Tilea's Worries

Appointed as Finance Minister of the Evil God Army

First, I had a meeting with the staff team led by Dryas-san.

Initially, I received a gaze from Dryas-san that blended jealousy with murderous intent.

When a handsome person glares, it's quite intimidating.

An ordinary person would have died a hundred times from that killing intent.

Nevertheless, when I showed that this was Tilea-san's [Imperial Order],

and that I was acting for Tilea-san's sake, he accepted it smoothly.

Dryas-san is very reasonable.

He understands that public duty is more important than personal feelings.

If you properly explain that something benefits Tilea-san, there's no more reliable staff officer.

After hearing my policies, he helped refine the urban planning.

He understands ten things from hearing just one.

This team led by a genius probably doesn't need any more advice.

I'll just need to hear their progress reports periodically.

The problem is...

I glance sideways.

A young man chewing gum noisily with his feet up on the desk,

and a girl resting her chin on her hand at the desk, half-lidded eyes leaking murderous intent.

Yes, Ortissio-san and Edim.

They're following along reluctantly because of Tilea-san's [Imperial Order].

However, their attitude is absolutely terrible.

I can see right through them.

Full of dissatisfaction, ready to burn everything with flames of jealousy.

Sigh~ It's depressing to talk with these two in such a state.

Depressing, but we can't get started unless we move forward with the discussion.

Steeling myself, I begin the meeting.

"Well~ I've reviewed your proposal. Yes, it's well done. Well done, but I'll need to make corrections in several places."

"Edim, did you hear that? The rookie minister thinks our proposal is garbage and doesn't like it. How arrogant has she become?"

"Yes, yes, Ortissio-sama. Minister Miless has always been like this. She never listens to others' opinions and only thinks about her own advancement."

The two of them aren't listening to what I'm saying and are just overflowing with complaints.

Sigh~ Here we go again.

I recall our previous quarrels.

They're both so talented, so why are they acting like children?

It's really giving me a headache.

Ortissio-san is blowing bubbles with his gum while his dissatisfaction also grows.

Edim is agreeing with Ortissio-san and badmouthing me.

She's even handing him additional gum.

...A passive boycott, huh?

Well, I understand how these two feel.

It can't feel good to be ordered around by a newcomer. Originally, my status was just as Timu-chan's doll.

...Can't be helped.

For now, I'll try being humble and ask for their cooperation.

"Ortissio-san, Edim, I understand how you feel. It's natural to be dissatisfied that a newcomer like me was appointed to such an important position. But this is all for Tilea-sama's sake. I may cause trouble due to my inexperience. But please, cooperate with me."

"Edim, did you hear? This woman wants to use Tilea-sama's name to bring us under her control."

"Yes, yes, Ortissio-sama. This woman has always been like this. She has a genius-level ability to ingratiate herself with superiors. She's truly a fox borrowing the tiger's authority."

This is going nowhere.

Being humble only makes them more arrogant.

In that case, I'll approach this with the attitude of a superior.

"Ortissio-san, please stop that. We're in a meeting now. Could you stop chewing gum?"

"How dare a mere doll try to order me around!"

"I am ordering you. I'm the Finance Minister and we're in the middle of important work. Please save your gum chewing for break time."

"Hmph, you don't understand. Gum should be chewed especially during work."

Huh!? What is he saying?

Ortissio-san proudly states his argument, refusing to change his brazen attitude.

Gum, supposedly invented by Tilea-san.

It's like an Eastern sweet, I guess.

It's apparently popular with certain groups in the royal capital as a delicacy not found in this culture.

I've tried it myself, by the way.

The texture was quite fun.

However, the sight of someone chewing it messily isn't beautiful. It's considered proper manners to refrain in public places or during work.

"Ortissio-san, please don't make up nonsense just because you want to interfere with me."

"It's not nonsense! Listen well! In the place where Tilea-sama once lived, there were people called [Major Leaguers] who swung clubs. I heard they chew gum during work to raise their morale."

Major Leaguers?

That's information I've never heard from Tilea-san.

From what he's saying, they must be Eastern guards equipped with clubs.

If Tilea-san is one thing, it would be a disaster if Timu-chan caught someone chewing gum during work.

"I find that hard to believe."

"You dare doubt Tilea-sama's words?!"

"N-no, but what's the reasoning?"

