Published: January 4, 2026
Three days had passed since staying at the inn. Just past noon, while I was going over the previous day's government documents in my room, there was a knock on the door.
"Peiyu, come in."
Without looking up, I recognized the knock and presence.
As expected, it was Peiyu who knocked. She entered and quietly bowed to me.
"Master, there is a visitor."
"Hmm, who is it?"
"They claim to be from the household of the eighth prince your highness."
"I see. Send them in."
"Yes."
Peiyu bowed once more and then left quietly, just as she had come in.
I continued with my government work.
Since a detailed response was needed, I mentally organized my thoughts before writing.
There was another knock.
"Enter."
When I gave permission, the door opened with even greater formality than when Peiyu came in.
I sensed that the person who entered knelt near the entrance.
"Rio Leo, it is an honor beyond words to behold your heavenly face."
"Yes."
I nodded but continued the writing I had been doing.
Since precise instructions were necessary, it took me nearly five minutes to write everything down.
After putting the pen down, I spent about two minutes checking the content.
Once I judged the instructions to be fine, I set the pen aside and looked up.
The man who had introduced himself as Rio Leo remained bowed.
He was breathing heavily and sweating profusely.
It was clear he had come in haste.
"You may stand. Did you come in a hurry?"
"Yes, Lord Oscar ordered me to come by 'express.'"
"I see."
'Express' refers to the degree of urgency.
When delivering orders or documents, the speed varies depending on their importance.
Broadly, there are two types: 'express' and 'special express.'
'Express' means to hurry moderately.
The messenger changes horses along the way to deliver quickly, and it is acceptable to exhaust the horses.
'Special express' is one rank higher.
In this case, the life of the rider does not matter; the order is to hurry at all costs.
Since the rider's life does not matter, three teams with the same document may be sent simultaneously, and only one needs to survive to deliver it.
Rarely used is a level above that, 'super special express,' reserved for urgent military reports.
Oscar sent me personally, and even by express.
"Let’s talk calmly. Peiyu, bring a chair for Rio."
Calling toward outside the room, Peiyu brought a chair and placed it beside Rio.
Rio did not sit immediately. Instead, he knelt once more, saying,
"I am truly honored."
Then he stood up and sat down carefully, splitting his seating.
This was a matter of etiquette, so I did not comment.
"Now, what did Oscar say?"
"Yes. As the minister of finance, he is in favor."
"Does that mean there are opposing views?"
"Your Majesty’s insight is admirable."
Rio lightly bowed while seated.
"As a prince, he cannot support it unconditionally."
"What is the reason?"
"The currency exchange tax has been in place for over a hundred years as a custom, involving many vested interests. Taking it away would likely provoke strong opposition from local magistrates and retired ministers."
"Retired ministers? ...Ah."
"Indeed."
Rio bowed with a solemn expression.
As Oscar said, this was certainly a concern.
Apart from the prince's household, prime minister-level ministers sometimes serve as judges for the knight selection, increasing their own protégés.
Just like I chose Shirley.
It is also common for those protégés to be assigned as magistrates.
By custom, those protégés often pay tribute money to the minister who selected them.
Most of that tribute money comes from the currency exchange tax.
Moreover, many ministers belong to some prince’s household.
The empress Audrey’s family, and Prince Lei, have produced about three prime ministers from their households.
In other words, if the currency exchange tax is taken away, naturally retired ministers become enemies, and the princes behind them may also turn hostile.
Oscar sent his response that, as minister of finance, he supports it, but as a prince—member of the royal family—he cannot support it unconditionally for these reasons.