Chapter 58
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org
Chapter 58
Since becoming Finance Minister, quite a lot has actually happened.
First, Huan Loapi was fired for embezzlement. And Baron and Baroness Loapi both fled the Capital, pursued by debt.
Crown Prince Kiaros sent me a letter about it.
He's investigating Cedric Loapi.
We secured testimony from Baron and Baroness Loapi, but it turned out to be a phantom organization.
He asked me to wait a little longer.
Even though he's in seclusion during this dark period, it seems he's investigating diligently nonetheless.
Judging by the fact that he even uncovered Huan Loapi Sr.'s name accurately.
In any case, he's someone who handles matters thoroughly, so I figured I could trust him and wait.
'Also, the Baron's estate became mine, so I moved out of the Boarding House and into there instead.'
I never would have thought it, but a notarized contract between Huan Loapi Sr. and Baron Loapi still existed.
After going through all sorts of complicated procedures, the Baron's estate became my house.
'Even so, for several years relatives lived together there, and it was always bustling with activity....'
Now, in stark contrast to those days, there was no one in that house but me.
So....
'It's absolutely wonderful.'
I moved my belongings from the attic room I'd originally used to the finest room in the house, smiling contentedly.
'It's really wonderful.'
Howard Alten was somehow dealt with and left for the Provincial Area.
I heard later that Kibon had given some testimony.
"The thoughtful and kind Crown Prince Kiaros personally ordered me to testify on your behalf."
When Kibon said that, I shrank back and replied.
"Good heavens, he even knew that person grabbed me in front of the Trial Court? Really... it's unsettling."
"...Pardon?"
"He said he investigated my background. So he went that far...."
"That, that is...."
Watching Kibon's flustered expression, I spoke in an enraptured tone, overcome with emotion.
"Crown Prince Kiaros is really competent. Isn't he?"
"...Pardon?"
"He's doing an excellent job. I just hope he continues investigating everything this thoroughly and meticulously."
Honestly, I did behave suspiciously. I'd been practically dead inside for so long, then suddenly approached the Empress and acted out of character.
If Crown Prince Kiaros can sense even my level of suspicion, then he must be investigating the mastermind behind it all with equally meticulous care!
"It's gratifying to have saved him. I'm truly proud."
"You find it gratifying to be under surveillance?"
"Suspicion is a very good attitude for anyone to have. Especially someone with so much to protect."
I genuinely didn't mind being watched. My conscience was clear.
Kibon's expression grew increasingly bewildered.
But I felt genuinely delighted at having witnessed Crown Prince Kiaros's thoroughness.
'Of course, knowing the future is somewhat suspicious. But I didn't suddenly remember the original story because I did something wrong, did I?'
I widened my eyes and muttered under my breath.
"I wish you would scrutinize and monitor more thoroughly...."
Kibon flinched slightly but said nothing. Then he began to focus on the tasks I had assigned him.
And no wonder—I had given him quite a lot of work.
'His complexion has definitely gotten worse lately....'
His face had grown gaunt, practically broadcasting "I'm overworked" to anyone who looked at him.
It was somewhat pitiful, but there was no helping it.
'The Scroll Department's inaugural launch. This is my first time operating exclusively under the Imperial Family.'
Which meant I had to secure the initial budget from the Ministry of Finance. That's why I'd even had to work late nights these past few days.
Still, our coordination was quite good.
For instance....
"Kibon, the documents."
This morning, the Finance Minister—who appeared to be under considerable mental strain—came to visit.
Kibon wordlessly produced the prepared documents with a crisp flourish.
The Finance Minister sighed and sat across from me.
"You've already confirmed the results regarding your twin brother, I assume. With just the embezzlement alone, there was no way he could keep his position. I heard you've cut ties with him—is that correct?"
"Yes, that's right."
"And... that damned Huan apparently knew nothing about the reports he'd submitted all this time. Were those all written by you?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"Without even being properly trained by the Ministry of Finance personnel?"
"Whenever he didn't understand something, I instructed him to retrieve the superior documents from that damned Huan. I used those as reference when drafting the reports."
"Hah...."
The Finance Minister's expression grew complicated.
His face bore the weight of realizing that someone from another department had been handling the Ministry of Finance's work all along.
He exhaled deeply and muttered.
"...Do you know what I'm about to ask of you?"
I nodded quietly.
The Finance Minister washed his face with his hands a few times and spoke in a low voice.
"Then... I'm asking for your help."
"Of course."
"Aren't you going to confirm that you understand what I'm asking?"
"You're asking me not to speak to anyone outside about the document leak, correct?"
It was only natural that the Finance Minister would inquire about the document leak.
Huan was going to be dismissed anyway because of the embezzlement.
And in principle, only the person who leaked the documents would be punished—not the person who had written them in their stead.
In other words, there was nothing to gain by bringing it up.
"Ahem, ahem. Personally, I acknowledge your abilities. However...."
"I understand."
I spoke gently.
"If word gets out that the Ministry of Finance has had security issues from the very beginning of this major project you're currently undertaking, it will trigger resistance from other departments and lead to an immediate audit."
"That's true. I don't have time to waste on pointless turf wars with other departments right now. I do pride myself on being principled, but...."
"Ahem, ahem."
"...I apologize for the lie. Truth is, I'm a results-driven man."
I had already sensed as much. The Finance Minister continued, looking somewhat embarrassed.
"The reports you've submitted so far have been excellent."
"Ah, yes."
"I spent several days deliberating, and I decided it would be best to bury this matter here. The security breach wasn't really a breach at all—it actually benefited the Ministry of Finance."
"Ah, yes."
"Thank you for accommodating my request. Well then, I'll be going...."
"...."
"...or not?"
When I didn't respond, the Finance Minister's brow furrowed sharply.
I exhaled deeply and gave Kibon a meaningful glance.
Kibon swiftly placed a report on the table.
"What is this?"
"We'd like to undertake a project as well...."
Every department needs achievements to be recognized.
To achieve results, projects had to be undertaken.
And projects required a budget.
"...The Scroll Department? A project?"
When we were the Scroll Management Department before, we hadn't undertaken a single project.
So it was natural that the Finance Minister was astonished.
"Originally, we received our budget from the Magic Tower, but now that we're under the Imperial Family, it seems the Ministry of Finance will need to revise the budget allocation."
I spoke demurely. It was a request to set a generous initial budget for the Scroll Department.
The Finance Minister scrutinized the report, then picked up his quill and wrote a figure.
"Hmm. Let's go with this amount."
"...."
As I studied the number quietly, I gave Kibon another glance.
Kibon handed another report to the Finance Minister.
The Finance Minister read through the additional report and slowly revised the figure.
"1.2 times. Will this be acceptable?"
"...."
I remained silent. Kibon placed yet another report on top.
The Finance Minister quickly skimmed through the report and changed the figure again.
"2 times. That's my final offer. Now say 'Ah, yes' already."
"...."
I didn't respond, and Kibon added one more report.
The Finance Minister frowned and spoke.
"How many projects are you planning to undertake? The budget is limited!"
"Yes, but."
I answered calmly.
"If I fail to guard my tongue and point out the Ministry of Finance's security lapses... well, the Ministry will naturally incur additional audit expenses...."
The Finance Minister clicked his tongue.
Beside me, Kibon carefully held up a stack of reports.
And he quietly moved his lips.
The Finance Minister, catching the shape of Kibon's mouth, jumped to his feet.
"Seven times? Have you lost your minds?"
"...."
Then Kibon quietly placed another copy of the report on the desk.
It was a silent pressure—whether he would continue wasting time.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org