"You're unbelievably ignorant. Listen. Chewing gum stimulates the brain, making alpha waves overflow abundantly, allowing one to act with renewed vigor."

"Um, well..."

"Do you understand now?! That's why I'm constantly chewing gum like this. Munch munch, you fool!"

Ortissio-san continues chewing his gum while arguing.

I understand the logic, but...

I can think of countless contradictions.

However, there's no point in refuting as he won't listen.

"Ortissio-san, I understand your theory. But I'm prohibiting gum chewing. This is an order as Finance Minister."

"Who would listen to your orders?!"

"Is that so? Then I'll have to convene a court-martial."

"Wha-?! A court-martial?!"

"Reluctantly, if you continue to be uncooperative, I'll have to exercise my authority as minister."

"Tch, throwing your weight around."

Ortissio-san spat out his gum.

Not on the floor of the Evil God Army's room, of course.

He aimed at the planning document I had corrected.

"...Are you picking a fight?"

"Heheh, you're still ignorant. Gum should be wrapped in paper when thrown away. There happened to be some garbage right there."

Ortissio-san wrapped his gum in my planning document, then tore open a rice cracker package and began eating noisily.

This person is just...

Isn't he embarrassed as a grown adult?

Meanwhile, Edim is brewing tea, supporting Ortissio-san's tea party.

"Um, Ortissio-san..."

"What? This isn't gum."

"That's right, that's right. Miless, stop making false accusations."

Ortissio-san was grinning.

Edim was also smiling nastily with the corners of her mouth turned up.

Even if I forbid rice crackers or prohibit eating and drinking altogether, it would be the same.

They're determined to prevent any discussion.

What should I do?

Should I really convene a court-martial?

No, let's not.

I could do it with my authority, but the procedure would be troublesome.

Should I use force instead?

I narrow my eyes and assess the combat power of Ortissio-san and the Eastern Imperial Guard members in the room.

If Edim's combat power is one, then Ortissio-san is four, and his subordinates are two or three.

I'm ten, and depending on the approach, I could be a hundred or two hundred.

I could easily handle everyone here.

I don't want to rule through fear, but when they're this uncooperative...

"Uncooperative people will be punished."

"Try it. You're just a doll, don't be so arrogant."

"Miless, using force is such a foolish idea. We won't yield to violence."

Ortissio-san barks.

Edim snaps.

Force won't make them cooperative either.

They're both too stubborn; ordinary methods won't work.

To make them docile and obedient...

Several methods come to mind.

All are extraordinary, emergency measures.

I don't want to use such methods on Edim, who's supposedly my friend.

In that case, there's only one option.

"I'll call for Camilla-sama."

"Wha-?!"

The two are shocked.

Their hands and feet are trembling.

What are they so surprised about?

This was inevitable, wasn't it?

If they won't listen, I have no choice but to call someone they will listen to.

"If you continue to be uncooperative, I'll call for Camilla-sama."

"H-hey, are you serious?!"

Ortissio-san hurriedly approaches me.

Yes, I'm perfectly serious.

If anything, I question the sanity of your behavior up until now.

As Finance Minister, I've looked into your flow of funds for the Evil God Army a bit.

The conclusion...

Your head must be completely broken!

It makes that break-in robbery at the Elizabeth mansion seem cute in comparison.

You've been doing whatever you want, ignoring laws and ethics.

I've overlooked it because you've only targeted corrupt lords who hoarded wealth through heavy taxation.

This is normally a level of crime that would warrant a court-martial and execution.

"W-wait. H-how despicable can you be?"

Next, Edim rushes over and pulls my arm.

Despicable? Who are you to talk?

Three thousand two hundred and thirty times—do you know what this number represents?

It's the number of times you've tried to bite me.

Stop trying to attack me at every opportunity.

This is still the gentle approach.

There are much worse methods I could use.

"Anyway, if you two continue to interfere, I'll call Camilla-sama."

"Ugh!!"

They bite their lips and endure.

One more push?

"It seems you understand. I've been granted authority as Finance Minister not only by Tilea-sama but also by Camilla-sama. I have the approval of both. Do you understand what that means? Obstructing me is equivalent to defying both of them."

"W-well, that's..."

"I-I'm not obstructing anything."

The two start stammering excuses.

"Excuses are unnecessary. The next time you interfere, I'll really call Camilla-sama—"

"Did you call for me?"

"Waaah!"

