Chapter 72

The departments of the Seraphina Empire will share their achievements and plans, and participate in activities like archery, riding, and hunting to cultivate the basic skills expected of elite officials. This is not merely a contest of strength, but a forum for exchange among central ministries united under the Empire.

A cool autumn day—perfect weather for an event.

Tables, chairs, and a small dais were neatly arranged outdoors like a modest party. Officials sat at round tables labeled with their department names. Since it wasn’t a banquet, everyone attended in their work attire. While listening to Lukan’s smooth speaking as he hosted the event, I observed the movements of the group’s lead secretary seated opposite.

‘Just as I thought.’

No matter what Lukan said or what other departments reported, his gaze never left Reyra, the finance officer. Receiving that attention, she had pinned her neatly rolled long hair with a fountain pen, exuding a somehow decadent allure. It was as if she had come prepared.

“Thank you for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ report. Next is the Chancellery’s turn.”

Senior Lucius strode up to the dais with a parchment in hand. He looked ten years older from the stress, which made me feel sorry for him today. He was newly married but was certainly not enjoying himself.

“There have been many internal and external changes in the Chancellery this year…”

Although it was an official event, it was internal enough to speak freely without hiding things. In fact, some news had already been public. He briefly mentioned the former Chancellor’s affair and the pompous fellow’s construction corruption as he announced the Chancellery’s reorganization.

“There were unfortunate incidents, but they have been satisfactorily resolved, and Cornelia, is the secretary who recently proposed the Noble Asset Registration Act, has been promoted to First-Rank Secretary, so we plan to proceed with various measures she suggested.”

After clearing misunderstandings and reconciling with the Duke, he persuaded the Minister of Finance to actively support the work improvement proposals I had made. Thanks to that, the other department heads agreed and we reached this point. It’s a rare example in modern workplace life of a bottom-up idea succeeding.

Now, I ignored the usual stares and passed the War Ministry’s table, waiting for the final slot.

“Now it’s the Ministry of Finance’s turn. Ms. Reyra, this way, please.”

‘Here it comes.’

I straightened my posture and focused on Reyra standing on the dais. Elysia adjusted her glasses and swallowed nervously. She quickly confirmed that the group head secretary’s eyes sparkled. Elysia nodded to me, indicating she agreed with my account.

“This year the Ministry of Finance has achieved a lot. Thanks to the Chancellery’s self-cleaning efforts, we were able to save on construction costs that had been leaking without end. They were skimming a lot. That contractor? I hope they rot properly in prison. With the Noble Asset Registration system being implemented smoothly, it has become easier to track nobles’ and the Imperial family’s liquid assets. Of course, those who skim might try some outrageous new method, but with the cooperation of the next Mage Tower Master it has become considerably more difficult.”

People chuckled here and there as they listened. Her words were blunt but had a way of quietly relieving others’ frustrations.

“…(omitted)… The Ministry of Finance will continue to strive for transparent fiscal management. That’s all.”

As she finished, everyone applauded. As she descended the dais, Lukan intercepted her.

“Many are curious about the popular finance officer Reyra. Since this is a rare chance for central ministries to interact, may we have a quick Q&A?”

Indeed, Reyra was popular for her down-to-earth nature. Women saw her as a cool older sister, and male officials found her sensual and intelligent. But she wasn’t exactly warm, so people didn’t always approach her easily.

“All right.”

“As expected, you’re refreshingly straightforward. If you have a question, muster your courage and raise your hand!”

At that, those who had been watching each other nervously slowly began to raise their hands, starting with one person.

“When was your first love?”

“When do you get most angry at work?”

“Do you have a romantic partner?”

The atmosphere suddenly felt like a talk show, but Reyra snorted and answered the questions simply.

She said her first love was five years ago, she gets most angry when people waste taxes and ask to be bailed out, and she currently has no partner. Then someone immediately raised their hand.

‘No, this guy…’

It was the new head secretary. I hadn’t expected him to be so forward. I had planned to recruit a proxy questioner to ask the things I wanted and make him hear, but without needing any help he blurted out the question I intended to ask.

“What kind of man do you like… ?”

I was annoyed he trailed off after raising his hand, but Reyra’s eyes flashed with amusement.

“Well. At the very least, a man who would stand beside me should be neat and take good care of himself. Then we can have a proper conversation, right?”

“Oh? Neat and well-groomed men… Could you be more specific? Ms. Reyra?”

‘Nice, Lukan!’

I inwardly praised his sense for clarifying the question once more for clear communication.

“Isn’t it obvious if they’re handsome gentlemen? Someone who comes to work every day with clean clothes, a clean body, and neat hair. It would be even better if consistent exercise gave them a good posture. And of course, workplace manners are the basic of basics.”

“Manners?”

“At a very common-sense level. I’m not that picky. Things like attending to bodily functions in the office, that sort of extreme example. Too extreme, right? Heh. We’re not working alone here.”

“Thank you for the detailed answer, Ms. Reyra.”

With Lukan’s wrap-up, the report ended. Looking at that member of the group, his dazed gaze at Reyra didn’t show much sign of change.

‘Is it a fail? If she put it so bluntly, wouldn’t he have understood at least?’

We moved on to Part Two of the Imperial Exchange Gathering, “Building Basic Skills,” with tomorrow in mind.

It was basically a medieval-style sports day. Officials changed clothes and signed up for the events they wanted. You had to participate in at least one of archery, hunting, or riding.

The goal was simple: get officials who sit at desks moving, at least this way…!

It sounded like a joke, but it was true. There had been talk that sitting too long harmed health and affected years of service. In any case, I chose riding.

‘I’m not interested in archery, I’m not keen on killing animals, and riding is a basic skill a noble should have—so it’s a good chance to learn for free.’

That was the purely pragmatic conclusion. After receiving a numbered ticket for the order and sitting on a bench to wait, I heard a loud cheer from the female officials.

“Coo!”

“Wow!”

“Supreme Justice Vespera!!!”

When I turned, I saw the Duke riding a black horse at full gallop. Cutting through the wind, he had a look in his eyes I’d never seen before—free as a wolf returning to its homeland crossing the plains. Tight riding breeches, boots, and a simply tailored black jacket—everything fit, and yet he exuded a strongly sensual aura. He was even shooting arrows from horseback, hitting targets with ease.

‘He’s even more impressive than I imagined.’

I couldn’t help but be drawn to him.