Episode 348

Dawn. The sky was as sharp and cold as the pale faces of the officials.

Inside the rattling carriage, jolting along at a hurried pace, the bureaucrats buttoned up their coats and smoothed their hair as they reread the urgent dispatch.

What kind of thunderbolt is this, striking out of nowhere in the dead of night? Minister Volbe of the Imperial Defense Department is dead, and a mass resignation of generals is underway? No one could make sense of what was happening. With tensions at their peak with foreign powers, what were they supposed to do if not only the Magic Department but now the entire Imperial Defense Department was rendered incapacitated?

As they neared the palace, familiar carriages began to appear. The main gate stood wide open, as if welcoming their arrival.

Clack, clack!

Hiiing!

No one waited for the coachman to open the door. Most opened it themselves the moment the carriage stopped, and those who met eyes gathered to discuss the urgent news.

“This feels like a nightmare. I kept wondering if I was dreaming the whole ride here.”

“Minister Volbe is dead, you say? Any other details?”

“No, nothing else. This is my first time meeting you all. Since this came from the palace, I’m sure they know the full story there. Let’s hurry inside.”

“Hey, I think you’re wearing your shirt inside out.”

“…Who cares at a time like this?”

“True, true. Let’s just pretend we didn’t notice.”

“What’s even stranger than Volbe’s death is the mass resignation of the generals. What on earth could have happened inside?”

“I’ve been thinking… Could the palace guard have had a hand in this? There were some tense issues regarding Idgal, weren’t there? If they moved, things could get really complicated.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Captain Jaret wouldn’t do something like that. He knows full well how dangerous it would be for Bariel if the Imperial Defense Department collapsed now. And besides, if the palace guard acted like that…”

If the palace guard acted like that, who could possibly stop them?

The thought sent chills down their spines. The officials shook their heads to dispel the worst fears and entered the grand conference room. Most of those already informed were seated, murmuring among themselves.

“His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is here!”

An announcement came from outside. Everyone fell silent and stood as the boy entered. Watching his calm steps and composed gaze—without a trace of shock like the rest—they realized everything had begun with him.

“The Prime Minister and Captain Jaret accompany him.”

“…Good heavens.”

The Prime Minister and Jaret flanked the Crown Prince, parting to either side, silently signaling their allegiance. They were clearly following the Crown Prince’s orders to the letter.

“Please be seated.”

“Your Highness, is it true that Minister Volbe died last night?”

Someone spoke up as soon as they sat.

Jin furrowed his brows but smiled faintly, a complex expression. Outwardly, it was a look of regret, but beneath it, a subtle joy could be sensed.

“…You’re being hasty.”

“I-I apologize.”

“No, it’s understandable given the gravity of the matter. To get straight to the point: yes. Minister Volbe was found dead in his own residence last night.”

The Crown Prince confirmed Volbe’s death.

“W-what was the cause?”

“Well, the investigation is ongoing, but since he was intoxicated, it might be difficult to determine the exact cause. It’s curious, isn’t it? At the last conference, he was so full of vigor. Life is fleeting—it’s truly unfortunate.”

Better not to press further for now. The officials instinctively sensed this and fell silent. A few sharp minds steered the conversation back on track.

“Minister Volbe’s sudden death is regrettable, but isn’t the empire’s security more important at this moment? We should find the cause in due time, but first, filling the vacancy to prevent chaos seems prudent.”

“Agreed. And with the generals resigning en masse…”

Is it really resignation? The thought flickered briefly, but everyone knew the answer. It was a forced resignation tied to the minister’s sudden death.

The Crown Prince, the captain of the palace guard, and the Prime Minister had completely taken control of the Imperial Defense Department.

The Prime Minister’s involvement was expected, but why Captain Jaret sided with the Crown Prince to bring turmoil to the palace was a mystery. After all, he was supposed to serve the Emperor.

As the murmurs grew louder, Jin raised his hand lightly, signaling for calm. There was still much to say.

“Most of the current generals were appointed by Minister Volbe, so they likely judged they could not serve under a new minister. I intend to respect their decision.”

It was common for organizations to reorganize following a change in leadership.

But what if Volbe’s death was truly accidental?

The Crown Prince wouldn’t be able to conduct the meeting so smoothly. The remaining generals would have fought to claim the minister’s post, causing division.

Either way, forcing a collective resignation was the right move. Even if it caused some disorder, it was better than internal strife.

“Furthermore, we will take this opportunity to reform the military’s entrenched corruption and malpractices. The palace guard will be granted broad investigative authority.”

A declaration that they intended to shake things up thoroughly.

Volbe’s core supporters had already been forced out, but officers remained under the generals. They would vet each one’s legitimacy to build a new Imperial Defense Department. No objections were welcome.

And granting that authority to the palace guard seemed to tip the balance again after the brief pause caused by Idgal.

“Additionally, by the appointment authority of His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince of the Great Empire of Bariel, we intend to appoint Sir Maxim Tweller as the new Minister of the Imperial Defense Department. Officials should prepare for the confirmation hearings.”

“Sir Maxim Tweller? That name here?”

Why was his name brought up now?

He wasn’t interested in politics, nor was he a military academy graduate—hardly the type to rise through the ranks. Though he had a poor relationship with Volbe, it was surprising to hear he had some connection with the young Crown Prince.

“Is there a problem?”

“N-no. Sir Maxim Tweller is an excellent soldier. But there has never been a minister who wasn’t a military academy graduate…”

“Do you think arrows somehow avoid those graduates?”

“Excuse me?”

