Volume 11 Chapter 20 Minister of Internal Affairs, Spits Out Sugar
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The Royal Capital, the heart of the Maultasche Kingdom, flourished—a far cry from the desolate backwater it once was. Deep within the Royal Castle, the Minister of Internal Affairs received a report from her subordinate.
”The intelligence indicates the Empire is initiating, shall we say, a rather disruptive series of maneuvers,” the Minister of Internal Affairs stated, her tone cold and analytical. “One might conclude that this is the preamble to a more significant strategic development.”
”I concur, ma’am,” the subordinate replied, his voice clipped and procedural. “The specifics remain classified, but it appears a clandestine plan is in active motion.”
The Minister handled internal affairs, not foreign diplomacy, but in her position, ignorance of neighboring powers was a death sentence. She kept her ears to the ground, often working the shadows to tip the scales in the Kingdom’s favor. Lately, her focus had been laser-locked on the Empire. Since the new Emperor—that ambitious, sharp-edged Nadezhda—had taken the throne, the geopolitical landscape had tilted heavily in their favor. The Empire was clearly posturing for another southern invasion.
”Any word on Alicia?” the Minister asked.
”Reports confirm she has been sighted in the vicinity of their primary development hub, ma’am.”
”Alicia… that individual is, quite frankly, a clinical psychopath,” the Minister muttered, her eyes narrowing. “Her ideological frameworks are extraordinarily hazardous, though one cannot deny her functional capabilities are profound. It is entirely consistent with the Emperor’s disposition to leverage such an asset. If she is indeed embedded in their research, we must exercise extreme due diligence.”
Alicia had been a member of Maultasche’s magic division until a year ago, when she resigned, complaining that the Hero—the very savior of the world—wasn’t “interesting enough.” Her departure was a blessing, given her obsession with research rooted in human experimentation—a practice strictly forbidden by the Founding King.
”Regarding the development, ma’am; one must hypothesize they are prioritizing a rapid expansion of their military apparatus,” the subordinate said.
”That is the only logical conclusion,” the Minister replied. “However, with the Hero presently summoned to our nation for the explicit purpose of neutralizing the Demon King, an overt invasion would be fundamentally counter-intuitive. Divine Punishment1 serves as a significant, albeit mystical, deterrent.”
The Empire knew well enough—their history books recorded the death of a past Emperor who had dared to cross the gods. But the borderlands were always a powder keg.
”The Empire has demonstrated an unprecedented level of aggression as of late, ma’am,” the subordinate noted.
”Is this the direct result of the rise of Vladimir?”
”The evidence is circumstantial, but he is widely regarded as a man who prioritizes efficacy over all ethical considerations.”
”A belligerent actor, then. We require a comprehensive investigation.”
The Minister turned her attention to her own backyard. “And the status of the Hero Party?”
”Relatively consistent, ma’am. The ‘Three Idiots’ continue to precipitate unfortunate incidents, yet the collective levels and skill acquisition remain within acceptable parameters.”
”That is sufficient. And Otto? Has he remained within the Imperial borders?”
”He has, ma’am. He has successfully integrated into a B-Rank party in the Imperial Capital and is maintaining his status as an adventurer.”
”It is a source of minor gratification that we have successfully mitigated the radical momentum of the Ability Faction,” the Minister sighed, “yet I find it profoundly grating to observe a felon maintaining such professional stability.”
She was a neutral party, but she despised the extreme meritocracy that sought to dismantle the aristocracy. She preferred utilizing commoners with talent in their proper place. The rise of Günther to Knight Order Commander had emboldened the extremists, but Hero Sota’s decision to cut Otto loose had been the correct call—the consensus of everyone involved.
Otto was a liability, a drain on the party, and a stain on their reputation. It was a shame she couldn’t simply have him “disposed of” without notice. Ideally, the other three idiots would find an “honorable death” against the Demon King.
Afterward, I inquired about the situations in Dukedom and Sangster Holy State, and also the smaller southern states, but fortunately, there was nothing particularly noteworthy. If anything, Dukedom was engaged in minor skirmishes with the Empire.
”That’s about it abroad. And internally?”
”Monster activity is intensifying in direct correlation with the Demon King’s emergence, but the situation is effectively managed by the regional garrisons and the Knights’ Order, ma’am.”
”And the status of the Hero Party? Is the Saintess Ren making progress with that specific individual?”
”Indeed, the interpersonal dynamics appear favorable.”
