Side Story 2.1

“Hm, what should I choose?”  

Standing in front of a flower shop in the bustling streets of the Empire, Delia found herself unable to make a decision.  

Viola, watching her with an exasperated smile, shook her head.  

“Take your time. No rush.”  

“Thanks for waiting, Viola. But I just can’t decide.”  

Before her were countless beautiful flowers.  

It was only natural for her to feel overwhelmed as she tried to decide how to create the perfect bouquet.  

“I want to pack it full of good wishes for Kartan’s merchant guild opening.”  

“Sure, sure. Take your time and think it over.”  

“But it’s already time for work. Should I come back after I’m done for the day?”  

“You’re hopeless. Fine, let’s head to work for now.”  

On their way to work, Delia and Viola stopped by the flower shop, but Delia ultimately left without making a decision.  

Five years had passed since graduation. Now twenty-seven years old, Kartan and Delia led busy lives.  

After stepping into society, Delia began working at the Empire’s administrative body, specifically in the Department of Justice.  

The Department of Justice was the center of power.  

As such, it attracted countless applicants, but Delia, being the valedictorian of the Imperial Lapolis Academy, was accepted immediately.  

‘You’ve already memorized all this?’  

‘It’s only been a day!’  

When Delia first started working, her colleagues were constantly astonished by her abilities.  

It typically took new hires at least six months to adapt to the department.  

Not only did they need to master the operational manual, but they also had to memorize the Empire’s entire legal code.  

But Delia, with her exceptional intellect, mastered all the manuals in just one day.  

‘Senior, this is related to Article 7, Clause 2, isn’t it? I think it was mistakenly marked under Article 19, Clause 3.’  

‘Oh, you’re right. But Delia… Have you already memorized all this?’  

‘Huh? Oh, yes. I memorized it last month.’  

‘What? So you memorized the entire legal code in just a month?’  

It took Delia exactly one month to memorize the Empire’s legal code.  

She accomplished in one-sixth the time it took others.  

After adapting so quickly, five years passed in no time.  

By now, Delia wasn’t just competent—she was indispensable to the department.  

Click.  

“Good morning.”  

As Delia entered the office, she greeted her colleagues as usual.  

‘Huh?’  

But something was off. Her direct senior’s face caught her eye—it was unusually downcast.  

“Senior, why do you look like that? Did something happen?”  

“Oh, Delia! Perfect timing!”  

Upon seeing her, her senior’s face lit up, and he quickly approached her.  

“What would you make of this?”  

As soon as Delia sat down, he placed a document on her desk and began explaining the situation.  

“A few days ago, a problem arose near the border. Apparently, they discovered a mineral vein. There’s now a dispute over ownership, but it’s so ambiguous. I don’t know whose side to take—it’s giving me a headache! There’s no solid evidence!”  

“Oh, if it’s this case…”  

After quickly scanning the document, Delia shared her thoughts.  

“I think you can apply Article 9, Clause 10 of the Special Border Management Act.”  

“What? Article 9, Clause 10? Why do you think that?”  

“There’s a precedent from the past. If you interpret it this way…”  

As Delia explained her reasoning, her senior’s face brightened, and he clasped her hands in gratitude.  

“Wow, you’re right. Thank you! You’re truly the jewel of our department!”  

Delia had become not only a recognized talent but an irreplaceable figure in the Department of Justice.  

When she graduated, she had countless opportunities to choose from.  

But she chose the Department of Justice for two reasons.  

First, it was the best place to secure a future transfer to her desired institution.  

Moving down was easy, but moving up was difficult.  

Since the Department of Justice was highly sought after, transferring to other institutions from there was much easier.  

Second, she wanted to help Kartan.  

Kartan had always dreamed of owning his own merchant guild.  

However, establishing and managing a guild was no easy task.  

The Empire’s commercial laws were notoriously complex, and there were countless other regulations to consider.  

By working at the Department of Justice, Delia thoroughly mastered commercial law and the Empire’s entire legal system.  

She also gained five years of practical experience.  

Now, she was ready to assist Kartan in running his guild smoothly.  

‘Though I feel bad for my senior who called me a jewel, it’s time to speak with the director.’  

Finally, today, Delia was ready to take the next step.  

She headed to the office of Raymond, the Department Director.  

Knock knock.

