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Impressed by the scale of the project, Sophie asked, “So, what kind of workers are used for building the reservoir, setting up the foundation dams, and clearing the river channels?”
Edwin thought she was concerned about the treasury’s funds being drained for the war, so he reassured her, “Part of the workforce is made up of conscripts, and the rest are hired laborers.
“Altogether, there are around 20,000 workers, and their daily provisions are not cheap. To save on costs, the wages for the laborers have been reduced. Fortunately, more than 10,000 are conscripted laborers, so we only need to provide food and not wages.”
Sophie nodded. “And which official is in charge of the riverworks project?”
“Cameron Judd. He works with the Waterworks Department,” Edwin answered. “Where is he from?”
“He’s from Valken. He has been with the Ministry of Infrastructure for seven years, and was promoted to the head of the ministry’s Waterworks Department two years ago,” Edwin explained. “He’s a man of action, is decisive, and has nearly single-handedly managed the riverworks project. His Majesty has even praised him for his efficiency.”
Edwin paused, his face shifting slightly as he remembered that Cameron was from Valken-a region that had recently revolted.
He began to understand why Sophie had come. The conscripts and workers were all familiar with Cameron. Though there hadn’t been much large-scale construction in recent years, the same group had been clearing the river every year.
If Cameron wanted to make a move, it wouldn’t be hard for him. However, he had always been diligent in his work, and Edwin didn’t believe he was involved with Yuvan’s rebellion.
Not wanting to jump to conclusions, Edwin said, “Commander Devin, I don’t believe there’s any cause for concern, but I’ll investigate.”
Sophie shook her head. “No need to investigate. We mustn’t alarm anyone, least of all Mr. Judd. If anyone asks about my visit today, tell them I came to discuss expanding and renovating the Capital Guard headquarters and to work on a budget proposal.”
“Very well, I’ll follow your lead,” said Edwin.
Sophie nodded. “Then, have someone come and give me an estimate. We’ll make the whole thing look convincing.”
Edwin paused for a moment, then chuckled. “You certainly think of everything, Commander Devin.” With that, he stepped outside to send for Luther Smith from the Ministry of Infrastructure.
It only took about 15 minutes for Sophie to form a rough idea of the renovations in her mind. By the time Luther arrived, she had already outlined her requirements. She asked him to prepare the blueprints and a cost estimate, so she could submit a request to the Ministry of Finance for approval.
She wasn’t careless with the details-she gave clear instructions, even for the smallest of matters. After Sophie left, Edwin turned to Luther and urged him to hurry with the plans and cost estimates. They didn’t want to keep Sophie waiting, after all.
Luther took the task seriously and didn’t waste any time. He stayed at the Ministry of Infrastructure, directing the staff to begin drawing up the plans.
Coincidentally, Cameron was also at the Ministry of Infrastructure that evening, dealing with some business of his own. When he heard that Luther was still there, he sent someone to order a few dishes, intending to share a meal with him.
Luther laughed. “I’m fortunate to be dining with you tonight, my friend. Once my business is done, I’ll be sure to return the favor.”
Cameron chuckled in return. “What’s keeping you here so late, Luther? What’s so urgent?”
“Commander Devin visited today. She wants to expand the Capital Guard headquarters. Since she now oversees the entire Mystic Army, and the Capital Guard headquarters hasn’t been renovated in years, it’s only logical that she’d want to expand. The training grounds are far too small.”
Cameron poured Luther a drink. “I see. Is Commander Devin in that much of a hurry? Can’t this wait until tomorrow?”
“She’s anxious to get the funds from the Ministry of Finance. As you know, the process there is always long and drawn out. She’s already had a cost estimate prepared and submitted, so at least her request is in line. It’s all about getting in the queue,” Luther explained.
Cameron’s brow relaxed. “You’re right. The Ministry of Finance is too slow. Even the funds for our riverworks project are barely trickling in. We’ve only received about 30 percent so far. They said they’ll give us another 20 percent this month, but we’re still waiting.”
