Flower of Steel

“Actually, the Minister of Defense and Minister of External Affairs praised your work because it allowed our successful negotiation with the new King of Azar to happen, and they wanted to see you.”

I realized two facts from these words. One was that Marquis Schuteiner, who originally sided with the Imperial party, now turned over to the Noble party. The Minister of Defense was Duke Harsen, the leader of the Noble party and one who has a direct lineage of the Imperial Family. If Marquis Schuteiner was befriending the Duke, then it was a silent protest of his daughter being shunned by the Imperial Family.

But of course, it is a known fact that Duke Harsen’s son Hillain loves Elise so badly. Maybe it was the Marquis’s scheme to plan a wedding between their children to form an alliance and pressure the Imperial Family to weaken them as revenge. With the two powerful families getting together, it meant the nobles under them were going to be allies as well. It wasn’t easy even for the Emperor to look away.

The second thing I realized was that they were eyeing me. Even if I did suggest the policy, it was very unlikely for the ministers to summon a mere secretary unless they were very interested. This meant that there was a chance that I would have to go up against not only Marquis Schuteiner and his daughter but even Duke Harsen.

However, I couldn’t decline their request. If I had to take it, then I at least had to give the impression to the Duke that he doesn’t need to be wary of me. I was about to answer when someone jumped in on our conversation.

“The Ministry of Defense is looking for Secretary Harrant?” It was Rave who came in our direction, asking sternly.

The Vice Director nodded, “Yes. As you know, it is thanks to her policy that our negotiation with Azar went well.”

“That is right. But the policy was completed with the work of the entire Internal Affairs. If Secretary Harrant is to be solely praised, then there will be complaints revolving around fairness.”

“But it is the Ministers’ orders. You know very well that we have no right to refuse.”

In response, Rave’s expression turned colder. “But…!”

“Please let them know that I will visit them today or tomorrow at their convenience.” I cut off Rave’s words and agreed with the Vice Director.

Rave’s face scowled as he said, “Marina!”

“Yes, sir. What is it?”

In response to my words, he clenched his fists and glared at Raymont. “As your subordinate, I want to advise you to never become swayed by the unfair use of authority again.”

“Unfair use of… What! What are you-”

“Internal Affairs has a different jurisdiction from the separate ministries. Even if they are ministers, they cannot summon us at their will without the permission of the Chancellor. I believe you should have declined their request, Vice Director.”

Rave was actually right about this. But reality never worked that way. Vice Director Raymont was only a viscount even if he was ranked high, so there was no way he would dare decline the ministers’ request.

“Hmph… Alright.”

But of course, Rave was also the future Duke of Harsen. Even if he was a subordinate of Viscount Raymont within the office, he was a higher-ranked noble outside.

It left a bitter taste in my mouth. I thought that no matter how hard one tries, it isn’t easy to overcome a birth lineage.

Rave grabbed my wrist and said, “Follow me, Marina.”

Well, you said unfair use of authority. Isn’t this actually unfair use of authority?

***

“Are you alright?” Rave asked.