SOLIRF~72

Chapter 72

Modum’s Clerk

The next day, the moment I arrived at work, I called Elicia aside. I shared with her the sighting that Modum, the junior clerk, seemed to have taken a liking to Finance Director Laira.

“Are you serious…?”

“Absolutely. Even if it’s not true, isn’t it worth taking advantage of?”

“Uh… how?”

“Obviously. It’s the most common method that comes to mind right now. But it’s effective, I promise.”

She hesitated, uncharacteristically unsure.

“Still… using someone’s feelings like that feels a little…”

Just then, Senior Lucius passed by, ruffling his hair with one hand and scowling.

“Ugh, so disgusting. Another burp.”

Elicia quickly changed the subject. I almost burst out laughing, but with time pressing, we went straight to the person who held the key to our plan.

“Me? Dare you?”

Finance Director Laira listened and, with a disdainful expression, tapped her long nails against her desk. Elicia and I pleaded earnestly.

“If you help us, we will never forget this favor. Director, I’m sure everyone in the Finance Ministry will see you as their benefactor.”

“Really?”

We nodded sharply, lips pressed tight, eyes bright with determination. She chuckled softly, resting her chin on her hand.

“This could be fun. I was just about to go scold the old men for only worrying about cutting the budget without thinking about what they’re actually spending. Fine.”

Her language was always so striking. Elicia didn’t even flinch—it seemed she was used to it.

“Now, ladies, what should I start with?”

I placed the notice I had retrieved from the central ministry bulletin onto Laira’s desk. It was the announcement for the Royal Exchange Event. Her eyes glimmered with interest.

“This was usually a dull, routine event every year… but now there’s something to look forward to.”

“I can guarantee it’ll be entertaining.”

I grinned confidently.

Royal Exchange Event

The various departments of the Seraphina Empire would share their past achievements and future plans, while also engaging in archery, horseback riding, and hunting—skills every elite bureaucrat was expected to possess. It was not just a test of strength, but a forum for central ministries to connect as one under the Empire.

The autumn air was crisp, perfect for an outdoor event. Tables, chairs, and a small stage were neatly set up, like a refined little party. Bureaucrats took their seats at round tables labeled with their respective departments. Since it was not a banquet, everyone attended in their work attire.

As I listened to Lucan’s smooth narration of the event, I kept my eyes on Modum, sitting across from me.

As expected.

No matter what Lucan said, or what other departments reported, his gaze never left Finance Director Laira. She, in turn, had neatly pinned her long hair with a fountain pen, emanating an unexpectedly decadent aura, as if she had come with intent.

“Thank you for the Foreign Affairs report. Next is the Finance Ministry.”

Senior Lucius strode onto the stage, parchment in hand. He looked a decade older from stress, and today was particularly pitiful—newly married, yet clearly not enjoying himself.

“This year, the Finance Ministry has undergone many internal and external changes…”

Though it was an official event, it was internal enough for him to speak freely. In fact, some of this news was already public. He briefly mentioned the previous finance minister’s scandal and a certain construction corruption, announcing the restructuring of the Finance Ministry.

“Though there were unfortunate incidents, they have been properly resolved. Recently, Secretary Cornelia, who proposed the noble asset registration law, was promoted to first-class secretary, and we plan to advance the various proposals she suggested.”

After reconciling with the Duke, he had persuaded the Finance Minister to actively support the work improvements I had suggested. Thanks to this, other department heads agreed, leading us to this point. It was a rare case of a successful top-down initiative in modern workplace terms.

Now, I ignored the inevitable glances and passed by the Department of Justice, waiting for the final order.

“It’s Finance’s turn. Finance Director Laira, please come forward.”

Here it comes.

I straightened my posture, focusing on Laira standing on the stage. Elicia adjusted her glasses and swallowed nervously, clearly tense. She quickly noticed Modum’s eyes sparkling. Elicia nodded toward me, silently confirming that my observation had been correct.

“This year, the Finance Ministry achieved a lot. Thanks to our internal reform efforts, we saved considerable construction costs that had been leaking endlessly. That contractor? I hope they rot properly in jail. The noble asset registration has also made it easier to monitor the liquid assets of nobles and the royal family. Of course, those trying to cheat will find some ingenious way, but with the cooperation of the next Magic Tower head, it’s much harder.”

People laughed intermittently as they listened. Though her words were blunt, they had a satisfying way of resonating with everyone.

“…We will continue to strive for transparent financial management. That concludes my report.”

Applause followed as she slowly descended the stage. Lucan caught up to her.

“Many are curious about the popular Finance Director Laira. Since this is a rare gathering of central ministries, may we have a Q&A session?”

In truth, Laira was popular for her straightforward personality. Women admired her as a cool, older sister figure, while male bureaucrats were drawn to her sensual, intelligent looks. But she wasn’t particularly approachable.

“Sure.”

“As expected, straightforward. Anyone brave enough to ask a question, please raise your hand!”

One by one, hesitant bureaucrats began raising their hands.

“When was your first love?”

“What frustrates you most at work?”

“Do you have a partner?”

The atmosphere felt oddly like a reality show, yet Laira chuckled and answered succinctly. Five years ago for first love, the most frustrating moment was when people demanded she cover taxes at will, and currently, she had no partner.

Then, someone raised a hand immediately after.

No… it can’t be…

It was Modum. I hadn’t expected him to be so proactive. I had planned to find a questioner to ask the questions I wanted him to hear—but he had effectively asked them for me.

“What kind of man do you… like?”

I wasn’t thrilled with his vague delivery, but Laira’s eyes sparkled as if she found it amusing.

“Well, at least for a man standing by my side, cleanliness and self-discipline seem essential. That’s the baseline for having a conversation, isn’t it?”

“Oh, cleanliness and self-discipline… Could you be more specific, Director?”

Nice one, Lucan!

I silently praised his tact, clarifying her answer for the audience.

“Well, any gentleman worth the title knows: neat clothes, a tidy body, and groomed hair every day. Regular exercise helps keep a good silhouette. And of course, proper manners at work are just a basic expectation.”

“Manners?”

“Simply common sense. I’m not that picky. Nothing extreme like dealing with biological needs in the office. We’re not alone in our work, after all. Hehe.”

“Thank you for the detailed answer, Director.”

With Lucan’s closing, the report concluded. Modum’s gaze was still dazedly fixed on Laira, giving little hint of change.

Seriously? If only he’d understood that clearly…

Looking forward to tomorrow, we moved on to Part Two of the Royal Exchange: “Building Basic Skills.”

It resembled a medieval-style athletic competition. Bureaucrats changed into appropriate attire and signed up for their chosen events. Each participant had to join at least one of archery, hunting, or horseback riding.

The purpose was simple: get desk-bound bureaucrats moving.

It sounded like a joke, but it was serious. Long hours at desks were said to harm health and affect service years. I chose horseback riding.

I’m not interested in archery. Killing animals isn’t appealing. But horseback riding is a basic noble skill—better to learn while it’s taught for free.

A purely pragmatic conclusion. I received my numbered tag and sat on a bench to wait. Suddenly, loud cheers erupted from female bureaucrats.

“Kaah!”
“Wow!”
“Justice Vespera!!!”

I turned to see a Duke galloping on a black horse. He cut through the wind at incredible speed, eyes filled with a wild freedom I had never seen before—like a wolf crossing the plains upon returning home. Tight riding pants, boots, and a simple black jacket accentuated every curve of his body. Even mounted, he shot arrows flawlessly, hitting every target.

He’s even more impressive than I imagined.

Before I knew it, my eyes were completely captured.