Chapter 61

No matter how accustomed I become to my assignment, I can't help but feel more comfortable at my original workplace. It feels quite strange that the comparison is not with home but with the workplace, but unfortunately, I have spent more time at the Inspection Department than at home. So, I thought I might as well take a break in a comfortable place. There are several high-ranking officials at the Academy I need to be mindful of, but there's no one above me at the Inspection Department. At most, I only need to be concerned about the Minister, who shares the same building.

I was certainly thinking that way.

'The rumors have already spread.'

Seeing the communication device flashing, flaunting its presence, made my heart ache. As a civil servant, I only need to be concerned about the Minister. Although there is the royal family above, they don't contact me unexpectedly. Fortunately, I won't be receiving any calls from the royal family for a while.

However, before being a civil servant, I am also an imperial noble. I have far more superiors as a noble than as a civil servant. To be frank, I am just a successor, not a title holder. Just thinking about the dukes, I have five superiors.

"I am Karl Krasius, the head of the Inspection Department."

- Karl, it's me.

Since I couldn't keep my superiors waiting, I answered the call and saw a man with a neatly trimmed beard and a gentle smile.

"Karl Krasius, the successor of the Krasius family and the head of the Inspection Department, greets His Excellency the Duke of Zentseung. Have you been well?"

- Well, or not. What could a guy who just holds a position do?

As soon as I recognized him, I bowed hastily. The caller was one of the five dukes, the Duke of Zentseung. What a day, after the Duke of Masong, now the Duke of Zentseung. What's going on today?

- I heard from the Duke of Masong. You're in the capital, right?

"Yes, Your Excellency. I came up for some business."

The rumor spreader was indeed the Duke of Masong. Sir, you have a loose tongue. It seems like he wanted me to see some old friends before returning to the Academy.

- I was disappointed that I couldn't see you off before your assignment. Is your schedule free?

"Of course. I'll make time if I don't have any."

- Ha ha, thank you. I'm always around, so come when it's convenient for you.

"Understood."

I confirmed that the light from the communication device had disappeared and put it away.

'I should at least pay my respects.'

It wasn't on my schedule, but since he personally contacted me, I had to go. What noble would refuse an invitation from a duke?

I don't have much time since I need to return before club activities. I should move immediately to return to the Academy on time.

The headquarters of the Imperial Army, where the Deputy Commander and Grand Marshal, the Duke of Zentseung, leads the army in place of the nominal Commander-in-Chief, the Emperor. Even the Minister of War, the father-in-law of the Crown Prince, doesn't dare to control the Duke of Zentseung, making him the de facto leader of the military.

'Every time I see it, it makes me sad.'

And this is where I should have been working. The Duke of Zentseung promised to arrange a good position for me at the headquarters if I joined the military, but due to the Crown Prince's brilliant move, I couldn't even get close to the headquarters. If only I hadn't been hit by that move, would my life have been different?

I wonder what position I would have held if I had spent two years at the headquarters under the Duke of Zentseung's patronage. At least I wouldn't have ended up in such a bizarre position as the head of the Inspection Department.

With a bitter feeling, as I entered the building, the guards saluted and welcomed me. I used to come and go so often before my assignment to the Academy that I am now treated more like a military person than an outsider. It feels like a result of my lingering attachment to the failed attempt to escape to the headquarters.

"Good work."

I returned the salute appropriately and headed to the Deputy Commander's office, but greeting people I recognized along the way was also a task. Two years ago, I naturally assumed I would transfer to the headquarters and often met and befriended people there in advance.

'That damn Crown Prince.'

Even after two years, deep resentment still rises. Right after my promotion to the head of the Inspection Department, the people at the headquarters congratulated me but looked at me with the eyes of "What the hell is this guy doing here?" It was as if I had bluffed by saying I would join the military after being promoted.

But I felt wronged. I only found out about my promotion after receiving the official notice. Usually, promotions above the director level are announced to the appointee in advance, but the Crown Prince that bastard pulled a surprise move by promoting me and the Minister.

'I've arrived.'

While cursing the Crown Prince in my mind, I saw the Deputy Commander's office in front of me. Nothing passes the time like cursing a high-ranking official in secret.

- Knock knock

"Your Excellency, Karl Krasius."

"Oh, you came quickly. Come in."

I opened the door and saw the Duke of Zentseung standing up. Or rather, he was sitting.

"Come in, Karl. It's been a while."

He patted my shoulder and smiled, and I bowed. Regardless of his status as a duke, I owe him a lot.

"It's been a while, Your Excellency. I'm glad to see you well."

"Why are you asking about my well-being twice? Leaving without a word, thinking about me so much, I was quite disappointed."

