Chapter 96
We often fail to recognize how precious something is when we have it with us at all times. It’s usually only after we lose it that we come to realize just how valuable it was. It’s such a heart-wrenching and regrettable situation.
Health is a prime example of this. They say your 20s are prime time, full of vigor, but perhaps because I strained myself too much back in my teens, I could feel my health slipping away. The hunting wars and internal purges were undeniably brutal.
However, thanks to the unparalleled grace of a certain legendary archmage, I’m now quickly regaining my lost health.
“Thank you, Mage Duchess.”
These days, my day starts with a solemn expression of gratitude towards the Mage Duchess. It’s a greeting she obviously can’t hear, but isn’t it the least I can do as someone who has benefited from her kindness? Sure, I could pass for a beast with my black hair, but I’m still human!
Just drinking a tiny, precious potion I received for free allows me to start my day with more energy than ever. I’m truly grateful, Mage Duchess!
‘Now, that’s impressive.’
When I first drank it, I thought it was just placebo effect nonsense. They say it’s good, so I bought into it without a second thought. But the more I drink, the more I genuinely feel its effects. Even at times when I typically feel exhausted, I feel as lively as a spring chicken!
I barely managed to resist the impulse to drink two or three bottles a day. In certain rogue cities, they say excessive potion consumption can actually benefit your stamina, but here? Overdoing it will lead to a rough existence. Doping can yield instant results, but ultimately, it’s harmful to the body.
“Master, may I come in?”
As I fiddled with the empty bottle, Yuris’s voice echoed from outside the door. Oh no, I really kept her waiting too long.
“Sure, come in.”
I casually swept aside my hair, readying myself for Yuris’s cheerful entrance. Today is going to be another exciting day at work!
Sadly, the backlog of tasks is no small feat, one day of work won’t clear it. Just when I thought all the paperwork from yesterday was finished, I heard the Senior Manager announce that there would be more documents coming tomorrow. Talk about a surprise!
Honestly, finishing a month’s worth of work in a single day? Now that would be absurd! If I could do that, then I’d truly be unnecessary around here. I might as well just place a doll at my desk!
‘What the heck?’
Not that I actually meant for anyone to put a doll there.
Lo and behold, when I walked into work, I found a doll occupying my chair! And to top it off, there was a portrait of me stuck to its face. Who in their right mind would pull a stunt like that?
As I turned my head, I spotted the 1st Manager with an absurdly proud expression, arms crossed, head held high, and it was just infuriating!
“This. Explain!”
“I’ve appointed a new superior who cares for his subordinates!”
As I pointed at the doll, suppressing a sigh, the 1st Manager responded with even more exasperating confidence. Wasn’t I the one asking for clarity? Instead, she just piled on more questions!
Is she out of her mind? Did she snap after just one night shift?
Maybe I should just smack her.
While I dealt with my inner turmoil, the 1st Manager clutched the doll and glared at me. For goodness’ sake, at least remove my picture!
“I don’t need a mean boss who torments his subordinates! Carl here always shows his love for his noona!”
“Are you out of your mind?”
Calling your superior by their first name is simply inexcusable. The moment they start referring to me by name and using informal speech, I wouldn’t be able to rein them in anymore!
That’s an undeniable line that shouldn’t be crossed. Even in my previous life, once subordinates began to speak informally with their seniors, it meant they were basically colleagues from then on!
As I strode toward the doll, the 1st Manager quaked in fear, yet she wouldn’t let go of it. Just what happened during that night shift to cause this madness? Did she feel utterly wronged by the shift?
“Don’t come any closer! I’ll protect the Executive Manager!”
“I’ll make sure that imposter pays for this.”
“N-no!”
With a little effort, I forcibly yanked the doll away from the struggling 1st Manager. Honestly, it wasn’t even mine. The 2nd Manager made it, so breaking it would be a real no-no, but I couldn’t be bothered with that as I ripped off its head first.
Thus began the swift demise of Executive Manager Carl (a sewing doll, six months old).
“Carl, I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you…”
“Quit the nonsense and take this instead.”
I tossed a bag at the 1st Manager, who was busy picking up the doll pieces with her trembling hands. If I had known she’d pull a prank like this first thing in the morning, I wouldn’t have brought anything.
As she tossed the doll fragments aside and reached for the bag, a smile broke out on her face upon checking what was inside.
“It’s a cake gift. The head chef made it!”
“Hehe, thanks!”
The 1st Manager took out a piece of bread and bit into it, looking all happy. Honestly, the intensity of her mood swings is ridiculous!
As I turned to collect the torn pieces of the doll left behind, I thought about yesterday’s cake and today’s doll. What would be next? Flowers? If I receive flowers, that’d be a perfect gift trio—if only they weren’t all in tatters!
“Executive Manager, you’re making a mess. Clean it up later, will you?”
