Chapter 280: A Fiery Start to the Year (1)

Chapter 280: A Fiery Start to the Year (1)

Just before returning to normal life and heading back to the capital, I glanced at Erich, who had come to see me off. This birthday was the one where I received more gifts than ever, but the only one that really stuck in my mind was the folding bed Erich gave me. It was a rather bittersweet birthday.

So, I made up my mind. I’d take charge of Erich’s future and make sure that he became a civil servant. Did he have any other dreams? Well, he should forget about them starting today.

He would be a civil servant from now on, whether he landed in administration, legislation, or judiciary, or even in the military or the imperial guard. One way or another, he’d be serving the Empire. As a member of the Krasius family, it was only natural that he should serve the Imperial family.

However, we already had family members in key positions in administration and legislation. It would be awkward if we all monopolized the top spots.

The army seems like the best option.

Yes, the military would be perfect. I could even ask the Invincible Duke to take good care of him. Besides, Erich had always had a bit of a soldier’s nature.

I’ve decided—I’d send Erich to the military and gift him a folding bed for his enlistment. No, actually, maybe a one-person tent would be better, the kind that popped up automatically with the press of a button. Wasn’t that every soldier’s dream?

“Hyung?”

I patted Erich on the shoulder, thinking I might just give him both while he looked at me with a confused expression.

“Thanks for the gift.”

I smiled broadly at him as I said it. I really meant it. It was a gift I would never forget, something I’d remember for the rest of my life no matter what happened.

Even Mother seemed moved by this brotherly moment. She approached us, leaving the slightly weary Patriarch behind.

“It seems like you really liked Erich’s gift.”

“Yes, I received something incredibly useful.”

As much as I hated to admit it, it really was useful. It was the perfect thing to place in the club room, which was practically my hideout.

That was why it was an unforgettable gift. I would remember his kindness every time I saw that folding bed or every time I lay on it. Was this what they meant by biding your time and waiting for the right moment to repay a debt?

...Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything.

I could feel several pairs of eyes burning into my back. Because I had only mentioned Erich’s gift out of all the gifts I’d received, I was now feeling the subtle jealousy of six other people.

I should explain myself when we returned to my mansion. That wasn’t a heartfelt thank-you—it was more like an announcement that I planned to take over my brother’s future. Once they realized that, the jealousy would disappear.

And sure enough, the 1st Manager burst into laughter on the spot as soon as we got back to the mansion and I explained Erich’s gift.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Damn it.

I didn’t mind that she was laughing, but couldn’t she at least pretend to hold it in like everyone else? It hurt a little.

***

Since I had only requested time off for my birthday, I had to report back to work today. It felt like coming back to the office on a Monday after a wild weekend, but what could I do? I needed to retire if I ever wanted to escape the endless cycle of work and start living for the weekends.

“Executive Manager.”

“Oh, did anything happen while I was away?”

“Nothing much except for the Minister asking for you.”

The Senior Manager delivered this unsettling news as soon as I returned to the Prosecutors’ Office with the 1st Manager. But this time, I took it calmly. It was only natural to be summoned by the Minister at this time of year.

My birthday was at the end of January. In other words, my birthday arrived after a few weeks of work following the New Year’s Ball. Once my birthday was over, February was just around the corner. It might sound like I was stating the obvious, but this timing was crucial.

“Everyone seems to be in a rush.”

“Well, they’ll lose their budget if they’re late. It’s no wonder they’re in a hurry.”

It was a reasonable point, so I nodded in agreement. Moving too slowly would only mean getting beaten by other departments and being left with an empty can.

Now, with February just days away, the entire imperial civil service was about to enter its berserk mode.

“People go crazy when money’s on the line.”

At the end of the year, the Ministry of Finance allocated the budget and distributed it to each department. Once this regular budget was sent out, it rarely changed unless there was a very good reason. While many departments tried to bother the Minister for exceptions, that was the general rule.

“You look like you’ve had a rough time. You’ve aged ten years since I last saw you.”

Then again, maybe they were both the same.

I waved my hand at the guy who walked in while spewing nonsense. Just shut up and sit down already.

“How many have come so far?”

“The department from the Ministry of Welfare, one from the Department of Marine Affairs, Department of Culture, and the Prison Department.”

“Oh.”

Oh? What a reaction—like it was none of his business.

“Next up is the one from the Military Depa—“

The door burst open before I could even finish my sentence.

Persistent brat.

The nerve of someone opening the door to the Ministry of Finance—who was second only in rank to the Minister of the Imperial Household—without knocking. However, I could guess who it was and let out a sigh.

There was this thing called knocking which was a sophisticated, polite custom, but this half-barbarian still hadn’t learned it. It was honestly embarrassing to claim to know this person.

“I’m here. I’m not late, am I?”

In fact, I would’ve preferred it if she hadn’t come at all.

***

Without any warning, the door swung open. What the—did I not even hear a knock?

It was so unexpected that I momentarily wondered if the Crown Prince had shown up. Even the Minister of the Imperial Household, who outranked the Minister, wouldn’t barge in like this. Who could pull such a bold move?

Oh.

And then I saw the face and everything made sense. Yeah, it made sense if it was her.

“I’m here. I’m not late, am I?”

“You made it on time.”

The woman laughed at the Minister’s curt reply and waved her hand enthusiastically as she noticed me.

“Oh, the kid’s here too! How’ve you been?”

“Uh, well... just fine.”

Without a care, the Commander of the Imperial Army’s Central Forces sat beside me and casually threw her arm around my shoulder while grinning broadly.

“It’s been a year! You’ve grown a lot since I last saw you. Must be that growth spurt, huh?”

“He’s well past twenty, so there’s no such thing as a growth spurt anymore.”

Despite the Minister’s perfectly valid comment, the Commander of the Imperial Army’s Central Forces just laughed it off. She gave me a few friendly slaps on the shoulder like I was still some kid. Unfortunately, from her perspective, I probably was. If she was on par with the Minister, then as a subordinate, I must look like a rookie to her.

Compared to her, I was behind in every way—age, experience, everything. Even the fact that I helped defeat Kagan didn’t mean much.

She was the one who, alongside the Minister, played a key role in the battle where Kagan was mortally wounded. It was all thanks to her efforts that the team leaders in the 4th Division of the Prosecutors’ Office even had a chance to attempt Kagan’s defeat.

“Oh, right! I heard you’re getting married soon. Congrats! How many kids are you planning to have?”

“I’m taking it slow for now...”

“Really? Well, three kids per wife should do!”

I closed my eyes in quiet resignation, imagining the birth of FC Krasius. The Minister’s eccentricity was well-known, but this woman wasn’t far behind.

Honestly, anyone capable of wounding Kagan couldn’t be considered normal. Still, being surrounded by these maniacs made me feel like I was about to lose my own sanity.