Suddenly, someone took position behind me.

I can't help but cry out at the sudden appearance of the hegemon's presence.

"Hmm? Why are you surprised? That's unlike you."

The one declaring this is the great hegemon of the Eastern Kingdom, Timu-chan.

As impressive as ever.

This is no exaggeration, but Timu-chan is about the only one who could get behind me like this.

I'm confident I could handle being surrounded by a hundred S-rank adventurers while humming a tune.

As expected of a high-level human like myself.

"That Camilla-sama? Why are you here?"

"What's this, Miless? Didn't you call for me?"

Called her? I was about to, but I hadn't yet.

Timu-chan was smiling mischievously, with a different kind of condescending smirk than Edim's.

"No, I hadn't called yet—wait!?"

I have a bad feeling.

I immediately scan myself for magical energy.

Activating the search magic "Google," I send waves of magical energy throughout my body.

Result: no reaction.

Was it my imagination?

No, that can't be!

Timu-chan's face is full of delight.

Like a child who has successfully played a prank.

Though the level of this prank is far from ordinary.

I'll check more thoroughly.

From the top of my head to the tips of my toes, not missing even the slightest change.

Search magic Google, full power!!

...Found it.

A magical transmitter.

Timu-chan never learns.

When did she...?

It's practically art.

This transmitter is ultra-high performance, harder to find than previous ones. And she even knew about my conversation with Ortissio-san, so it must have audio recording capabilities too.

She's using magical formulas unprecedented in history without hesitation.

Timu-chan's original magic formulas are as nasty as ever.

I feel like I've witnessed the pinnacle of magical technology in the world—no, in history.

Sigh~ This will be difficult to remove.

I attempt to deactivate the transmitter based on the Google search magic analysis results.

T-this is...

Tough.

I need to break through dozens of protections to deactivate it. This isn't something that can be done quickly. And if I make a mistake in deactivation, there are booby traps embedded that could be life-threatening.

Timu-chan, are you trying to kill me?

"Camilla-sama, this has gone beyond a joke."

"What has?"

"The transmitter you attached to my body!"

"Kukuku, so you found it. What will you do about it?"

"What will I do... Please remove it!"

"Why should I remove it?"

"Guh!?"

I look at Timu-chan.

...She's serious.

Timu-chan is just grinning.

It would be pointless to beg her to remove it.

If anything, she'd gleefully attach additional transmitters.

I'll have to do it myself.

I activated Google search magic at full power. It's a complex magical formula, but the analysis results are in.

It's okay, I can do this.

I'll seriously remove it.

After a while...

"Haa, haa, haa. I-I thought I was going to die."

"Hooo~ You removed this one too!"

Timu-chan's eyes widened in surprise.

The corners of her mouth are slightly raised.

I succeeded in removing it.

But the mental and physical fatigue is immense.

I nearly died several times.

Timu-chan is too much of a genius.

This dangerous magical formula is something that hundreds of history's most skilled mages working together for a lifetime might not be able to remove.

"C-Camilla-sama, I've told you before, haven't I? Please don't attach transmitters without permission. It's an invasion of privacy."

"Miless, well done. I'm impressed, impressed. That was my masterpiece, created stronger and more dangerous based on my previous failure. Even I, who made it, would have had difficulty removing it. Kukuku, how far will you continue to grow?"

"No, please, seriously, stop doing this."

After that, while calming down the high-spirited Timu-chan, I explained my original purpose.

Since Timu-chan came all this way, I'll leave the education of these two to her.

"You people really..."

After hearing my explanation, Timu-chan glares at Ortissio-san and the others with annoyance.

The two are trembling violently.

Ortissio-san is standing at rigid attention.

It's hard to believe he was the same person who had his feet up on the desk with such an arrogant attitude earlier.

Edim has also lost her sassy mouth and is maintaining the same rigid posture as Ortissio-san.

The effect is immediate.

"I'll give you a choice. Would you prefer to lose everything above your neck, or everything below it?"

That means death either way!

At Timu-chan's unreasonable proposition, the two were trembling like newborn fawns.

No, this level of trembling might be worse than a fawn's.

"What's wrong? Can't decide? Then I'll choose for you."

Timu-chan slowly approaches the two like a hunter who has found prey.

"P-please wait! This is a misunderstanding! We haven't neglected our national duties! T-that's right. Miless is suspected of treason. We were questioning the traitor Miless."

