Chapter 38 Moving Staircase
Many children were orphaned during the war that ended five years ago. Many children were abandoned in orphanages because their living conditions became difficult.
The state sent money to orphanages around the empire, but it was not enough. Every month, there were numerous petitions for an increase in funding.
“It sounds like a good idea. I was worried about the number of run-down facilities and financial instability.”
Windler’s face instantly brightened at the affirmation from Killion’s mouth. “We’re going to make it a model,” Windler said excitedly.
“Why don’t we take a leaf out of the neighboring kindergarten’s book and consult with them to refine our plans?”
“That’s a good idea. Let’s talk to the kindergarten and work out a concrete timeline, as soon as possible.”
“Yes, sir.”
Windler was surprised, he hadn’t expected an affirmative answer so quickly.
Killion was a meticulous boss. It was extremely rare for him to give the green light so quickly and without further review.
‘What in the world is in that kindergarten that would make him want to go ahead with this project with his eyes glowing?’
The question was bubbling to the surface, but Killion didn’t let Windler dwell on it.
He asked again.
“Did you also discuss the possibility of incorporating magical tools to improve the environment within the Star Palace?”
“Yes, of course, Your Excellency.”
Windler placed the filing he was carrying on Killion’s desk and smiled. It was a good thing he’d spent the night preparing.
‘I guess I’m competent.’
Smiling to himself, Windler began his report.
***
The sun was high in the sky, but Prince Jonathan was still in bed.
“Begin.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
It was his routine to lie in bed for the rest of the morning, listening to the reports of his secretaries.
One of the younger secretaries began his report, leafing through papers.
“The Duke of Drea is pushing for the nationalization of the nurseries in the provinces.”
“What?”
Jonathan sat up, startled. His bare upper body poked out from under the covers.
“What are you talking about? Nationalization of nurseries? Is that even possible?”
“We’re still in the early stages of discussions, so I can’t say for sure. They’re seeking the co-operation of the kindergartens affiliated to the Imperial Normal Academy to plan the project.”
“Hah… That’s ridiculous…”
Jonathan wiped a hand across his face and flopped back down in his bed.
He was slightly relieved to hear that it was still in the early stages, but only for a moment.
‘But he’s one of those arseholes that once he gets his hands on you he’ll push you to the limit…’
The swear word didn’t take the edge off the uncomfortable feeling. Jonathan snarled at the secretary unnecessarily.
“Stop him! Stop him at all costs! Stop him with everything you’ve got! Stop him with your own neck!”
The young secretary flinched at the mention of risking his neck.
“At your command, Your Highness.”
The young secretary, his face pale, stood and bowed low. Jonathan spoke up again, his voice tinged with irritation.
“What are you standing around for? Get out of here and get moving!”
“Ah, yes, Your Highness.”
And with that, the young secretary staggered out of the opulent bedroom.
“Next!”
Jonathan’s gaze snapped to the middle-aged aide standing beside him. Clearing his throat, the secretary stepped forward, flicked through his filing, and spoke in a low voice, just in case anyone was listening.
“The Empress has had a private audience with Madame Brienne.”
“Ho-ho?”
Jonathan’s face brightened instantly. He waved his hand in the air, signaling for her to continue.
The secretary spoke in a lower voice.
“Madame Brienne is claiming to be pregnant with the Emperor’s child.”
“Hahahahaha! Wahahahaha!”
Jonathan, who had been sitting up in bed, jumped to his feet, bouncing up and down.
It was a long time before he stopped laughing and said, breathlessly.
“Hah… Yeah, I’ve been wanting to hear a funny story like that so badly lately! Woohoo… Your Majesty must be heartbroken, eh?”
“Yes, I am afraid so. It seems that the Emperor is particularly fond of Madame Brienne, unlike at other times, and the Empress is not easily disturbed.”
“Hoooo…”
Jonathan stroked his chin, his eyes flashing. An angry Empress would be quite the sight to behold.
“I’ll be visiting my mother soon, so be prepared.”
“My pleasure, Your Highness.”
With that, the secretary bowed and left the room.
It was not until the two remaining aides had been briefed on the movements of Second Prince Tate and Third Prince Caspian that Jonathan sat down at the chair.
