Ries couldn’t believe what just transpired. It’s all just a dream, right? She hasn’t just became Deputy Minister and that she’s currently lying in the floors of the Adventurer’s Guild unconscious?

It certainly doesn’t look like a dream. Good rest and sleep be damned, she was forced to rush to the Imperial palace by Eden. It was her first time entering the Imperial palace, she had a gut feeling that she would enter this place multiple times in her new job.

Nevertheless, she and Eden, along with several other important looking people, entered a grand hall. It was a large room, but due to the many nobles and officials, it felt small and narrow. The walls were adorned with rich tapestries and intricate carvings, but the opulence did little to ease her growing anxiety.

“Your Excellencies, may I have your attention, please?” Called out a person wearing ridiculous clothing. To her it was ridiculous. The bright, clashing colors were painful to look at.

The man was standing in a small stool, elevating his position so he was seen by everybody.

“At 5:20 a.m. today, in the year of our Lord twelve thousand and fifty-four, His Majesty Emperor Valerys VIII passed away from natural causes.”

A hush fell over the grand hall. The weight of the announcement settled heavily in the air, the reality of the Emperor’s death sinking in. Ries glanced around, noting the varied reactions among the gathered nobles and officials—a small percentage of them were shocked, saddened, and calculating. But most seemed to have expected this.

The herald continued, “The Royal Court has confirmed Princess Lyrya to ascend to the Imperial throne.”

Now that, it seemed, caused an uproar with the nobles.

“What do you mean she will become Empress?!” one noble shouted.

“Are you mad?!” another exclaimed.

“Why isn’t the Prince next in line?!” a third demanded.

The herald, unfazed by the nobles’ outrage, raised his hands for silence. “The decision has been made by the Royal Court in accordance with the Emperor’s wishes and the laws of succession.”

The nobles continued to grumble, but the herald pressed on, “Preparations for the Emperor’s funeral and the coronation of Her Highness will be undertaken immediately and conducted on the same day. This is a time for unity and unwavering dedication to the Empire.”

“The Emperor is dead, Long live the Empress!” the herald ended his announcement and exited the hall.

From her side, Ries felt a nudge from Eden, signaling her to follow him. She hesitated for a moment, but gathered her resolve, falling into step beside him.

Eden led her through the opulent corridors of the palace, “His Majesty’s death is unexpected,” he paused for a moment, “Well… expected, but not this month at the very least. Looks like we won’t have any rest until after the coronation.”

“Is the coronation taking place the same day as the funeral?” she asked, wondering if such a schedule wouldn't strain the government and its officials.

“Oh yes,” Eden replied, nodding. “The coronation must be done immediately according to tradition. We’re scheduling it to take place at noon.”

“Won’t that be overwhelming for everyone involved?”

Eden gave her a wry, but tired smile, “that’s why. We’re the faceless bureaucrats who keep this vast Empire running.”

Ries could only nod.

They reached a door and entered the room. Grand and opulent, as always, she thought. Oddly, it was empty save for one person.

“Is that your new Deputy Minister, Eden?” One man, sat on a chair, cigar in hand, said as he looked towards Ries, “I wasn’t aware you’ve tamed a wild Beastmen.”

Ries silently clenched her fists. Something about this man’s tone and condescension ignited a flame of anger within her.

“She’s the first of her kind to pass the Imperial Examination, you gotta give her credit for that.” Eden replied with a sly smirk, “Anyhow, Ryman, how’s the cancer? Straight back to smoking again?”

The man, now identified as Ryman, scoffed, exhaling a cloud of smoke, “It was cured, thanks to the Magic Association. Can’t say I’ve given up my vices, though.” He gave a harsh chuckle, the kind that grates on the nerves.

Eden turned to her, “Anise, this is Alexander Ryman, the Minister of Justice.”

Of course this bastard just had to be the Minister of Justice, why wouldn’t he?

“A pleasure to meet you, sir.” She forced out, mustering a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Eden placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, “Despite his gruff demeanor, he’s one of the most competent people I’ve met.”

Ryman raised an eyebrow, blowing another puff of smoke in her direction, “Competent enough to recognize when a wolf is pretending to be a sheep. Let’s hope you’re more than just a token gesture.”

