"Hey!　Did you finish compiling the statement from the Home Ministry volunteers?
Don't be absurd!　There's no way we'll be able to finish it now that new ones are piling up one after the other!
It would be nice if the Ministry of the Interior would compile the statements of those who share the same opinion before unloading them. ......
The Ministry of the Interior should compile the statements of people with the same opinion before dropping them off. In that respect, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is very careful in its work.
...... It is precisely because they are so careful and thorough that they can be troublesome in cases like this.
Indeed.

　--The Foreign Office was in a frenzy. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the web site. The Ministry of the Interior is in charge of receiving state guests, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in charge of assisting in scheduling and diplomatic activities, but since it's been 300 years since we've had a "state guest," the Ministry of the Interior, which can't even do its job, is of little use. As a result, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had to take on most of the work related to the stanzas, but there was no way that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had the know-how to entertain guests at the royal palace, so the Foreign Office, which usually grasps the entire work of the three ministries as a scullery maid, somehow managed to help from behind the scenes.
　That alone was enough to make this a joke.

I'd like to invite someone from the royal family of Elgrand to the Stanza Empire ....... I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.

　In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please do not hesitate to contact us. It was as if he had never stopped working despite his sigh.

If His Majesty could refuse, he would have done so long ago. This is where the Stanza delegation is so clever. This is where the Stanza delegation's shrewdness lies. They made this "offer" almost out of thin air, at a meeting where not only His Majesty but all the major officials were present to some extent. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea. ...... If their target had been limited to the regular royal family, I would have had no choice but to refuse, but the fact that they chose to use the side chambers was the biggest blow.
"A concubine is almost like a member of the royal family, right?
It's true, but just because they are 'as close to the royal family as possible' doesn't mean they are officially counted as royalty. In the event that the country's peace of mind can be maintained by simply sending one of the side chambers to the stanzas, it doesn't make much difference whether they are there or not.

　There are more than forty concubines in the current Imperial Household. It is a fact of life that the greater the number, the more lightly each one is treated. Stanza's harem is said to be a much larger and more controlled place than Elgrand's, but perhaps because they are familiar with such things, they understand the psychology of such people.
　--Edward, who had come to help out in the outer court to share information, chuckled at the frank conversation between the two old-timers.

Edward, who had come to help in the outer court to share information, chuckled. The real purpose of Stanza's side has been revealed, so no matter how hard we try, we can't send anyone to Stanza.
That's right. --Well, as a result, the outer court room is overflowing with statements.

　Most of the statements that are currently pouring in to occupy the precious free space in the outer court room are opinions about the 'hostage taking' case that are wrapped in a veil but not wrapped at all. This half-abandoned system, once frequented by the Raino of Count Tandor, ironically became widely known to all after his death. Any adult nobleman can give his opinion on the government, and if such a system becomes known, it would be strange if it were not used, especially in times of emergency.
　There are many ways to write a statement, but the main opinions can be divided into three categories. One is a hard-line opinion that says, "Don't listen to Stanza's demands, and stop trading with him immediately," and the other is a righteous but overly idealistic opinion that says, "Regardless of trading with Stanza, how can you offer him a human sacrifice, no matter how much he is your wife?
　And finally, the opinion that has become the overwhelming majority, increasing in number day by day, is....

The statement from the Ministry of the Interior is overwhelmingly that 'in order to prevent the Stanza Empire from losing its compromise, we should have one of the side rooms visit the Stanza Empire as a state envoy for a short period of time.

　Cassio, who had finished compiling the statement from the Ministry of the Interior, whispered, rolling his stiff shoulders. The chamberlains around him, who were sorting through the statements that had come down from other places, nodded one after another with gloomy expressions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, too.
"The Ministry of Finance, too, although it has fewer statements and 'yes' opinions than ...... others.
...... It's not right, you know.

　The youngest chamberlain, Claude, who was in charge of sorting and distributing the documents and calculating the final number of opinions, opened his mouth with a stern expression.

It's been less than a week since Stanza said, 'Give us the hostages. When they first said this kind of nonsense, most of us said, 'Don't be silly, refuse immediately. Even though they presented us with the option of a 'side room', it's unnatural to think that the opinions of the royal court would change in such a short period of time just because of that.
I'm sure you'll be able to understand why." "...... Since the stanzas have been sitting in the palace, this one has been notable for that kind of quick formation of public opinion.
This is why they are so skilled at manipulating people's minds. ......

　I'm not sure what to make of that. It's a good idea to take a look at a few of the things that you can do to make sure that you're getting the most out of your vacation.