What kind of desperate excuse is Ortissio-san making?

Such a ridiculous excuse won't work.

What an idiot.

Look, even his ally Edim has a face that says "not again."

"Miless is a traitor?"

"Yes. As a loyal servant of the Evil God Army, I, Ortissio, cannot obey the orders of such a traitor."

Ortissio-san says proudly.

"I see. So you're saying my sister and I are fools who appointed a traitor to lead the government?"

"Eh?! No, that's not it."

"What's not it?! You're saying our eyes are as good as holes in the ground!"

"N-no, no, no, I would never suggest such a thing."

"So, are you saying Miless being a traitor is a lie? You've made a false report to me."

"N-no, it's certainly not false."

"I see, I see. Not false. Ahaha, so you've chosen to say that my sister's and my eyes are as good as holes in the ground."

"Y-you misunderstand. I-I didn't mean it like that—"

"What misunderstanding?! Ortissio, I'll blow away both above your neck and below it."

"Hiiieeee!"

Ortissio-san screamed and fell on his backside, backing away.

Self-inflicted as it is, I don't know what to say...

After that, Ortissio-san is chastised by Timu-chan.

Amidst this, Edim spoke up.

It's her turn after Ortissio-san, after all.

She must have thought of some excuse.

"Edim, what is it? You're in the same boat as this guy. Don't worry, you'll follow him soon."

"N-no. That's completely wrong. Ortissio can die for all I care. In fact, he should die. But please listen. While Miless may not be a traitor, she has been acting disrespectfully toward Tilea-sama."

"Hooo~ Miless has been disrespectful to my sister... That's something I can't ignore. Edim, continue."

"Y-yes. You'll understand if you look at the urban planning document Miless brought."

Edim hands the urban planning document to Timu-chan with a triumphant face.

Edim, you've found a good weak point.

Unlike Ortissio-san's childish excuses, this is different.

This is a bit troublesome.

The urban planning document is quite citizen-first oriented.

For Timu-chan, who believes in Tilea-sama supremacy, this might be a completely unacceptable proposal.

The truth is, citizen-first policies will benefit Tilea-sama in the long run.

But it would take time to convince Timu-chan, who was raised in an absolute monarchy.

As expected, Timu-chan reads the document, receives whispers from Edim, and is clearly becoming displeased.

"Miless, answer me carefully."

"Yes, what is it?"

"There are mountains of things I want to ask. For example, the construction list page. Rescue centers for the poor, evacuation shelters for disasters—these are all buildings unnecessary for my sister's hegemony. You're leaning too much toward the people. Have you forgotten the purpose of this plan, Evil God First!"

"Camilla-sama, this is part of building a wealthy nation with a strong military. First, we should create a foundation for those who support Tilea-sama. It may seem roundabout, but I believe this is the best way to support Tilea-sama's hegemony."

"Hmm, so you have your own thoughts on this."

"Yes."

"Then next. The site zoning page. Why discard the Great Evil God Museum? All the world's treasures belong to my sister. What do you mean by saying we shouldn't take them from each country?!"

Timu-chan's voice is rough.

If I answer incorrectly, I could be in serious trouble.

...What should I do?

I think for a while.

To convince Timu-chan, Dryas-san, and everyone in the Evil God Army...

Yes, I have to say this.

"Camilla-sama, you misunderstand. All the world's treasures belong to Tilea-sama. I agree with that."

"Then why oppose the construction of the Great Evil God Museum?! Why must the collected treasures be returned to their original places?!"

"That's right. Miless, your opinion is contradictory. You're underestimating Camilla-sama!"

Edim openly criticizes me, joining Timu-chan's interrogation.

Hiding behind Timu-chan and saying whatever she wants.

I wonder which of us is really the fox borrowing the tiger's authority.

"Let me explain. The reason for canceling the Great Evil God Museum construction is because all the wealth in this world belongs to Tilea-sama."

"What?"

"Listen. The treasures are merely placed in various countries. Let me ask you instead: why keep all treasures in one place? Doesn't that acknowledge that the countries aren't Tilea-sama's territory?"

At my words, Timu-chan blinks in confusion.

Then she slowly begins to laugh.

"Kukuku, that's true. The entire world is my sister's garden. Miless, you're saying each treasure is placed in different parts of my sister's continent, correct?"

"Yes."

Good. She accepted it.

