CPSMBD Chapter 48

Chapter 48

Team Building Event

"Hohoho! I see Friedrich is participating in this team-building event. And here I thought he had no interest in such activities."

Oh no. This is bad.

I tried to quietly back away, hoping to avoid catching the Emperor's attention. If I was spotted here, there would be no way to escape...

"Oh! And if it isn't Chief Aide Violetta from the Crown Prince's office paying us a visit!"

The Emperor's voice boomed through the operations headquarters, which was packed with people.

Damn it, damn it, damn it!

Of all people to notice me...

'There's still a chance.'

My plan was perfect: make some excuse to leave quickly, then wait until the Emperor was gone to inform them that the Crown Prince's office would not be participating in the event.

"Hahaha, Your Majesty, hello. I'm quite busy, so if you'll excuse me..."

But the Emperor was faster at catching me than I was at escaping.

"Chief Aide Violetta. I hear Friedrich is participating this time. What made the Crown Prince decide to join? He's never shown any interest in these team-building events before."

"Well, about that..."

Sigh. What should I do?

I came here to fix a situation, only to get myself more deeply entangled.

I couldn't possibly tell the delighted Emperor that the registration was an administrative error and that I was here to cancel our participation.

Seeing me hesitate, one of the Emperor's attendants spoke up first.

"Perhaps His Highness has finally realized the importance of these events, Your Majesty. One cannot work alone—these gatherings are crucial for building relationships and understanding one another."

"Is that so?"

The attendants surrounding the Emperor all nodded at his query.

"Indeed!"

"It seems His Highness has finally grasped Your Majesty's intentions. As the future leader of this empire, it's admirable that he's setting such an example. This is surely thanks to Your Majesty's influence."

"Exactly! The team-building events have been incredibly educational for the palace staff. Our department's employees are constantly asking when the next one will be held... They've been counting down the days to this event. I myself have been looking forward to it. Hahahahaha!"

"Oh ho. Perhaps we should consider making this an annual event."

Oh, come on, people.

There's a limit to how much you should play to the Emperor's wishes.

No wonder the Emperor firmly believes that all palace officials love these team-building events.

Well, whatever.

Since it's come to this, I might as well score some points too.

I squeezed my eyes shut.

"Yes! Your Majesty is absolutely right. Crown Prince Friedrich has recently gained significant insights regarding personnel matters, and he deeply understands the importance of unity. I believe that's why he decided to participate in this team-building event—to strengthen the bonds among the staff."

Your Highness Friedrich, I don't know what you'll think of me, but look at what a loyal subject I am.

I'm even going this far with flattery to maintain your public image.

And now came the crucial part.

I cleared my throat before speaking.

"I too strongly advocated for our participation in this event to boost department morale! This event represents Your Majesty's love and care for our empire's prosperity—how could we not participate?"

See? When I put my mind to it, I'm the master of flattery.

"Hahaha! Indeed, there's a reason why Chief Aide Violetta works in the Crown Prince's office. Such wisdom!"

The Emperor smiled contentedly, clearly pleased with my flattery.

And that's how I scored more points with the empire's most powerful figure today.

'Well done, self. You deserve praise.'

Even if the Crown Prince disapproves, I now have the formidable backing of the Emperor himself.

I bowed deeply to the Emperor.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Well then, I look forward to seeing great things from you at this event."

"Yes, Your Majesty. If you'll excuse me, I must go prepare for the event."

"Yes, yes. Go ahead with your duties."

After paying my respects, I quickly slipped out of the operations headquarters.

My smiling face immediately turned serious.

'What should I do? How am I going to fix this mess I've made?'

I'd taken a simple problem and made it even bigger.

I trudged back to our team's quarters.

Brahe, who had been anxiously waiting for me outside, immediately pounced with questions.

"Senior, how did it go? Did you manage to cancel our participation?"

I shook my head.

Brahe's face turned pale.

"Oh no! What are we going to do now?"

"We'll have to explain the situation to His Highness and ask if we can still withdraw."

Brahe dropped his head and said glumly.

"His Highness just arrived, actually."

Oh, this is terrible. Why did he have to arrive so early? Couldn't he have taken his time?

"Where is he?"

"Inside the quarters."

I entered with heavy steps.

Inside, Dominic the Head Chamberlain and Derek the Secretary, who had left the palace after me, had arrived with the Crown Prince.

The Prince was completely absorbed in reading a book in the shade, sipping orange juice filled with ice.

I needed to prepare myself mentally. I pondered how to minimize his displeasure.

After I stood there awkwardly beside him for a while, the Prince spoke first.

"What is it? Do you have something to say?"

They say it's better to receive your punishment early. Better to tell him quickly than let the situation grow worse by delaying.

I took a deep breath and began speaking.

"Your Highness, well..."

"What's with that expression? What kind of trouble have you caused now to look like you're at death's door?"

I reported to the Prince about what had just happened.

"You say we're registered for the team-building event?"

"Yes. Nobody seems to have submitted the registration, but... somehow, we're registered. There must have been some mistake."

I trembled, anticipating the imminent thunderbolt.

But what happened next was completely unexpected.

"Ah, that. I submitted it."

"What? You did, Your Highness?"

"Yes. We'll be participating in the team-building event this time, so make sure everyone knows."

"But why? You've never shown any interest in these events before."

The Prince, who had been staring at me, avoided my gaze and turned back to his book.

"Well... I felt our department hasn't paid enough attention to team unity lately. Since there's an event being held, I thought it would be good to participate."

"What...?"

"If you have nothing else to say, you may leave."

What in the world is going on?

Why would he suddenly change his mind after maintaining the same stance for years?

I walked out of the quarters, feeling dumbfounded.

Brahe, who had been waiting outside, asked anxiously.

"Senior, how did it go? Was His Highness very angry?"

I shook my head.

"His Highness was the one who submitted the registration."

"What?"

Brahe's eyes widened in surprise.

"But His Highness hates team-building events and has never participated in one before!"

"Exactly. I don't understand why he suddenly changed his mind this time."

"Well, this is actually good news. At least there wasn't a mistake. Plus, I'm happy we get to participate in the event."

"Why's that?"

"Senior, do you know what the first-place prize is for the team-building event? It's three days of paid leave! If we win first place, we can rest without worry for three whole days!"

Oh, Brahe. Lost in an impossible dream.

I decided to help him face reality.

"Give it up, Brahe. Our team has no chance of winning first place."

"What? Why not? We have His Highness Friedrich, who's famous for being a genius swordsman. He can beat most knights easily. So, for any physical activities, we have a good chance of winning, right? And if I add my strength to that, first place is practically guaranteed!"

"Even if His Highness is skilled with a sword, team-building events are different. Look over there."

Brahe turned his head to where I was pointing.