Chapter 215
Sunlight poured through the transparent glass ceiling. Though they sprouted from the same stem, each leaf had its own distinct color.
Ian entered the greenhouse inside the imperial garden and looked back. Quintana and several officials who had followed him were seated around a table.
“The weather is truly splendid. Worthy of being recorded in history.”
“Indeed. You’ve worked hard, Lord Ian.”
“What have I done? It’s all His Majesty the Emperor’s will.”
Even as he made small talk, Ian carefully observed them. They wouldn’t have asked to see him without a purpose. At his gesture urging them to speak up, they all wore awkward smiles. Quintana was the first to step forward.
“May I speak first?”
“Ah, y-yes. Go ahead, Deputy Minister Quintana.”
Despite it being a request for permission, no one could refuse and they all nodded. Quintana called her attendant to bring a sheet of paper. It was a budget plan, densely filled with dizzying numbers.