In the marquis's office, Qing Chen sat behind the desk while Marquis Borton, the actual owner of the office, lounged carelessly on the sofa with his feet propped up on the coffee table.
"Investigate. I give you the authority to investigate!" Marquis Borton said with absolute certainty. "Wouldn't that be inappropriate?" Qing Chen asked with feigned hesitation. "Shouldn't promotions and appointments at the Outpost Base go through formal procedures?"
It seemed a little too hasty.
The handsome marquis waved a hand. "What's hasty about it? I'm the highest-ranking officer at this Outpost Base. I have the authority to apply for merits and hold everyone's lives in my hands. As long as you uncover the vermin in the Outpost Base and obtain solid evidence, I can report it to the Central Royal City. During wartime, we can act first and report afterward. If anyone comes after me, I'll go find my wife... Actually, even if I don't find my wife, no one can touch me."
Qing Chen thought, That last explanation was really unnecessary.
Marquis Borton added, "Oh, right. Purging corruption during wartime also earns merit. You don't necessarily have to go to the battlefield to earn it. What level are you now?" Qing Chen replied, "Level 6 free citizen."
"Fine. Promoting you two levels straight to Level 8 free citizen won't be a problem at all. If you uncover enough issues, even Level 9 free citizen is possible," Marquis Borton said. "Keep reviewing the accounts on the computer. If you have questions, call the relevant people in directly for questioning."
Qing Chen's eyes lit up. He could earn military merit before even setting foot on the battlefield? Qing Chen asked, "What if someone resists? And I'll need assistants. Does Your Excellency have your own people at the Outpost Base?"
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