Chapter 6: 6. The Minister

An old man with white hair and a long white beard. His appearance would be that of what you would think a 'man of wisdom' would look like out of a fairy tail, the Headmaster of the Academy stared at the young man walking in into his office.

'Looks like the Minister of the Inspectorate Office came.'

A young man with black hair & black eyes. Wearing the symbolic uniform of the Inspectorate Uniform that was also fully black, matched eerily with the Minister's handsome face.

"Nice to see you again, Minister. Has it been 2 years?"

Roan Ludwer, responding to the Headmaster, replied while nodding his head once.

"It has been 2 years."

Roan Ludwer, replied abruptly, with only few words.

Minister Roan Ludwer naturally sat on the seat in front of the Headmaster and urged the Headmaster to speak. 

As the dark & bottomless eyes of Roan Ludwer stared at the Headmaster, the Headmaster couldn't help but gulp in nervousness.

Even if Roan Ludwer was only a "Minister" of the Inspectorate Office; and is in paper inferior to the Headmaster, the Minister of the Inspectorate Office naturally had more authority and importance than the Headmaster.

This is only natural. Ministries with more importance and purpose are valued more by the government in general.

For example, a President of the Ministry of Transportation might as well have the equal authority of a Junior official within the Inspectorate Office. 

While the Ministry of Education was indeed important and valued, the Inspectorate Office is known as being one of the most powerful departments of the Empire. Therefore, the Minister of the Inspectorate Office is obviously going to be higher in authority than most Ministry Presidents. As goes for most investigative/enforcement ministries. 

In a moment's notice, the Secretary of the Headmaster put down 2 cups of tea on the table between Roan Ludwer and the Headmaster.

The Secretary, usually cold-hearted and relaxed - also seemed fairly nervous of the individual known as Roan Ludwer. Naturally.

'I can't believe that he's the age of our 4th year students.'

The Headmaster almost exclaimed. The 4th year students of the Academy all wore bright smiles on their faces. Happy & optimistic.

Meanwhile, Roan Ludwer, 21, the same age of those 4th years, had dead eyes. Eyes symbolizing a deep, dark sunken pit. A mature, but deadly expression was always present on Roan Ludwer's face. 

Who could dare say that that Roan Ludwer was the same age as the 4th year Academy students?

While Roan Ludwer was definitely a handsome and young-looking man that would make any woman fall for him if he even said a simple greeting, the mature atmosphere that Roan Ludwer shot out created a barrier.

While the Headmaster was admiring & respecting Roan Ludwer's features,

Roan Ludwer said,

"I've heard of the difficulties the Academy is facing."

"While we welcome the fact that students from different countries are finally applying, we worry that we might disappoint them."

"Is that so?"

The deathly silence continued.

The Headmaster, looking at Roan Ludwer, saw that Roan Ludwer was urging the Headmaster to carry on with the conversation.

As if understanding, the Headmaster continued the conversation.

"I can't tell you how much more relieved I am that you are finally here. We were worried about interference of the students' learning because of political maneuvering by other countries; but because you're here, it seems like we wouldn't have to worry anymore."

"You don't have to flatter me."

"Flattery? This is no simple flattery. It's honest appreciation. Everyone knows what you've done for the Empire and your exploits. Half a year ago, the raid on the Hervig Merchant Association, an year ago, I still remember the raid of the Wolfgang Marquis's family."

The headmaster kept spouting flattery that would make anyone blush in appreciation. However, the Minister of the Inspectorate Office remained his stoic and dead expression and stared at the teacups.

However, the Headmaster didn't stop. He kept talking, as he was planning to connect this flattery into a way to motivate Minister Roan Ludwer.

"Especially what you've done at the Northern Frontier 4 years ago..."

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From that sentence, Roan Ludwer's eyes, that were originally staring at the teacups, automatically pointed towards the Headmaster.

It was a stare that would make anyone on earth shiver.

'Oh.'

It was a mistake. As the Headmaster was trying to motivate the Minister, he accidentally said things he shouldn't have said.

As if surprised by his own sentence, the Headmaster quickly shut his mouth and apologized.

"I've accidentally said something unnecessary. My old age must be catching up to me."

"Anyone can make mistakes. No need to worry." 

While Roan said to not worry, the tone of the sentence was colder than a block of ice.

The Headmaster breathed in to calm himself.

However, Roan Ludwer sat up from his seat, and continued.

"I have no intention to neglect my duties for the Empire."

"I am thankful."

"No need. I'm just doing my job. I'll be heading out then."

"I understand. One of our staff will show you your office."

Roan Ludwer silently nodded his head and turned his body to head out of the Headmaster's office.

"It finally seems like my old age is hindering my work. I can't believe I made such a mistake."

As the Headmaster wiped the sweat off his forehead that accumulated while talking to Roan Ludwer, the Secretary asked.

"A mistake.. do you mean when you mentioned the Northern Frontier?"

As the Secretary also had ears, she could estimate which word that the Minister of the Inspectorate Office reacted to. However, she didn't know why he reacted to the word "Northern Frontier". 

Understanding the Secretary's curiosity, the Headmaster replied,

"It'd be better to forget about it. You might find information about what Minister Roan did in Northern Frontier if you looked hard, but I wouldn't suggest it."

".. I understand."

The Northern Frontier. 4 years ago. A front that was in heavy combat for 2 years and it's end.

The Minister of the Inspectorate Office, Roan Ludwer, was one of the individuals who ended the conflict.

There's a reason why Roan Ludwer, a mere 21 year old, could achieve the position of "Minister of the Inspectorate Office" at such a young age. 

Most public officials become Minsters at between age 45 - 60; if they don't get fired that is.

However, Roan became one at the ripe age of 21.

Roan is the youngest Minister in the history of the Empire.

And with his productiveness, it wouldn't be weird that he would be promoted to become a President of a Ministry at a moment's notice.

Like most people; the Headmaster feared Roan Ludwer.

Not because of his authority or rank he holds within the government; but because of his own characteristics.

The Headmaster gave his sympathy to any foreign spy within the Academy.

He also braced for the future bloodbath that would be imminent.

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