Chapter 7

One day, near the back gate of the Castle, there was someone breaking the rules. It was a low-ranking soldier who had taken a small barrel of Sake out of the stockpile warehouse—from which removal is originally prohibited—without permission. The reason was trivial. “Because there was a celebration.” That was all. When he was found, his direct superior immediately covered for him. “It is a small amount, so perhaps this time… I will make him be careful from next time.” It was a failure of management. Normally, the conversation would end here. The subordinate was grinning. The superior was also smiling wryly. The reprimand was just a formality. There was no sign of remorse anywhere. I happened to see it. —Unforgivable. I stopped the two of them right there. “Let me confirm something.” I said quietly. “Whose property is the Castle‘s stockpile?” The superior answered while looking bewildered. “…It is the Royal Family‘s asset.” “Wrong.” I shook my head. “It is the country’s asset.” Then, I turned my gaze to the superior. “By covering for him, this subordinate learned ‘it is okay to do it.’ Next time, it won’t stop at Sake. Equipment, money, information. Little by little, the line will be crossed.” The smile vanished from the subordinate’s face. “The punishment will be heavier for the superior than the subordinate.” I announced matter-of-factly. “For the subordinate, a pay cut and suspension. For you, suspension of duty for supervisory responsibility. After undergoing retraining, we will consider a transfer.” The superior turned pale. “Why…” To that muttered voice, I answered. “If the top is lenient, the bottom rots. Corruption is born from the lightness of punishment.” Overlooking a small violation is not mercy. It is harm. From that day on, the atmosphere in the Castle changed. Vague smiles disappeared, and responsibility began to accompany judgment. The top must demonstrate it with their attitude. Those who cannot do that are not qualified to lead people. That is what I believe.

Immediately, the First Prince‘s faction made a move. “The Third Prince is cold-hearted.” “He is inflexible.” “He doesn’t understand human emotion.” Such rumors began to flow through the corridors of the Royal Palace.

—That is fine. I didn’t care. If they want to spread them, let them. Rumors are the easiest form of attack for those who wield a blade without taking responsibility. I have no time to worry about that. Discipline is not a decoration. Nor is it a tool to demonstrate authority. It was created because there was a cause. Because someone broke it, someone lost out, and someone lost something. Rules exist upon that accumulation. They are not there to be broken. They are not there to be tested. They exist to be kept. If you laugh off a small violation, the next one will be a slightly larger violation. If you overlook that as well, eventually, it becomes “normal.” There is nothing more unmanageable than corruption that has become normal. Being cold-hearted is fine. If discipline is maintained, the workplace does not waver. Lines are drawn for judgment. Who is forgiven, and who is punished. The more vague an organization is about that, the faster it rots. Today, too, I fulfill my duties matter-of-factly. I ignore the rumors, look through the documents, and make judgments. I don’t want to be a hero. I don’t want to be liked. I just want the world to turn correctly.

Therefore, I —discipline myself. Before anyone else. More strictly than anyone. To the maximum extent. If I demand discipline from others, I must not be an exception. Even if I am tired, even if it is disadvantageous, even if I am not understood. I do not judge by emotion. I do not rely on my position. I do not bend for convenience. The moment I lose the ability to do that, my words will fall to becoming mere orders. To discipline is not to bind. It is to cut off the escape routes. For myself.

I walk looking forward. For that sake—today, too, I discipline myself.

I leave the office on time. On a day like this, should I drink, or should I work up a sweat? …No, going to sleep early is best. Sleep is important. Very.