Cleanup Time (2): "How Can Administration Be Supreme When Corruption Is the Worst?"
"Administration at top-tier, yet corruption at worst? If the ability to track money flows is supreme, but corruption is at its nadir, that means corruption itself is being recognized as a flow of funds."
In other words, taxes are being siphoned off through legitimate channels—not for the national interest, but elsewhere.
"Just how many straws are stuck in the national treasury for results like this?"
The Bellos Empire was a structure where all power was concentrated in the royal authority, with no trace of noble factions to be found. And yet, corruption was rampant even here?
'They're all cozy under the royalists, sharing the spoils nicely—as long as they don't covet the throne itself. The safest shade there is, right under the lamp. Siphoning taxes in the name of bolstering royal power. Not just individuals, but the entire system built that way.'
Even so, the treasury remained average because the empire hadn't yet lost its prestige. A vast landmass where rare resources popped up like clockwork. Overwhelming population fueling a broad talent pool. Trade networks gripping the seas, a mighty army, the most advanced culture, and more. These factors were staunchly propping up the empire despite the worst corruption.
Even with the Second Prince swinging a sledgehammer at the pillars up top, dancing like a fool.
'This empire setting is seriously impressive.'
When reading the novel, I'd thought kicking out the Second Prince and finding the emperor would normalize things quick. But peeling back the lid revealed problems so deep, I didn't know where to start.
The silver lining? My position wasn't at the bottom. With the emperor vanished for unknown reasons, I was effectively ruling in his stead as crown prince. If I stepped up, problems seemed solvable fast.
'Plenty of issues, but can't put off the worst corruption any longer.'
Originally, I'd planned to study history clearly to identify enemies, rummage through the crown prince's memories for info. But right now, I needed to yank out what was rotting the empire in real time.
First step: Figure out where the money was leaking. And I already had a hunch.
'The Second Prince—that guy's got the straws shoved in.'
Wasn't it obvious? When we sent all those resources to Maselin Kingdom, moving them naturally cost effort. A little fiddling with those costs, and they'd balloon instantly—easiest way to pocket cash.
So what I needed most now was...
"...the investment list I just asked the foreign affairs officer for."
I'd planned to review it alone, spot the Second Prince's idiocy. But with others likely dipping their spoons in too, this changed things.
"Not something to handle solo."
I relayed orders to the knight standing guard outside my chambers.
"Tomorrow morning, there's a council of state. Everyone attends—no exceptions. And inform them that absentees will be severely punished."
"Yes, sir!"
Time to see the faces of those pocketing bribes.
++++++
Dayrunt, the knight guarding the crown prince's chambers, moved the moment he received the order.
It was far too late to notify the nobles directly. But knights didn't question commands.
To carry it out more perfectly and efficiently, he headed not to the nobles' quarters, but to the Imperial Guard Knights' barracks.
"Who goes there?"
A sharp, heavy voice pierced his ears the moment he neared the Imperial Guard barracks. An arrow tip gleamed—not even reflecting moonlight—poised to punch a hole in his head if he twitched wrong, threatening his life.
"Dayrunt, on chamber guard duty for His Highness the Crown Prince today."
"Chambers are usually guarded by two. Why leave your post?"
"His Highness the Crown Prince commands a council of state tomorrow—or rather, this morning. Convey this to the nobles who must attend."
"You could do that yourself. Why come here?"
The exchange was cold and strict, as if they weren't even the same outfit. The tension felt unbreakable.
"His Highness said to warn that absentees will be severely punished."
Dayrunt's reply shattered it instantly.
"...So His Highness might actually mete out severe punishment?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"I commend your judgment. Good call coming here."
"Thank you."
With a swish, the sentry lowered his bow and drew a bell from his bosom.
Ting.
Infusing it with mana and flicking it lightly, a sound inaudible to normal ears slammed through the Imperial Guard barracks. A horn only the trained could hear.
In the blink of an eye, knights appeared behind the sentry, fully armed.
"What the hell? What's going on? Why ring the Sun Bell at dawn? We were all sleeping."
"Must be worth it. But seriously, why?"
"Ugh, I was sleeping so good... Rolling around with a stunning beauty in my dream."