I came up with a good excuse, if I do say so myself.

Forcibly stealing national treasures from each country would trigger wars left and right.

I'm absolutely against that.

"S-sophistry! Pure sophistry! Camilla-sama, don't be deceived. Miless is prioritizing inferior commoners over Tilea-sama. If this isn't disrespect, then what is—"

"Edim, silence!"

"Y-yes!"

Timu-chan grabbed Edim's mouth with her right hand, forcibly shutting it.

"Miless, I understand your thinking. All these sickeningly sweet, citizen-oriented policies written here... they will eventually benefit my sister, is that right?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"Really? Even if you're my favorite, I won't forgive you if you're plotting against my sister!"

Timu-chan releases a tremendous killing intent.

The surrounding air instantly transformed into waves of murderous intent.

Like being inside a volcano with bubbling lava.

This killing intent would make even the strongest warriors cower and faint, possibly even die.

Even I, a high-level human, am a bit on guard.

But you know, I would never do anything that wouldn't benefit Tilea-san.

I'm Tilea-san's friend.

That day, I swore to protect Tilea-san from ugly things. I engraved it in my heart... wait?

That day? Ugly things?

...I can't remember.

Anyway, this is an insult.

I'm a bit angry.

I return Timu-chan's killing intent with silent pressure.

"Kukuku, what a pleasant pressure. I'll believe you. You are undoubtedly my sister's loyal retainer. Forgive me for harboring unnecessary suspicions."

Timu-chan apologized!?

She didn't bow her head,

It was just words,

But I still can't believe what I'm seeing.

"Camilla-sama, don't be deceived. This is Miless's trick. I'll expose her true nature."

"I told you to be silent."

"Y-yes!"

Once again, Edim's mouth is closed by Timu-chan's hand.

Edim's lips are squished out of shape.

"Edim, your worthless slander has caused me great embarrassment."

"Camilla-sama could never be embarrassed. It's Miless's fault. As expected of Miless, I recommend execution."

"Tch. This is the price of spoiling you. Miless, the experiment will be postponed for a while. I'll discipline these two for now."

"N-no..."

Edim looked at me with tearful eyes.

A pleading attitude.

This time, I won't help you~.

I tried to gently advise you, didn't I?

I'm a little angry, you know.

Edim and Ortissio-san need to reflect.

Don't worry, Timu-chan is kind despite everything.

I think she'll go easy on them, probably...

Edim, trembling with fear, and Ortissio-san, who has fainted, are taken away by Timu-chan like lambs to the slaughter.

Ortissio-san is rolling his eyes back and foaming at the mouth.

I think he's been disciplined enough already...

Poor Ortissio-san.

As for Edim, she's still looking back at me with tearful eyes.

Is she pitiful too?

...I can't help it.

I'll chase after Timu-chan and stop her.

"Camilla-sama, that's enough—"

"The First Evil God Purgatory Room is currently being used by Elizabeth. I'll take you two to the Second Evil God Purgatory Room."

Huh!? What did she just say?

I react to Timu-chan's casual mutter.

That familiar name caught my attention.

The "purgatory room" is concerning too, but...

"Camilla-sama, wait."

"What is it, Miless?"

Timu-chan turns around while holding the two by their collars.

"Elizabeth is here? I thought she was killed long ago."

"As if we would kill her so easily. She's an S-class war criminal who rebelled against my sister. On the battlefield, she greatly insulted not only me but my sister as well. That's absolutely unforgivable. We're making her thoroughly regret ever being born."

Elizabeth is currently missing.

I thought the Eastern Kingdom's elite forces had disposed of her.

Right. This ruthless organization that adores Tilea-san wouldn't easily forgive an enemy leader.

That "purgatory room" must be a terribly awful place.

Elizabeth...

She's committed countless evil deeds.

I have no sympathy for her now.

However, there's one concern...

Because of this concern, I can't just leave Elizabeth alone.

"Hey, Camilla-sama, would it be alright if I came along to that purgatory room?"

"Kukuku, Miless, do you also want to discipline these two? That's fine. You must be angry about their worthless slander. Go ahead, there are plenty of tools. Use them as you like."

"Hiii, M-Miless."

Edim let out a scream, contorted with fear.

E-Edim, that's not it.

Don't look at me with such terrified eyes.

I have absolutely no intention of disciplining you.

I have a different purpose.