Chapter: 807
The Inspection Department has always been a monstrous entity, wielding unparalleled power even when it was just a simple division. It wasn’t just time that granted it such authority; it was born a monster from the get-go.
‘It was never meant to be just a division in the first place.’
The history behind the establishment of the Inspection Department is somewhat convoluted. The emperor of the time tried to create his own sword boldly, but due to resistance and pushback from the nobility, he had to disguise it under the Ministry of Finance.
However, despite the disguise, inspection is inspection. The emperor who actively promoted the establishment of this department, along with future despotic emperors, held onto it tightly and twirled it like a sword dance. Thanks to this, it was no secret that the Inspection Department, despite being called a ‘division’, essentially acted like a ‘ministry.’
‘In fact, it was probably even more absurd than a ministry.’
The Inspection Department had the power to overturn any noble or department as long as there was a mere suspicion. This insanity transformed it into the terror of the empire, making it a department stained with blood and tears.
Of course, if it turns out they acted on mere suspicion and it leads nowhere, the Executive Manager would have to pay with their neck. But ordinary civil servants, even if they have hard evidence, often hesitate to take action. Considering that, it does possess unusual powers.
And today, the Inspection Department evolved from a mere division into a full-fledged ministry. The founding chairman of the Inspection Department is a real power player in the empire, armed with tangible evidence to legally pummel the judiciary.
They even received in-person approval for inspections from the emperor, rather than a simple verbal nod. With official records in place, there’s no escaping responsibility—deniability isn’t an option for the emperor.
“I’m sorry to meet the Minister under such circumstances.”
The Minister of Justice bowed his head, looking pale.
The practical ruler of the empire suddenly appears at the headquarters, claiming a large-scale inspection is underway in his domain—one that includes his own blood family.
For the Minister, this was like a thunderbolt from a clear sky. Just like that, a big event exploded right after the year-end tasks were rolling in.
“I should have addressed this before the Inspection Department stepped in. I’m sorry I failed to monitor the corruption within the Ministry of Justice and the courts.”
“Don’t say that. If corruption has occurred, it’s a greater sin of those who committed it, not of those who failed to prevent it.”
As I watched the Minister bow his head to the point where his forehead nearly touched the desk, I shook my head softly.
By the hierarchical structure of the executive departments, the Ministry of Justice is superior to the Inspection Department. Thus, the Minister of Justice is ranked higher than I am; however, with the inspection variable in play, the hierarchy flips.
But instead of harshly reprimanding the Minister, I spoke gently. I mentioned that the Minister of Justice should not be so affected by this inspection.
“Let the Minister of Justice be. He’s a talent not to be dismissed over something like this.”
The emperor expected that.
He wanted to root out only the corruption while keeping the rest intact.
‘If I were to remove the Minister over this, there wouldn’t be any Minister left to retain.’
In reality, the corruption detected within the judiciary is a commonplace issue that occurs behind closed doors. It’s just that these mundane allegations accumulated over time and crossed the threshold. It’s like building a mountain from dust—but in a bad way.
So the Minister must be excluded. Firing a Minister still able to work over a bit of dust would be a waste of talent.
‘However, the fact that I’m conducting an inspection due to mere dust is problematic.’
I sighed inwardly. Just like the Minister appeared flustered, I felt a sense of disbelief creeping in, ready to chuckle.
“What I would ask of you, Minister, is that you console the Ministry of Justice and the courts during this inspection. If you can keep steady, the innocent will not be disturbed.”
“I will absolutely do so. However, I’m truly embarrassed and sorry for causing distress to Your Majesty and the Minister due to my shortcomings. Is there anything else I can assist with?”
The Minister declared unconditional surrender and cooperation. I shook my head again.
“Just protect the innocent. That will suffice.”
With my emphasis, a flicker of determination passed through the Minister’s eyes.
“The innocent. Yes, I shall remember that.”
“Thank you. We need to wrap this up before the New Year’s Ball, don’t we? We wouldn’t want any unpleasant disturbances while welcoming the new year. Both the Minister and I will have to work swiftly to settle matters.”
My words emphasized that this investigation would be a race against time. I would make sure that anyone even remotely connected would be swiftly dealt with.
I didn’t need to sugarcoat it; the Minister would surely be drafting a list of likely successors. Those who know no boundaries and take advantage should disappear, making way for those who know to behave and listen properly. That’s an opportunity no inexperienced person hoping for the role of Minister would pass up.
‘Is this an unexpected fortune?’
All those once-boastful fraudsters from the judicial noble families would be ousted, paving the way for a multitude of promotions within the Minister of Justice’s ranks. You couldn’t have a more advantageous turn of events than this.
However, if a corruption scandal arises after such a cleansing, it would fall squarely on the Minister’s shoulders. If he can’t even manage his own people, he has no right to remain in his position.
In the first place, if he’s that incompetent, the emperor would never keep him in office. There wouldn’t be a peep from the Ministry of Justice for the next ten years.
*
It’s been a while since I’ve actually commanded at the scene myself.
One of the few perks of being an Executive Manager is that you typically don’t have to roll up your sleeves. Yet, for this occasion, even I had to step in.
