Chapter 3: Apparently, Gentlemen Don’t Drop Kisses on One’s Hair
“THE repairs on the bridge leading to the royal capital are complete. The work on the levee will take a bit longer. As for the lake’s sluice gate, replacing the wood should solve the problem. We received communication that the artisan did the work and a thorough inspection and arrived at that conclusion.”
“Servicing the highway will most certainly take some time. First, the work will begin around major cities linked by the highway. It will be gradually expanded as the flagstones are inspected.”
At Budget and Management’s reports, Fiona paused while flipping through documents. She was familiar with all the information since they were the first projects she commenced after receiving control of the saint-related budget, but she was thrilled to hear they were all proceeding well. Just the fact that the bridge and the sluice gate’s repairs hadn’t been postponed even further due to the ball made becoming a saint worthwhile.
“I hope we can be just as effective when we start on repairs and maintenance at the orphanages. Now, let’s see what new requests came in for the budget allocation…”
Fiona also received any new requests to use the saint’s budget. However, the rate at which strange ones came in was alarmingly high, so she had to remain vigilant.
“Why? Why is there another estimate for replacement wigs? How many wigs do people plan on losing?”
This time, it was related to the saint greeting the public. Regardless of the occasion, it didn’t change the fact that the wigs were unnecessary. Moreover, why was there a plan for wigs when there wasn’t even a plan yet for an actual event?
“Rejected. One’s wig is one’s own responsibility.”
When she dumped the application into the “rejected” box, Budget and Management smiled ruefully.
“Let’s see what’s next. An invitation to a ball for the saint?”
Though Fiona had canceled the ball to celebrate the saint’s successful summoning, evidently, she couldn’t avoid all social functions like it forever.
“Cancel any arrangements made for the saint, such as the dress and accessories. As for the ball itself, I’ll discuss it with His Highness.”
“Then you don’t think the ball is a waste?”
Budget sounded surprised, but truthfully, it was a tricky situation.
“In my personal opinion, it’s unnecessary. If it was simply held for the saint, then I would recommend canceling it. Unfortunately, nobles have their own circumstances, yes? I don’t feel it’s my place to interfere in matters outside of clear instances of waste.”
From a commoner’s perspective, the aristocrats’ balls and other such social functions seemed the height of waste. However, many individuals worked hard to host them, and a great deal of money was spent on them, too. They were likely vital for economic development, so it was difficult to determine where the extravagance began and ended. In this case, she definitely needed Linus’ counsel since he was intimately acquainted with things like that.
“Though His Majesty granted me control over the saint’s budget, once things settle down, I plan to return it. Until then, please lend me your aid.”
No matter how much authority one receives or how much one studies, one will never be as accomplished as the experts in the field. The successful repairs of the bridge and sluice gate could be directly attributed to the efforts of Budget, Management, other officials, and craftspeople.
When Fiona bowed her head in thanks, Budget and Management smiled awkwardly.
“Please, raise your head. This is a good opportunity to reexamine what we have been letting slip through the cracks because of ridiculous ‘precedents.’ So let’s cut waste thoroughly, Saint of Cost Performance.”
A knock sounded on the door as the three chuckled, then a servant entered the room.
“His Royal Majesty requests the presence of the Saint of Cost Performance. Please make your way to the audience chamber at once.”
Those words immediately brought a chill to Fiona’s spine. Perhaps he had discovered her fraud and would denounce her. And she certainly wouldn’t be let off with a light punishment, considering she had deceived the king himself.
She walked nervously to the audience chamber. When she arrived, several people were there already.
The king sat on his throne, flanked by Linus on one side and the prime minister on the other. It was too late to turn back now, so she steeled herself as she stood in front of the king and bowed her head deeply.
“Forgive me for the sudden summons, Saint of Cost Performance.”
As much as he was a daydreaming man in his prime, he was still the king. She could feel her face stiffening because one word from him and it would be off with her head.
“I have only one thing to say… Superb!”
“Eep!”
His unexpectedly booming voice made her shriek in surprise. She hurriedly pressed a hand to her mouth to contain the small sound.
“The other day, rain fell in a deluge on the mountains, and though the river rose high, unlike before, there was no flooding in the settlements downstream. No casualties or damage either, the crops are safe as well, and I hear tax revenue is up. All thanks to you, Saint. What a truly wondrous thing cost performance is!”
The king’s good-humored compliment only made Fiona want to tilt her head in confusion. In terms of outcome, she had just realized that all the structural repairs she’d asked to be implemented didn’t result only in preventing disasters and reducing damage. No, there was an additional effect. Without damage, the crops grew, and good yields produced higher tax revenues.
It felt like cost-effectiveness was no longer directly in play, but the king was so happy she couldn’t voice her concerns. Besides, Linus must be well aware of that, so why didn’t he say anything?
“And that is why I’d like to give you control over other budgets too, Saint of Cost Performance.”
“What?!”
The prime minister shouted the word in unison with Fiona.
“But, Your Majesty! She may be a saint, but she’s a novice in budget management. I really must object to your granting her more authority than she currently possesses.”
The king’s expression remained unchanged despite the prime minister’s extremely reasonable opinion.
“This is just the natural course of action in light of what she’s already achieved as a saint. We must believe in the saint’s power, Prime Minister.”
The sparkle in the king’s eyes, unbecoming for a man his age, undoubtedly stemmed from whatever dream he saw in the saint’s power. Clearly, this country was willing to surrender its entire budget to an amateur if it meant bringing flights of fancy to life. As a citizen, Fiona couldn’t help but wish dearly for Linus’ early accession to the throne.
“Well, I suppose I can’t rightly oppose considering the saint’s accomplishments… However, if she loses her saintly powers, then financial control will return to us, yes?”
“That’s a given.”
Fiona, who shuddered in fear of the combined might of the king in a good mood and the intangible power of je ne sais quoi, took no notice of the prime minister’s words. Even if she had heard, she wouldn’t have cared. And yet, one among them did pay attention. Smiling thinly, Linus stared fixedly at the prime minister.