***
The Doctor’s common room, where the healers and their assistants sat around the table.
“I can’t believe I get to have a leisurely meal with you and Nia on a weekday, what’s all this about?”
Megan, the assistant, giggled as she picked at her sandwich.
“Well, we’ve had an increase in patients, and I wanted to concentrate on the clinic, so I decided to cut back on my work at the Matap Lab.”
“That’s what you say, but you don’t have to work nights, do you?”
Marco asked, squinting over his thick glasses. Veronia smirked and threw up her hands in disbelief.
“Aww, don’t you think you’re being a little too harsh, Master? We agreed that I would only work at the Matap Lab once a week for a short weekend.”
“Then it’s a good thing! The Institute will be upset to lose you, but we’ll be able to keep you longer!”
“I know!”
Marco and Megan giggled happily, and Veronia joined in. She felt so grateful that everyone around her liked and believed in her, and she felt incredibly lucky.
“Wow, that’s the first compliment I’ve received in a long time! I’m so proud of myself, well done.”
Veronia playfully patted her shoulder and arm. Everyone at the table giggled at the absurdity of it all.
But she was undeterred.
“I know, I know,” she said, “that you’re all secretly praising me.”
“Yeah. Let’s just say it is.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
“You’re right about everything, Nia.”
There were a few soulless responses here and there, and then the wah-ha-ha laughter broke out again.
Veronia joined in. It was the first time she had laughed so much in a long time, thanks to her colleagues.
A few hours later, however, Veronia was faced with a situation where she couldn’t laugh at all.
The sun was slowly setting. She was rushing to get ready for work when the door to the clinic opened and a familiar face walked in.
“Doctor?”
“Hello, Nia, it’s been a long time, ah, not a long time, but I guess it’s even better to see you in a strange place, ho ho.”
The woman, with her red hair swept back in a graceful angular bun, was Judith Camille, the director of the Matap Institute.
It felt strange to see her in her usual tight black leather outfit in a clinic rather than a lab.
“What are you doing here, Director?”
“Congratulations, Nia!”
“What? What do you mean, all of a sudden?”
Veronia asked, scratching her head. Pushing down the anxiety that was creeping up on her, she waited for Judith’s next words.
“Your plan has been accepted! After all, it was pretty good the first time I heard it.”
“What plan? Where was it accepted?”
Veronia asked breathlessly, and Judith paused with a smirk, obviously pleased with her response.
“The moving staircase.”
“Ah…”
The plan was to mimic the escalators that were commonplace in her previous life. They were made from magic stones and enchanted to move up and down on their own.
It was a tool that appeared in Veronia’s children’s book, and it was so well received that she submitted it as a proposal, but that was a year ago.
‘I hadn’t heard anything about it for so long that I forgot about it, and then suddenly it was adopted!’
Veronia was both surprised and overjoyed.
It was the largest of its kind. It could be a great landmark if done right! With that thought, Veronia’s heart swelled with anticipation.
“But where and how did such a big plan come from?”
“Nia, don’t be so surprised, just listen to me. Now, take a deep breath.”
Veronica tensed, wondering how big of a deal it was that they were making such a big deal about it.
Judith’s eyes lit up and she almost shouted.
“It’s the Imperial Palace!”
“What?”
“The imperial palace adopted it!”
“…”
Veronia was speechless. Thump, thump, thump, her heart was racing.
Judith smirked, apparently pleased with Veronia’s reaction this time, and continued.
“You’ve heard of the Star Palace, where the administrators’ offices are located? We’ve decided to install it in the main entrance hall!”
“…”
“A giant magical tool inside the imperial palace! I’m so excited just thinking about it! I’m so excited!”
Judith covered her face with her hands and jumped up and down. Veronia’s face, on the other hand, was turning an increasingly earthy color.
‘Well, well.If this was a palace of administrative offices, then the man in charge must be Killion, the Chancellor.’
It had to be Killion.
‘But why? Why on earth… She didn’t understand.’
She’d only seen him briefly at the market, but ever since that day, he’d been hovering around her.
She’d cut back on her work at the Matap Institute to avoid him. Hugo would be in charge of Jediel Housthe time being.
‘And yet…and yet…’
To be avoided, and yet to be visited in person! What an influence.
