The Low-Ranking Civil Servant Wants to Achieve Success - Chapter 49
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————
Chapter 49
It was precisely when I was wishing I had at least one secretary!
A miracle occurred—Kibon Altes’s reapplication for an internship arrived.
‘Unbelievable.’
My hands trembled with joy as I eagerly read through the documents.
‘Born in 524? He’s a year younger than me!’
At last, I would have an employee younger than myself.
I rummaged through previous documents to find his detailed personnel information.
Ah… he had no family.
It appeared he was unmarried, without parents or siblings.
Exactly like me.
‘And he was from the Imoat Kingdom…’
I clicked my tongue at the realization that had only just dawned on me.
The Imoat Kingdom.
A distant island nation far from the Empire, with terribly inconvenient transportation.
‘The Imoat Kingdom—wasn’t that the homeland of the former Empress?’
So Kiaros’s biological mother was from the Imoat Kingdom.
It was also the place where diplomatic relations had only recently begun due to the Emperor’s first marriage.
In other words, virtually nothing was known about that nation.
‘Their culture is so different—it makes sense that formal relations were established so late.’
I recalled that their way of greeting inquired about one’s thoughts on marriage to the Crown Prince.
By my narrow, Empire-centric way of thinking, the more I considered it, the more bizarre it seemed.
‘Why would they offer not the Emperor but some foreign Crown Prince? How could they be so limited and provincial in their curiosity about another’s circumstances…’
But then again.
Being on the opposite side of that continent, it made sense that their culture would develop quite differently.
‘But a reapplication for an internship?’
I fell into quiet contemplation while studying the documents.
‘It seems he found it regrettable to simply return to the Empire.’
Certainly, he had said he wanted to learn much from me.
A smile began to spread across my face.
‘Then I can use him as my secretary.’
Everything had been resolved.
I had been hesitant about using senior cohort members as my secretary, but an intern posed no burden.
[I thought you had returned to your homeland, but how did you come here…]
[I came running.]
Besides, Kibon was a foreigner with poor command of the Empire’s language!
That shameless yet confident expression back then wasn’t something anyone could pull off.
[This woman is my superior.]
That face, completely oblivious to what she’d said wrong!
Those eyes, intoxicated by her own coolness without understanding anything!
That clumsy way of speaking, clearly uncertain how to address a superior!
That was… absolutely, positively not an act.
‘They wouldn’t use someone with poor command of the Imperial language as a spy. The risk of miscommunication is too high. And as a foreigner, she wouldn’t catch nuances well either.’
Besides, in the original story, the Imoat Kingdom never involved itself in the continent’s wars.
Being an isolated island nation, it simply declared neutrality and withdrew.
So there were no conflicting interests whatsoever.
‘No matter how I think about it, it’s perfect.’
Kibon Altes.
Having this foreigner as my secretary seemed like it would work out well.
It would probably be good experience for the New Intern who wanted to learn about the work.
That’s what he wanted anyway. Either way, I should make sure to give him plenty of work to do.
4. Kibon Altes’s Circumstances
The Scroll Management Department, which had been jointly operated by the Magic Tower and the Imperial Palace, was dissolved. Afterward, the Imperial Palace’s Scroll Department was established.
The Minister of Education of the Scroll Department was… Namia Loapi, barely twenty-three years old!
Naturally, all departments were in an uproar.
“What? A scandal with the Crown Prince and she gets parachuted in like that?”
“Did you see her in the courtroom? The Crown Prince sent her a heart sign and caused quite a commotion.”
“He made a heart with his hands with that solemn expression? Goodness, I thought I was hallucinating.”
As expected, such rumors circulated, and as expected, other rumors emerged.
“No, that’s not it. The Minister of Education said that Namia kicked the Crown Prince.”
“My goodness, where are Namia’s eyes? Her aesthetic standards are completely different from ordinary people’s?”
In the rumors, Kiaros was excessively criticized.
But in any case, it was effectively revealed that she hadn’t become Minister of Education for personal reasons.
That rumor swept through the Palace in an instant.
“Is that true? The Crown Prince was really rejected?”
Of course, Kiaros, who had been coming to work with Kibon’s appearance, also heard the news.
As Kiaros passed through the garden, he spotted his Aide surrounded by other people.
“Is it really true? He secluded himself, refusing all food and drink, rejected so mercilessly?”
People bombarded the Aide with questions.
“I can say nothing. Because I sincerely respect the Crown Prince and have sworn loyalty to him.”
His loyal Aide stood firm and answered with a resolute expression.
“I will never tell how carefully His Highness prepared for something, nor how I skillfully handled the aftermath when it failed. Even if a blade were put to my neck, I wouldn’t speak. So please stop asking.”
That answer was of no help to Kiaros whatsoever.
People gasped in even greater shock.
“…What… did he even prepare?”
“My goodness, so that’s why he’s secluded himself.”
Kiaros had already changed his appearance, yet he still hid his body behind a tree.
It was an emotion I had never experienced before—embarrassment.
However, he was a rational and mentally sound dragon. Therefore, he thought both positively and coldly.
‘I can perfectly conceal the reason for my seclusion, so this actually worked out well. It’s fine. Really, truly, exceptionally fine.’
When he thought about it by thoroughly excluding emotion, the situation seemed acceptable.
‘Of course, I’m still curious why Namia suddenly rejected me.’
That remained an unsolved mystery.
He walked slowly toward the Scroll Department.
‘Anyway, I’ve been quite busy lately. Now that His Majesty the Emperor has returned, I should rest for a while. Monitoring the department members is hardly work at all….’
And when he made his second visit to the Scroll Department.
The few remaining staff members all wore bewildered expressions.
They showed no interest whatsoever in the returning New Intern.
The departmental reorganization had been that shocking to them.
“Welcome back.”
Only Namia, now seated in the Minister of Education’s position, greeted him with a radiant smile.
‘Hmm?’
It was the first time he had seen Namia smile so brightly. Kiaros felt as though he had been struck on the head.
Had Namia’s smile always been this beautiful?
Her silver hair gathered neatly into a single bun, her composed attire, and above all… her crescent-shaped eyes and warmly gleaming gaze.
“I’m so, so, so, so glad you came.”
Genuine joy radiated from her face.
“I truly cannot express how grateful I am that you’ve returned.”
Kiaros felt a tightness deep in his chest.
To his first superior, who had cared for him so deeply, he had complained that he couldn’t even carry a single burden….
She continued speaking kindly.
“Kibon, you’ll be working as my secretary for the time being.”
Kiaros stared blankly at her face.
A woman whose status as spy or loyal servant remained undetermined.
An adversary whose true nature—benefactor or puppet master in disguise—remained unknown.
Her secretary? Did that mean they would be constantly together?
‘If she’s an enemy, it’s good for surveillance; if she’s loyal, it’s good for protection.’
Either way, it worked out well. Kiaros nodded readily.
Seeing this, Namia spoke with a pitiful tone.
“I promise you. The Scroll Department will be very different from before. This time, please stay for the full duration.”
She even grasped his hand firmly.
“I’m so anxious that you might leave after just one day again….”
Her appearance was truly fragile and delicate.
Though she hadn’t shown it, had her heart ached so much when he said he was quitting?
Kiaros found himself moved beyond measure and nodded.
“No matter what happens, I will complete the full duration. I swear it.”
“A vow, how wonderful.”
Namia’s smile suddenly deepened. Something about it felt unsettlingly eerie, and she added with her eyes gleaming.
“You must swear by your life, your honor, and your homeland to keep it.”
Wait, hold on.
…To that extent?
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————