It's not the same as .......

　I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not, but I have. You'll be able to see that they've all stopped, and laugh a little.

We should take a break. You've all been working all day without eating lunch. Your mother has given us something easy to pick up.
"......, that would be great. Edward, what do you mean, "no"?
...... I'll tell you after the break. I told Keith before, but from the looks of it, I don't think you guys got all the details.

　In the event that you've got any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, we'll be happy to assist. We spread out the baskets that Elizabeth had given us in the break area, and each of us took a plate of whatever we wanted, buffet style. The rest area in the outer court was too small for everyone to gather.
　Edward, Orion, and Cassio were seated in the central resting area.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry, but I have to use the couch.
There's no desk for Edward in the outer court. The other day, Keith was muttering, 'Should we start redecorating the room in earnest and put in a desk for Ed?
I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do this at the same time as I'm working in the outer court.
There is no rule that says you can't have a desk for someone who is not a member of the office. It is obvious that no matter what position Ed takes in the future, it will be the outer court room (here) that he will frequent in the royal palace.
"...... Well, I don't think I'd want to spend all day in the archives either. It's too dusty.
It's dusty because Mr. Dualis doesn't do his job properly, right?
Well, he does seem to be tidying up the back on a regular basis. I'm not much of a cleaner myself, as is your father.
It's just that the Cresta family has been doing it for generations. ......
Well, it's just a matter of position.



　The conversation between Edward and Cassio was met with a puzzled tilt of the head by Claude, who had come to give them tea. It's a good idea to take a look at the website to see if you can find anything that might help you.

I'm not sure what to make of this.　It's a great way to get the most out of your time and money.
That's right. Well, Claude has never been there.
Of course not, Orion. You can't put a newcomer in that cave. If you're not careful, you'll end up in the archives.
Oh, ......, not metaphorically, but physically.
I mean, you can complain about that to the Ministry of Finance, who won't lower the budget to build more shelves.
"Well, sure. ...... So, Claude. Is there something I don't understand?

　The members of the outer court are very protective of Claude, the newcomer. Their duties are nothing short of arduous, but that's not their fault, it's the fault of the three ministries (mainly the Ministry of the Interior) who don't shy away from giving them work. Human relations among the staff are extremely good, and no matter how busy they are, they are always considerate of the newcomers (Claude) and try to nurture them.
　Claude nodded his head in response to the senior staff's calm tone.

I've heard that the work of the archives manager is mostly limited to cleaning and organizing, right?　I'm not sure if that's something you need to pass on to someone else.
"Ah, .......

　After all, Claude is a very perceptive boy. He is not aware of it, but if he polishes and develops this quality, he can become a rare official or a lord.
　There seemed to be a few people in the room who had the same questions as Claude, and they were looking to Edward and Cassio for answers. When Cassio and Orion looked at Edward as if they were troubled, he smiled lightly and accepted it.

You guys are so polite. I'm sure you'll be glad to know that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.
I'm sure you're right, ....... And it's not just the Cresta family.
The current director of the inspectorate is very scary. Only Director Hornet could summon Mr. Dualis with just five words: "Clean up.
He's known your father since he was a bad boy. You've known him since he was a bad boy, it's no wonder you're so proud of him.
So we don't know how much we can tell you. ...... The three of us found out about them by accident, but at least in the current royal court, there must be an overwhelming minority of people who know about their true role.
It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. If he felt threatened by the outer court, he wouldn't have made the mistake of letting you know by accident. That's who he is.
"That's scary enough.

　The newcomer rolled his eyes at the conversation between the two old-timers and Edward.

I'm not sure what you mean by that.　I've heard that the job of the inspector general's office, as I know it, is to investigate the actual state of the kingdom, and that it is actually just a kind of record-keeping office, and that's why there are not many employees in the office and it's almost a deserted job.
I've heard that's why there aren't many people in the bureau and it's almost a deserted job. Well, you're right on the surface. There are only a few officials with the title of "Inspector General", and they don't have much of a presence in the palace.
Ostensibly ......
"--Claude. Most of the inspectorate are masked officials. How do you think we were able to compile such concrete information so quickly when we investigated your Meltrois estate last year?
Isn't it because the ...... Cresters have a network of information throughout the kingdom?
You can get an idea of the atmosphere of the distant places through the backdoor information network, but you can't get a concrete idea of the situation or the tax revenue. Especially if it's your territory, but not if it's another territory.
I don't think that's what ...... is for.
Oh. The work of the Office of the Inspector General is really to investigate the actual situation of the kingdom. A lot of undercover officials are always scattered all over the kingdom, investigating the "real situation" of all the royal families and noble families. --To immediately inform the king of any atrocities against the people.