She met his gaze defiantly, “I assure you, Minister Ryman, I am here to do my job and to do it well. I’ve earned my place.”

Ryman studied her for a moment before taking a drag of his cigar, “We’ll see.”

Eden casually sat down on one of the chairs, prompting Ries to do the same and sat next to him. She took the time to look around the meeting room. It was opulent as always, to be expected for a meeting room in the Imperial palace.

Her thoughts were interrupted when a cup of coffee was placed in front of her.

“You haven’t slept since yesterday, this should help you focus.” She looked towards Eden who had a similar coffee in hand.

“Thank you, sir.”

“Drink up, we’ll have to wait for the others.” He seemed annoyed but kept the smile in his face.

She didn’t hesitate to take a sip of the coffee, and to be perfectly honest, it was the best coffee she had drank in her entire life! It was bitter, but not too bitter. It had a hint of sweetness that not too overpowering. Does she have this privilege too?

She felt invigorated, the coffee seemed to boost her energy and sharpened her mind. Beside her, Eden was talking with Minister Ryman about some gossip, nothing that concerns her really.

She took this moment to relax before the storm that will no doubt come. Maybe she’ll visit her tribe and show her father how much she changed? No… she would have to resolve the ACC issue…

I don’t know who you are, Anise. But I’ll be taking over from now on.

Hours seemed to pass, but gradually, the room was filled with she can assume to be other ministers, some with their Deputies, others without. They all took a glance at her ears but didn’t bother raising a question.

As everyone settled down, one final person entered the room and immediately took a stand in front of everyone else.

“Apologies for being late, everyone. I want to announce a few things moving forward.” He had baggy eyes and a tired look. Even his speech, even though authoritative in a way, seemed fatigued.

Ries could tell this was the Prime Minister from how old he is, and how he carried himself with an air of authority that only comes with experience. She observed as he glanced around the room, acknowledging each person with a nod before continuing.

“As you all know, today marks a pivotal moment in our Empire’s history with the passing of His Majesty, Emperor, and dear friend, Loucas Bernhardt Reivrys Des Valeries. It is with great solemnity that we must now turn our attention to the transition of power. A moment of silence.”

The room fell into a profound stillness, broken only by the faint sound of shuffling papers and quiet breaths. It was a brief pause, yet its significance lingered heavily in the air, a tribute to the departed Emperor and a moment of reflection for all those gathered.

After what seemed like an eternity, the Prime Minister's voice cut through the solemn silence, "The public will be notified of His Majesty’s passing shortly, and we will carry out the funeral at once. Preparations for the coronation are already in place in the ceremonial hall."

"The funeral procession will commence at 10 am, followed immediately by the coronation of Her Highness, Princess Lyria," the Prime Minister continued.

Ries listened attentively. Truth be told, it’s her first time being somewhat responsible for this. If she was the same person from yesterday, she would scoff at the Emperor’s passing whilst drinking and mumbling ‘good riddance’.

She looked down at the brooch on her chest. Golden, it resembled the wings of a dragon, with a small coat of arms resembling a dragon’s head made out of red gem, ruby she assumed.

She clenched it tight. This is her now, this is her life. She should keep this façade as long as she could.

She can bring genuine change and help her kind to prosper.

“On another note.” The Prime Minister continued as he fixed his suit, “I am announcing my resignation and retirement.”

Gasps filled the room. The Prime Minister raised a hand to silence them, "This decision has been long in the making. With the Emperor's passing, it seems the right time for new leadership to guide the Empire into the future."

Ries was taken aback. She had only just grasped her new role as Deputy Minister, and now this?

"Effective immediately after the coronation, my duties will be handed over to my successor, who will be announced at the appropriate time."

Without further ado, the Prime Minister stepped out of the room, leaving the ministers in a state of stunned silence.

She felt Eden’s hand on her shoulder, “You better clean up and rest until noon. You don’t have to attend the funeral, but you must attend the coronation.”

“I will, sir.” She nodded, not hiding her exhaustion.

Eden gave her a reassuring pat, “Good. You’ve had quite the introduction to the government. Take this time to gather yourself. Oh, and take this.” Eden handed her a white letter.

