Chapter: 85
The third prince of the second most powerful country, the second prince of the third most powerful country, and the next saint of the continent’s main religion. If such awe-inspiring members were to visit the capital, the repercussions would be immense.
If they were just visiting on a school trip, they would simply be categorized as “students,” so there wouldn’t be much to worry about. Although security would be particularly tightened, the Empire wouldn’t need to roll out the red carpet for them. But if they came as individuals, outside of the academy’s schedule? Then the Empire would have to prepare an appropriate reception.
It’s a diplomatic faux pas for lower-ranked individuals to welcome members of royal families. Regardless of how powerful they might be, like dukes, ministers, or generals, they are still just subjects. Thus, one from the imperial family must take the lead in the welcome.
‘Only the Crown Prince is left.’
The emperor couldn’t step in personally for such matters. Therefore, it had to be one of his children. Resurrecting the second prince who’s likely having a rough time in hell is not an option, and bestowing real power on the third prince at this point is also out of the question, so the Crown Prince remains the only viable choice.
And once the Crown Prince takes action, the Ministry of the Imperial Household can’t be absent. The Minister of the Imperial Household will also participate in this affair.
Whenever the Ministry of the Imperial Household is involved, the Ministry of Intelligence must tag along as well. So, two ministers have already been pulled into this situation because it’s a royal family affair that requires a proper reception.
‘What else is needed?’
In a daze, I rubbed my forehead, trying to organize my thoughts. Receiving foreign royal visitors isn’t something the Crown Prince could just wander into and greet casually. Behind the scenes, many people work tirelessly to make it happen.
First of all, the Minister of Foreign Affairs needs to be involved.
Since we need to consider precedents and legalities, the Minister of Justice must also be included.
Given that they’ll be using the Empire’s territories and thoroughfares, the Minister of Territorial Affairs needs to join in.
And since it’s an internal matter, the Minister of Internal Affairs has to be involved as well.
Since escort troops and military bands are expected to show up, the Minister of Defense has to take part in this too.
And since money makes the world go round, the Minister of Finance needs a reminder of his presence.
Lastly, the mayor of the capital also has to factor in, of course regarded as someone of ministerial level.
Now, I have to let the administration know that the pastry club is planning a visit to the capital and get these ten figures in motion. What a delightful task!
‘Should I just jump out the window?’
I found myself gazing mindlessly out the window. It’s not that high, but would I faint if I fell headfirst? Maybe a couple of months in a coma wouldn’t be so bad.
In this ridiculous situation, a fit of suppressed laughter escaped me. Ah, now I understand Villar’s feelings! Laughing in tough times? Forget about being top-notch; if I don’t laugh, I feel like I’m losing my sanity.
‘I’m losing my mind here!’
The Crown Prince, eight ministers, and one equivalent of a minister. Now, I need to be squeezed in among them, bracing myself for some serious verbal beatings.
Had there ever been a time I was so scared to contact a minister?
— What the heck are you talking about?!
The Minister’s rightful ire erupted through the communication crystal, blasting right into my ears. Unsurprisingly furious after hearing the circumstances, he unleashed a string of curses.
Of course, it’s a pretty shocking scenario. If I had heard this from my manager, I would’ve reacted in like manner. So here I am, sacrificing my eardrums while enduring the Minister’s tirade.
If this were something the Ministry of Finance could handle, I’d suck it up, annoyed as I may be. But this situation has escalated to the point where even the Minister of Finance is merely one more participant.
— What have you done?!
“Why are you blaming me?! I only found out today!”
Yet, the accusation made me boil over. This is practically a natural disaster! If I had orchestrated this chaos by inviting them, I’d be left speechless as I lost my head. But right now, I’m just an innocent bystander in this whirlwind of madness.
“How can I stop them from coming?!”
This situation is beyond my control. The continent is steeped in the notion that civil servants are just the hired hands of those in power… Subordinates tasked with fulfilling the whims of the higher-ups. Just puppets or shadows, really.
No matter how generous or kind-hearted one is, no one thanks their legs for transporting them where they want to go! And sadly, that’s the level civil servants operate at. That’s me, the minister, Villar, all rolled together.
Would a leg dare to say, “I really don’t want to go there,” just because a royal decided to visit somewhere? Absolutely not! That’s the stuff of pipe dreams!
— …That’s a good point.
In response to my heartfelt argument, the Minister seemed at a loss for words, his voice deflating.
— I apologize, but this is all just too ridiculous.
“It’s alright. I completely understand.”
I really do understand, so I have no intention of blaming him for his outburst.