Luther sighed. “There’s no helping it. With the war ongoing, the treasury is prioritizing military expenses. The Ministry of Defense is getting special approvals, while everything else is delayed. That’s why
Commander Devin had to push ahead with her request.”
“Well, let’s eat. Don’t stand on ceremony with me,” Cameron replied, his doubts eased.
Jacob had received the complete file on Cameron.
The 47-year-old was a native of Valken. He had passed the first level of the national examination at the age of 13, then went on to pass the second level by 18. In Valken, he had been renowned for his abilities, often referred to as a man of extraordinary talent.
However, after passing the second level of the national examination, he delayed traveling to the capital for the next level due to his mom’s illness. Instead, he took up a position as a scribe in Valken’s local government.
Cameron’s career had been nothing but steady. Both the people of Valken and the Ministry of Infrastructure had praised him for his decisiveness and ability to get things done. In the triennial evaluations by the Civil Department, he consistently received high marks.
In fact, some even said that being limited to the Waterworks Department was a waste of his talent. Of course, there were also those who believed his lack of connections was the reason he hadn’t been promoted further. Otherwise, he could have possibly become the Ministry of Infrastructure’s deputy minister.
The kingdom had many officials like him-low-ranking but reliable, with no grand ambitions, just quietly efficient and grounded. His life was simple and unremarkable. He had one wife, a concubine, a son, a daughter, and three servants. The house he lived in had once been rented, but in recent years, he had purchased a modest home with a small courtyard-just big enough for his family to live in.
Still, it could be said that working in the Waterworks Department was a lucrative job. The fact that he had only just managed to buy a house in the last two years spoke to his integrity in office. However, he wasn’t entirely without flaws.
Jacob pointed out that several of the officials working under Cameron were living far more comfortably than he was. While their salaries couldn’t compare to his, they were clearly managing to live well beyond their means. They must be dipping into the funds allocated for the riverworks.
Did Cameron not know? It was hard to believe.
What was strange was that he knew about it and allowed it, but didn’t take any for himself. A truly honest official wouldn’t tolerate corruption happening right under his nose, unless he was a major embezzler who was simply good at hiding it.
Or there was another possibility-he didn’t take any for himself but turned a blind eye to his subordinates’ corruption to win their loyalty and ensure they followed his orders.
By quietly operating this way for so many years, he had free rein to place whomever he wanted, whether they were laborers or personnel from the Waterworks Department, without anyone noticing.
Jacob laughed bitterly. “We were initially focused on the lords and nobles. After all, Eleanor was often in their circle, thinking she could draw some support from them. But I didn’t expect that Mr. Judd would take such a different approach by targeting lesser officials instead.”
Sophie frowned, her mind racing through the implications.
After a moment of thought, she said, “With Prince Yuvan leading the way, Mr. Judd could easily carve out these hidden paths, taking advantage of the gaps. Without Prince Yuvan causing a distraction, he would never have been able to operate so freely for so long.”
Jacob nodded.
It was true. Without Yuvan’s rebellion, the rise of bandits or rebels in the countryside, and the alliance between Sandoria and Westhaven, these riverworks in the capital wouldn’t have amounted to much.
In simple terms, it was like someone trying to make a big, strong camel carry so much weight that it couldn’t handle it. Then, they added just one more small thing to make it collapse. By doing so, they could achieve a big result with very little effort or cost.
It was a very clever plan.
“Continue the investigation. Have all the managers detained and halt the work immediately,” Sophie ordered.
“That will require a royal edict, and right now, it’s still just our suspicion. We haven’t found any concrete evidence yet. The riverworks are crucial the summer rains are upon us, and any delays could lead to flooding that costs lives. Without proof, His Majesty won’t order a shutdown,” said Jacob.
Sophie thought for a moment, then replied firmly, “Three days. We need to uncover something by then. We can’t afford to wait.”
“Understood. I’ll get on it right away,” Jacob assured, leaving without hesitation.
As soon as he left, Claire rushed in, her steps brisk. “Your Grace, I have news regarding the person Lord Gerald was looking for.”
Sophie massaged her temple. “The search for that person can wait. Right now, we have more pressing matters.