Chapter 46

Please revise the following directive so it can be announced externally.

‘Land improvement work starts at the beginning of next month; the Empire’s citizens’ cooperation is required. Do not expect material support during the work due to shortages.’

What was funny was that this was actually going to be announced externally soon. The sentence was one line, but it couldn’t be easily softened and posed various appropriate problems related to the office.

‘It doesn’t need to sound fancy. If it’s too high-handed, the backlash will only worsen.’

I recalled the anger I’d tempered after reading many internal notices and official letters. Abandoning the idea of completely quelling complaints, I figured writing in a way that empathized with the domain residents’ situation would at least reduce negative reactions.

First, write on the assumption that criticism is inevitable.

‘They told me to write things I don’t mean… how bitter.’

I slowly picked up my fountain pen and rewrote it in the form of an official letter. I stretched out the text, removed unnecessary embellishments, and considered how each term might be perceived. I crossed out and edited as needed, then neatly copied the revised version. Even as a K-office worker, I wasn’t sure if it was the right answer for this place.

“Alright, fifteen minutes are up.”

Second-rank secretary Victor collected Elysia’s and my answer sheets. Then he dragged over what looked like a blackboard and pinned the sheets to it.

“Shall we look at them one by one?”

The junior scribe crept up and stood behind Elysia and me. Right—missing this amusing spectacle would be a shame. Lucius started by reading Elysia’s answer.

Early next month. The land improvement project will begin.
We ask the Empire’s citizens to cooperate with the land improvement project for the everlasting glory of the Empire.
Due to budgetary issues, separate material support is difficult, so please proceed with that in mind.

‘Are the Empire’s citizens slaves or what?’

It was arrogantly phrased even while requesting cooperation. It reeked of a ‘I’m nobility’ air. Elysia seemed very pleased with what she’d written. I hoped not every official notice had been issued like that.

“Ahem…”

Lucius examined her sheet closely and nodded. It was hard to tell from his expression whether he approved or disapproved.

“Next is Cornelia’s answer.”

He read my answer after Elysia’s.

Hello. This is the Seraphina Empire Chancellery.

Starting next month, we will commence the land improvement project. Since farmland is the root that sustains the Empire, the cooperation of the Empire’s citizens is essential for it. Although material support is difficult due to supply issues, we believe that by working together we can enrich our land. We kindly ask for your cooperation.

• Land Improvement Schedule -

1. Land improvement project: land maintenance work for Seraphina Empire food production
2. Date: Imperial Year 000, Month 0, Day 0
3. Location: Farmland currently in use in each domain
4. Work details: Specifics will be communicated by each domain’s responsible officer.

Honestly, even I couldn’t sense much sincerity.

The two 2nd grade secretaries scrutinized my answer. Lukan and the other assistant scribes murmured among themselves, exchanging opinions. I even heard someone absurdly say Elysia’s was better.

‘Now I’m needlessly anxious.’

My answer inevitably bore a strong K-office worker scent. I didn’t know the Chancellery’s tastes—I had been here less than a week. Though it felt like months to me.

“Hmm. I don’t think we need a separate judgment.”

As Lucius removed the sheets from the board, Victor nodded beside him.

“Right.”

“But if we ask why you wrote your answers this way, everyone will be convinced.”

Oh—suddenly they wanted explanations.

Lucius handed the sheet back to Elysia first and asked for an explanation. She answered without hesitation.

“It’s an external notice about a decision that’s already been made. It states there will be no material support. Rather than attaching useless flowery language like some people, I wrote it with the nuance that cooperation for the Empire’s glory is natural. The Empire’s citizens will understand when they read it.”

Although she hadn’t been here long, the Empire’s citizens weren’t as servile as Elysia assumed. Just looking at Pinea and Nicola showed many people could assert their opinions confidently.

To me, even if her family was small, she’d always lived like a noble, hence the phrasing. Lucius made no further comment on Elysia’s explanation and pointed to me for the next turn. I answered honestly about my writing process.

“As Elysia said, the matter has been decided and is unlikely to be reversed. Frankly, it’s saying there is no support but asking for cooperation.”

Victor nodded in agreement from the front.

“So I thought it better to ask the Empire’s citizens politely for cooperation. They are not slaves. I wrote with the intention of saying that farmland is important to the Empire and that, despite difficulties, we should try our best together. I added a bit of feeling but kept it concise. If possible, I would have added that the Chancellery will spare no support, but since that hasn’t been decided, including it would only create false hope, so I excluded it.”

“Why did you list the schedule separately below?”

“Because most people want to know when, where, and what will be done. I therefore noted it separately and succinctly so it would stand out. If you just ask for cooperation without details, people will forget it quickly. Then the external announcement loses its meaning.”

I felt Lukan and the junior scribes nod. The mood had shifted in my favor. Lucius didn’t hesitate and declared:

“The contest is won by Cornelia senior scribe.”

Amid the surrounding murmurs, I saw Elysia’s face go pale.

“For the reason, Senior scribe Elysia will know better. If you don’t understand, promotion to secretary will be difficult.”

Elysia bowed her head deeply, trembling with clenched fists.

“Must you say it so harshly? Oh dear, poor thing.”

In my thirties, I found early-twenties Elysia both cute and pitiable. Early in one’s career, inflated self-importance leads to many such humiliations that younger people boldly endure—things one couldn’t even imagine doing now.

“Then as the reward for victory, Chancellery staff will recognize Cornelia as a senior scribe, and Elysia will formally apologize.”

Elysia bit her lip tightly and spoke to me.

“…I apologize for my immature behavior up until now. I’m sorry.”

Her voice trembled with what could have been sorrow or anger. Watching her, I wanted this to end quickly more than I enjoyed the thrill of winning.

“Yes. Then I look forward to working with you, Senior scribe Elysia.”

With that, everyone dispersed back to their seats in small groups.

Elysia glared at me fiercely and stormed off. The bitter taste of defeat would fade with time.

“Senior scribe Cornelia.”

At that moment the two 2nd grade secretaries approached me. Lucius, with long red hair, extended his hand first.

“I’m 2nd grade Secretary Lucius Belmont. Today’s contest was very impressive. I think I had my prejudices. I’m sorry, and I look forward to working with you.”

“Mr. Lucius, I too look forward to working with you.”

“You can call me ‘senior’ casually.”

“Yes. Senior!”

The other 2nd grade secretary beside him also offered a handshake. He looked fierce and was large, so I had to look up.

“I’m also a 2nd grade Secretary Victor Blackwood. I look forward to working with you.”

“I also look forward to working with you, senior.”

I politely took my direct superior’s hand and shook it up and down. There was none of that icky, sleazy vibe. The Chancellery atmosphere definitely felt more relaxed after the contest.

‘Should I thank Elysia for this?’

She had, in a way, given me an opening. I decided I’d repay the favor someday, like when I informed Lukan of the Minister of Finance’s temper.

“Hardworking juniors are always welcome. If there’s anything you find hard to ask the senior scribe, or ask us.”

Lucius spoke gently, and Victor nodded beside him. The two had a duo-like feel. Judging by their eye for issues and evaluations, they clearly had the skill and experience to be the 2nd grade secretaries.

‘But why do they laze around so much, then?’

From experience, the number-one culprit for lowering staff morale is a superior’s behavior. There’s a reason for the saying ‘lead by example.’ Juniors envision their future through their seniors.

Chancellor Marcus. How severe were his abuses?

A few days ago, the Minister of Finance’s face full of rage came to mind.