Chapter 55
As expected, the Finance Minister was seasoned. He gave me a guarded look, sensing something was off.
Up until now, I had sat silently with a blank stare—but then I spoke all at once.
“I believe you’re suggesting I recorded the remaining balance incorrectly. But actually, I’ve been concerned myself—because there’s something strange in the Finance Department’s paperwork. Right here, this section calculates the magic circle usage fee at 0.035%, but that was reduced to 0.032% five years ago. It was announced through the Scroll Management Department, so the Finance Department wouldn’t have had direct access to that update. Technically, the Finance Department is supposed to check in with us once a year, but I guess since the rate didn’t change for the past 159 years, no one ever followed up.”
“Hrm?”
The Minister’s face changed immediately.
Then he quickly composed himself and narrowed his eyes.
“But if the fee hadn’t changed in 159 years, and then it did, shouldn’t that have been reported to us? I mean, that’s just common sense.”
“Of course, that would be the reasonable thing. But according to the regulations, the duty of confirmation lies with the Finance Department. As a principled man, I’m sure you understand, Minister.”
Of course, I wasn’t blaming the Minister.
He couldn’t possibly be checking every little detail like that.
“Very well. But—”
The Minister stared intently at the document, then narrowed his eyes even further.