Didn’t you just apologize for not protecting it? What’s with this leading flip-flop? I’ve rarely encountered a more unhinged person than her.
“…Fine.”
As the saying goes, you shouldn’t mess with someone while they’re eating; I couldn’t exactly hurt her. Just please eat well, my little dog-like 1st Manager, and grow up healthy!
‘Damn.’
If it weren’t for the potion from the Mage Duchess, I’d have collapsed from all the craziness!
A small ruckus occurred, yet time flowed on without care. If I let time pass in vain, my workload will only pile higher.
As soon as I banished the 1st Manager, the Senior Manager arrived. I guess he was loitering outside, waiting to enter after hearing the chaos in my office. Sorry for putting on such a show!
After exchanging awkward glances, I tried speaking first.
“How much longer do we have?”
“Just two more days should do it.”
“That’s a relief.”
Hearing a somewhat satisfactory response, I scribbled my signature. Yesterday, today, tomorrow, and the day after. Alright, just four more days of struggling, and then I won’t have to show my face around the Prosecutor’s Office for a while.
Moreover, since there were no documents waiting for me to deal with, it seems there aren’t any major cases at the moment. The only big case up for discussion—the dispatch case—was already handled yesterday, so I was free and clear.
Just as those thoughts crossed my mind, the communication crystal on my desk lit up with a brilliant glow.
“…”
“Executive Manager.”
“Yes. I’ll take the call.”
For a moment, I was tempted to ignore it, but the Senior Manager’s voice brought me back to reality as I picked up the communication crystal. Honestly, I might have ignored it if he hadn’t been around.
“It’s the Minister of Intelligence.”
— This is the Minister of Intelligence.
As I answered, the familiar scarred face of the Minister of Intelligence greeted me. Seriously, no matter how many times I saw that face, I still couldn’t get used to it.
Why doesn’t he treat those scars? I know some folks go bonkers over them, but they irritate me!
Still, I figured I shouldn’t bring it up unless the Emperor specifically ordered it, so I let it slide. Cares about me being tired for nothing.
“Yes, Your Grace. What can I do for you?”
— Come to my office. We have pressing matters to discuss.
“Understood.”
— The Minister of Foreign Affairs will be there too, so I hope you can hurry.
“Ah, yes.”
The Minister of Intelligence cut off the line with his abrupt summon. So, they’re both present, huh?
‘I really don’t want to go.’
This pairing always means trouble! What on earth has happened for these two to be collaborating?
Glancing up at the ceiling in a daze, I felt my body sink even lower than before. I certainly didn’t want to go, but ignoring the summons of two ministers would be even worse.
“I’ll be off.”
“Please come back safe.”
Their farewell felt almost like a prayer, a plea for my survival, which tugged at my heart a bit.
*
When two departments meet, you know it’s going to be a pain.
“We have received information from the Holy Kingdom.”
The foreign minister, rarely serious, wore a solemn expression as he spoke. Shifting my gaze, I saw the Minister of Intelligence with the same hardened face, arms crossed.
‘Even you’re on edge?’
This guy typically wears a neutral face unless he’s really upset.
“What’s going on?”
“The Twilight Cult.”
The Minister of Intelligence, who had been quiet up till now, finally offered a low reply. At his words, the Foreign Minister clicked his tongue, and I couldn’t help but sigh in instinctual annoyance.
This was not merely a fleeting annoyance. This was dirty, messy, and a big deal.
“The Twilight Cult is approaching the Capital.”
“Are they out of their minds?”
“They’re fanatics for a reason.”
Well, he wasn’t wrong about that sentiment!
“What are we dealing with here?”
“While the Holy Kingdom was chasing after the Twilight Cult, they caught wind of them infiltrating the Empire.”
This time, the Minister of Foreign Affairs picked up the thread of conversation. His expression was slightly better than before, but the constant wiping of his forehead with a handkerchief suggested stress was still weighing heavily on him.
“After a long absence from our borders, suddenly, they’ve decided to cross the line.”
“And their target is the Capital?”
“They are indeed.”
Even if the Foreign Minister nodded calmly, I could see the fury in his eyes. It’s too evident what the Twilight Cult is after, especially with all the fuss they cause.
“Tannian Enes.”
“They’re likely aiming for assassination.”
Tannian, who is currently hanging out in my mansion, is parading around with the prestigious title of the next Saint. From the perspective of the Twilight Cult, he’s practically the equivalent of a Pope. Killing him would seriously hurt the Holy Kingdom.
The only logical conclusion is they’re after an assassination! If they dare enter our Empire knowing we’re hot on their heels, they’re putting their crosshairs on a big fish!
“How dare they underestimate the Empire!”
The furious voice came from next to me. This time, I found myself agreeing with the Minister of Intelligence’s sentiments.
‘Those bastards!’
How casually do they think they can plot such a thing against the Empire?
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