— Eight ministers… I never thought we’d face a ministerial meeting in summer.
I almost added, “But it’s not like every single minister will gather for a real ministerial meeting, right?” but I held back. Given the current situation, that’d just be an insane provocation.
— I’ll speak to the Minister of the Imperial Household. Just hang tight.
“Understood.”
Hearing that the Minister would relay my message to upper management brought me a sense of relief. Despite our usual bickering, I can reach out to him comfortably due to our bond. However, the Imperial Household’s Minister is still a bit awkward; it would probably be quicker if the position changed than if I got close with this one!
— They won’t be arriving right away, will they?
“Uh, no. I heard they planned to come during the break; we haven’t even sorted out the exact timing yet.”
— Well, that’s a relief at least.
Having faced a rather spicy disaster, I’ve reached a level where even the smallest of good news feels like a blessing. However, it’s not precisely cheerful news.
— Keep the communication crystal near you. I’ll push things along as quickly as possible.
“Don’t worry!”
It would be a serious crime if my superiors finished their discussions but the head guy couldn’t receive the call on time. Just imagining it sends shivers down my spine!
Anyway, this isn’t a full ministerial meeting; it’s basically some mini meeting, so it might take about five days to outline things.
‘I hope absolutely nothing happens in the meantime!’
And astonishingly, in under five hours, my communication crystal blushed purple. I didn’t expect a development without allowing any time for incidents to arise!
— Executive Manager. I just received the gift you prepared.
“……”
The one reaching out had hair as golden as Ainter’s, but with an entirely different vibe: a young man with purple eyes.
— You’ve somehow sensed my busy schedule and managed to prepare such delightful news? I’ve laughed more than a few times!
The Crown Prince called me directly.
“I apologize…”
— Ah, let’s skip the formalities. — I’m not so dull that I’d get annoyed over a friend’s gift.
Despite the Crown Prince smiling through the communication crystal, his eyes were a thousand shades away from smiling.
— I received the gift very well.
= Seriously?! You dare throw this nonsense at me while I’m drowning in work?!
He couldn’t blame me for the incident itself, but his eyes were spitting fire at me. What the heck, do you think I did this on purpose?!
“I was worried it might disturb your Highness, but I couldn’t prepare anything better. If it displeased you, I am deeply apologetic. I know mere apologies would not suffice, but I am grateful you perceive it that way.”
= It’s not my fault. This situation erupted suddenly and left me with no options. Feel free to fire me if you need to!
— Haha, your loyalty is always a joy, Executive Manager.
= You little brat. Okay, I’ll let this slide.
During the back-and-forth, a tempest of intense emotions rapidly oscillated between us. I had nothing more to offer to the Crown Prince, nor could he launch any arrows my way.
Exchanging hostile but formal greetings seemed to be the best course of action for both of us.
Initially, the Crown Prince didn’t contact me to blame me. More likely, he was curious why the one monitoring Ainter at the academy would suddenly visit the capital with the club members. He probably was displeased at being saddled with extra work on top of his already busy schedule.
— The unexpected gift was quite a delight; life would be utterly boring if everything went as planned!
Hearing that from someone whose existence seems to resemble a roller coaster ride feels more profound than a mere joke.
— Joy should be shared! The academy break is soon, right?
“Yes, that’s correct!”
— After the closing ceremony, head to the capital.
I’ve received a summons! Though I secretly hoped the ministers would handle the matter, that wish clearly fell through.
After all, it would be strange if the party responsible for this bizarre announcement skipped out on the meeting. Even if I had nothing to contribute, there would be individuals demanding I come to deflect their frustrations in person!
“Understood, Your Highness.”
— Good. We’ll see you then.
Staring blankly at the now-dark communication crystal, I thought: While I wished to visit the capital, I didn’t want it to be under these circumstances.
In the fleeting moment before the closing ceremony, I pondered if their minds might change, hoping against hope.
If they decide against heading to the capital, I could quickly relay that back to the administration. They might question, “Are you toying with the ministers?” but let’s be real; if the meeting got canceled, they’d probably be dancing out the door in celebration!
But, as they say, with hopeful expectations often comes disappointment.
“Are we all planning to stay at the academy for now?”
“Yes, it’s going to take a while to pack everything.”
“Then we can make good use of that time to arrange our schedules accordingly.”
Strangely, the trip to the capital was never canceled right up until the very end. Instead, we parted ways discussing potential schedules for the capital visit.
Soon after, I landed in front of the Imperial Household with the teleportation mage directly dispatched by the Crown Prince.
And lo and behold, no fewer than ten superiors awaited me right there.
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