Chapter 163

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]

Chapter 163

Karl’s tour of the Empire’s regions and dioceses during winter break. Now, Selena was included as well.

The two, accompanied by escorts and others who would assist with various tasks, boarded the train, gradually moving away from their families and friends who had come to see them off.

Among those watching this scene were four familiar faces.

“They’re gone?”

“They’re gone.”

“They’re gone.”

“They’re gone.”

In order, Shulifen, Wilhelm, Alexander, and Joachim.

In layman’s terms, they were the future powerhouses of the Empire, or as Karl would say, the damn Hydras.

The four watched the smoke-emitting train disappear into the distance, then turned around.

“Then let’s finish up quickly while Karl is away.”

“One month is all we have, Shulifen. Are you sure it’s enough? I think it’ll be tough.”

“So what? You’re not going to do it?”

At Shulifen’s question, Wilhelm shrugged, saying, ‘That’s not what I meant.’

A moment later, a carriage twice the size of a normal one stopped in front of them.

The door opened, and after all four entered, the carriage set off for an unknown destination.

“It’s been a while, young heirs.”

Inside the carriage, a man with thick glasses sat holding a stack of equally thick documents.

His identity was none other than Shafen Marini, the chief financial officer of the Karl Adelheit Veterans Pension Foundation, and a veteran who had worked in the Ministry of Financial Audit Bureau.

The four shook hands with Chief Officer Shafen.

As always, they exchanged brief greetings and well-wishes for the new year.

Next, as expected, the topic turned to business.

“The task you four requested has been mostly completed. Now, you just need to confirm the current situation yourselves.”

“Are you certain it’s been done properly?”

“Yes. There’s no evidence of funds being misused or misappropriated. And considering the current market prices, it would be quite a feat to siphon off funds without me noticing.”

The most important aspect of the pension foundation is, of course, transparent operation.

It’s not just anyone’s name, it’s Karl Adelheit’s. The name of a madman who has received the Imperial Medal of Honor twice and holds all other comparable honors and glories.

He’s even been considered for canonization. When he passes away, he’s sure to become a saint.

And if a pension foundation bearing the name of such a figure were to be embroiled in scandal? Due to opaque management, no less?

If, by any chance, something like that were to happen, it would not only lead to a collapse of social trust but also mean facing the full wrath of the Imperial family.

Even if the Imperial family were to forgive them, apologizing to the Radiant Church would be another matter entirely.

“Then, Shafen, could you give us a status report?”

“Of course. We have completed the first phase of providing comprehensive support to the families of disabled veterans across the Empire. As per your request, we are currently installing magic circuits to ensure they have a more comfortable and warm summer and winter.”

“The recent fire caused by magic at the academy might make people sensitive. How are you handling that?”

Shulifen, Wilhelm, Alexander, and Joachim had no intention of witnessing such a sight.

“Unless they’re willing to donate almost everything they have to the national treasury, reject them. I’d rather fail than receive help from dishonorable people.”

Everyone nodded in agreement with that strong declaration.

In an attempt to break the tension and find out what he initially wanted, Alexander asked a question.

“How are the various welfare projects and the inspection of the Empire’s regional road network, which are being carried out in Karl’s name, progressing?”

“The welfare projects are being coordinated with the Ministry of Welfare, and the inspection of the Empire’s regional road network is ongoing in consultation with the Ministry of Land and Infrastructure. Since there is a lot of overlap with national projects, there are many aspects that need to be coordinated.”

“Don’t rush them too much, but keep the pace steady. Within a few years, when the people of the Empire hear Karl’s name, they should think of ‘honor and glory’ first.”

Everyone nodded in unison.

The Imperial family and the Church had already concluded their discussions about him as a hero and a saint, respectively.

There was no problem in highlighting him. In fact, it was the right thing to do.

Moreover, as Karl’s reputation grew, the honor of the Empire’s nobles would also rise.

It was a win-win situation.

They could declare to all the citizens of the Empire that they were honorable nobles and receive the respect they deserved.

Therefore, the people gathered here often assumed that the four were aiming for such a goal.

‘We won’t die alone, Karl.’

‘We’re in this together till the bitter end, Karl.’

‘Let’s go all the way together!’

‘...Sorry, Karl. I couldn’t stop them.’

They had no idea what the four were actually thinking.

* * *

“...Ugh.”

“What’s wrong, Karl? Are you cold? Do you have a cold?”

“Not really. I just got a sudden chill.”

What could this mean? This ominous feeling. It’s never been wrong before.

As I shivered again, Selena narrowed the distance between us with a worried expression.

“I think you do have a cold. Wait a minute.”

She touched my forehead and muttered, ‘You don’t seem to have a fever? That’s strange.’

But that couldn’t be. This body wasn’t one to get sick with a mere cold.

Still, it was a shame it wasn’t a cold.

If it were, I could have used it as an excuse to stay holed up somewhere and rest!

“Young Lord, we’ll be arriving in the south soon.”

“Ah, thank you.”

“And Cardinal Beolant, the head of the 4th diocese, has been waiting with the clergy for a while now.”

“...”

Ah, I wish I had a cold. Cough, cough.

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]