The Saintess’s interest in the one-armed knight, Hera, was all part of the Minister’s plan. Hera, a fallen noble turned commoner, possessed the grace and breeding that Ren admired. She was the perfect wedge to keep Ren away from the influence of the three idiots. The Minister allowed herself a smile; things were moving better than expected.
”Excellent. We must exercise patience regarding Hero Sota’s handler as well. I am informed his psychological state remains tenuous.”
After dismissing her subordinate, the Minister finally allowed herself to relax. She stood to enjoy a treat, only for a voice to emerge from the darkness.
”I wonder, might the Empire’s invasion be strategically timed to commence only after the Demon King has been vanquished?”
”That is a remarkably astute observation, Takuya,” the Minister replied, unperturbed. “Such a sequence would indeed effectively neutralize the threat of Divine Punishment.”
Takuya, a transferee and former member of the ‘Leemans’ party, stood in the shadows. He was a ‘Ninja’—his own self-styled role—but his stealth and assassination skills were unmatched. He had become a trusted asset, not least because of his relationship with the Minister’s third daughter, Patrizia.
”I am truly honored by your acknowledgement, Mother-in-law,” Takuya replied with a stiff, formal bow.
”I must insist you refrain from using that title, Takuya. We are currently engaged in official business.”
”I shall endeavor to comply, though it is a difficult habit to break,” Takuya replied, a faint smirk visible beneath his mask.
The Minister trusted him. Her intuition skill confirmed he was no threat, and his devotion to her daughter was genuine. As long as he stayed the course, he would be a pillar of her faction.
”Has your designated quota for the day been fulfilled?”
”It has, indeed. I find that working in isolation significantly enhances the efficiency of my operations,” Takuya declared, beginning to fade back into the shadows. “Though, I suppose such efficiency is only attainable for one possessing my specific level of proficiency in the arts of stealth.”
The mission is the mission. My quota for Takuya is simple: level grinding in the dungeon. It aligns with his own ambition to reach A-Rank, so I’m relieved to see him taking to it so eagerly. I haven’t explicitly stated it yet, but this is all part of the leveling up required to eventually put down the problem children of the Hero Party. Even if Takuya can’t take them solo, combining his strength with a few underhanded tactics should be more than enough. After observing him through a few jobs, I’m convinced he has the mental fortitude for it. It isn’t a guarantee, but I need him ready if the time comes.
”What of your fellow countrymen?” the Minister asked.
”The girls who remained in the Royal Capital are quite mild-mannered, milady. I doubt they’ll cause any trouble,” the ninja replied in a stiff, archaic tone.
”Hmm… think we still need to keep them under surveillance?”
”I’d advise against it, milady. Poking that nest will only breed unnecessary resentment,” the ninja insisted.
”And the men?”
”I haven’t looked into them. I may be a ninja, but I don’t sell out my own kind.”
”…That would be grounds for execution if you were in the military, but fine.”
”If I may offer a bit of counsel: it would be wise to leave Daisuke-dono alone.”
”And why is that?”
”Our training was brutal, but Daisuke-dono? He didn’t even break a sweat,” the ninja noted. “Judging by his current activity, there’s no doubt he’s high-level. I’ve heard he went toe-to-toe with an A-Rank equivalent and held his own. He’s someone we cannot afford to underestimate.”
”So long as you don’t provoke him, he’s harmless.”
The other Transferees are a concern, if not quite on the level of the Hero Party. However, non-interference is our standing policy. Even if you manage to brainwash one, the conditioning snaps within ten to twenty years, and many nobles have suffered devastating retaliation for it. Killing them off carelessly could draw the ire of the other Transferees. We and the Prime Minister’s faction are in rare agreement: leave them be unless they turn hostile. Takuya, who essentially threw himself at us, is the exception.
As for the civil servant, Yuko—a name that didn’t even come up—the Minister of Internal Affairs2 evaluates her as “not incompetent enough to fire, but not capable enough to utilize.” Early on, she made plenty of suggestions to her superiors, but they were all either ignorant of how magic functions or completely ignored the cultural norms of Maultasche. Naturally, her proposals were rejected. Eventually, she just lost the drive. Though, frankly, she’s just back to how she started.
”Regarding the domestic nobility—”
”It’s Patrizia. I’m coming in,” a melodic voice chimed from the door.
Just as we were about to pivot to the next topic, a beautiful young woman entered without waiting for a response to her knock. It was my third daughter, Patrizia.