　The Kingdom of Ergeland, since the time of its predecessor, the City States of the Lake, has strictly discouraged wrongdoing by its rulers against its people. This was partly due to the temperament of the Elgrande family, but more importantly to the sage of the forest who became their wise counselor, who calmly advised them that "coercive and overbearing rule will ultimately be detrimental to the rulers in the long run. Rather than suppressing the people by force, it would be better to protect them with mercy and compassion and enrich their lives to gain their support, so that the "royal family" could continue for a long time.
　However, aside from the Legrand clan, not all the kings of the Kingdom of the Lake were merciful to their people. Rather, there were only a few who were.
　That's why the kings and wise men of the time imposed three promises on the kings of the countries that wanted to join the city-states.

　One, slavery must be abolished immediately.
　One, not to invade other countries by themselves. Warfare must be limited to defensive warfare.
　One, to allow the people the right to live their own lives freely.

　--As long as you keep these three promises, I will recognize your autonomy and welcome you as a member of the City-States of the Lake.
　However, if your country reneges on these promises, my country will be stripped of its autonomy as an ally of the Lake City States. In some cases, we will even purge your royal family.

　At that time, there were countries all over the peninsula, and the country was in a state of war. It is hard to imagine from today's peaceful world, but it was so tense that the family of the good-natured Lake (Legrand) had to be so strict.
　Nevertheless, there was a limit to how far away one could go to secretly investigate the internal affairs of a country that had been granted autonomy. We have to find out if they are keeping their 'Three Promises' and not forcing their people to do evil.

In order to find out, the Inspectorate was established as an internal surveillance agency under the king.

　I'm not sure what to make of this.

I'm not sure what to make of it.
I'm not sure what to do.　It's been around for a thousand and five hundred years since it was created.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. ......
"The undercover inspectors of the Office of the Inspector General essentially live their entire lives in secrecy. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. It doesn't matter what your status is, or even your gender, all that matters is whether or not you have the aptitude to be an undercover inspector.


If that's the case, then the inspector general's office may actually be so large that it's wrong to call it a bureau. ......
"You know. The only people who know how many undercover inspectors there are are the director of the time and Count Crestor. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. It's a technical job that involves handling a huge amount of confidential information and personnel, so if you don't have the know-how from when you were a kid, it's going to be tough.

　I'm not sure what to make of it. The number of noble families is increasing every year, and if you have to scout out not only the management of territories but also foreign trade, and scrutinize, manage and store that information, you need to deepen your studies in that field from childhood, otherwise you will not have enough time.

But if that's the case, then why aren't the noblemen who have wronged the people punished right away?　If the Inspector General's office could advise His Majesty, ......
I'm not sure. The inspectorate has the authority to do that, and in some cases can even expose the corruption of palace officials. The only reason they are not doing it now is because of the judgment of Uncle Mercies, the current head of the Inspectorate, Lord Mercies Hornet, and the Prime Minister.
It's .......
We can't just let Juke punish the nobility like that now, can we?　You never know when your life will be in danger if you do that. ...... So for now, the true role of the Inspectorate is a secret from Juke. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing. When there are official records of the population and tax rates in the royal palace, apart from the reports of the nobles themselves, anyone with any sense would ask, "Who checked this out? I'm not sure. The role of the inspector general's office is to monitor the time.

　The role of the Office of the Inspector General is to bring the truth to the king as soon as he wants it. Always silent, sometimes even mocked for their existence, they continue to secretly inscribe the truth.
　--All for the sake of the people and the king who wants them to live in peace. We never let injustice or oppression go unnoticed, and we keep the evidence in place. So that when the time comes for the king to make his move, no one can stand in his way.
　Though their names will never be written in the annals of history, they are certainly the undisputed heroes who have protected the king and his people at every turn in history.

　The room staff, including Claude, nodded their heads profoundly and repeatedly as they listened to Edward's explanation.

I'm not sure what to make of that.
It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. The "secret" that was revealed was on a scale I didn't expect, though.
"Seriously amazing. It's like he's a secret agent specializing in nobility.
That's true. That's why you're so close to the Cresta family.
...... It's very much like the outer court room, where no one even bats an eyelid, let alone question it.
No, I'm quite surprised, though.　But I can't do my job if I have to back down because of this.

