“I am working hard in my own way...” Zen mumbled.
“It’s a given to be diligent in carrying out your duties. Moreover, you must produce results as a member of the Leadon family.”
That hurts, Zen thought glumly to himself. He’d been desperately working hard for the past fourteen years to ensure that he didn’t bring shame to the Leadon family name. No—if you considered the hellish yearlong Advanced Civil Service Exam and the hours of study he’d put in to pass it, he’d been working hard every day for as long as he could remember. That was 365 days of the year, every year, with very few breaks.
With just a single sentence, his older brother negated all those years of Zen’s blood, sweat, and tears. “Zen. You don’t have to work hard anymore.”
For a second, Zen didn’t understand what he’d been told.
Giving no space for him to express his bewilderment, Yohia continued. “Today, I will give you your transfer details. Your new post will be at the Todd Village Town Hall located in Nazalf Prefecture in the state of Cylin.”
Zen recalled that it was a remote area located at the empire’s southernmost point. In a complete turnaround from the central government agencies, which anyone would envy a position in, he was being sent to a town hall in the middle of nowhere. This was, in other words, a demotion. An unusually severe demotion, even for disciplinary measures.
“There’s been talk going around that you’re a disgrace to the Leadon family,” said Yohia. “It is difficult to refute that claim. It is unheard of in our family to be thirty years old and still not have become the head of a department.”
“Your Excellency, I’ve only just turned twenty-nine—”
“Then can you promise me you’ll be promoted after one year?”
Under Yohia’s grim gaze, Zen fell silent. It wasn’t so much that he was overwhelmed by his older brother’s intensity; it was against his own principles to make a promise he couldn’t keep solely to avoid conflict.
“The problem here is that there are people saying it must’ve been a mistake that you passed your civil service exam,” Yohia said. “There are also those who suspect you of benefiting from our father’s influence.”
“I’m ashamed.”
“You understand, don’t you, Zen? This is not a matter that can simply be settled within our family. The empire’s Human Resources Agency must be fair and just. Therefore, in order to dispel any doubts, I will send you to a do-nothing job in a remote region. You no longer have a future as a government official, and this is virtually an early retirement.”
Zen now understood what he’d meant earlier when he said, “You don’t have to work hard anymore.”
“You have no objections, correct, Zen?” Yohia asked in a tone of voice that allowed him no choice but to agree. However, it was just something Zen couldn’t believe. That was why he had to confirm it.
“Um...Yohia,” he started, “are you...really going to send me to the countryside?” He desperately tried to keep his voice steady.
Yohia’s eyes wavered for just a moment, betraying the real compassion he felt toward his youngest brother. This person, known to be a stern man, was showing his emotions. However, as if putting a stop to that, he closed his eyes. “I will not repeat myself,” he said, resolute. “If you must blame someone, then blame me.” Then, as if telling Zen to leave already, he gave a dismissive wave.
Zen had no objections. With a single polite bow, he left the office.
He kept a straight face and put in the utmost effort to contain the intense emotion that was welling up inside of him.
He stepped into the corridor, closed the door, and even then, out of consideration for those around him, he shouted only within his heart.
Heeell yeaaah!!! I got a demotiooon!!!
When was the last time he’d felt such innocent jubilance? His childhood? If there hadn’t been any officials passing through the ministry hall, he might’ve danced on the spot. It had been such a desperate struggle to hide the delight that’d threatened to reveal itself in his expression and voice in front of Yohia.
I don’t have to work anymore! I don’t have to try!
He’d put in so much effort and carried out all the official government duties he didn’t want to do only because he’d been born into the Leadon family. He just cared for his family deeply. All he wanted was to at least not bring them shame. That was the reason he’d been working like a dog without complaint. Nothing more, nothing less. He’d long since lost interest in success.
Therefore, although his older brother might’ve had to steel himself to give him these orders, being sent to the countryside was a stroke of good luck to Zen.
I’ve always been so jealous of those useless employees who don’t do any work, indulging in nothing but books. It’d be nice if I could pick up some new hobbies. How about fishing? The place will be out in the sticks, so it’s probably full of nature. Oh man, I’m so excited!
To give a rough overview of the empire’s geography, the west faced the ocean, plains stretched out across the north, mountains populated the east, and the south was covered in forest. Zen would be heading to the south. As he imagined himself dangling a fishing line by a peaceful lakeside, he totally began to feel like picking up that hobby.
He left the palace in high spirits. There were no clouds in the sky, and it was like even the sun was celebrating his transfer to the countryside.
Here’s to an early retirement!