I didn’t appreciate their support, but all I wanted was to stay with my family in the mansion. I mean, we have our family business to run, can’t I just retire?
‘But if that were possible, I wouldn’t be in this mess.’
With a rough sigh, I opened the door to the Senior Manager’s office.
It turned out today was just another miserable workday. The boring and tiresome business hours began, completely different from my days as a Second Manager.
“Welcome back, Senior Manager.”
“Yeah, I’m here.”
As I entered, the staff in the Senior Manager’s office stood up to greet me.
Thank goodness these guys are here; they’re the only thing keeping me sane. Back when the Information Department was still the Prosecution Office, the Senior Manager also had several staff members under them to handle work. I eavesdropped and picked up on various things back then, which is why I can act as the Senior Manager now.
“Anything unusual happened?”
Sitting at the Senior Manager’s position, I casually checked for any peculiar updates. Given that these folks only get in 20 or 30 minutes before me, it’s unlikely anything significant would occur in that short span.
“Other than the mid-year performance reports submitted from each division, nothing noteworthy.”
“Oh. Is it already that time?”
I let out a short sigh at the report handed over by one of the members.
Now that I think about it, we’re already in the beginning of June. It’s time to get a grasp on all the work the departments under the Information Department have done since January and commend their achievements.
‘Such a hassle.’
It’s been about a year and a half since the Information Department officially began. During that time, I’ve had to compile mid-year performance reports twice, and both times I’ve felt a tremendous burden of annoyance and tedium.
As a Second Manager, I never noticed it, but being a Senior Manager is driving me mad. While Second Managers find it easy to assess their subordinates’ achievements directly in the field, Senior Managers don’t have that luxury.
Second Managers can gauge their team’s engagement and zeal easily, but as a Senior Manager, I have no clue.
Thanks to that, I get headaches every time promotions or awards come up. The performance I see on paper doesn’t always match what I notice in the field.
‘Looks like I’ll need to run around again.’
Another sigh escaped me.
The current Information Department is staffed by not only the former first and second divisions but also a good number of personnel from the Special Service Agency. So relying on old memories to handle cases or simply sticking to the reports would just stir up trouble.
If I choose the first option, they’ll say the Senior Manager favors those from the Prosecution Office. On the other hand, if I go with the second option, they’ll claim I’m being too harsh despite being from the same Prosecution Office.
‘Whatever I do, it’s a mess either way.’
Suddenly, a wave of frustration surged through me. To be honest, even if I compile each division’s results, I ultimately have to report them to the Executive Manager. Which means I’m not the final authority.
If I don’t get promoted, the decision lies with the Executive Manager. If the bonuses feel a little lacking, that’s on the Executive Manager too. I have neither the responsibility nor the authority.
Yet, the underlings don’t know that. They’re a bunch of fools.
‘Back when I was in the Prosecution Office, I was the one making the decisions.’
Of course, that was because the Executive Manager had delegated authority to the Senior Manager back then.
“…Huh?”
While reminiscing about the past and skimming through the reports, something peculiar caught my eye.
The first division, now absent because of its leader’s honeymoon and maternity leave, managed to achieve overwhelming success compared to all other divisions.
‘How did that happen?’
It was surprising. No matter how competent the subordinates are, if the leader is absent, dissonance is bound to arise. Not to mention that the original leader was a weird character that somehow dominated the division.
This meant that the first division has been without a capable leader for six months. Yet, they not only kept up with the other divisions but were excelling?
‘There must be an incredible deputy.’
I could understand the situation, as it felt oddly familiar. I had experienced something similar for three years.
When the Executive Manager was away on an Academy assignment, the acting Senior Manager had indeed led the Prosecution Office. If the deputy filling in for the top dog is competent and holds considerable authority, you get such bizarre situations.
It’s probably a scenario similar to the first division back then.
‘Of course.’
In fact, the achievements of the first division’s head team leader were remarkably brilliant.
This person is like the mini version of the first division’s Senior Manager. A remarkable woman bravely guiding the first division despite having no Senior Manager.
“Angelica Wienen.”
I muttered to myself, only for a nearby member to perk up.
“Sen—Senior Manager. Did Angelica, the head team leader, cause some trouble again?”
“Huh?”
I tilted my head at their words.
Trouble? No trouble, just the first division being proudly led, right? If this is considered trouble, then maybe it’s a positive development…
‘Wait a minute.’
Thinking about it, that didn’t sound right. It was as if this Angelica Wienen had committed multiple “incidents” without me knowing.
“…I haven’t heard much about Team Leader Angelica. What kind of person is she?”
As soon as I asked, the member’s eyes widened in fear.
As if they were considering something too scandalous to speak of.
“W-Well…”
“She’s someone capable enough to follow in the footsteps of the first division leader.”
Another member chimed in, answering for the hesitating one.
“The current Executive Manager mentioned that she reminds him of a young first division manager when she was a Second Manager.”
“Oh.”