　That's very encouraging. Edward chuckled and quenched his thirst with a cup of tea. --As the leader of the next generation, I'm simply grateful that the Outer Court, which will probably continue to work with the Cresters, is favorable to the Office of the Inspector General.
　As the next generation, I'm simply grateful that the outer court, which will probably work with the Cresters in the future, favors the Office of the Inspector General. As soon as the explanation about the Office of the Inspector General was complete, Cassio turned a serious face to me.

"So, Edward. "So, Edward, may I ask what you meant when you said 'different'?
"...... Oh, that's right. This is a little bit in line with what the inspector general said.

　After finishing the sandwich in his hand, Edward looked around at all the members of the room again.

"Earlier, when Orion mentioned 'premature public opinion', Cassio decided that was what the stanza guys did, right?
"...... Yes.
"Of course that's part of the truth, and I'm sure they're very good at winning people over. But that's not all.

　After the arrival of the Stanza Empire's delegation,......, to be precise, since the beginning of this year's social season, the palace's activities are clearly different from those of the past year. At first glance, it may seem that this is due to the entry of a different group of people, the Stanza emissaries.

"If you look at who Stanza's people are targeting... It's just too efficient and too convenient. ...... for conservatives.
Edward, ......

　This time, it was mainly the innovators with whom the stanza delegation made friends. But even the innovators are not monolithic. Some of them are ambitious and malevolent.
　And yet. And yet.

"Why do you think Juke and the Prime Minister have been unable to firmly reject the voice of the crown this time?　
It's not just violence of numbers. The forces that are defending the stanzas and trying to help them are powerful among the innovators, successful not only in their own business but also in managing their territory, and loved by the people. That's why he's such a strong ally for Juke.
Yes, I see.
But, is that really the case?　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how to get the best out of it.
"...... I see. The fact that they have excellent qualities as nobles has been revealed by the internal investigation of the inspector general's office, hasn't it?
That's right. They are not acting in bad faith. Rather, they sincerely wish for the friendship between Elgrand and Stanza and hope that the future will be brighter if the two countries deepen their friendship. Even the matter of sending his wife to Stanza, he believed in Stanza's words that he would welcome her as a messenger of friendship.
...... Personally, I think he's a bit too sycophantic or peaceful.
But in fact, it's not. If you are a member of another side family, it would be a different story. ...... If you offer Diana for Prince Stanza's purpose, he will certainly treat her well and welcome her to Stanza as a messenger of friendship. Well, I'm sure he has zero intention of returning her.

　Everyone's expression clouded over. Orion exhaled with a gloomy look in his eyes, unusual for a man who is always so cheerful.

I'm sure he's a good judge of character for choosing you, .......
But that doesn't mean you can't do it. I can't accept that.


I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that I'm not the only one who's interested.
"...... Regardless of Diana's feelings, Stanza's words do not lie. This is the first time I've ever seen such a thing. And so, out of the goodness of their hearts, they will continue to mediate between the king and Stanza, and the conservatives around them will pretend to be carried away by their enthusiasm and reluctantly agree with them.

　Edward's question caused Cassio's, Orion's, and the chamberlains' faces to turn pale.
　Claude opened his mouth, panting heavily.

I'm not sure ...... that's what you're really after.
I have a hunch. I've been looking at the royal palace lately and I can feel such a thought. --I'm not sure what you're talking about. It would be like ruining the ties with Elgrande that had been so well established. The only ones who will benefit from this are the conservatives in the royal court of Elgrand who are annoyed by the rise of the innovators.

　Moreover.

The only people who will benefit from this trend are the conservatives in the Ergeland Royal Court who are annoyed by the rise of the innovators." Moreover, it will reduce the power of the leading innovators, reduce the number of Juke's allies, worsen relations with the Stanza Empire, and reconsider free trade. In addition, by involving the palace, I created a situation where no matter how hard I tried, the Red Rose (Diana) had to move. As long as she moves, she can create any number of openings for attack. It's not just killing two birds with one stone, it's killing four or more, and all of them are in the conservatives' favor. --There is no doubt that behind the stanzas are conservatives or someone who wants them to have power.
Oh, no. ......!
The problem with ...... is who it is. The problem with is who it is. They're so different from last year. If you're able to do this, then the ringleader must already be in the royal court or at least in the capital.
"There's a possibility that it's not the ...... nobility?
I don't know. That's why we need to examine all possibilities.
But there's no ...... reason for someone who isn't a nobleman to cooperate with the conservatives.
There is ............, that's what.

　I'm sure you've heard of it, but I've never heard of it.

