Just as Budo stepped out, the Prime Minister arrived at Haruki's residence.
In sharp contrast to Budo's stern demeanor, the Prime Minister wore a sycophantic smile.
When the Minister of Security had surrounded Haruki the other day, one of the security officials present happened to be a trusted aide of the Prime Minister who recognized Haruki. The moment he saw Haruki, he immediately dispatched someone to inform the Prime Minister. Upon receiving the news, the Prime Minister rushed to the scene—only to find that Haruki had already left.
After piecing together what had happened and learning that Haruki had been furious, the Prime Minister decided to wait until the next day—today—hoping Haruki would have calmed down before coming to apologize.
He was both shocked and delighted that Haruki had killed the Minister of Security and his family.
What pleased him was that Haruki had helped eliminate one of his major rivals.
The Minister of Security had long commanded over ten thousand troops in the capital and was one of the few senior officials with real military power. He had consistently pushed for measures to suppress the Prime Minister and was one of his biggest political adversaries in court.
Although the Prime Minister had long wanted to get rid of him, the Minister of Security had never made any critical political blunders and was under the protection of Great General Budo, who controlled the national army. As a result, the Prime Minister had never found the right opportunity to act.
While he currently enjoyed the young emperor's trust and held considerable influence at court, the Conscience Faction still held significant sway. He had yet to reach the point seen in the original story where he could eliminate anyone at will and dominate the court.
Still, what worried him now was whether Haruki would turn his wrath on him over this incident. Everyone knew that individuals as powerful as Haruki tended to act as they pleased. If he became upset, the Prime Minister might not walk away unscathed.
"Lord Haruki, it was my failure as an old servant... I've let you down. I've come to offer my sincerest apologies."
The Prime Minister put on a pitiful expression as he spoke. Coupled with his round, bulky figure, the sight was almost comical.
"Alright, I don't blame you. No need to play the victim. But it seems, Prime Minister, that your token isn't very effective. Even after seeing it, the Minister of Security still dared to send his men after me."
Haruki said with a teasing tone. He genuinely didn't hold the Prime Minister accountable—first, because the man had nothing to do with what happened, and second, because his mood had improved significantly thanks to the progress in his relationships with the women. Yesterday's incident no longer lingered in his mind.
Hearing that Haruki wasn't angry, the Prime Minister let out a sigh of relief. But then he remembered—the Minister of Security's death had left a crucial post vacant. This was the perfect chance to install someone loyal to him. So, he asked carefully,
"Lord Haruki, the Minister of Security is gone now, but he oversaw over ten thousand security troops in the capital. That role can't remain unfilled for long. What do you think...?"
"Stop beating around the bush. You just want to put your own man in that seat, right? No need to bother. I'll take the position myself. That way, no one else will think I'm just some minor noble they can push around."
Haruki replied bluntly.
"Huh? Well... alright then. I'll report it to His Majesty in the palace tomorrow. I doubt he'll object."
The Prime Minister was surprised at first, but after thinking it through, he realized it worked in his favor. It was better for Haruki to take the role than for one of his political enemies to get it. Even appointing one of his own people wouldn't guarantee peace of mind. Besides, Haruki had no interest in politics. Giving him the position not only removed a potential threat but also served as a gesture of goodwill.
"All right, I'll leave this to you. Anything else?"
Seeing that the Prime Minister had yet to leave, Haruki asked.
"Well, Lord Haruki, even though you don't blame me, this incident has left me deeply uneasy! I noticed that you seem to lack a few personal attendants, so I've specially selected two fine girls to serve you—as a gesture of apology."
Haruki finally turned his attention to the two girls standing behind the Prime Minister. They looked small and delicate beside him, easily overlooked.
The girls appeared to be around thirteen or fourteen, about the same age as Tsukushi and Pony. Both had a pure, innocent charm, and it was easy to imagine they'd grow into stunning beauties. Dressed in luxurious outfits, at a glance they looked like young noblewomen.
But Haruki, Gin, and the others weren't ordinary people. They could see right away that beneath those clothes, the girls were trembling. Clearly, they were terrified. And judging by their demeanor, they resembled children from commoner families far more than noble daughters raised with proper schooling.
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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