"Have a seat."
At the emperor's words, everyone took their seats. The meeting began with light topics.
"··· Then, the next agenda item is..."
There's talk of finances. As finances become increasingly mismanaged, discontent among the common people grows.
"I guess we'll have to change the prime minister."
"What is that...!"
The nobles were in an uproar. The people were turning a blind eye to their own interests, so the crown prince's words must have been disconcerting.
"Suddenly changing the prime minister? Who else manages finances as well as Duke Jeonghan?"
"Ah, yes...!"
The emperor looked at the nobles, who were busy watching each other. Even as emperor, unless the nobles had a majority in favor, he could not do anything about those in high positions, whether by law or for the empire.
"But how will the complaints of the common people be dealt with?"
Everyone had no choice but to keep their mouths shut at the emperor's words.
"I will try to do better." Prime Minister
"Don't you know that all the money in the palace is in your hands? Then you should always do your best, but when this is the result of your best efforts, how can you continue to entrust it to you?" Yoon-gi
"···Or maybe I didn't do my best."
"Oh, no way!!"
The palace conference room was in disarray. The emperor wanted to replace his prime minister, but he was unhappy with the situation. He wished someone would step forward...
"Haha, everyone. Trust me one more time. I..."
Sigh -
Someone laughed. In an instant, everyone's attention turned to that person.
"Do you have no conscience?"
"What does that mean, Grand Duchess Kim Se-ah?"
Thump -
Sea lightly threw a thick book onto the desk.
"That's it!?"
"It's a ledger."
"How can Your Majesty be holding a ledger that no one but the Prime Minister can touch!?"
"I'm playing a fun game these days."
"Hoo, what is that?" Emperor
"Is it like playing hero? I can't stand seeing corruption~"
"Are you kidding me right now!!"
"Count, calm down. I didn't do anything bad, did I?"
"Your Majesty, how did you manage to steal the ledger like this?"
"I found something interesting in this ledger that wasn't even properly organized."
Sea read everything written in the ledger.
"···Bulk purchase of practice swords, etc."
"At first glance, it might seem like there's no problem. However, after investigating everything... not only the weapons store, but all the stores said that they never bought anything from the palace according to the ledger."
" !!!! "
"Where did all the money written in this ledger, which was written with lies, go?"
As the conference room became noisy, the Emperor and Crown Prince's expressions hardened.
"If it weren't for the Grand Duke, I would have spent money on the wrong things the next day as well."
"It's a conspiracy!! Absolutely not...!! "
"Why does the person who made the commoners pay double the taxes so that the nobles don't have to keep evading the issue?"
"You dare to commit fraud against the royal family!?"
The emperor accused the count of treason and ordered his knights to drag him to prison. He also ordered an investigation into those involved in the count's corruption.
"Okay, shall we continue with the meeting?"
The nobles were nervous. They feared that their corruption would be exposed and they would end up like counts.
"I think it would be good if the Grand Duke took on the role of Prime Minister..."
Sea was taken aback by the emperor's unexpected words. This wasn't the reason he had forced the count to step down from his position as prime minister.
"I have complete faith in you."
"I think so too," said the Crown Prince.
The nobles were flustered and couldn't say anything. Their reason for opposing the proposal was vague, so they were busy racking their brains.
"If you don't like it, I won't entrust it to you."
"No, it is an honor for me."
A completely unexpected benefit has emerged. This alone will strengthen the Karna family.
" ...Congratulations."
The nobles congratulated the newly appointed prime minister, though their congratulations were probably half-hearted.
"Okay, the next agenda item is the most important."
" ..... "
The next agenda item is whether the Karna family will continue to take on the work that Grand Duke Kim Seok-jin had been handling before his death.
This is not a job that just anyone can do, and since it involves trade with other empires, it is something that only the Emperor can do.
If Sea can protect this today, her goal will be achieved. The moment this is taken away from her, everything the Karna family has built up to this point will be over. There will be no more.
If nothing else, my father has always protected this. I can never give in to this. Absolutely not.
"Up until now, Grand Duke Kim Seok-jin has done a good job. But now he can no longer take on that job. Now, from another family..."
"What are you talking about? As always, from the Karna family..."
"Can you guarantee that you will be as good as Grand Duke Kim Seok-jin?"
"The Karna family is full of great talents. Perhaps they will become the light of the empire again."
"I don't know. Don't be so hasty."
The nobles' conflict began. The royal faction supported the Karna family, while the nobles supported a new candidate.
"I believe our family can handle it well."
"My brother Kim Namjoon has worked with my father a few times. Rather than someone with no experience, someone with experience..."
The meeting continued. The vote for or against the motion began.
"...The votes are the same because the neutral Park Ji-min is not there."
A vote of no confidence. This agenda item was divided into the royal and aristocratic factions, so a vote of no confidence was issued.
Kwak...
The conference room was once again in disarray. Sea was gripped by anxiety. Her innocent palms were scratched, leaving scratch marks that began to bleed. It stung, but that wasn't the point.
"If this happens... we will find a new suitable candidate..."
No... I have to protect it...
I thought of my father. I couldn't accept losing the job he risked his life to protect.
"Well then, who would be a good fit for the new position..."
Rattling!!
" ...? "
"Wow, I thought you were late."
jimin park...?
"I'm sorry I'm late, but may I raise my hand in favor?"
" ...!? "
Majority. Sea achieved her goal.
____
It's a little late! Now that school is back in session, I'm out of my mind and don't have much time... haha...
I've actually edited some things like typos and GIFs since the first episode. If you're not busy, I think it would be good to watch it all in one sitting😳
※ Changed Sea GIF ※