58
After I became the minister, a lot of things happened.
First, Juan was fired for embezzling funds.
Then Baron and Baroness “Rawabi” were exiled from the capital due to debts.
Concerning this, I received a letter from Chiaros:
*“I am currently conducting an investigation into Cedric Rawabi.*
*We have obtained testimony from Baron and Baroness Rawabi, but their information points to a fake organization.*
*Please be patient a little longer.*
He seems to have been seriously conducting his investigations even during the Dark Ages.
He even managed to pinpoint my father's name.
Since he was someone who got things done well, I thought I could trust him and wait patiently.
‘Also, the Baron’s house became my property, and I moved in instead of staying in the guest house.’
It was not expected, but there was a documented contract between my father and Baron “Rawabi.” After several complicated procedures, the Baron's house became mine.
‘Even though it was a home full of life, where family members had lived together for years…’
Now, in contrast to that crowded past, there was only me left in the house.
And so…
'It's wonderful.'
I smiled contentedly as I moved my belongings from the attic I was living in to the best room in the house.
'It's really cool.'
As for Howard Altin, he was dealt with in some way and left for the countryside.
Later, I heard that Kibun had given some kind of testimony.
“The kind and considerate Crown Prince, in his honorable person, has ordered me to testify on behalf of the Minister.”
Kibun said that, and I felt confused and said backing away:
“Did he know that person caught me in front of the courtroom?
“This is really… annoying.”
“…Excuse me?”
“He said he was investigating me.
I didn't realize he had gone this far...”
“That, that…”
Seeing Kibun stuttering, I spoke in an affected, almost dreamy tone:
“The Crown Prince is a really brilliant person, isn't he?”
“…Excuse me?”
“He's doing great.
“I hope he will continue his investigations with the utmost precision.”
Honestly, I acted suspiciously.
I had been living quietly for a long time, and then suddenly I approached the Empress.
If someone like Qiaros was able to spot the suspiciousness of my actions, then he must be deeply investigating the mastermind as well!
“I'm glad I saved him.
“This is really satisfying.”
“You mean you're happy to be watched?”
“It's a good view of things, to be suspicious of everyone.
Especially for someone who has a lot to lose.”
Honestly, I didn't mind being watched.
I had nothing to hide.
Kibun's features looked more puzzled, while I relaxed, realizing how meticulous Kiaros was at his work.
'Of course, my knowledge of the future might seem a bit suspicious.
But it's not as if I suddenly remembered the original story because of a mistake I made.'
I muttered to myself with narrowed eyes:
“I hope he will become more precise in his suspicions and observation...”
Kibun shuddered slightly but didn't say a word.
Instead, he focused on the tasks I gave him.
This makes sense, it was a lot of work.
'He seems in worse shape these days...'
His face was pale, literally screaming: “I’m so tired.”
I felt a little sorry for him, but there was no other choice.
'The Manuscripts Department has just begun.
This is the first time we have worked under the supervision of the Imperial Family alone.'
Therefore, we had to secure our first budget from the Ministry of Finance, which required some extra nights of work.
But we were working in harmony.
For example…
“Kibun, documents.”
This morning, the Minister of Finance came to us looking exhausted.
Without a word, and with a quick movement, Kibun handed over the documents prepared in advance.
The Minister of Finance sighed as he sat in front of me, then said:
"I assume you've seen the results of the investigation into your twin brother.
The mere embezzlement alone was enough to get him fired.
I heard you broke off all ties with him, is that true?"
"Yes, this is correct."
“And…that damned Juan didn’t know anything about the reports he submitted.
Was it you who wrote them all this time?”
The Finance Minister's features looked complicated.
He was clearly uncomfortable knowing that someone from another department was handling the work of the Ministry of Finance.
He let out a deep sigh and muttered to himself:
“...Do you know what I'm about to ask you?”
I nodded silently.
The Finance Minister rubbed his face several times before speaking in a low voice:
“So… I'm asking you for a favor.”
“Yes, I understand that.”
“Aren't you going to check even if you think you know what it is?”
“You want me to keep quiet about the leaking of documents, right?”
It was natural for the Minister of Finance to ask about the issue of leaking documents.
Juan was already about to be fired for embezzlement.
According to the laws, the person who leaked the documents is the one who is punished, not the person who wrote them on his behalf.
In other words, there was no point in bringing it up.
“Hmm, hmm.
Personally, I appreciate your abilities.
But...”
“I am aware of that.”
“You know that if it turns out that there are security problems in the Ministry of Finance when starting a major project, it will lead to negative reactions from other departments and an official investigation will be opened, right?”
"Exactly.
Right now, we don't have the luxury of engaging in unnecessary power struggles with other departments.
Although I'm strict about the rules…"
“Hmm, hmm.”
“...I apologize, that was a lie.
In fact, I am a results-oriented person.”
I had already sensed it.
The Minister of Finance continued, feigning some embarrassment:
“The reports you wrote during the last period were excellent.”
"Yes."
“After much thought over the past few days, I have decided that it is best to keep this matter under wraps.
There was no actual security breach.
In fact, it appears to have benefited the Ministry of Finance.”
"Yes."
“I appreciate you understanding my request.
This is all I have for now...”
“…….”
“…isn’t it?”
When I didn't answer, the Minister of Finance frowned sharply.
I took a deep breath and nodded to Kibun, who quickly placed a report on the table.
"What is this?"
“We would like to present our own project…”
Each department had to make achievements to gain recognition.
To achieve achievements, projects must be implemented.
To implement projects, a budget is indispensable.
“…Manuscript Management Department?
Project?”
The Manuscript Management Department had never undertaken a project before, so it was natural for the Minister of Finance to express his surprise.
“We used to get our budget from the Magic Tower, but after we became part of the Imperial Palace, it became necessary for the Ministry of Finance to reallocate the budget to us.”
I spoke in a humble tone, hinting that the Manuscript Management Department needed an adequate initial budget.
The Minister of Finance stared at the report for a while, then picked up his feather pen and began writing a number on paper.
“Hmm.
How about this amount?”
“…….”
As I stared at the number, I motioned to Kibon, and he delivered another report to the Minister of Finance.
After reading the additional report, the minister slowly adjusted the figure.
“One and a half times.
Is that acceptable?”
“…….”
I didn't say a word, so Kibon placed another report on the table.
The minister quickly leafed through the document, then revised the number again.
"Twice.
That should be enough.
Just say 'yes' and that's it."
“…….”
I remained silent, prompting Kibun to add another report.
The Minister of Finance frowned deeply and said angrily:
“How many projects do you plan to implement?
The budget is limited!”
“Yes, but...”
I answered calmly:
“If I accidentally pointed out security problems within the Ministry of Finance... there would certainly be additional costs involved in the investigation, right?”
The Finance Minister clicked his tongue in annoyance.
Next to me, Kibun carefully lifted the pile of reports, silently moving his lips.
As soon as the Minister of Finance saw what Kibon was muttering, he jumped out of his seat in fright.
“Seven times as much?!
Have you lost your minds?!”
“…….”
In response, Kibon silently placed another report on the desk.
It was a silent pressure, as if we were asking him if he would rather continue wasting time.