In the span of a month, ordinary citizens might not have noticed much, but within the Palais Mermonia, a sweeping reshuffle had taken place, focused mainly on the reorganization of the Ministry of Education. Most of its former officials had either been dismissed or reassigned to other departments.
Unless they made some exceptional contributions in the future, their careers were effectively over.
For Richard and the other departments, however, this restructuring was nothing short of a power feast. Every group and bureau walked away with something they wanted.
Even departments that had once been close allies of the Ministry of Education managed to extract benefits from their "dear friends."
Only the Ministry of Education came out badly damaged.
Of course, it wasn't called the "Ministry of Education" anymore; it was now the Education Reform Committee. But names didn't matter much. Its main function was still to oversee Fontaine's education system, though half of its core powers had been handed over to the Administration.
Take the Fontaine Research Institute, for example. Before, it had been fully managed by the Ministry of Education. Now, it was under the joint jurisdiction of both the Committee and Administration, with personnel appointments (the crucial part) belonging solely to the Administration.
In simple terms, before, the Ministry alone had the final say. Now there were two decision-makers, and between the two, the Administration clearly took the lead while the Committee trailed behind.
Thus, the once-independent Ministry of Education had become a vassal of the Administration. On paper, it was still equal in status, but everyone knew it was now subordinate. After all, the authority over personnel appointments had been seized by the Administration, and most of the new officials within the restructured Committee were people from the Administration anyway.
Of course, Richard hadn't gotten all this for free. Other departments weren't about to sit idly by while the Administration grew stronger. So during the restructuring conference, he "clarified" various overlapping authorities, basically, returning the powers the Administration had previously taken from others.
With that, the restructuring was settled.
"Ugh, this past month has been so boring…" Furina lay sprawled on a desk. She had expected the Ministry's restructuring to be a storm of hidden daggers and bloody battles.
But instead, it all ended so smoothly, without so much as a ripple.
In plays and dramas, weren't political struggles supposed to be full of intrigue, ambushes, and duels between masters of strategy?
Furina had even imagined someone trying to assassinate or threaten Richard for profit. Though she also knew, in such a case, it wouldn't be Richard who needed to worry, but the poor assassin.
Yet nothing happened. The Ministry of Education was carved up like a fish on a chopping block.
Richard's verdict: "Politics is boring by nature."
"Lady Furina still isn't used to it?"
Furina twirled a lock of white hair, pouting. "Really? I thought it was rather fun. My heart was even… racing a bit."
She still vividly remembered her first press conference after taking office and Charlotte's street interview after her public speech. On both occasions, she had truly broken into a cold sweat.
"Those were just special cases," Richard replied. "Ordinary calm is the norm. If the Palais Mermonia faced crises every single day, that would be far more concerning."
"…True." Furina conceded that point.
Richard suddenly pointed at the bold headline on the front page of the Steambird. "Speaking of which, the annual Most Influential Figures in Fontaine rankings should be announced soon."
The Steambird's year-end feature was well-known. It named the top three most influential individuals in each field, along with their contributions in recent years. It also included an overall ranking, comparing these figures across industries, an indirect gauge of each sector's influence within Fontaine.
Furina didn't even glance at it. She declared with full confidence, "Since the creation of this ranking, I've never been left off the list. This year won't be any different. The only question is whether I'll be first or second."
And she wasn't wrong. Furina's popularity in Fontaine was unrivaled. Unlike the Archons of Mondstadt, Liyue, or Inazuma, the Hydro Archon was visible to the public. Buy a ticket to the Opera Epiclese or attend a trial presided over by Neuvillette, and odds were high you'd see her. If lucky, you might even catch one of her performances, dazzling with flawless acting and stage presence.
"But this year is… different."
Clorinde entered the conversation, raising the newspaper. She pointed at the politics section:
"Lady Furina, this year you're not only listed in the entertainment category, but also in the politics category."
Richard glanced at the page, raising an eyebrow. "So it seems."
"What's strange about that? It only proves that no matter the field, I'll always rise to the top. After all, I am a god!" Furina proclaimed proudly, hands on her hips.
The little ahoge atop her head bobbed with self-satisfaction. She glanced at Richard as if to say: 'See? This god is excellent in every way. Where's my applause, flowers, and praise?'
