Chapter 61

After that, Aidan began to visit our new house often. He was unexpectedly sociable and got along well with Julie and Rio.

“Didn’t you say the Magic Tower was the best?”

“I did, but that’s changed a bit recently.”

I couldn’t understand why Aidan would come to someone else’s house and act like that.

“I did give permission, but still. You and the young master are a little too much for me, you know that?”

“Because it’s fun when I’m with Coco.”

I’m just an office worker, so I couldn’t understand what was so enjoyable about it.

“It’s not just me; everyone lives like this. If you watch the servants at the Marquess’s residence a little, you’ll see.”

Aidan shook his head firmly.

“Just because things look similar doesn’t mean people’s feelings are the same, right? Coco would be the same.”

“….”

It wasn’t entirely wrong, so I couldn’t argue. As Aidan’s visits increased, Miss Kiara’s visits also became more frequent.

“You’re here again. Is this your house now?”

“Sister, well…”

“I bought it with my money.”

The siblings’ bond was strengthening here at our house…

Still, seeing them often did make me feel more at ease.

‘I just hope Rio’s illness gets better soon.’

Money aside, having entered the Chancellery on Miss Kiara’s advice, I was considering becoming an influential noble to petition the temple. Even if I couldn’t reach the highest ranks, if I advanced to something like a first-grade secretary I might receive a titled position with lands. Then I could consider the next step.

“Before that, let’s finish this group project we’re working on.”

I sighed deeply, thinking of the three strong-willed department members.

“I believe the noble asset registration system proposed by Cornelia, 2nd-grade secretary, is the best option at present. If anyone has other opinions, speak freely.”

The Duke opened this morning’s meeting very gravely. The department members who had looked aghast at the last meeting regained their composure. Diplomat Simon spoke first.

“I support this proposal on the condition that the Magic Tower’s cooperation is possible.”

‘Oh, that easily?’

At the swift gathering of supportive opinions, my lips unintentionally rounded.

“However.”

Ah, I knew it. My rising hope deflated like a punctured balloon. Reyra from the Ministry of Finance shot a sharp look and spoke.

“The nobles will resist strongly.”

“That makes sense.”

The Duke nodded as if in agreement. Reyra added further explanation.

“They’ll have to agree with the intent to prevent crime. But how many nobles are there who would emerge unscathed if searched? Even I, who pride myself on having lived as I have, would probably need to sort out my assets before this system starts.”

This woman leads a rough life not at all typical for the Ministry of Finance.

“But His Majesty would favor it. Under the pretext of protecting nobles’ assets, we can ascertain them. For the Ministry of Finance, it’s ideal. Tracking funds becomes easier.”

“We should give time to organize things before the law takes effect. There could be victims of good faith.”

Diplomat Sean still wore a worried expression.

“Still, the moment it’s announced there will be strong backlash. There were quite a few cronies of Chancellor Marcus and Secretary Dorian. In any case, once it’s reported, it’s harder to keep slush funds separate. If they’re caught, assets revert to the state, so they’ll be even more reluctant.”

The Duke turned his head and looked at me.

“Then what does Cornelia, the secretary who proposed this plan, think?”

I thought it over and replied.

“Actually, I think the enforcement of this law depends on His Majesty’s will. Shouldn’t we first ascertain how intent he is to implement it? If he has no intention, the discussion itself would be meaningless.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

“Then report to His Majesty and we’ll discuss the next steps afterward.”

‘Where is this? Why am I here? What on earth is happening?’

I was now in front of the imperial audience chamber.

The Duke who had gone to report to the Emperor returned a moment later and suddenly said to come along.

‘Why did he call me?’

If the Emperor liked the proposal, he could implement it, and if not, just abandon it. Why call someone needlessly and make them this anxious?

“Don’t worry. Just observe the etiquette and you’ll be fine.”

‘That’s the main problem…’

I had picked up etiquette among nobles, but I had never learned how to behave before the Emperor. What ordinary bureaucrat would meet the Emperor? Besides, I’d only been in the Chancellery for a few months!

