Flower of Steel

That is a declaration of war. He meant that he would have his eyes on me and get rid of me himself, so I should wait for my doom. But I, a government official of Internal Affairs, the Operation department, which is the heart of all ministries, will never cower before the leader of the External Affairs Ministry, which is ranked lower than Internal Affairs. Sure, go ahead and try. I won’t cower away at any threat you might throw at my policies and position.

“Of course. I hope I live up to your expectations.”

After hearing my answer, Marquis Schuteiner coldly scanned me and walked away. I couldn’t identify who sent the letter from a while ago and couldn’t find who was behind that mystery. However, I can’t shake the feeling that that man is somehow related. I can foresee a lot of things that will happen. I must be ready for those who will attack me.

***

A few days had gone by after that. Today, there was an event hosted by Internal Affairs within the Royal Palace, so all government officials from every ministry were invited. It was a very important day for me as well. I had to present my proposal to build the embankments, explain its pros, and persuade the majority of officials they were profitable to the empire. I scurried around busily while greeting officials from other ministries and spoke to them with instructions.

“Are you Gerde, from External Affairs?”

“Right. Who might you be?”

“I’m Secretary Marina von Harrant from Internal Affairs.”

His attitude immediately changed as I introduced myself. I became angry at him as his expression turned into a smirk as he scanned me from top to bottom, but I suppressed my anger. Now wasn’t the time.

“Please share about the profitable points in regards to Azar regarding the policy at the event today. It is vital to our country,” I said.

“Sure, sure. Unlike someone, I know how to draw the line between work and personal matters.”

‘A*sh*le. Speaking in a condescending tone when we’re the same rank. It’s getting on my nerves, but I have to hold back.’

My reputation within Internal Affairs was great, but I heard that I wasn’t regarded as highly in other ministries. But I was confident that I wouldn’t be shaken by it. They only act so rashly because they don’t know me.

“Hah! Only women like that act on their feelings. Psst. This is why we shouldn’t have women in high positions.”

I stopped in my footsteps. I realized that I didn’t have to hold back anymore with those words. That’s when I heard a bit of an angry voice from the Finance department.

“What did you just say? It’s very unpleasant to hear such words in public.”

I turned in the direction where the voice came from and saw officials from the Finance department glaring at him angrily. It was Rosaine who spoke to him.

“Who are you to interfere like that?”

“I’m Deputy Rosaine von Faularner from the Finance department, managing the budgetary planning.”

In response, the loser from External Affairs frowned and began talking down to Rosaine. “What? How dare you, a deputy, try to lecture me? I’m a higher-ranking official to you.”

“I’m not trying to lecture you. I’m asking for a rightful apology for your wrong comments.”

“Shut up! You’d have no chance if you were at External Affairs. It’s only thanks to Marquis Lynel, who is soft-minded, that an arrogant wench like you is working here. Also, I know that Faularner is a baron. How dare the daughter of a low-ranked noble interrupt me? This is insubordination.”

I heard laughter from other ministries after those words. Rosaine blushed, apparently embarrassed by such insults. I didn’t like him being so rude to someone weaker than him. I almost wanted to slap him. Besides, am I acting on my feelings? That’s bull! Today’s task is important for the empire, so External Affairs should consider it significant as well. If they can’t explain the matter well, then it’s apparent they’ll be laughed at. As a fellow government official, rage began to consume me because of man’s carelessness.

‘Hah, alright. I’m already at the bottom, so I doubt it would be even worse if I fall anymore,’ I thought as I walked up to him again. The son of a b**** from External Affairs smirked as I walked back to him.

“What? You’ve got something more to say?”

I grinned in response to his words and answered, “Yeah, I wanted to say this to this foolish man acting out his feelings!”

“W-what? Are you talking to me right now? You’re talking to me?!”

As he pointed at me, I smirked at him and answered, “Yeah, you! The information that created the speech that you put effort into memorizing was done by me, who happens to be a woman. The salary you receive was also calculated by those women you speak of.”

“Still, it’s true that women’s work efficiency is lacking-”

“Do you want to hear an interesting fact? Starting now, there will be more of those female officials, who you look down on, being hired. When the time comes, men like you won’t say such nonsense.”