　The story of the Spircians, as recorded in ancient lore, and the power of the "Princess of the Forest" passed down to Diana.
　And - for some reason - the surviving Spiritsians of today have joined forces with the conservative faction of the royal court and are cooperating with them to expand their power.
　For these people, Diana, the embodiment of the "miracle" who had joined the king's side, would be a hindrance to them.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

I'm not sure what to make of this, but I'm sure it's a good idea." "So you're saying that ...... might be the reason why Prince Stanza fell in love with the princess and wanted her?
"Ah. If that's the case, then this whole thing can kill five birds with one stone. Reduce the number of Juke's allies, reduce the power of the innovators, worsen the relationship with Stanza, create a stir in the palace, and banish Diana from the Kingdom of Elgrand forever.
"Oh, no, ...... that's not possible!

　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

No! No!　You can't do that!　You can't put Deanna ...... and her sister's benefactor through that kind of pain!
"Claude ......
It's not just my sister. It's because of Deanna that I was able to meet Abel and Rudolph. It's a great way to get to know the people you'll be working with. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's worth it. And yet ......
I'm sure you're aware of that, Claude.

　Cassio stood up and gently patted Claude on the shoulder.

I don't think we should be worrying about factional differences at this point. I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you.
We don't have much time. I'm trying to protect my precious daughter.

　All the members of the room nodded vigorously to Cassio and Orion's orders.

　The moment.

"............ Sorry, guys. He beat me to it.

　The door opened with a crunch.
　The door opened with a bang, and in slowly walked Manager Pajero and Keith, looking bluer than Edward had ever seen them before, stumbling as they walked. It was the first time that Edward had seen these two mentally tough guys so beaten up.

"What's going on, Keith?

　He waited for him to sit down and asked, and Keith shook his head loosely.

"You can accuse me of being useless, Ed. You can accuse me of being useless, Ed. ...... I didn't expect the Home Office to use that kind of trickery.
"Lobbies?
The daily appeals are a decoy. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

　The chamberlain barked and slammed the desk with his fist.　The chief barked and pounded his desk with his fist. An avalanche of papers fell down, but not a single voice was raised to condemn it.

"Nonsense!

　Cassio was the first one to stand up.

That's impossible!　You can't do that without waiting for the king's decision!　You're overstepping your authority!
It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for, and how you can get it. In fact, the Ministry of the Interior will just pretend that it was because it respected the wishes of the Imperial Household.
But that doesn't change the fact that we're not waiting for His Majesty's decision!
Yes, Orion. In the event that you've got a lot of money to spend, you'll be able to take advantage of it. The date of the Stanza delegation's return was approaching, but the king could not suppress his voice that the delegation should be sent to Stanza. Rather than having to move up the return date due to Ergeland's incompetence, it would have been better to say that we acted so as not to upset Stanza's schedule in any way. ......


It's hard to argue with ...... because it makes so much sense. It's a good thing that you don't have to leave the country if you don't want to send a delegation.

　While speaking calmly, Edward clenched his fists tightly in order to suppress the bottom of his simmering stomach.

(Who ...... is behind this?

　(Who's behind this? ?) The Home Office couldn't have done this better. There is no doubt that someone is behind this.

I'm sure there's someone who's put them up to this. ......, but it's almost a done deal that the Kingdom of Ergeland will send a delegation to the stanzas with a side wife as their representative. I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I've been so impressed with your work. Any further opposition would jeopardize the position of His Majesty and His Excellency.

　Keith looked at Edward straight in the eyes.

It's our fault for not being aware of the Home Office's intentions. As I recall, at the end of the year in the House of Lords, it was no longer a secret that we were in league with Her Majesty. This useless statement, and all the useless work the Home Office was unloading on us, was all to stop us from making this move. I was naive to think that I could take advantage of my position as a scullery maid forever, even though they had changed the way they looked at us. ......
...... I'd say the same thing about that. Keith, you can blame yourself later. I'll call your father and Deanna and we'll figure out what to do.
What do you mean, "going forward?" ......

　Keith is smart. He knows what Prince Stanza really wants, and he knows that Diana understands all of it.
　That's what he would do.

"But, Ed. But Ed, I don't have the means to protect Diana right now. ......
"You know what, Keith? I'm grateful that you guys are trying to protect Deanna, and I'd love to protect her too, but unfortunately my sister will always be in a position where she can't just be protected.

　Yeah. Even Edward knows that.
　I'm sure Deanna will be.

It's a shame that the enemy got the better of us, but if we can't stop this trend, we'll have to take advantage of it and turn it into an opportunity to turn the tide. Let's take advantage of their plan and destroy everything they have planned.

　In the afternoon sunshine of the outer court room, Edward announced this in a high-pitched voice.