”Takuya-sama, I knew I’d find you here,” Patrizia said, her tone dripping with aristocratic elegance.
”Caught, are we? There’s no escaping you, Patrizia,” Takuya responded with a formal, archaic flourish.
”Did you honestly intend to run, my love?”
”Perish the thought. Just a joke, my dear.”
”I knew that, of course,” Patrizia giggled, her voice like chimes.
”Hahaha, you truly are one of a kind, Patrizia.”
”Fufufufu♡”
”……”
I wanted to lodge a formal complaint at being ignored in my own office by two people who had started flirting right in front of a high-ranking official and pillar of the state. I bit my tongue instead. Say the wrong thing here, and I might end up on the wrong end of one of Patrizia’s daggers. I saw the mithril gleam—it’s not just paranoia, especially since I’m the one who gave them to her for self-defense. I can’t exactly ask for them back.
About a year ago, I was at my wit’s end with Patrizia. She was constantly lost in fluffy delusions, actively avoiding the social circles required of our station. Every time I set up a marriage interview, she’d turn it down, citing her “Intuition” skill—which was, frankly, more refined than even her mother’s. Most skills level up with use, but some, like Intuition, are static from the moment of awakening. That’s why you rarely see them.
Having a high-level Intuition skill in the family is a point of pride, but Patrizia’s refusal to use it for anything other than her own whims was infuriating. She’s helped us dodge a few crises, so I couldn’t exactly throw her out, but she’s temperamentally unsuited to head a noble house. Before I knew it, she had passed the prime marriageable age, and I was more anxious about it than she was. Meeting Takuya seems to have settled her down; they’re practically engaged, so I can finally set that particular burden aside.
That said, I’m currently struggling to keep from retching at all this saccharine sweetness. My own marriage was political, so I don’t really understand this “romance” business. I suppose I’m a little envious, but it’s far too late for me to chase that, and at the end of the day, I just want my daughter to be happy.
”Are you finished with work? Let’s go out, my Darling♡” Patrizia trilled.
”Of course, honey,” Takuya replied with a bow.
Ignoring me completely, the two of them drifted out, leaving a trail of metaphorical hearts in their wake. We hadn’t finished discussing the work, but I lacked the energy to call them back. I could feel my eyes glazing over.
Today was a long day. I need something truly refined to soothe my soul. Something bitter. Anything but more sweets. I’m done with sweetness for today.
===
Meta Tsedes: “The Minister of Internal Affairs has had a tough time.”
Narrator: “It seems Patrizia-jou is the main culprit lately.”
Meta Tsedes: “She’s well-paid, so let’s hope she works hard to match that!”
Narrator: “By the way, does the name Alicia sound familiar?”
Meta Tsedes: “No? Was there such a character?”
Narrator: “Her name appears only in episode 4. It’s also listed in the character introductions.”
Meta Tsedes: “…You’re right!”
—
Summary:
The Minister of Internal Affairs reviews reports on Imperial activity, confirms her manipulation of the Hero Party, and meets with her ninja asset, Takuya. Takuya provides a strategic insight regarding the timing of an Imperial invasion. The Minister’s domestic and geopolitical webs of influence remain tightly controlled despite rising tensions.
The Minister manages the administrative duties of overseeing Transferees while dealing with the romantic antics of her daughter, Patrizia, and her partner, Takuya. Despite the gravity of the political situation involving potential threats from the Hero Party and other Transferees, the Minister finds herself sidelined by the couple’s constant PDA. The Minister remains deeply tired, seeking solace in bitter drinks as she reflects on her daughter’s unconventional behavior and recent growth. The status of other Transferees remains a point of concern, with an unresolved mention of an individual named Alicia looming.
—
Trivia:
Alicia was a member of Maultasche’s magic division before quitting because she found the Hero boring.
The Minister is grooming Takuya to become her son-in-law via her third daughter, Patrizia.
The Minister of Internal Affairs holds a neutral stance but opposes the radical Ability Faction.
The Minister uses her intuition skill to verify that her assets pose no threat to her.
Takuya is intentionally being trained to neutralize problematic members of the Hero Party.
Patrizia’s “Intuition” skill is static and does not improve with standard level-up progression.
The Ministry and the Prime Minister’s faction share a policy of non-interference toward Transferees unless they become hostile.
Yuko, the civil servant, failed to gain influence due to a fundamental misunderstanding of the kingdom’s magic and cultural norms.
