Earl Liam and the other nobles dragged Viscount Steel, who lay sprawled in the middle of the internal affairs meeting room like a limp frog, to the edge of the room.
“It seems Viscount Steel’s reaction proves my method is correct, don’t you think? If anyone still has doubts, I can demonstrate again right before your eyes.”
Ian’s bright smile made Duke Blake and Earl Liam feel an uncontainable rage simmering inside them.
‘It won’t be easy to cut off the tail like with Baron Helington.’
Given the situation where the Emperor didn’t think Viscount Steel was the end of it, Duke Blake considered using this opportunity to clean out a few disliked nobles.
Despite the heated gazes directed at him, including from Duke Blake, no noble dared to step forward.
“In that case, it seems safe to say the Third Prince has sufficiently proven his claim. What do you all think?”
Even though the Emperor asked the nobles, they all kept their heads down and didn’t answer.
Seeing no one respond, the Chancellor beside the Emperor spoke up.
“Your Majesty, I believe the Third Prince’s demonstration was so perfect that no one could refute it. Since the Third Prince has made such a significant contribution, how about rewarding him according to the principle of merit and reward?”
Duke Blake shot a fiery glare at the Chancellor, but the Chancellor remained unfazed.
“Ian, since you’ve made a great contribution, it’s only right to reward you. Is there anything you desire?”
“Your Majesty, if you hadn’t appointed me as the Tax Inspector, I wouldn’t have discovered this. I was merely carrying out your orders, so I don’t think it warrants a reward.”
When Ian declined the reward, which the Emperor expected him to accept eagerly, the Emperor raised an eyebrow.
“Even if you think it’s not enough for a reward, denying you would set a bad precedent. Speak freely of what you desire, Third Prince.”
Despite the Emperor’s urging, Ian continued to bow his head in refusal. The Emperor then looked at the Chancellor.
“Chancellor, what do you think we should do?”
“It’s right to reward him for his great contribution to the Empire, but if he doesn’t want it now, how about we postpone it to the next opportunity? We could give him a bigger reward if he accomplishes more.”
After considering the Chancellor’s suggestion, the Emperor asked Ian one last time.
“Is there really nothing you want?”
“It is an honor that Your Majesty has asked several times. However, I have one request instead of a reward.”
Ian’s statement made the nobles start murmuring. They found Ian’s pretense of modesty irritating.
“Speak.”
“I wish for Your Majesty and the Chancellor to manage this scanner and tablet that I devised.”
“How can we manage something you created?”
“I devised it merely as a means to help the Empire run more effectively. I had no intention of seeking personal gain. If it benefits the Empire, that alone will satisfy me.”
Throughout history, showing dedication to one’s group rather than personal gain has always left a good impression on superiors. Ian slightly lifted his head to check the Emperor and the Chancellor’s faces, seeing faint smiles forming.
Some nobles admired Ian’s answer, which showed his commitment to the Empire, while others looked at him with hostility.
“If that’s your wish, I will accept it.”
Duke Blake couldn’t hide his suspicion as he watched Ian relinquish his rights over his invention along with the reward. It didn’t make sense for someone vying for the crown prince position to act without ambition. Ian must have been aiming for something greater.
‘He’s hiding something.’
Duke Blake’s thoughts were interrupted by the Emperor’s words turning the focus back to the nobles.
“Duke Blake, we have clear evidence of tax embezzlement. What should we do about it?”
“Embezzlement of taxes is a grave crime under the laws of the Empire. Viscount Steel should be executed, and his family should be exterminated.”
The severity of Duke Blake’s words made the other nobles gasp. Knowing which side Viscount Steel was on, they shuddered at Duke Blake’s cold stance.
The First Prince also stepped forward, supporting his uncle.
“As I mentioned earlier, I’d be grateful if you left the handling of Viscount Steel and the implicated nobles to me. I will work with Duke Blake to thoroughly resolve the issues of incense, smuggling, and embezzlement.”
With the First Prince joining, a chilling wind seemed to sweep through the room.
“Duke Blake, you must know the scale of this embezzlement is too large for one person. I trust you will conduct a thorough investigation so that I do not have to order a reinvestigation.”
Duke Blake didn’t avoid the Emperor’s gaze.
“Your Majesty, do not worry. With clear evidence, I will do my utmost to restore the Taxation Bureau.”
As the Emperor nodded, the Chancellor addressed the meeting.
“We have clear evidence of flaws in our tax system. Now that we have tools to accurately track the flow of taxes, I propose a comprehensive reform of the tax system.”
Duke Blake couldn’t hide his discomfort at the Chancellor’s proposal.
“Is that technically feasible?”
Ian answered the question directed at the Chancellor.
“It’s entirely possible.”
Ian’s confident reply made several nobles visibly uneasy. Those who had received money or incense from Viscount Steel began nervously biting their nails, even in the Emperor’s presence.