“What is this?”

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“Think of it as your leisure fund.” He smiled, “See you later.”

She nodded and exited the room. She let out a sigh she didn’t know she was holding. She needed to relax for real this time, and not have some absolute bombshell of a news dropped at her.

Thankfully, she knew someplace she could drink her problems away. The adventurer’s guild building also has a bar in it, and she knew the bartender. Maybe she also should resign from being an adventurer and fully commit to the role of Deputy Minister.

Whilst walking down the streets of the capital, she decided to open the letter to see the contents. Inside was a generous sum of money, more than enough to cover her expenses and a bit extra for indulgences ten times over. Eden had called it a "leisure fund," but it felt like a lifeline.

Oh you know, a leisure fund he said, as he casually handed me over 500 Golden Virs half of my salary… She mused. Nobles sure have a different way of thinking, huh?

She wasn't complaining, though. If she was to technically become a noble, she might as well enjoy the perks. She was practically one already, given her new position and the responsibilities thrust upon her.

Whatever the case, she had arrived in front of the Adventurer’s Guild building. It’s kind of nostalgic, in a way. If not for those group of adventurers, she wouldn’t have become Anise, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs.

She pushed open the heavy wooden doors, greeted by the familiar sounds of boisterous conversation, clinking mugs, and the smell of hearty meals. It was as if nothing had changed, yet everything had. For her at least.

Nobody batted an eye at the newcomer, suits her just well though, she didn’t want the attention anyways.

Sliding onto a stool at the bar, she signaled the bartender and for a moment, she thought of something, “Give me the most expensive drink you have.”

The bartender raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised, "Well, someone's feeling fancy today. Coming right up."

He reached for a bottle on the top shelf, dusting it off before pouring a rich, golden liquid into a crystal glass, “Here it is, Ries. Or should I call you Madam Ries, now?” His appraised her from top to bottom.

She could only let out a wry smile, “No thank you, Robert. I had a… tough day today, and also yesterday.”

“I heard. Those group of adventurers been bothering you again? Westerners really hate Beastmen, huh?” he sighed. Indeed, she should be thankful her tribe is in Imperial protection, or else they might be enslaved already.

“Tell me about it…” She took a sip, the complex flavors dancing on her tongue. It was smooth, with notes of honey and oak, far superior to anything she’d ever tasted before. This is what wealth and power tasted like, she mused.

“What is this drink called?”

Robert leaned in with a smirk on his face, “That, my friend. Is a 10-year-old Valerian Gold.”

“10-year-old Valerian Gold?!” Ries nearly choked.

He chuckled, “That’s right. I never thought I would have to bring it out until now.” He puts the bottle back in its place, “Just so you know, that is going to run you 5 Golden Virs.”

“Heh, money isn’t a problem for me anymore, Robert. The problem is, do you have change?”

Robert and Ries continued their banter. However Ries avoided the topic of her circumstance. Not until she can somehow manipulate Imperial records and find out this Anise person.

“Well, well, well… look who we have here.”

Oh no. She knows that voice. It’s the same group of adventurers who chased her yesterday. She calmly set the glass down and turned to look at them.

“Are you looking for me?” she asked, her voice steady and her expression authoritative, trying to mimic the nobles she had observed. Mimicry was part of an assassin’s skill set, after all.

The burly man with a scar on his cheek sneered, “Look who’s grown guts. Weren’t you a scaredy-cat yesterday? Why don’t you grovel at my feet like the Beastmen you are? I might just forgive you.”

Ries felt a surge of anger but kept her composure. She stood tall, meeting his gaze unflinchingly, “You don’t want to cross me, I am someone important now. You will show respect, or you will face the consequences.” She deliberately shows her brooch for all to see.

The man laughed, “Someone important? You expect us to believe that?” He looks at his companions who shared a laugh, “How could you, a Beastmen, be someone important?”

Their laughter echoed through the building, and Ries could feel the gaze of a dozen eyes on her. The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting to see how she would respond.

