Published: January 4, 2026
A woman suddenly rushed into the office.
She was in a hurry but not panicked.
It was Jiji, a former maid who had served me since the time of prince thirteen.
Jiji knelt down before me and Oscar.
“Did you call, Your Majesty?”
“Yes. Bring me items numbered 8-7—no, after that, about ten more in order of youth.”
“8-7, understood.”
Jiji said that, bowed once, and left the office.
“Isn’t she Your Majesty’s personal document manager?”
“Yes. Her memory is astonishing, so I have her do it.”
“I heard rumors she can’t even read or write.”
“Yeah.”
I nodded firmly.
“She said she recognizes her own name only when it’s 'Jiji' in full, but if it’s just 'Ji' alone, it looks suspicious.”
“Is someone like that really reliable?”
“The first digit is the category; 8 is for natural disasters. The second digit indicates importance; 7 is the second highest. When assigned like that, she remembers everything perfectly without mistakes.”
“I see. Truly, Your Majesty is remarkable. Using eunuchs who can’t read for document transport isn’t unheard of, but entrusting them with management is beyond ordinary people.”
“That’s why I’m saved. The treasure remains untouched thanks to her.”
Oscar and I shared a laugh.
After a while, Jiji returned, staggering under a huge pile of documents.
Though her steps were unsteady, she managed to reach the table and placed the documents on it.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“Good. Jiji, from now on, when there are many documents, use eunuchs.”
“Y-yes. But... um...”
“Hmm?”
“I don’t know who to ask...”
Jiji fidgeted, looking apologetic.
Her words were a bit unexpected.
Oscar and I exchanged looks and both started laughing.
“Y-Your Majesty?”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s not about who to ask.”
“Huh?”
“You just give orders. You’re directly under me. For physical labor, just grab any eunuch nearby and have them do it.”
“Is that so...?”
“Your Majesty.”
Jiji remained timid despite my words.
Oscar stepped in.
“She might need it explained a bit more clearly.”
“Indeed—Luke!”
I called the eunuch Luke out loud.
Like with Jiji, Luke immediately entered the office when called.
Just like Jiji, Luke came promptly when summoned.
“Did you call?”
“Pick one strong eunuch—no, two—and assign them to assist Jiji.”
“As you wish.”
“Y-Your Majesty?”
Jiji was surprised, as if wanting to say something, but I raised my hand to stop her.
“I don’t want you injured doing work you aren’t suited for.”
“Y-yes...”
Jiji looked apologetic but also pleased.
After Jiji and Luke left, Oscar and I started going through the documents she had brought.
When we had read about half, we glanced up and met eyes.
“How’s it looking on your side?”
“It seems that fire incidents are disproportionately high.”
“Indeed.”
“It strongly appears to be human-caused.”
“...”
I thought for a moment, then ordered Oscar.
“Send someone trustworthy to investigate. I leave the methods to your discretion.”
“As you wish.”
I was about to give more instructions when—
“Your Majesty, may I interrupt?”
“Hmm?”
Luke’s voice came from the door, and Oscar and I turned simultaneously.
“What is it?”
“Lady Evelyn sent some documents.”
“Let me see... Ah.”
I took the documents from Luke and scanned them.
“Is something wrong?”
Oscar asked, curious about my reaction.
“It’s quicker to see for yourself.”
I handed the documents to Oscar.
As he read, Luke quietly left after delivering the papers.
“Success in repeated color change with a new material... what is this?”
“It’s a midterm report on research to find a substitute for Humbaba Thread.”
“Humbaba Thread... for wired telegraphy?”
“Yes.”
“Why research such a thing?”
Oscar was puzzled—his eyes wide in the most surprised reaction of the day.
“Just as it sounds. We’re trying to create something to replace Humbaba Thread.”
“I understand that, but why? Is there some problem with Humbaba Thread?”