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

In carriages jolting from their urgent rush, officials adjusted their clothes and groomed their hair while rereading the urgent missive.

What thunderbolt was this in the dead of night? Minister Volv of Imperial Defense dead, and generals resigning en masse? They couldn’t understand what was happening. With tensions with foreign nations at their peak, how could the Imperial Defense Department become incapacitated following the Ministry of Magic?

As they approached the palace, familiar carriages began appearing. The main gates were thrown wide open, as if welcoming their entry.

Clatter clatter!

Neigh!

They couldn’t wait for drivers to open their doors. Most threw open their doors as soon as their carriages stopped, gathering with others they made eye contact with to discuss the urgent missive.

“My word, even during the carriage ride, I wondered if I was dreaming.”

“They say Minister Volv is dead? Any other word?”

“No. I haven’t heard anything. This is the first time I’m seeing you, sir. Since the message came from the palace, they must know the detailed circumstances. Let’s hurry inside.”

“Your shirt seems to be on backward.”

“…Who has time to care about that?”

“True enough. I’ll pretend I didn’t notice.”

“More puzzling than Minister Volv’s death is the mass resignation of generals. What in the world happened internally?”

“I’ve been thinking—could the Imperial Guard have caused this? You know, there was some tension over the Idgal matter. If they moved, things would become quite complicated.”

“Surely not. Captain Jeirutt isn’t that sort of person. He must know how dangerous the Imperial Defense Department’s absence would be for Bariel at this point. And above all, if the Imperial Guard were to act like that…”

If they did—who indeed could stop them?

The mere thought sent chills down their spines. The officials shook their heads to dispel the worst-case scenarios and entered the grand council chamber. Most who had received the summons were already present, whispering among themselves.

“His Highness the Crown Prince enters!”

At that announcement from outside, everyone fell silent and rose, watching the child enter. And they realized.

From the child’s unhurried steps, calm gaze, and composure showing none of their own shock—everything had begun.

“The Prime Minister and Captain Jeirutt are also present.”

“…Heavens.”

The Prime Minister and Jeirutt followed behind the child. They split to either side, guarding the Crown Prince’s flanks, subtly declaring their position to the officials. They were following the Crown Prince’s orders completely.

“Be seated.”

“Your Highness, is it true that Minister Volv d-died last night?”

Someone spoke up as soon as they sat down.

Jin furrowed his brows but gave a regretful smile, his expression truly enigmatic. While outwardly showing regret, inner joy could naturally be sensed.

“…How hasty.”

“I-I apologize.”

“No. It’s understandable given the gravity of the matter. To answer directly—yes. Minister Volv was found dead in his mansion last night.”

The Crown Prince officially confirmed Volv’s death.

“What about the c-cause of death?”

“Well. It’s under investigation, but since he was in an intoxicated state, finding a clear cause may not be easy. I am curious though, aren’t you? Just yesterday at the grand council, he was so full of vigor. Life is truly fleeting—how regrettable.”

They knew instinctively not to ask further for now. The officials caught this and sealed their lips. Some quick-witted ones changed the meeting’s topic.

“While Minister Volv’s sudden death is tragic, isn’t the empire’s safety more important now? Perhaps we should slowly investigate the cause while first filling the vacant position to prevent confusion?”

“Correct. Besides, they say the generals have resigned en masse…”

Was it truly resignation? Such thoughts flickered by, but everyone knew the answer. That it was forced resignation related to the minister’s sudden death.

The Crown Prince, Imperial Guard Captain, and Prime Minister had completely seized control of the Imperial Defense Department.

The Prime Minister was one thing, but they couldn’t understand why Captain Jeirutt stood with the Crown Prince in bringing chaos to the palace. He was supposed to work solely for the Emperor, after all.

When the low murmurs wouldn’t settle, Jin raised his hand slightly. A signal for everyone to control themselves. There was still much to convey.

“It seems most of the current generals were Minister Volv’s appointees, so they judged they couldn’t serve under a new minister. I wish to respect their decision.”

It was common for organizations to restructure following their superior’s lead.

But if Volv’s sudden death had truly been coincidental?

The Crown Prince couldn’t have conducted the meeting so steadily as now. The remaining generals would have caused division fighting for the minister position.

From any angle, forcing mass resignations was the proper measure. Even if it caused confusion, wasn’t that better than division?

“And with this opportunity, I will delegate comprehensive investigative authority to the Imperial Guard to improve the military’s corrupt practices and chronic problems.”

A declaration to overturn everything.

Though Volv’s core forces had already been semi-forcibly resigned, officers remained under the generals. He meant not to question his intention to create a new Imperial Defense Department by selecting those who were legitimate, one by one.

Moreover, giving that authority to the Imperial Guard seemed to add new weight to the balance that had momentarily faltered due to Idgal.

“Also, by the Bariel Imperial Crown Prince’s appointment authority, I intend to appoint Lord Tweller as Minister of Imperial Defense—officials should prepare for the personnel hearing.”

“You mean Lord Maxim Tweller?”

Why was that name coming up here?

He not only lacked interest in politics but, not being a military academy graduate, was far from advancement. Though his poor relationship with Volv was one thing, it was surprising that he had some connection with the young Crown Prince.

“Is there a problem?”

“Ah, no. Lord Maxim Tweller is an excellent soldier. But there’s never been a case of someone who isn’t a military academy graduate becoming minister…”

“Do arrows somehow dodge military academy graduates on the battlefield?”

“Pardon?”

“On the battlefield. I asked if arrows have eyes and ears to deliberately avoid military academy graduates. Lord Maxim Tweller first became an officer without graduating from the military academy and spent half his life there. Then he spent another half on actual battlefields. If you have someone else to recommend for Minister of Imperial Defense, I’ll personally hear it.”