Duke Blake, realizing that supporting Ian would put a leash on the nobles, fell into deep thought. A possibility crossed his mind.
“Your Majesty, I have one concern.”
“What is it?”
“The current tax information is highly confidential and should be restricted to a limited number of people.”
The Emperor nodded at Duke Blake’s words.
Like a fish in water, Duke Blake began to speak fluently.
“I fully support the introduction of the scanner and tablet to prevent corruption and assist with the Empire’s finances. However, we must address the issue of potential information leaks.”
“Where could the information leak from?”
“While I don’t understand the mechanics of the scanner and tablet, the person who devised them would likely have access to that information.”
“Are you suggesting that Ian, the Third Prince, might leak the Empire’s tax information?”
Duke Blake shook his head at the Emperor’s question.
“Your Majesty, I would never slander the Third Prince, a member of the imperial family. But I must mention that if someone desires tax information, they might threaten the Third Prince or those who developed this technology.”
As soon as Duke Blake finished speaking, a cold chill filled the meeting room.
“Your Majesty, I fully understand Duke Blake’s concern for the Empire. That’s why I suggested earlier that Your Majesty and the Chancellor manage all of this.”
The Chancellor stepped forward to support Ian.
“Duke Blake, you don’t need to worry about that. I will manage everything thoroughly. It will definitely make our tax system much more efficient than it is now.”
With the Chancellor backing Ian, Duke Blake’s face hardened. It seemed the Chancellor, who had always been neutral, had now inclined towards the Third Prince. It was time to withdraw.
Just as Duke Blake was about to step back, the First Prince, Kyle, spoke up.
“Duke Blake, I believe my brother’s invention will greatly contribute to the Empire’s development. While I share your concerns, should we let the fear of pests stop us from brewing wine?”
“Since the Chancellor has assured us of thorough management, I have nothing more to say.”
“Duke Blake, please root out the nobles involved in this embezzlement. If we harshly punish those who have committed crimes, it will make the need for a new system easier for everyone to understand.”
The Chancellor, clearly defining the areas of responsibility, pressured Duke Blake.
“Shall we end the meeting here then?”
“Before that, I will have the culprit detained immediately.”
Ian called for the guards to take Viscount Steel to prison. Earl Liam tried to intervene but withdrew at Duke Blake’s signal.
“I’ll take my leave then.”
Ian thought he would have a drink with Deus when he returned to his room. It was a day worth commemorating, having landed a significant blow on Duke Blake.
***
After the internal affairs meeting, sharp voices echoed through Duke Blake’s office.
“Liam.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Liam, Liam, Liam!”
As Duke Blake’s voice grew louder, Earl Liam’s shoulders hunched more and more.
“Didn’t you say only incense and smuggling were the issues in your letter?”
“I apologize, Your Grace.”
Confirming Duke Blake’s severe expression, Earl Liam decided to bow completely. He felt that any wrong words now might mean he would never see the light of day again.
Crash!
A porcelain vase flew past Earl Liam, shattering on the floor. Only after breaking something did Duke Blake calm down enough to speak in a composed voice.
“What do you suggest we do?”
“It would be best to deal with Viscount Steel quickly. If any strange rumors spread from his mouth, it would trouble us.”
Duke Blake shook his head firmly at Earl Liam’s suggestion.
“I’m not talking about him! I mean the Third Prince. What should we do about him?”
Seeing Duke Blake’s murderous gaze, Earl Liam broke out in a cold sweat.
“I think your hypothesis is correct, Your Grace. It seems he has been hiding his claws until now.”
Duke Blake recalled his previous conversation with Viscount Steel. His breathing gradually calmed.
“You’re right. Now that he’s revealed his claws, we must face him sincerely. I will actively involve myself in matters related to the Third Prince.”
Earl Liam shivered at Duke Blake’s words. It was this aspect of Duke Blake that he both respected and feared the most.
Cutting off potential threats before they could grow. The Blake family’s approach of trampling emerging dangers was the driving force that had allowed them to stay with the Empire throughout its history.
“Can I trust you to monitor the nobles? You can choose the scapegoats yourself.”
“Leave it to me, Your Grace.”
Earl Liam’s eyes filled with delight at Duke Blake’s permission to choose the scapegoats. This misfortune could turn into an opportunity to solidify his own position.
“Your Grace, the First Prince has sent a letter.”
“Kyle?”
As Duke Blake read the letter from his servant, a smile gradually spread across his face.
“Interesting.”
“Is it good news?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
Earl Liam wanted to ask Duke Blake to share the contents of the letter but stayed silent as he watched Duke Blake toss it into the fire. Excessive curiosity always led to trouble, so Earl Liam erased the First Prince’s letter from his mind.
Cliche Novel 