But Richard only frowned. "This might not be a good thing…"
Furina's smug expression froze. "W-why not?"
Clorinde explained calmly: "Because those who topped the politics section in past years… never ended well. Last year, the most influential political figure was the Minister of Education."
Furina winced. That man was now rotting away in Meropide, sewing machines working overtime thanks to his crimes of massive embezzlement.
"The year before that, it was the Prime Minister," Richard added. "He tried to betray me, even sent assassins. Now he, too, has a permanent room in Meropide."
"And three years ago, the Finance Minister," Clorinde continued. "Accomplished some good reforms, but got caught in a scandal. He's just now out of prison."
Furina broke into a cold sweat. "…This ranking is cursed! It's not a list of influence, it's a list of inmates!"
"Then why not Neuvillette?" she protested suddenly. "Isn't he Fontaine's most important political figure?"
"Neuvillette is listed under the law, not politics," Clorinde explained. "The people see him only as the fairest judge in Fontaine. Do you recall him ever announcing policies? Even the recent anti-crime campaign was under your name. You gave the press conference yourself."
"Ah… r-right…" Furina's hands pressed to her forehead, her whole figure sinking into shadow like a painting drained of all color.
Richard tried to reassure her: "What matters isn't being listed, but what achievements are publicized alongside it."
"Achievements? I have plenty!" Furina said quickly.
"Such as?"
"The anti-crime campaign!" she blurted.
"And?"
"…Resettling Mondstadt refugees? Visiting Mondstadt to help with the dragon disaster?" She added hastily, though she knew Richard had done most of the work.
"And for Fontaine's own citizens?"
"…Anti-crime campaign," Furina repeated weakly.
"And besides that?"
"…"
Silence.
Clorinde deadpanned: "Didn't you also change the Thousand Spirits Festival from 'collecting pure water' to 'collecting sweets'? You even declared, 'Trick or treat~☆'" She imitated Furina with a frighteningly blank face.
"Whoa, Clorinde! That expression looks more like an arrest than trick-or-treating!" Furina sweatdropped.
"…I see," Clorinde muttered, slightly hurt.
Panicking, Furina turned to Richard. "Quick! Tell me, have I done anything great without realizing it?"
Richard thought for a long moment, then shook his head. "Nothing comes to mind."
"Then my only noteworthy accomplishment this year… is one anti-crime campaign that was supposed to be Neuvillette's project?!" Furina despaired.
"What about solving the serial kidnapping case of young girls?" Richard offered.
"That was your work! And it's not even a political achievement!" she snapped.
Clorinde added softly: "If you count it that way, then Lady Furina… doesn't have any achievements."
Furina shot her a glare. 'Was that really necessary to say out loud?!'
"…The evaluation isn't over yet," Richard pointed out. "You still have a month. Think about what you can accomplish before then."
Furina gave him a pitiful look, but Richard only sighed. "That look won't help."
"Rebuilding the Institute?" Clorinde suggested checking Furina's agenda.
"But in just one month, how can such a massive task be finished?" Furina asked.
"It doesn't need to be finished," Clorinde explained. "A groundbreaking ceremony would suffice. Make it symbolic, invite reporters, put on a big show. It would still count as an achievement."
Furina blinked at her in surprise, circling around Clorinde as if she were seeing her in a new light. "…Clorinde, when did you evolve?"
"Even I can get angry, you know," Clorinde muttered.
Furina quickly offered her a piece of expensive chocolate as encouragement, then turned to Richard. "Would that work?"
"In theory, yes," Richard replied after some thought. "And don't forget the cultural exchange event with Liyue. If it goes smoothly, that too will count as an achievement."
"That should be enough then," Richard continued. "You've only been in office for one year. Two or three achievements already put you ahead of most ministers."
Hearing this, Furina finally relaxed. The Hydro Archon slapped the desk, pointing at Clorinde. "No time to waste! Clorinde, the job of organizing the Fontaine Research Institute's reconstruction ceremony falls to you."
"…And you, Lady Furina?"
"I'll be responsible for attending the ceremony, of course."
Clorinde: "…"
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
[email protected]/DaoistJinzu