Chapter 87: - I Didn’t Mean for Them to Come to My House (2)

༺ I Didn’t Mean for Them to Come to My House (2) ༻

My eyes, hands, and feet started to tremble. The evil superiors didn’t hesitate to ruthlessly tear apart the miserable underling.

“Having guests who came for travel purposes stay in the palace is too much. The procedures for entering and exiting can’t be omitted, so wouldn’t it be a waste of time?”

The Imperial Household’s Minister, who supported the Crown Prince’s idea, began explaining what good it would do. But wasn’t it him who first suggested a room in the palace? He had somehow eliminated the palace as an option. His ability to turn the tables around was impressive.

Of course, the palace wasn’t a local inn, so it could be considered an excessive measure. Even diplomats on official visits had to go through all sorts of procedures to enter and exit the palace, and they could only move within a set range.

If we only consider hospitality, there was no place capable of treating the guests as lavishly as the palace. However, holding the travelers in the palace could be awkward and bothersome for both parties. A lodging where one couldn’t move or go out as they pleased was a bit too much, right?

“Even if it isn’t an Academy schedule, it’s true that they are students and they belong to the pastry club.”

At those words, the expression of the Minister of Internal Affairs twitched slightly. It seemed like he was about to burst into laughter as the cute term ‘pastry club’ was mentioned while discussing serious plans for welcoming Princes from other countries and a future saint.

“Isn’t the Executive Manager the advisor of the club? It wouldn’t be weird for the advisor to stay with the members. Fortunately, the Executive Manager is known for having a good relationship with the members.”

Good? Me, with them? What the hell is their standard for a good relationship?

“You’re right. Since it isn’t an official visit, it would be hard for administrative officials to step in, but it’s possible for the Prosecutor’s Executive Manager.”

“Yes. After all, the Prosecutor’s Executive Manager has built a relationship with them from the Academy.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs nodded at the words of the Imperial Household’s Minister. As the Minister of Justice also agreed with them, my hope for an escape route was cut off.

Still, I glanced at the Governor, who might be reluctant to let the members stay within the Capital.

‘It’s over.’

But after seeing his expression, I sensed my doom. That old man, who’d lived his life as a loyal servant of the Imperial family, didn’t seem to have the intention of going against the Crown Prince’s opinion.

Yes, it was unlikely the Governor would have any trouble. After all, it would be rough only on the first day they came to the Capital. After that, I was the one who would deal with them, so there was no reason for the Governor to be bothered at all.

“Indeed. There’s no one closer to them than the Prosecutor’s Executive Manager.”

As the Ministers agreed or remained silent, the Crown Prince turned to me while smiling.

“Don’t overthink it. Just think of it as doing what you did in the Academy in the Capital instead.”

It’s none of your business, so it’s easy to say that.

My teeth were chattering, but there was nothing I could do.

It seemed like the Crown Prince and the other Ministers had no objections to this decision. From the Ministers’s point of view, the welcoming process was important. Where the members stayed afterward was not.

“Still, it will be problematic if the Executive Manager is lacking in treating the guests. Minister of Finance, provide him with ample support.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

At least it seemed like I would receive proper support, which was a relief.

The Crown Prince smirked as if he’d read my thoughts.

“You’re going to take care of important foreign guests on behalf of the Empire, after all.”

In other words, he was taking care of me since it was something related to the prestige of the Empire. With those words, the Crown Prince left first.

“It’s a gift from His Highness.”

At that moment, the Crown Prince’s secretary approached me and handed me a pouch. When I opened it, I saw ten shining gold coins. It was exactly twice the amount I had lost at the Boyar casino.

Indeed, His Highness the Crown Prince wasn’t someone who overlooked the efforts of his subjects and warmly embraced them. He was someone who would become a great ruler in the future. I always believed in the Crown Prince.

‘You jerk.’

I will let this pass since the support was greater than expected.

* * *

I returned to my office after the unexpected meeting.

‘How bothersome.’

I massaged my stiff neck while sitting down in my seat. The Emperor was getting older, and my workload had increased. Hearing the news that royal members from other countries would be coming to the Capital made me wonder what was going on.

If it were for me, I would block them from entering the Captial and ignore them. However, this was an issue related to the Empire’s prestige. After suffering for two years because of the traitor, the Empire received suspicious and challenging gazes from various countries on the continent.

We’ve finally been able to put many of those uncomfortable eyes to rest. But if we give a less-than-stellar welcome to royalty from other countries even if it’s unofficial, they might rear their ugly heads again. What a nuisance.

‘At least I don’t have to worry about Ainter.’

However, one thing had become clear through this event. Ainter had no ambition regarding the throne. If he did, this kind of situation wouldn’t have happened.

Even if he had connections with foreign princes or future saints, so what? The Emperor and the nobles support me. If he were aiming for the throne, he wouldn’t openly flaunt his connections and come to the Capital.

‘He isn’t someone who can’t even do such simple calculations.’

Ainter was a guy with good reasoning and social skills. If he had other intentions, he definitely wouldn’t have come to the Captial. Even if he did, given the current situation, he wouldn’t pose a threat. After all, this had proved that Ainter couldn’t control the other princes.

A royal visit was annoying and bothersome, but I was able to reconfirm Ainter’s intentions, so it wasn’t bad in every sense. After all, I just had to show up for a short time and shake some hands.

‘The only one who’s going to struggle is the Prosecutor’s Executive Manager.’

I chuckled after remembering the Prosecutor’s Executive Manager’s bug-chewing expression. It was regrettable, but what could I do? It was the best solution. I would’ve considered them if there were other options, but there wasn’t.

Moreover, he always brought above-average results, even if he complained. How could I not trust him? He quickly loosened up and moved if you gave him moderate support and greased the wheels.

‘Not using him would be strange.’

A subordinate who was capable, diligent, and didn’t hold any grudges. Moreover, he was young. If someone else was in my position, they would’ve probably used him more.

At least I was more human than that bastard Dorgos, who was probably in Hell.

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