Perhaps it was the Valerian Gold she drank, or perhaps she just had enough of this, she summoned every ounce of the authority she had, she raised her voice, "This brooch signifies my position as the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs. I passed the Imperial Examination, something none of you would even attempt to do. Disrespect me again, and you will find yourselves at the mercy of the law."

She might’ve earned herself an award at acting. Truth be told, she was nervous deep inside and cringed at what she said. But she learned to fake it ‘till you make it.

The laughter died down, uncertainty replacing the mockery in their eyes. One of the men muttered, "Is she serious?"

“Don’t be a fool!” The burly men scoffs, “The Empire couldn’t be stupid to let an animal in office. Why don’t we remind her of that?” His words sent a chill through the bar.

He slowly walks towards her, cracking his knuckles. Ries could feel the air around her change. She was ready to escape with her shadows if need be, for now though she would stand her ground. According to the laws of the Empire, aggressions against an official as high as her is severely punished, right?

As he closed the distance, Robert, the bartender, stepped forward, "That's enough, Garon," he said firmly. "You heard her. She's a Deputy Minister now. If you lay a hand on her, you'll be facing more than just a bar fight." He warned.

Garon sneered, "You think I'm scared of some title?" He spat on the floor, his eyes still locked on Ries.

“You should.” Her voice unconsciously started to shake but kept it under control, “Because that title comes with the power to make your life very difficult. And I won't hesitate to use it.” She grasped the brooch tightly.

“Well, how about you use your title to fight THIS!” he threw a punch with his giant fists.

Ries managed to sidestep it at the last moment. She didn’t think he would really fight her.

Ries felt the rush of wind as Garon's fist missed her again by inches. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she wasn’t an assassin for nothing, her training as an assassin kicked in, guiding her movements with precision. Though she had not expected a physical confrontation, but she was not defenseless.

The guild erupted into chaos. Some adventurers scrambled to get out of the way, while others watched with wide eyes and interest. Garon, infuriated by his missed punches, turned to face her again, his expression one of pure rage.

“You think you can dodge me, little beast?” He snarled, advancing on her once more. He used reinforcing magic on himself and prepared to throw another punch.

Ries kept her stance low and her eyes on Garon, ready for his next move, “This isn’t a fight you want to pick,” she warned, her voice steadier than she felt, “I have more power than you realize.”

Garon's next punch came with a speed and force amplified by his magic. Ries managed to sidestep just in time, feeling the rush of air as his fist flew past her. The impact of his blow shattered the furniture where she had been standing a moment before, splintering wood and sending debris flying.

Ries instinctively reached for her dagger, but realized too late that she left her dagger along with her old clothes back at her office.

Damnit!

She instead reached for her brooch and held it in front of her.

Garon sneered, somewhat amused by her decision. “What’s that supposed to do? Scratch me?”

Ries didn’t respond. Instead, she focused, channeling her mana into the brooch. Garon hesitated for a second, unsure of what it might do.

Please do something! Please do something! Please do something! Please do something! Please do something! Please do something! Please do something! Please do something!

Even Ries herself was unsure what the brooch can do other than a piece of vanity signaling her authority.

Garon smirked, “Looks like your toy isn’t doing anything.” He raised his fist, putting all of his magic in it and preparing to obliterate her from existence.

All Ries could do was close her eyes. Is this how it’s going to end? Just when she had stolen a golden opportunity?

She waited with baited breath, waiting to be struck. But it never came.

“Police! Everybody stand down!” A voice rang a squad of policemen armed with rifles barged into the building and apprehended Garon.

The adventurers who had been frozen in place now raised their hands in compliance. The lead officer, a stern-looking man with a commanding presence, scanned the room quickly before his eyes settled on Ries.

“Deputy Minister Anise?” he asked, his tone respectful but firm, “We received reports of a disturbance. Are you alright?”

Ries nodded, “Yes, Officer. That man right there, and his companions tried to kill a government official.” She pointed at Garon, who was still fuming but now subdued by the presence of armed police.

The policeman squinted his eyes, assessing the situation, he turned to Garon, “Is this true?” he demanded.

Garon’s face twisted with anger and defiance, “She’s just a Beastman pretending to be important! She doesn’t belong here!” He spat.