"Vix, even in dreams, a stunner with your mug—ground to a pulp on steel plate—is too extravagant. Overkill even for a dream."
"You bastard!"
Lol lol lol.
They'd used the Sun Bell to summon, but such calls were routine. To maintain vigilance, they'd ring it randomly even for nothing, checking discipline.
Gathered but still rowdy, the bow-wielding knight continued calmly.
"His Highness the Crown Prince has commanded: A council of state tomorrow morning. Notify the attending nobles and..."
Up to here, faces screamed 'So what?' Calling sleeping guards at dawn just to summon nobles? Really?
But as he added...
"...warn that absentees will be severely punished."
The chatter cut off like a noose snapping an executioner's neck. Snick.
The bow knight continued naturally.
"First time in my life His Highness has ordered a severe punishment warning. Treating it lightly means scorning the Crown Prince—which means scorning the Bellos Empire. That's treason."
"Treason!"
"Inform the Grand Marshal! The prince, who smiled till now, has finally drawn his blade! Time to etch scorching pain on those who thought the sun's light mere warmth!"
From Grand Marshal down to the Imperial Guard Knights, they meddled in nothing—administration, politics, diplomacy. Only guarding the empire mattered.
So they'd stayed silent as rot spread. Supplies dwindled daily, weapon quality dropped, paydays slipped ambiguously, paperwork lagged. They endured, lacking orders.
The crown prince was like that—averse to issuing commands, always smiling benevolently.
The Guards liked their lord but felt a pang of regret. If he unleashed even a fraction of the strength hidden in that smile, the rot wouldn't dare speak.
'Finally... finally...!'
Not that he'd punish immediately—just warn absentees. Yet...
"His Highness has finally drawn his sword."
The Guards knew: This was just the start. Time to sharpen the blade. The first step.
No room for sloppiness.
"We'll show the arrogant nobles the empire's blade hasn't rusted."
In the untimely dawn...
"Wh-what hour is it... barging into chambers like this?!"
"His Highness's command. Is that your attitude toward orders?"
Crash!
"Wh-what outrage is this?!"
"An Imperial Guard entered on His Highness's orders, and you blocked him—so punishment. Think you're in the wrong?"
"Eeeek!"
The empire's blade moved.
Of course, the crown prince...
"...No smartphone means I can't sleep."
...Had no clue.
++++++
"What the hell happened at dawn?"
"His Highness wills it. Does knowing why matter? What matters is he willed it."
"That's why it's shocking—first time like this."
"His Highness, ever mild, changed suddenly... since the day before yesterday?"
"Yeah, but all gathered for council like this? Almost never."
"He never ordered it before."
"Wonder what he'll say."
In the noisy round table chamber, nobles vented over dawn raids and forced attendance.
With the summoner absent past the set time...
"He calls us but where's he at...?"
"Woke us at dawn, now this."
As complaints rose...
Bam!
The round table doors flew open.
Clack clack clack.
Knights filed in one by one.
"Wh-what? What's happening?!"
"Armed knights in the round table chamber?!"
"How dare you enter the palace armed like this?!"
Nobles, stunned by the unprecedented, tried verbal protests. But knights ignored them, filing in.
Clack clack.
Standing behind seated nobles like preassigned spots.
"Th-this is blatant intimidation!"
"What is this?! Who orchestrated it?! His Highness wouldn't...!"
As backlash erupted...
"Silence. His Highness the Crown Prince arrives."
The knights' vanguard: Grand Marshal appeared, quelling the air instantly.
Confirming quiet, he stepped aside.
Gliding into the gap...
The crown prince filled it, striding slowly to the head seat.
Grand Marshal followed.
The ever-smiling prince's face was chillingly cold. Nobles, baffled by the unfamiliar scene, hadn't grasped it yet.
Thud.
Bellon scattered Maselin investment docs—reviewed that morning—across the table.
"Everyone, thanks for coming early."
He sat.
"Council of state begins now."
With that...
Bam!
Doors slammed shut.
"...."
Noting some nobles' faces drain in real time—knowing full well...
"Who managed the Maselin Kingdom investments?"
Crown Prince Bellon signaled the start of cleanup time.