Published: January 4, 2026
After being appointed as the Prince Minister of Legal Affairs in the audience chamber and after the morning assembly was dismissed, I headed straight to the Ministry of Justice.
The Ministry of Justice building was just one street over from the Ministry of Military Affairs.
Since I had been assisting Brother Henry, I had passed by and seen the building every morning.
As I entered the Ministry grounds and stepped down from the carriage, several dozen officials were waiting, and they bowed their heads in unison.
Only one man in the middle, a middle-aged man, did not bow. Instead, he stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and saluted me.
“We have been awaiting your arrival, Prince Wise Your Highness.”
“You’ve already been briefed, haven’t you?”
“Of course.”
“Then lead me to my office. By the way… what’s your name?”
“I am Vinny Ozy. I have been appointed as Deputy Minister of Justice.”
“Number two, huh?”
The Deputy Minister is directly under the Minister and manages the practical affairs.
Judging by Vinny’s appearance, he was just over forty.
Holding such a position at that age meant he was quite the rising star.
Led by Vinny, I entered the Ministry building and was directly taken to the Minister’s office.
The Ministry of Justice’s office was similar in design to the Ministry of Military Affairs, so I immediately felt comfortable upon entering.
I sat in the Minister’s chair and faced Vinny one-on-one.
“So, what exactly should I be doing at the Ministry of Justice? Just a rough overview before the deadline.”
“Yes, Your Highness. The Ministry of Justice oversees courts throughout the Empire and also handles the actual trials within the Imperial Capital. As you know, there are many nobles in the capital, and, as with the previous rebellion—”
Vinny paused and looked at me.
He seemed to know that I was involved in the Almeria Rebellion six years ago.
“Major crimes such as rebellion or treason are brought to the capital, where either the Ministry of Justice or Your Majesty himself presides over the trials.”
“I see. So, this place also functions as a regular court on a daily basis?”
“Yes, exactly.”
Vinny bowed politely.
Well, I already knew that much.
After all, I retained memories from my previous life.
So, based on those memories, I cut straight to the point.
“Do you also preside over trials?”
“In some cases.”
“How much bribe money do you receive?”
“...Such things—”
“Enough.”
I held my hand out to cut off Vinny’s words.
“I’m not interrogating you. I just want to know the reality. What you tell me here will be forgotten once you leave this room. Speak honestly.”
“...As expected of the ‘Wise’ Prince Your Highness.”
Vinny bowed deeply and then spoke.
“I am one who does not take bribes. Annually, it’s about several hundred leen, I suppose.”
“Hmm.”
“I have my principles. Those below me probably take ten times that amount.”
“Principles?”
“I do not accept bribes related to murder cases.”
“Why not?”
“Because the plaintiff is resentful, such cases are more likely to be exposed, and it would be disastrous to become the target of revenge. I accept some bribes only in less serious cases, where the outcome is uncertain.”
“I see.”
I took a piece of paper from the minister’s desk and scribbled some words on it.
I threw it to Vinny.
“What’s this...?”
“If you take five hundred a year, I’ll give you five thousand, ten times that. Stop accepting bribes while I’m here. I want to live up to His Majesty’s expectations. And I want your help.”
“...”
Vinny’s eyes widened, and he froze, but after a moment, the meaning of my words seemed to sink in.
“Now I understand why His Majesty named you ‘Wise’ Prince Your Highness at the age of six and appointed you as the Prince Minister of Legal Affairs.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. I am impressed by your approach. Truly admirable.”
Vinny returned the note to me, bowed deeply, and said,
“I do not need extra money, and I will no longer accept bribes. Please allow me to work for Your Highness.”