Chapter 864: The Elders' Banquet
Landen's first meeting with the God Emperor ended after only a brief conversation. Just before Landen left, the God Emperor offered him a few words of encouragement and instructed him that, as the Assistant Finance Officer of the Imperial Household, he did not need to manage the Finance Department on a long-term basis.
The Chief Attendant of the Tower of Purity explained the meaning of this "oracle" more clearly as Landen was leaving:
"His Majesty means that Duke Landen has been favored by Her Majesty Vili and charged with building Magic Furnaces. However, Magic Furnaces are not merely magical devices; they also anchor the value of the Gold Coin. If you do not hold a position in the Finance Department, Your Grace, you may face many difficulties dealing with the Empire and the various Kingdoms in the future."
Seeing the confusion in Landen's eyes, the Chief Attendant elaborated, "With the title of Assistant Finance Officer to the Imperial Household, you can report directly to His Majesty the Emperor, avoiding delays to Magic Furnace construction across the Empire due to administrative procedures. Of course, it will also prevent the Wealth generated by new Magic Furnaces from being siphoned away."
"Oh!" Landen understood.
Ever since he built the first Magic Furnace, the Empire's various departments had begun maneuvering to bring its production and installation under their authority.
For example, the Salt and Iron Department wanted every Magic Furnace to be built by them. They even hoped to keep Wendy and the other girls in the department. Landen politely declined, and although the Chief of the Salt and Iron Department was unhappy, Landen sent him a hammer, and the matter was laid to rest.
After that, the Finance Department kept setting traps for Landen, using various contracts in