The Finance Department's Proposal

As the committee chairman, Dumbasser Leclaire Zhuoqin, brought down his gavel, the inquiry hearing on the relationship between the Gallop Plains and Girislav finally came to an end. The representatives from Girislav and the Southeast Kingdom fled the chamber without even looking back, afraid that if they lingered a moment longer, Hanfei and Landen would make an encore and deliver another ten-minute sentence packed with clauses.

"Mr. Landen, congratulations on such an excellent beginning in the Imperial Capital." Hanfei Abobi smiled and extended his hand. "That someone like you failed to join a directly administered imperial department is truly a regret for the civil service system."

"My Lord Hanfei, as the empire's chief civil official, you truly live up to your reputation." Landen clasped his hand tightly. "That the committee of the Gallop Fund lacks your presence is simply a mistake on the part of the Gallop Family."

Off to the side, Dumbasser rolled his eyes, marveling at the two men's hypocrisy. If Hanfei really were allowed to join the Gallop Fund's committee, then the fund's subsidies probably would not be able to spend a single penny.

When Landen took Redbird out, however, he saw someone waiting for them in the corridor outside. The man was tall and straight, with a square, upright face, and his slicked-back blond hair was combed so meticulously not a single strand was out of place. He looked entirely out of place among the barbarians on this side.

"Count Landen, this is Gordon Campbell, assistant secretary of the Imperial Finance Department," a staff member beside them introduced to Landen very respectfully.

"Count, congratulations on restoring order to Night-Kirin City!" Gordon showed a commercial fake smile, making Landen remember himself in his previous life when facing higher-level leaders.

"Hello." Landen exchanged a few pleasantries with Gordon,