This BL Novel Is Ruined Now - Chapter 163

BLR has been completely translated on Patreon

Chapter 163

Translator: Yonnee

RP: Haebaragi_syk

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“Why do you think it wouldn’t be you?”

“……”

“That’s surprising, and also worrying.”

But what do you mean, new department!

From just creating a new department out of the blue, it’s a no-brainer to guess that a lot of backlash would come out… So, to go as far as appointing her as the head to boot, even though she was very inexperienced?

“Even though I’m regarded as a saintess of advent, this still seems unbelievable.”

But it seemed like the emperor and Ethan had already considered all scenarios.

With a slight gesture from the emperor, the empire’s administrative organization chart suddenly appeared before their eyes.

“Sudden progress can trigger resistance and even lead to regression.”

Clearly, this person was already aware, yet he’s still pushing for a new department? And moreover, making Reina, who’s still terribly young, as the head?!

“So, first, we plan to establish the ‘Bureau of Efficient Technology’ under the Ministry of Technology first. You, Reina, will be in charge.”

“Ah…”

Although it was a relatively less radical plan than before, there were still lingering doubts.

“Your Majesty, the Ministry of Technology has historically been the domain of the Stymist County. Is it appropriate for a member of House Chantra to head the newly established Bureau of Efficient Technology there?”

“That’s an entirely valid point.”

The emperor nodded slightly as he looked behind Reina. Then Ethan approached them.

“Reina, the Bureau of Efficient Technology will focus on developing ‘efficient’ items for a while.”

With his words, he presented the ‘Reina-style sunglasses’ that he had previously given only to Ethan.

By the way, ‘sunglasses,’ developed around the 14th century in China, had not yet made their appearance here. So, in the world at present, the only people with ‘sunglasses’ were Reina and Ethan. At least, that’s what she knew.

“Sunglasses…”

Only then did their intentions start to become clear.

“…It’s not a completely new technology, not even a completely innovative one, and it may seem somewhat trivial. Some might feel curious, but at the same time think, ‘Why bother?’ However, it’s about creating everyday items that will quickly infiltrate daily life with unexpected usefulness. Is that right, Your Majesty?”

“As expected, you catch on quickly.”

It was quite a clever strategy.

“Suddenly present new technologies like microscopes or antibiotics will undoubtedly elicit mixed reactions, especially from the Stymist County.”

“Starting out with a department responsible for aristocratic jewelry and luxury items seems appropriate. The conflict between you and House Chantra is widely known throughout the Empire. Your reluctance to embrace Utta religion is also widespread now, isn’t it?”

Therefore, members of the nine households, including the Stymist County, would likely perceive this newly established department as something as a mere façade to protect the talent of ‘Reina Chantra’.

‘The more I listen, the more it seems like a solid plan than I initially thought, doesn’t it.’

While it could be established under the Ministry of Health, she already had a track record of eradicating the plague’s development twice. In other words, it could raise suspicions.

Moreover, suddenly going to departments related to ‘military’ such as the Ministry of Public Safety or the Ministry of Defense would seem too out of place.

So, a department like ‘Technology’ that was strange enough but could still be considered with a, ‘Well, sure, it’s possible’ attitude, without arousing suspicion, was suitable.

‘It aligns with the Emperor and Ethan’s plans for technological development.’

However, one question still remained.

“Your Majesty, I don’t dare to doubt your intentions, but… It’s believed that Chantra and the Ministry of Finance, which doesn’t have a good relationship, aren’t bad choices for diverting the nobles’ attention.”

Moreover, she was, strictly speaking, more specialized in economics than in science.

As soon as her overly formal words ended, the emperor made a subtle gesture.

“Now it’s time to appoint the central figure of this reform.”

The door to the anteroom opened, and soon, a distinguished figure entered with measured steps.

“…Your Grace?”

Indeed, the person who appeared was none other than Duke Randell Vachen Carter, the head of the merchant family Carter and the father of Fran Carter.

As Reina saw an unexpected ally, she forgot to breathe, frozen like a statue. Duke Carter respectfully greeted the emperor and soon smiled somewhat awkwardly as he looked at the rigid woman.

“It’s a shame, Lady Reina. I secretly hoped that you would be connected with Fran instead. With your ingenious ideas and the wealth of the Carters, this reform will undoubtedly progress at an incredible pace.”

As the duke playfully threw his words, Ethan let out a prominent, AHEM. Though widely known to be ‘strict’ and ‘stoic’, the duke laughed heartily.

“Hahaha, don’t take it to heart, Marquis Ethan. It’s just a joke.”

“…Your Grace.”

“Haha. Come on, Ethan. After all, Lady Reina is already your partner, isn’t she? Is it a problem if I make a casual joke?”

Involuntarily gaping at the scene before her, Reina watched the two strangely buddy-buddy men.

Was this really Duke Carter…?

‘I heard that he’s famous for being stingy and penny-pinching with Father… But…’

Somehow, the person who entered the room seemed like a great general commanding the world.

‘What in the world is even going on…’

From the establishment of the new department to the sudden appearance of Duke Carter… Truly, it’s beyond comprehension.

Perhaps he sensed Reina’s inner thoughts. Duke Carter approached with a small smile.

“Don’t be surprised, Lady Reina. This reform has actually been in progress for 30 years. And hiding one’s character for the sake of perfect success is no big deal.”

It wasn’t the most understandable explanation, but well… maybe that’s how it is.

“As you can see, Duke Carter is also on board. So to avoid any possible suspicion, we excluded the Ministry of Finance.”

The emperor mentioned just ‘Duke Carter’ rather than ‘House Carter’. This meant that it was an ultra-secret project in which only Randell was involved, not the entire Carter family.

Here, yet another question arose.

Could she dare be involved in such matters?

‘I’m not really brilliant. I just brought back some knowledge from a more advanced world.’

But did she really have the qualifications?

Standing by her side, Ethan seemed to sense her deep thoughts and whispered quietly.

“Reina, you don’t have to do it if it feels burdensome.”

…How can this person understand someone’s heart so well without even being told?

The sentence he threw might not seem like much, but it was, in fact, tremendous support. Perhaps because of that, the faint hesitation that had been creeping up disappeared, and she felt even more confident.

“Thank you, Ethan. But I want to give it a try.”

She pushed aside the rising anxiety and smiled brightly, meeting the gaze of the Emperor.

“Very well. But, Your Majesty, if we’re going to do it, shouldn’t we do it properly?”