Chapter 94

There was a minor incident where Section Chief 4 displayed a peculiar courage, but anyway, his joining made me feel relieved. After all, the servants, except for the butler, are far from being capable of using force.

If Section Chief 4 is inside the mansion and the Mokgwang Unit is outside, it would be possible to deal with any terrorists who dare to attempt an attack. If the Academy had this level of support, it would have been a happy situation.

- That was an interesting opinion.

"Thank you for listening."

- No, isn't the on-site management the responsibility of the Inspector General?

While talking about protocol, I casually mentioned it to the Minister of the Palace, who laughed it off, saying it was an interesting comment. Of course, everyone knows that 'interesting' in this context means 'shut up and do your job.'

It seems it won't work. After all, the Mokgwang Unit came to the Academy last time because of the third glory extermination. It would be too wasteful to keep a force of that caliber at the Academy during normal times.

The support I'm getting now is only possible because I was a special case where the mansion was seized. It would be problematic to think of this as a constant. I need to let go of any lingering hopes quickly.

- How are the VIPs?

"I checked the square lightly. They seemed to like it."

- Ha ha, the mayor would be pleased to hear that.

Nodding in agreement with the Minister of the Palace, I thought about the mayor. Despite his age, he usually leads a quiet life, but he is passionate about the square, considering it the face of the city.

It's somewhat understandable if you think of it as a hobby for the elders to tend to flower beds and vegetable gardens. It's just on a much larger scale.

In any case, the mayor would be very satisfied to hear that the square he managed looked good even to the royal family. I hope he doesn't achieve nirvana from extreme happiness after hearing that.

- Since you've already seen it, it's a good thing. Wouldn't it be better to hold the protocol in a place you're somewhat familiar with?

"Your words are wise."

I agreed to hold the protocol in the square. Honestly, it doesn't matter where it is. I've already been harassed by those guys, so what difference does it make whether it's the square or the palace? They should have done it at lunch if they were going to do it.

- The Crown Prince's duties will soon be over, so the Inspector General should prepare.

"Yes, I understand."

A slight reluctance to leave rose in me, but I forced myself to stand up. It would be dangerous to leave the Crown Prince unattended.

There was a minor and pitiful commotion as Ainter's pupils rapidly dilated, but in the end, we all went to the square. If I had to choose between meeting the Crown Prince, who gives me nightmares, and making him angry, the former is better.

"Ainter, are you okay? Wouldn't it be better to rest?"

"I'm fine, Louise. It seems the motion sickness is coming late."

His forced smile made me feel sorry for him. This time, Ainter is just another victim of the incompetent trio, like me.

"Don't worry, it'll be over soon. The Crown Prince is busy with other duties."

Hearing this, Ainter's expression relaxed a bit. At least I assured him that the Crown Prince wouldn't touch him during this protocol. Meeting him is still scary, but at least it's not a personal visit to torment him.

"It's not an official visit, so it should be quick. It would be good to rest well when we return."

Lather patted Ainter's shoulder in comfort. They seem to have built a friendship over the semester, worrying about each other. It's a heartwarming scene, but...

'Who's to blame?'

If it weren't for the incompetent trio's insistence on going to the capital, this wouldn't have happened. Ainter looked at Lather with a mix of gratitude and curses, as if he understood the situation. Giving and taking is exactly like this.

"Thank you for your consideration."

Despite everything, Ainter's ability to thank them with a smile was admirable. That kind of composure is what it takes to survive the Crown Prince's whims.

It seems all the mental fortitude I thought was for the Second Prince has gone to Ainter. A weak-minded person doesn't deserve to survive. I think I've understood one reason why the Second Prince, that brat, met a dog-like end.

With that realization, I turned my gaze and saw Irina fidgeting.

"Irina."

"Ah!"

Tapping her shoulder, I felt a bit embarrassed by her startled reaction. I didn't expect her to be that scared.

"Ah, big brother."

"Don't be so nervous. The Crown Prince said it's fine."

I can guess why Irina has been looking around like a meerkat. She must be wondering if it's appropriate for a mere viscount's daughter to be at a gathering with royalty.