“Your Majesty, Cornelia, 2nd-grade secretary of the Chancellery.”

The chamberlain, unaware of the screams in my heart, smiled and opened the door for me. Hesitating, I finally entered the audience chamber where the Emperor, dressed in his ceremonial robes, sat on the throne exuding authority. I glanced at the Duke and bowed similarly.

“Raise your head.”

It was my first time kneeling on one knee and looking up at someone. For the first time I truly felt I had come into another world.

“Yes, I have read the noble asset registration system you proposed.”

The Emperor was a man of moderate build, with silver hair and golden eyes like the Crown Prince. He seemed kindly but his sharp gaze was not to be taken lightly.

‘So the Crown Prince resembles the Empress after all.’

“You please me.”

“Thank you.”

The Emperor gave a satisfied smile.

“I hear you are the famed secretary who uncovered the Chancellery’s deep-rooted corruption.”

“You flatter me, your majesty.”

I perked up, wondering if the Emperor’s mood had been unsettled by that matter.

“With this noble asset registration system, there should be no doubt of your loyalty to the Crown. I’m glad a promising young person is so helpful.”

‘What is he saying?’

I thought that inwardly, but my bow grew ever deeper.

“I merely did my duty for the people of the Empire.”

A workplace-hardened line slipped out naturally.

“I have high expectations. Normally I would hesitate because of the nobles’ backlash. But if the Magic Tower gets involved, it’s different. They can preserve the justification and mediate adequately. Convincing the Magic Tower won’t be easy, though.”

“I know.”

Still, I thought of Aidan, who had become unusually close recently, and spoke.

“We can’t give up without trying. I’ll attempt to persuade them.”

“I like your spirit. What do you think, Vespera?”

Vespera? For a moment I thought of someone else, then remembered it was the Duke’s name.

“You had your day like this too. It was quite endearing.”

“We’re discussing serious matters; please refrain from jokes.”

The Duke’s icy expression didn’t break even when the Emperor spoke. The Emperor clicked his tongue and shook his head.

“Boring fellow. Now, Cornelia, one more question. Even if the Magic Tower cooperates, the nobles’ backlash will be great. How will you prevent that?”

The Emperor wasn’t asking out of trust but constantly testing me. I chose to show my resolve clearly. I wanted to see what kind of person the Emperor was by baiting him with how he conversed with the Duke.

“Actually, there’s an important part about implementing the noble asset registration system I haven’t mentioned yet.”

I felt the Duke turn to look at me, but I fixed my gaze solely on the Emperor.

“What is it?”

“The most persuasive factor in implementing this system is His Majesty’s will.”

“Will? You already seem to express it strongly.”

“The best way to make others accept something they dislike without complaint is by example. So… there would be no stronger persuasion than His Majesty, who supports this proposal, publicly disclosing the imperial family’s assets as well.”

“…!”

“Secretary Cornelia.”

The Emperor’s eyes turned sharp in an instant. The Duke tried to quiet my remark with a low voice, but it was already too late. Without the Emperor’s will, the law would be meaningless.

“The corruption of former Chancellor Marcus has already given us justification. Even with backlash, enforcing this system shouldn’t be an issue. But what Your Majesty wants is for the system to take root properly. Only then can we clearly identify nobles’ assets, collect taxes, and manage the imperial budget. So leading by example would be best.”

A quiet stillness fell over the audience chamber.

“Your loyalty… it’s not easy to bear. It seems as if you are testing me.”

The Emperor’s political career wasn’t to be underestimated. It was infuriating how he kept testing loyal subordinates, but in this world the Emperor was the highest authority, so I had to comply.

“Vespera, what would the supreme Justice do?”

The Duke answered as if it were a trivial question.

“Wouldn’t we simply have to register? It’s the imperial family’s duty for the Empire.”

“Enough. I shouldn’t have asked. Such a stubborn fellow. Ahem. Secretary Cornelia.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I wish our Lawrence resembled even half of you. What do you think?”

“…Sorry?”

I was genuinely bewildered by the sudden complete change of subject.

Why did the Crown Prince suddenly come up?