Partly because I was uneasy leaving it to someone else, but mainly because the Minister ordered me personally.
“You handle the Narzen family. You’ve got the kind of experience to act according to principle without worrying about my opinions.”
“What a disheartening thing to say! How much do I worry about your opinions?”
“If that’s all the worrying you do, it’d be better to just pluck your eyes out, don’t you think?”
The Minister entrusted me with this task, signaling his trust.
The Narzen family—a house tied to the Minister’s bloodline. It’s one thing if it were just the Minister’s sibling, but it’s his aunt’s family we’re talking about.
Still, should I feel fortunate? There shouldn’t be any bloodshed with the Narzen family; their charges are too minor for that. If I start swinging an axe over these things, I’d have to deal with some pickpocket too.
But the problem is, those pickpockets have been at it for decades, even centuries.
“This doesn’t look like a bureaucratic noble family at all.”
As we moved into the area densely populated with the mansions of high-ranking nobles, the extravagant residence of the Narzen family caught my eye.
No matter how prestigious they are as counts and how many high-ranking positions they’ve held over generations, they are still a family without territory. What kind of endless profits have they been making to maintain such a mansion in the capital?
“We’ll proceed immediately.”
Nodding at the first manager’s announcement to move forward—
“Ah, wait. Before we enter, check these.”
I rushed to pull out several portraits I had stashed in my pocket.
“These are the Minister’s aunt and her children. They’re your family and shouldn’t be disturbed by this inspection, so treat them with respect.”
“Are they truly unrelated?”
“Your aunt isn’t the matriarch but a daughter-in-law and has no active involvement in running things, while her children haven’t even reached a point where they handle money yet.”
“True enough.”
The first manager, seemingly satisfied, quickly scanned the portraits before resuming his steps.
He approached the estate casually, making a distinct racket, signaling our presence, knowing they would likely come out to greet us.
“This—what is going on here! This is the residence of Count Milkyon, the lawmaker of the Empire!”
“Count Narzen is a noble family long associated with the Ministry of Justice, having produced several Chief Justices! We wouldn’t intentionally—”
“If you feel aggrieved, you may file an appeal according to the law. We are simply obeying the orders of the Minister of the Inspection.”
“What?!”
Indeed, as we stepped inside the mansion, we were met with the warm hospitality of the Narzen family.
Of course, their famed status as a judicial dynasty wasn’t won through poker; they didn’t fight back with words, nor did they put up much resistance. Occasionally, there are idiots who use their servants or soldiers as shields, but that was not the case here—Narzen was handling this quite well.
“Y-Your Excellency appears to have misunderstood something. Let me see the Excellency—”
“There’s no misunderstanding. Are you saying that the Minister has made an error in judgment?”
As the junior lord of the Narzen family opened his mouth, the first manager swiftly cut him off.
Having competent subordinates makes things easier. With such a decisive interruption, they can’t complain further. If they were to speak up again, they would essentially be insulting the Minister’s authority.
“We are conducting inspections involving 14 families, including the Narzen family. You are the lord here, and your junior is an official in the Ministry of Justice. You know that dragging this out brings no benefits.”
“W-Well, that is.”
“Just to clarify, do not dare to mention your connection with the Minister. The Minister considered all aspects and decided based on the greater good, and we are treating you with due respect as nobles.”
A stark warning, suggesting that refusal to cooperate would see them treated as criminals, with all manner of threats and force brought to bear. Thus, the Narzen family had to decide whether to walk in willingly or crawl in on their hands and knees.
“…We will comply.”
“Thank you for your wise decision.”
I observed the junior lord extend his hand, while the elder lord sighed heavily in defeat. In the corner, I noticed a noblewoman maintaining her silence.
‘That must be her.’
She shares the same black hair and eyes as the Minister, exuding a strangely familiar aura reminiscent of the previous head of the Krasius family during the Minister’s wedding. Young heirs huddled around her.
I can be sure of it. That lady is indeed the Minister’s aunt.
‘What to do now?’
Seeing the precious family member made me increasingly flustered. What do you say to someone who’s witnessing their father, husband, and so on, get dragged away? How do I even approach them? Will she refuse, getting angry, asking who I dare to lay hands on Krasius’s bloodline?
The Minister told me to act according to principle, but who on earth can stick to principle under these circumstances? Unless the Minister and his aunt are fully estranged, blood is blood.
“Excuse me, ma’am. Are you Lady Elin Narzen?”
Seeing that I couldn’t leave her in this grim situation, I directed my attention toward her, under the watchful gaze of the executing officials, hoping to show my support.
“Yes. I am Elin Narzen.”
The moment I stepped closer, she shielded her children behind her and spoke with a hint of resignation.
“I will take care of the lady and the children.”
“Is it an order from above?”
“Ah, yes.”
With that, she gently closed her eyes and turned toward the first manager.
“W-Woman?”
“She’s someone I’ve never even seen before, who can hardly call herself my aunt. It’s embarrassing to receive help from you now, so I prefer to be treated as a member of the Narzen family and managed accordingly.”
Her resolute words made a cold sweat bead on my forehead.
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