The Secretary of the Northern Grand Duchess Has Run Away

Chapter 96

Chapter 96:  The Empress’s Test (8)"Then, we shall begin the evaluation."

At Empress Margaret's voice, the annex hall fell into a solemn silence.

Everyone waited in tense anticipation for the final winner of the 'Haman Project.'

This time's winner would gain the opportunity to become a close aide to the Emperor.

Moreover, they would receive recognition from the Second Empress, who held sway over all the imperial in-laws.

Of course, that alone wouldn't guarantee the position.

However, just receiving this opportunity would allow them to make their name proudly known within the Imperial Court.

"Let’s begin with Tobang Arman." Tolkien likes it?”

『How to be a husband loved by your wife.』

With that slogan, Bennet Tolkien eating a sandwich with a deep, dignified expression.

His eyes, heavy with stories and the kind that made you want to protect him, paired with a single bite of a sandwich—

『Try the convenient Haman sandwich.』

That image…

It melted the hearts not only of commoner women but also noblewomen overflowing with maternal affection.

‘Sir Bennet is divorced, but… even I couldn’t help falling for those soulful eyes of his.’

“We’re currently in a completely different city, and yet we’re already eating Haman’s signature sandwich.”

The Empress spoke leisurely, spreading her hands.

“Even though the food itself didn’t actually originate in Haman.”

The officials blinked in confusion.

“The sandwich wasn’t a Haman dish?”

“This is the first I’ve heard of it. I assumed it was something the workers there came up with.”

As I bowed my head, I let a sly smile tug at the corners of my lips.

Then, I looked over at the assembled officials—and at Echina, who stood among them—and smiled.

“……”

The Grand Duke’s daughter must have thought I looked like a cunning fox showing off tricks, because the corners of her mouth twitched slightly.

But soon, in an effort to maintain her dignity, she bit down lightly on her smooth lips.

On the other hand, Tobang’s expression was far from pleasant.

“That kind of food… really…”

He had gone to the trouble of hosting a large-scale art exhibition.

And yet all his efforts had been overshadowed by a mere piece of bread. It was infuriating.

“……”

His father, Baron Arman, was no different.

Just moments ago, the room had been filled with praise for his son.

Now, some random commoner had taken over the palace atmosphere with nothing more than food. It was deeply unsettling.

“In this way, Lord Roger engraved the association between Haman and sandwiches into the minds of the capital’s people. He led a trend encouraging many to eat a healthy breakfast.”

With that, the Empress concluded her commentary on the efforts of her retainers.

Then, she gently sat back down in her seat and spoke.

“Since everyone made impressive contributions, we’ll now conclude by assigning the final scores.”

This time, the Minister of Finance stepped forward.

Holding a report estimating the spending of each candidate, he began the announcement.

“Tobang Arman spent 100 million gold from the imperial budget.”

At that, Tobang nodded in satisfaction.

Even the officials appeared pleased at the idea that, despite renting a city hall and securing a renowned painter, he had only used that amount.

But his face quickly turned pale.

“However, including estimated expenditures from his own family and the Luton family, the total comes to approximately 400 million gold.”

The Minister of Finance had thoroughly investigated not only the imperial budget but also the funds borrowed from his family.

“Lucun Fern used 3 million gold for arranging the gourmet events. There was no additional spending from his family.”

From 100 million gold down to 3 million—an air of unease swept through the retainers.

However, this was only the beginning.

"Roger Julius."

When it was finally my turn.

"Imperial budget: 50,000 gold."

Every pair of lips in the hall fell open in disbelief.

"There were no additional personal expenses."

The Minister of Finance adjusted the metal-framed glasses he had been wearing.

Then, he read out the breakdown of what I had spent with the imperial funds.

"What he used the 50,000 gold for was… 500,000 sheets of paper. And one cup of coffee."

I lifted my head slightly.

Then, with a sheepish smile and narrowed eyes, I looked at the Minister and made a gentle plea for understanding.

"Ah… the coffee, I was told the staff gave it to me for free."

"So I’ve heard. Then, the full amount went solely toward the 500,000 sheets of paper."

The retainers were all visibly stunned.

They had been ready to make excuses to push Tobang forward in some way or another.

But the budget difference was so overwhelming that it left them utterly speechless.

In contrast, the Empress—who already knew this information—remained composed.

On behalf of everyone else, she calmly opened her mouth.

"Then it seems the winner has been decided."

She rose once more from her seat.

Then, walking down the steps with noble grace, she extended her hand to me.

"Lift your head, Lord Roger."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

When the moment for the official announcement arrived, the Empress’s voice changed.

Unlike her usual tone, she proclaimed in a solemn and formal manner to all in attendance.

『Roger Julius. You improved the conditions of several underdeveloped cities, including Old Luton.』

『And you helped restore the public image of Haman, which had long suffered from negative perceptions, thus aiding the livelihood of its people.』

『Therefore, in recognition of your achievements, I, the Second Empress of the Empire, hereby declare—』

『The winner of the First Urban Renewal Project is…』

From a distance, the Captain of the Guard approached with the ceremonial sword.

Soon, the Empress drew the blade and gently laid it upon my shoulder.

『Roger of the Julius family. It is you.』