Go ahead and recommend any suitable talent.

When the current Minister of Imperial Defense had died with unknown cause, who could possibly do so? Everyone fell silent, struck speechless.

“…”

They wondered if this tiny child before them was truly the Jin they had known. His skill in cleanly seizing control of just the Imperial Defense Department without major ripples in the palace, with swift decisiveness, was impeccable. If nothing else, he had certainly learned well from Lord Ian in handling matters. Was this why they say children’s education is so important?

The officials realized what nonsense they were thinking and lightly slapped their cheeks. Jin smiled curiously and looked toward the sound.

“Did I call the assembly too early?”

“No, not at all, Your Highness. Um, I also support Lord Maxim Tweller’s appointment. He should pass the personnel hearing without issue. But there is one problem—that he isn’t a military academy graduate.”

After officer came general, and finally minister. When a minister came from military academy graduate officers or generals, naturally all below were comrades and direct juniors, allowing smooth organizational operation.

But if Maxim Tweller, a non-academy graduate officer, became minister, all generals below would need to newly gain his trust. It was natural to worry about confusion arising.

“That is a problem for Minister Maxim Tweller to solve. Managing subordinates and operating the organization is his duty. First, let’s fill the vacant minister position. We’ll proceed when the sun rises, so officials should prepare based on the personnel hearing materials from Minister Volv’s previous case.”

Since Volv had been appointed arbitrarily during the civil war, his personnel hearing had been a formality. In other words, it was an order to prepare for Tweller’s appointment without any issues.

The officials signaled their assistants with their eyes, and running footsteps could be heard throughout the corridors.

“Ah yes. I almost forgot. We’ll also hold a simple title conferment ceremony.”

“Title conferment? Lord Tweller already holds a baron’s title. There’s no precedent for promotion upon appointment. Promotion upon retirement after achievements is—”

“I never said it was Lord Maxim Tweller’s title conferment.”

“Pardon? Then whose…”

The officials finally realized Xiaoshi’s presence. The one who guarded behind Jin like a shadow every day. Sometimes they were startled when they couldn’t sense his presence.

Xiaoshi guarded by the door as usual, but today he emanated a special atmosphere. An indescribable feeling. The officials internally exclaimed.

‘Ah.’

This person must have played a decisive role in Volv’s death.

“I understand why you chose Lord Tweller.”

“When Your Highness matures, Lord Tweller will be retirement age. It’s to prevent a closest aide’s position from becoming vacant when you begin leading state affairs in earnest.”

“Giving a title to a freedman of slave origin means you intend to promote him above officer, doesn’t it?”

They were paving the way first with Maxim Tweller. Precedents are difficult to establish, but once created, no one remembers the past.

If there was a case of special promotion from officer for a non-military academy graduate, someday there could be a minister of slave origin. All Xiaoshi needed was time to gain experience.

“Your Highness, regarding the title…”

“I speak of a viscount title.”

At least that was reasonable. It was natural to distribute authority and power to one’s people in personnel reorganization. As the officials breathed sighs of relief, a shocking addition followed.

“And if there’s a vacant general position in Lord Tweller’s appointments, I will specially appoint Xiaoshi to that position.”

“Your Highness, this cannot be!”

“G-general? Not even officer appointment, but…”

“There will be strong opposition. This absolutely cannot be!”

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

“Ah, so those of lowly birth cannot sit in high positions?”

When Jin muttered as if he hadn’t known this, the officials hesitated. They all recalled the same example—Magic Minister Ian Hiello.

Though they wanted to protest, opening their mouths only to close them again, they couldn’t easily speak for fear that one wrong move would officially insult Ian.

“That’s not what we meant…”

“I’ll say it again. When Lord Maxim Tweller selects personnel and positions remain, I will appoint Xiaoshi as general.”

In other words, don’t complain to him about Xiaoshi’s personnel matters—go plead or argue with Lord Tweller.

Everyone present could sense that the deal was already done. With no gaps even in dispersing opposition and criticism, it wasn’t easy for officials called out in the middle of the night to counter.

“Well, the sun will rise soon. If you want to spend the afternoon at your mansions, you’d best hurry. Dismiss, and let’s gather again shortly.”

Jin nodded to the Prime Minister, who struck his staff to signal the meeting’s end.

Everyone had trouble rising, huddling together to discuss the current situation. Jin left the grand council chamber first, with Xiaoshi guarding behind him as always.

“Your Highness.”

“Yes?”

Suddenly stopping at the call.

The child turned to look at Xiaoshi with bright eyes showing no sign of fatigue. There was a mountain of work to do. Not only the personnel hearing, but the title conferment ceremony, investigation of generals and officers, and checking the three nations.

Xiaoshi slowly knelt to express his concern to the child.

“Your Highness. The title you bestow is truly an honor. As the officials said, for someone as lowly as me to be here in the palace, guarding Your Highness’s side, is already more than I deserve. But I worry this might burden you…”

“Xiao.”

The child smiled brightly and shook his head slightly. While this was for Xiaoshi’s sake, ultimately it was for himself and for Bariel.

“I know it’s no easy thing to harm someone for another’s sake. This much reward is enough for you. And—”

And the reason for forcefully promoting Xiaoshi to general.

“To confirm how far I can reach, I have no choice but to stretch my hand as far as possible. Xiao. If I can make you a general, it means I have that much power in the palace now.”

To see exactly how far he could push, and if it proved too much, that would be his wall and the next challenge to overcome.

Jin gently embraced Xiaoshi who had returned alive and murmured:

“There must be nothing I cannot accomplish in Bariel. Xiao. You are my benchmark.”