—
Translation Notes:
Notes:
• Nadezhda – Nadezhda, 41‑year‑old Empress of the Souveraineté Empire, is slender with sharp eyes and overwhelming charisma. A shrewd, calculating ruler, she commands intelligence agents and values national interest above personal trust, wielding high administrative and negotiation skill.
• Alicia – A character who appears by name only and is knowledgeable about Classes.
• Otto – A 170cm, stout, late-40s exiled Hero’s Party tank (lvl 52) with a buzz cut and bulky armor. A possessive, woman-obsessed doctorate holder, he lacks combat ability and was expelled for stealing from a Sealed Vault. Serving only Shouta and Takumi, he tyrannizes Ren and staff, feigns mentorship, hoards Maultasche artifacts in the Souveraineté Empire, and is easily manipulated by Sakura.
• Günther – Commander of the Knights’ Order and the country’s military power, this former commoner loyally serves King Alois and Martina. Draped in polished silver armor with the royal crest, he has a scarred left cheek and weary blonde hair. A Krieger by blood and Cassandra’s uncle, he mentors the Hero’s Party, wields healing magic, opens the Sealed Vault, and would scold Emily if Cassandra collapsed.
• Sota – 17‑year‑old silver‑haired, sharp‑eyed former Student Council President, now a Hero and Lightning wielding Beacon of Hope. He leads the Hero Party, travels with handlers, is coldly pragmatic and shuns caretakers. Also the Hero who expelled Otto and allegedly gave him secret orders.
• Ren – Reborn as a second-year high-schooler Saint, this cynical, observant narrator serves as the Hero Party’s healer and buffer. Wearing a plain school uniform with a faint halo, he rejects caretakers like Shouta and resents Otto’s forced mentorship. He views his party pragmatically, drawing on MMO tactics while prioritizing his personal goal of leveling up his Healing Magic.
• Hera – A female Knight who attends to Ren. She is an amputee, missing one arm from a previous monster encounter, and is noted for her serious, kind, and professional demeanor.
• Takuya – A 175cm, slender young man with asymmetrical hair who left the Hero’s and Leemans parties to serve as a ninja under the Maultasche Kingdom’s Minister in the Bureau of Investigation. Now under Ministry protection, he levels up (20+) in dungeons. He uses an archaic, faux-samurai persona, is stoic in battle, and forms the “Three Idiots” squad, but geeks out over anime and dates a fellow yandere.
• Patrizia – The Home Secretary’s dreamy, romantic, and active 20-year-old third daughter possesses a high-level ‘Intuition’ skill and carries a mythril knife. Driven by a hyper-fixation to find her ‘Man of Destiny,’ her quest successfully led her to Takuya, to whom she is now effectively engaged.
• Daisuke – Daisuke, a 170cm Japanese reincarnate with tousled dark hair and amber eyes, is a cynical, analytical B-Rank solo adventurer. He utilizes wind/healing magic, a spear, and an infinite Item Box, showing unexpected ease during training. As the protagonist, he maintains equal bonds with several lovers, including Regina, protectively navigating relationships within his slave party and harem.
• Yuko – A 17-year-old, 160 cm transferee with a half-up hairstyle and thin armor, she is a reincarnated 40-year-old Earth civil servant now serving as Lady Xaveria’s apprentice. Regarded as neither incompetent nor capable, she currently lacks motivation. Her massive pride, toxic entitlement, and elitist mindset cause her workplace relationships to fail, leaving her isolated as she complains and spends wastefully.
• Meta Tsedes – A statuesque knight with raven hair, amber eyes, and polished armor, she serves as a dramatic commentator who analyzes and reacts to events involving Daisuke-sama. Her voice is honeyed yet venomous. Driven by an unshakable, highly flexible loyalty to the Order’s code, she frequently prompts conversations and questions the actions of others, filtering narrative events through her sharp perspective.
• Tsedes – The second half of the meta-commentary name structure tied with Meta, interacting directly with the Narrator regarding the dark tone of the chapter.
• Meta – A 160cm, plump, 25-year-old blonde priestess in high-waisted robes, this former duchess, divorced knight, and “Apostasy” outcast is Daisuke’s devoted fourth lover and Dietlinde’s roommate. Presenting a neat, polite lady persona, she acts as a party mediator, serves an orphanage, is cold to other men, and assists Regina with a secret process for Diet, alongside developing erogenous zones.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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