"I'm sorry. It was a very urgent matter..."

"Ha ha! I'm just joking. Of course, I understand."

While saying this, he grabbed my shoulder and led me to a seat, which made me feel quite honored. Then, he headed to the tea set in the corner, so I hurriedly stood up, but he waved me to sit down. Such a well-meaning gesture is the most terrifying.

"Even if you've already had tea with the Duke of Masong, have a cup with me. Is that okay?"

"It's an honor."

I watched the back of the Duke of Zentseung, who was making tea, with a dazed look. After I once stood up to offer to make it and was forcefully sat down, this is how it has been. Wow, a duke making tea for me. It's such an honor...

"Today, I had a good dream, and it seems it was a sign that a distinguished guest would come."

"Your Excellency also pays attention to dreams. That's surprising."

"Probably because I'm getting old. Ah, that's a secret from the Duke of Masong."

"Ha ha. Of course."

I chuckled at the Duke of Zentseung's words as he brought the tea. It's a known fact that the Duke of Masong has been interested in dream interpretation for a few years. If he found out that the Duke of Zentseung said he started paying attention to dreams because he's getting old, he would storm in.

The subject being the Duke of Zentseung is irrelevant. Anyway, being targeted by age is true. In fact, no one cares that the Duke of Masong is 120 years old, but he reacts sensitively, making others pay attention. Is this a self-inflicted disaster?

"There are several noble bloodlines gathered at the Academy."

"Yes, that's true."

"It must be a tough mental burden. I feel sorry that I can't help."

"How can I expect Your Excellency's help with the task I've been assigned? I'm grateful for your words."

With that, the Duke of Zentseung and I simultaneously raised our teacups to our lips. After a brief silence, the Duke of Zentseung spoke first.

"Karl, I believe you will handle it well. The Crown Prince also showed trust in you."

"I am grateful."

I wondered why he suddenly called me, but it was indeed not just for a cup of tea.

'So, it's maintaining the status quo.'

The noble bloodlines gathered at the Academy. Referring to Lutis, Lather, and Tanian, but from the Empire's perspective, Ainter comes to mind first.

The Duke of Zentseung's words were simple. It's unfortunate that you are suffering under the Crown Prince's order to monitor Ainter, but you can't change the Crown Prince's mind. However, the Crown Prince doesn't intend to go further, so you should continue monitoring Ainter as you have been.

At least it's a relief. I was worried that the Crown Prince might go crazy and order me to deal with Ainter, but the Duke of Zentseung successfully maintained the status quo. Not taking the side of his son-in-law, the Crown Prince, unilaterally and considering my situation. I am truly grateful.

"Of course, it's possible because of what Karl has built."

In response to my gratitude, the Duke of Zentseung smiled lightly. I also slightly raised the corners of my mouth. Still, it's not easy to have these small debts pile up.

The Duke of Zentseung did not make any other business-related statements, except for saying that the Crown Prince chose to maintain the status quo. If there were any issues that a duke needed to communicate directly, it would be a bigger matter.

While having tea and exchanging simple conversations, I cautiously asked a question that came to mind.

"Are the other dukes well?"

"Probably. Except for me and the Duke of Masong, they don't leave their territories, so I can't know if they are well."

Fortunately, I don't have to worry about being summoned by other dukes. It's unusual for the Duke of Zentseung and the Duke of Masong to be in the capital, as dukes usually stay in their territories and rush to the Emperor when called.

The Duke of Iron Blood, who is practically retired, the Duke of Gold, who is focused on business, and the Duke of Wisdom, who seems to enjoy his life in his territory. It's rare to see dukes in the capital, but hearing that they are not in the capital is a relief.

Feeling a sense of comfort, I nodded, and the Duke of Zentseung smiled slightly.

"Rather, shouldn't I ask Karl about the Duke of Iron Blood?"

"Excuse me? What do you mean?"

"Oh, I must be getting old. I misspoke. Forget what I said."

Then he burst into laughter, which clearly seemed intentional.

'How far has it spread?'

I had a rough idea and awkwardly laughed along. Probably, Margareta told the Duke of Iron Blood about the ball, and the Duke of Iron Blood told the Duke of Zentseung. It must have been interesting to hear that I, who had never danced before, suddenly danced with Margareta.

'It's a bit burdensome.'

The Duke of Zentseung is one of the few people who know why I haven't even engaged in an engagement, let alone marriage. So, even though he tried to brush it off as a slip of the tongue, he was probably subtly probing about Margareta.

I know he is concerned about me without any ulterior motives, but it's a bit scary to be mentioned every time I forget.

I didn't face such pressure even from the head of my family. Anyone who sees this might think I am the Duke of Zentseung's son.