Originally, I only planned to bring the three of them, but the Crown Prince insisted on everyone attending. That brat has a knack for making things difficult.

"Even so, I can't possibly..."

But Irina couldn't control her trembling body, even after hearing that the Crown Prince approved.

Actually, this is normal. Louise has built up a tolerance from club activities, Erih isn't afraid when with Louise, and Margareta is a member of a duke's family, just below the royal family. In this situation, only Irina is in a difficult position.

"We're here for a trip, not as royalty. It's not strange for some to meet and others not to."

"Is that so...?"

I felt bad lying to Irina, who nodded in a dazed manner. Even if it's a trip, there's no need to call everyone if it's just a meeting with the royal family. It's just the Crown Prince's paranoid passive skill kicking in.

A noble who is close enough to travel with foreign royalty. A noble who has met the Crown Prince's half-brother who kissed the throne goodbye. The Crown Prince wants to verify this himself.

Of course, I didn't want to see Irina cry again, so I put a good spin on it. The Crown Prince did say it was fine, so I didn't lie.

'Sorry.'

I muttered a silent apology. But nothing will happen other than a face check.

The protocol went smoothly. With all the ministers thoroughly discussing it, it would be strange if anything went wrong. My role was just to sit and clap or salute, so nothing could go wrong even if it tried.

'That guy is here too.'

Looking around, I saw a middle-aged man commanding the guards. The commander of the 1st Guard Regiment, responsible for the capital's defense. He's been working hard since his appointment three years ago.

Ah, our eyes met.

We exchanged a light nod and then looked away. It wasn't a particularly pleasant encounter.

"Do you know him?"

"In the capital, it's harder to find someone I don't know than someone I do."

I replied bitterly to Erih's question. In the capital, it's impossible not to know the prominent civil servants. They are all potential inspection targets, and I need to have their basic information memorized. From their perspective, I'm an unexpected visitor.

"Amazing."

Erih's admiration caught my attention. If he admires my civil service career, maybe he's interested in it too?

'I should really recommend him.'

If he graduates and has nothing to do, I'll write a recommendation letter and get him a job in the Ministry of Finance, Justice, or War. Erih would surely be happy. Civil service is what makes a Crassius man.

"If today's small meeting can lead to great friendship among nations, how could it not be joyful?"

While I was lost in pleasant thoughts about my brother's future, an annoying voice interrupted. Turning to the source, I saw the Crown Prince on the podium giving a welcome speech. Since the Crown Prince usually avoids long speeches, the event must be almost over.

I was listening to the welcome speech indifferently when the content started to drift.

"An unexpected visit is often more welcome than a known one."

Huh?

"A light step is sometimes more welcome than a heavy one."

Huh?

"The Empire is the Empire because everything comes together, and everyone can come. Therefore, we can welcome any visit with an open heart."

Crown Prince, you brat.

'You've lost it too.'

I bit my lip to stop myself from standing up and giving a passionate speech in support of the Crown Prince.

Yes, this is a country. This is a proper welcome speech.

'Indeed, status is everything.'

As a mere successor, I couldn't say such things, but the Crown Prince, in his position, can easily challenge a prince or a future saint. Even the Crown Prince of the Kingdom is no match for the Crown Prince, let alone a mere prince.

An unexpected visit is welcome? A light step is more welcome? Any visit is greeted? Of course, on the surface, it's a normal welcoming message. If it were a direct insult, it would be a diplomatic conflict.

But speaking with a different meaning is a basic skill of the high and mighty. The Crown Prince's words are a direct attack on princes who visit the capital without prior notice. The Empire is showing its magnanimity and tolerance, capable of welcoming even such people.

'Thank you...'

The Crown Prince has expressed the frustration I couldn't voice. How grateful I am for this unexpected situation.

Choked with emotion, I stared at the Crown Prince. Our eyes met, and he nodded slightly before calmly leaving the podium.

I am not just a supporter of the Crown Prince; I am one with him. Any challenge to the Crown Prince is a challenge to me.