“On the battlefield, do arrows have eyes and ears to dodge military academy graduates? Sir Maxim Tweller was the first non-academy graduate to become an officer, and he’s spent half his life in the field. If anyone deserves to be Minister of Defense, I’m all ears.”

If anyone has a worthy candidate, speak now.

With the current minister dead under mysterious circumstances, who else could fill the role? Silence fell heavily.

“……”

It was almost unbelievable that the small boy before them was truly the Jin they thought they knew. His swift, decisive handling of the Imperial Defense Department without causing palace upheaval was impressively clean. At least in terms of managing affairs, he had clearly learned well from Lord Ian. Is this why they say education of the young is so important?

The officials realized their wandering thoughts and lightly slapped their own cheeks. Jin looked at the source of the noise with a puzzled smile.

“Did I summon you all too early?”

“No, Your Highness. I also support Sir Maxim Tweller’s appointment. He is a suitable candidate for the confirmation hearings. But there is one concern: he is not a military academy graduate.”

The usual path was officer, then general, then minister—all military academy graduates. If a minister came from that background, the officers and generals below were comrades and juniors, making for smooth organization.

But with Maxim Tweller, a non-academy officer, becoming minister, all the generals would be his subordinates. Naturally, there were worries about potential disorder.

“That is a problem for Minister Maxim Tweller to solve. Managing subordinates and running the organization is his duty. For now, let’s fill the minister’s vacancy. We will proceed at sunrise. Officials, prepare the confirmation hearing materials based on Minister Volbe’s case.”

Since Volbe had been appointed arbitrarily during the rebellion, the hearing was a formality. In other words, Tweller’s appointment should proceed without issue.

The officials exchanged glances and signaled their aides. Footsteps echoed down the hall.

“Oh, I almost forgot. The title conferment ceremony will be held simply.”

“A title conferment ceremony? Sir Tweller is already a baron. There is no precedent for promoting a title upon appointment. Usually, it happens after retirement based on achievements—”

“I never said the ceremony was for Sir Tweller.”

“Eh? Then for whom…?”

Only then did the officials notice Xiaosi’s presence. The one who shadowed Jin like a constant companion, sometimes so quiet they barely sensed him.

Xiaosi stood by the door as usual, but today his presence felt different—indescribable. The officials inwardly gasped.

‘Ah.’

He must have played a decisive role in Minister Volbe’s death.

“I understand why Sir Tweller was chosen.”

“When Your Highness comes of age, Sir Tweller will be of retirement age. This is to prevent a vacancy among your closest aides when you take full control of state affairs.”

“To grant a title to a freed slave-born commoner means you intend to promote him beyond officer rank?”

They were paving the way for Maxim Tweller in advance. Creating precedent is difficult, but once established, no one remembers the old ways.

If there’s ever been a case of someone rising from a military academy cadet to an officer with a rapid promotion, then surely, one day, even a former slave could become a minister. What Xiao Xi needed was simply time to gain experience.

“Your Majesty, about the title…”

“I mean the title of Viscount.”

At least that was reasonable. It’s only natural to grant authority and power to one’s own people during a personnel reshuffle. The officials breathed a sigh of relief, but then an unprecedented addendum followed.

“And if there happens to be a vacant general’s post appointed by Sir Tweller, Xiao Xi will be specially appointed to that position.”

“Your Majesty, that cannot be!”

“A general? Not just an officer appointment, but a general…”

“There will be strong opposition. This must not happen!”

“Even setting aside the military academy, his origins are lowly!”

“Ah, so someone of humble birth cannot hold a high-ranking position?”

Jin muttered as if unaware, causing the officials to hesitate. At the same time, a certain precedent came to mind: Ian Hielo, the Minister of Magic.

Everyone wanted to protest but dared not speak openly, lest they officially insult Ian.

“That’s not what I meant…”

“I repeat: when Sir Maxim Tweller selects talent and a vacancy arises, Xiao Xi will be appointed as a general.”

In other words, don’t bring personnel matters about Xiao Xi to me—go to Sir Tweller to request or argue.

Everyone present sensed the deal was already sealed. The move to diffuse opposition and criticism was flawless, making it difficult for the officials summoned in the dead of night to respond.

“Now, the sun will rise soon. If you wish to spend the afternoon at the mansion, you’d better hurry. Dismissed for now; we will reconvene shortly.”

Jin gave a nod to the attendant, who struck his staff to signal the end of the meeting.

No one rose easily; heads bent together, voices murmuring over the current situation. Jin left the conference room first, with Xiao Xi following closely as always.

“Your Majesty.”

“Hm?”

Suddenly, Xiao Xi stopped at the call.

The boy looked back at him with bright, alert eyes, showing no sign of fatigue. There was a mountain of work ahead: the personnel hearings, the title conferment ceremony, investigations into generals and officers, and managing the delicate balance among the three nations.

Xiao Xi knelt slowly and voiced his concern.

“Your Majesty, it is truly an honor to receive this title. As the officials say, someone of my lowly origin standing here beside you in the palace is already more than I deserve. But I worry this might become a burden to you…”

“Xia.”

The boy smiled warmly and shook his head gently. This was not only for Xiao Xi but ultimately for himself and Bariel.

“I know it’s not easy to sacrifice someone for another. This reward is more than enough for you. And—”

The reason he was pushing so hard to promote Xiao Xi to general.

“To see how far I can reach, I have no choice but to stretch my hand as far as possible. If I can raise you to general, it means I hold that much power here in the palace.”

He wanted to test the limits of his influence—if it was too much, that boundary would be his wall, the next challenge to overcome.

Jin gently embraced the returned Xiao Xi and murmured,

“There must be nothing I cannot accomplish in Bariel. Xia, you are my benchmark.”