Rapping on the elegant wooden door, Delia announced her presence.  

“Director Raymond, it’s Delia.”

“Hmm? Delia, is that you? Come in, quickly!”  

Raymond greeted Delia with a warm smile.  

Raymond, who had become the head of the Department of Justice in his forties—a good ten years earlier than most directors—was widely recognized for his abilities throughout the Empire.  

The affection in his eyes as he looked at Delia was overflowing, though it wasn’t romantic in nature.  

To Raymond, Delia was a treasure.  

Recently, all the complex matters of the Department of Justice had been resolved by Delia’s hands.  

Even the most challenging administrative interpretations became impeccably clear once Delia handled them.  

Not only was she intelligent, but her ability to apply knowledge and her natural sense were outstanding.  

No matter how brilliant a valedictorian from Lapolis might be, Raymond couldn’t help but marvel at how exceptional Delia was.  

She was a talent among talents, far surpassing the valedictorians of other classes.  

During meetings and gatherings, the heads of other imperial institutions often looked at Raymond with envy for having Delia in his department.  

Among them, the head of the Department of Industry, Karlin, was the most envious of all.  

That very morning, Raymond had teased Karlin, saying, “You don’t have a subordinate like Delia, do you?” and had left feeling quite smug.  

But now, what could have brought this beloved subordinate to him so early in the day?  

A request for leave? Or perhaps a report?  

“I have something to tell you.”  

“Of course, of course. Go ahead.”  

Raymond was ready to accept anything she had to say with open arms, his affectionate gaze unwavering.  

But then—  

“I plan to apply for a transfer to the Department of Industry next week.”  

“…What?”  

Raymond froze as if turned to stone. 

What had I just heard?  

Had I teased Karlin too much this morning?  

Was I hearing things?  

“Haha, haha. Oh, I must be imagining things. There’s no way you’d say you’re transferring to the Department of Industry. I must have misheard, right?”  

“No, you heard correctly.”  

“…What?”  

This time, Raymond was as solid as steel, but his composure didn’t last long.  

He shot to his feet.  

“Delia. What’s wrong with our Department of Justice? If someone scolded you, I’ll—!”  

“Oh, no! Everyone treats me so well. That’s why I feel even more sorry.”  

Raymond couldn’t believe what he was hearing.  

After five years of working in an imperial administrative body, employees were given the opportunity to transfer to another institution.  

But it was merely an opportunity; most people didn’t take it.  

Because of this, Raymond had never even considered the possibility of Delia transferring.  

The Department of Justice, alongside the Planning Department, was one of the most coveted institutions for anyone pursuing an administrative career.  

“Delia, think about this again. The Department of Justice is much better than the Department of Industry, isn’t it?”  

“It’s a personal matter, but I have a reason for needing to go to the Department of Industry.”  

Delia’s tone was firm.  

Raymond couldn’t understand what had led her to such a decision.  

He knew she would never transfer to the Planning Department, where her estranged father, Rexukan Acremen, was the director.  

This had reassured him greatly.  

Moreover, the Planning Department had recently fallen out of favor with the Emperor.  

Rexukan Acremen’s excessive ambition for power had displeased the Emperor.  

As a result, the Department of Justice was now rising as the Empire’s most prestigious institution.  

But the Department of Industry? And at such a critical time?  

The Department of Industry wasn’t even popular.  

To put it bluntly, it was just a place that cleaned up after merchant guilds.  

Why would someone as talented as Delia want to go there?  

Raymond couldn’t make sense of it.  

“Think again, Delia!”  

“I’m sorry. I’ve already made up my mind. I’ll be submitting my transfer application to the Department of Industry next week.”  

Delia bowed deeply.  

She added that she wanted to inform him in advance to avoid surprising him later.  

Her resolute answer left Raymond feeling as though his heart was bleeding.  

‘Delia, of all places, the Department of Industry…’  

The thought of Delia leaving the Department of Justice was heartbreaking enough, but what was even worse was Karlin’s reaction.  

Raymond could already envision Karlin’s smug face as he teased him.  

Raymond silently screamed.  

He was certain this was karma for teasing Karlin too much.  

And soon after, the news spread quickly within the Department of Justice.  

“What?! No, Delia, don’t go. Please!”  

“Delia! Without you, we’re…”  

The cries of her colleagues echoed throughout the department, as was to be expected.