The lead officer raised a hand to silence him, then turned back to Ries, “Be it as it may, the brooch is certainly authentic, as we’ve received distress calls from it.”

“B-But!”

“Assaulting an Imperial government official is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a 150 Golden Virs fine.” The officer stated firmly as his gaze never leaving Garon’s.

Garon's defiance flickered, replaced by a hint of fear. He looked to his companions, but they seemed just as shocked and stricken with fear.

“Deputy Minister Anise,” The lead officer addressed Ries respectfully, “we will take these men into custody. Your safety and the integrity of the law are our priorities.”

Ries nodded, her grip on the brooch tightening, “Thank you, Officer. Make sure they understand the severity of their actions.” She then glanced at Garon and his companions, “I heard they are people from the Western kingdoms, perchance you could fine them then blacklist them from the Empire?”

“What?! You can’t do that! We’re adventurers! We have rights to travel between borders freely!” Garon protested upon hearing that.

The lead officer’s gaze hardened, “You forfeited those rights when you assaulted a government official.” he said sternly, “As for blacklisting, that will be up to the courts to decide, but your actions today will certainly weigh heavily against you.”

Garon's face paled as he realized the gravity of his situation. His companions looked equally stricken, their bravado evaporating in the face of real consequences.

“Deputy Minister Anise,” the officer continued, turning back to Ries, “we will ensure they are processed according to the law. Your suggestion will be noted in our report.”

Ries nodded, her grip on the brooch loosening slightly, “Thank you, Officer. It’s important that we maintain order and respect within our borders.”

It’s also important to make up bullshit reports too. She thought to herself.

The officer motioned to his men, who began to handcuff Garon and his companions. As they were led away, Garon glared at Ries, but the fear in his eyes betrayed his bravado.

“You’ll regret this, Beastman,” he hissed, but the lead officer silenced him with a sharp tug.

With the troublemakers removed, the tension in the building eased. Adventurers who had been watching the confrontation unfold began to relax, their respect for Ries apparent in their glances and murmurs.

Robert approached her, bottle of Valerian Gold in his hand, “You handled that quite well. I wouldn’t have thought you were Deputy Minister, I thought you find a well-paying job.”

She smiled, “Just glad it’s over…”

Robert handed her another glass of the Valerian Gold. “Here, on the house. You’ve more than earned it.”

Ries accepted the drink, the rich aroma soothing her frayed nerves. “Thanks, Robert. I needed this.”

As she sipped the exquisite beverage, Ries allowed herself a moment of relaxation. Who knew having authority could be this good? Maybe this sort of life ain’t so bad after all.

The road ahead was still uncertain. She needed to erase any mentions of Anise from the Imperial records, and she definitely needed to settle down on her new role.

Another group of adventurers entered the building, their conversations seemed too good. Too good in fact, that they might be carrying news.

One of them yelled at on of the clerks, “Hey! Turn on the radio!” He said.

The clerk, a young woman with bright eyes and quick hands, nodded and reached under the counter, pulling out a small, polished wooden box. She turned a dial, and after a few moments of static, a clear voice filled the room.

“...and in today’s breaking news, the funeral procession for His Majesty Emperor Valeris VIII will commence at 10 a.m., followed immediately by the coronation of Princess Lyria. Citizens are advised to follow updates closely as the day progresses.”

The adventurers stopped their chattering and gossiping and paid full attention to the radio broadcast. Ries, who knew of this already, continued to sip on her glass of Valerian Gold.

The announcer continued to detail the events for today, highlighting the funeral and the coronation, adding commentary about the significance of the transition. Ries emptied her glass, setting it down with a quiet clink, and left the building.

One was an adventurer, who knew Anise. Her eyes were cold as she observed her every move. She had known Anise, Anise was no Beastmen. But somehow, she disappeared and then another person took her position? Unacceptable, she was going to get to the bottom of this.

The other was an agent of the Imperial Security Directorate, his sharp eyes peeking over the edge of the newspaper he had been pretending to read. Orders from above were to gather information about the discrepancies surrounding this new Deputy Minister. ‘Anise’ had passed the Imperial Examination, but there were inconsistencies in her record that raised red flags.