As I received that explanation, my memories came flooding back.
Sure, there was such a person. The Executive Manager often made remarks about that up-and-coming talent when burdened by the outrageous antics of the first division manager, suggesting he hoped to see this type of subordinate someday.
That individual was none other than Angelica Wienen. A person capable of succeeding the first division’s leadership. A mini version of the first division manager, one could say—a real powerhouse.
‘This is intense.’
Honestly, I couldn’t help but break into a cold sweat.
The original ‘monster’ is on leave, while the ‘mini-monster’ is stepping into the light. By the time the original monster returns, the mini-monster might have devoured the entire first division.
‘…Devoured?’
Suddenly, a good idea struck me.
After compiling the performance reports, I rushed to the Executive Manager’s office.
“What’s going on?”
As always, I was greeted by the weary Executive Manager, buried under piles of paperwork.
“Here’s the mid-year performance report.”
“Oh, it’s already that time? Time flies way too fast.”
At my words, the Executive Manager rubbed his temple and accepted the report with a wry smile.
After skimming the front page, the Executive Manager’s eyebrows furrowed deeply.
“Senior Manager.”
“Yes, Executive Manager?”
“There’s a strange name listed among the promotion candidates.”
“I recorded everything correctly.”
The Executive Manager stared at me in silence before checking the report again.
“Promoting First Division head team leader Angelica Wienen to First Division manager. Is that your suggestion?”
“Yes.”
My assertive response made the Executive Manager’s frown deepen.
I understand. The position of First Division manager isn’t vacant; it’s merely occupied by someone on leave. So when the real manager returns, it could lead to some embarrassing situations for everyone involved—the newcomer, the original manager, and the one who made the promotion decision.
“Did you discuss this with the Judicial Minister without my knowledge?”
“No, sir. There’s no way I would discuss the Department’s matters with the Judicial Minister while you’re present.”
The Executive Manager relaxed slightly since I hadn’t disregarded the chain of command.
“Well then, this makes it even harder to understand. You know who the first division manager’s spouse is, right?”
That was definitely fair.
Of course, the Executive Manager’s question was entirely valid. It’d be incredibly unwise to promote someone over the spouse of the department’s top authority. The entire department would be in chaos.
But fortunately, our Judicial Minister is far from ordinary.
“I haven’t confirmed it yet, but I believe the Judicial Minister will be pleased with this personnel change.”
“Explain yourself clearly. If you can’t convince me, I’ll have you redo this report.”
The Executive Manager’s warning made me flinch for a moment, but then I gathered my thoughts and continued.
“Some time ago, I spoke privately with the Judicial Minister and learned that he regretted not being able to promote anyone from the former Prosecution Office staff, especially the first division manager. He even contemplated moving them to another department.”
“So?”
“Perhaps the Judicial Minister wanted to move the first division manager to a different department but couldn’t for fear of straining their relationship. So, why don’t we promote a capable individual in the meantime and unburden the first division manager of their duties?”
It’s a flawless plan. We dirty our hands, carrying out the task the husband wouldn’t dare do to avoid upsetting his wife. How loyal and perfectly executed!
To be frank, having the first division manager under me might shorten my life span significantly. The upcoming first division manager, though a mini-version of the original, has never been my equal. I could easily have authority over them, even if they cause trouble.
Ultimately, it wouldn’t look good to have a subordinate who’s the spouse of your boss. It’s too obvious that it would lead to mockery or complaining.
‘Let’s get rid of them while we can.’
Honeymoon? Pregnancy leave? Child-rearing leave?
Who cares about any of that? If they’re gone, let’s take this chance to erase them completely. I don’t want to see them poking around ever again.
I’m sure the first division manager would be glad about this too. Turning a busy, cash-rich bureaucrat into a security-free loaf would be a generous gift. If I were in their shoes, I’d be thanking someone profusely.
The Executive Manager sent me off, urging me to stop rambling and get on with it.
And just like that, I found myself having to reorganize the gathered reports from the very beginning.
‘Why is this happening…?’
Wasn’t the plan flawless?
*
A direct call came from the Executive Manager rather than the Minister’s secretary.
This was quite an unexpected contact. The Executive Manager is a seasoned and skilled individual, so it’s rare for them to reach out to me while I’m on leave, right?
— The Senior Manager proposed promoting the head team leader from the first division to first division manager.
At that moment, I realized the reason behind the call.
Without my knowledge, my wife was almost turned into a couch potato.
…
‘What is she up to, doing someone a favor?’
Uncontrollable envy bubbled up within me. I wish someone would shove me out of my position too.
‘Promotion, huh.’
While simultaneously pondering the Executive Manager’s proposal, I rubbed my chin.
If it’s framed as not my order but a subordinate’s suggestion, it wouldn’t be bad to give Eri a little nudge.
Ultimately, it’s the Emperor who decides to let civil servants retire, but within my authority, I could at least manage some inactive status…
‘What should I do?’
This is quite a conundrum.
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