Chapter 57

Now that Leaven has finally returned, we can get to the main topic.

"Have you recovered, Wald?"

"......I apologize for my poor showing."

"Don't worry about it. Leaven is just all talk, so you don't need to take him seriously."

I just gave a little advice, but Wald is getting flustered again.

Come to think of it, I've never heard about his background or status. Maybe he comes from a good family?

Alright, let's stop talking about Leaven.

"Alright, tell me about the annual stipend. It's not just about receiving money, right?"

I called Wald here today to get the basics down since there hasn't been one before.

I understand budgets from my previous life, but the annual stipend might be different, so I want to start with an explanation.

Wald has been working on identifying the items that can be reimbursed from the unpaid annual stipend up until today.

This is the first time we've had a direct conversation since the initial greeting when I took office.

"Yes, as you say. The annual stipend originated from the fact that members of the imperial family performed their duties without pay."

Wald starts to perk up as he speaks.

He has returned to his usual expressionless, calm self.

In the past, members of the imperial family could live without pay because they had other identities.

They might have held a noble title in some kingdom or been a lord, which provided them with income.

"However, this situation was exploited by nobles who took in young, financially unstable members of the imperial family and incorporated them into their factions, which was seen as dangerous. Additionally, some important figures in national conferences left the imperial family due to financial difficulties, leading to the decision to establish the annual stipend."

Princes and princesses, who learn specialized knowledge from a young age as part of their imperial education, were not compensated for this, and over time, more and more of these knowledgeable individuals left the imperial family, leading to a reassessment.

"Wait, so it's given to people of working age?"

"The stipend is provided for the maintenance and management of the imperial family, so it is paid from birth. Additionally, there are expenses for entertaining nobles and for inspections on behalf of the emperor, which involve costs for the children as well, so there is no age limit."

In other words, even children receive the stipend because they participate in official duties.

"But what about me?"

"In the case of the First Prince, it is determined that you have not received the education you should have due to the lack of stipend, which is why you have not been able to participate in official duties."

On top of that, they won't provide the necessary education, so you can use the stipend as you like.

"Ah, I see. So, they're setting a budget and maintaining appearances, telling me to behave, right?"

"Your Highness, if the Emperor hears that, he will cry."

Wald stiffens, and Helkoff chuckles.

Ikt states the realistic situation without hesitation.

"However, in reality, you won't be allowed to participate in official duties. Also, regarding education, you already have a tutor, and you are currently left alone with him."

"I can't teach imperial studies. Moreover, there is the issue of basic manners. Without mastering them, Asha cannot participate in official duties."

Vearel sighs, thinking about the intention behind giving the stipend without providing a place to use it.

"Hmm, this is going to be difficult for me to use. Wald, are there any other reasons or precedents for using the stipend?"

"Some use the stipend to save for their future after leaving the imperial family. This is a relief measure for those with a low succession rank, as they cannot establish themselves while in the imperial family, and over time, the stipend has taken on the aspect of a preparation fund for their future."

Indeed, even if I were to leave, I would be neglected, so there probably wouldn't have been any work for me if there were many princes in the past.

Getting married and leaving would mean relying on the in-laws for living expenses, and leaving the imperial family would leave one penniless and homeless, which would be a scandal.

"However, the stipend is reduced if it is wasted. So, how do you save money?"

"By purchasing artworks and jewelry."

The purchase of artworks is considered a job to preserve techniques and can be covered by the stipend.

Jewelry can also be purchased with the stipend for use in official duties.

Once you own the items, they become your property.

"Speaking of which, I'd like to use the stipend for alchemy materials."

"There is a category for academic research."

When I muttered this, Wald told me about the appropriate use.

It seems that learning and acquiring knowledge or skills in any field is within the scope of the stipend.

I remember that in my previous life, there were training and seminar fees in the budget.

"However, you need to produce results when using the stipend."

"Results, like submitting something you made through alchemy?"

Vearel answered my question.

"Asha, in such cases, it would be a paper, a progress report on the research, or a presentation on future prospects."

"I was thinking, does the prince have to do this himself? A normal ten-year-old wouldn't do that."

Helkoff asks, and Ikt looks at Wald.

"That's why there is a financial officer. Summarizing such reports is part of their job."

"No, for academic matters, we cannot apply without the prince or the tutor providing the materials."

It seems that Wald can answer calmly and smoothly within the scope of his duties.

If you use the stipend for alchemy, some kind of report is required.

However, it doesn't have to be a paper; a simple report on a single sheet of paper would suffice.

"Then, how about a commentary on the Emerald Tablet, Asha?"

"That's a good idea. It's famous and difficult, so if you can provide annotations at your age, it would be a significant achievement."

"No, that would go against the purpose of keeping you quiet."

The attendants argue, and Wald frowns.

"The Emerald Tablet, you mean the one that contains the essence of alchemy in allegory?"

"Ah, you know about it?"

"Since I was assigned to the First Prince, I anticipated that I would be consulted about using the stipend for alchemy, so I looked into it briefly."

He's serious.

Wald, who was supposed to be reluctant, is incredibly serious.

Maybe that's why he was sent here to not show favoritism?

"Can you write annotations? I mean, do you understand it?"

"Roughly, yes. But I won't write annotations. If you follow what's written, it ultimately leads to great destruction."

Wald is speechless, but this time, Vearel, Helkoff, and Ikt also remain silent.

"......Why is that?"

Vearel, representing them, asks with his green ears twitching.

"It's the essence and truth, but it's an extreme conclusion that is difficult for living beings to execute."

"Ah, do you mean that knowing the truth of alchemy allows you to create a world or become a god?"

Helkoff asks, having heard something about it.

It seems that such extreme conclusions are said to exist in alchemy.

Well, I can't deny the possibility that creating the Sefirot is impossible.

"Hmm, maybe it's about recreating the world. If you destroy everything and leave only the purest and strongest force, you can recreate the beginning of the world and remake it, something like that?"

In other words, the beginning of the universe, the power of destruction and creation from nothing, the Big Bang.

"Wouldn't that mean the world would end?"

Ikt asks with a serious face.

"Yes, it would end. It's like concentrating ink to return written words to ink by squeezing the fibers of the paper. However, the scale is so large that even if you understand the theory, it's probably impossible to recreate. But, humans imagine and try to achieve things that might be possible. So, it's better to keep such dangerous truths hidden in mysteries."

The person who created the Emerald Tablet probably thought the same.

"Something more harmless would be better. Something that won't get the stipend cut and is within acceptable limits."

"Ah, how about the small lightning lamp you mentioned before?"

"I'm interested, but that's not a good idea, Helkoff. It's a bit too popular and attention-grabbing. If you want to stand out or seek profit, it's fine, but this time, we need a more modest achievement."

"Speaking of which, the one with wine is probably not a good idea either."

Vearel is probably referring to alcohol distillation, which would be associated with drinking, so it's rejected.

Then, Ikt looks toward the Emerald Room.

"What about the device that separates coffee and grounds? It's convenient and can be justified, right?"

"Percolator? But that's just a modified distillation apparatus?"

As I realize this, I notice that Wald has frozen again.

Regular Update

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