Chapter 13: Chapter 13 Fortunately, I Still Held Something Back
[Location: Ense Imperial Capital · Processing Plant Conference Room]
Olivia put down the investigation file in her hand, staring intently at the factory director and the cadre below.
"This is the reason why we came here: forming cliques for personal gain, oppressing local Feitino processing employees. Director Snow, what do you think about this matter?"
Factory Director Snow is a slightly plump middle-aged man. At first glance, he looks quite amiable, but the two rows of black beard and small eyes like black pearls gave Louis an uncomfortable feeling.
He had a bitter expression and said in a low voice:
"Misunderstanding, misunderstanding, Your Highness Olivia. This is all business from Tino City, all Enses. Why would I make things difficult for outsiders?"
"It seems like it’s exactly the outsiders that are having difficulties here."
Louis, standing next to Olivia, picked up an investigative report she had instructed the Secret Guard to bring over:
"Since the capital was moved to Tino, for 74 years, the plant’s annual turnover rate usually ranged from 4% to 6%. But after Director Snow took office, over the past five years, the turnover rate has soared to 10%, which is rather high."
The piercing gazes of everyone turned to Director Snow, who was sweating profusely and looking at another individual.
The capital city official of Tino City, Marquis York.
This marquis, nominally responsible for Tino City’s administration, is one of the highest-ranking civil officers in Tino City, apart from the royal family.
The old marquis frowned, looking at Louis, and said:
"It’s normal for the turnover rate to fluctuate occasionally.
If I remember correctly, 16 years ago when the plant first replaced its equipment, due to the overwhelming pressure of processing household waste during the replacement period, the quarterly turnover rate soared above 20%.
In the past, the royal business name couldn’t even gather enough processing workers.
The equipment was just replaced last year, and the personnel turnover can fluctuate at 10%, which should be commendable."
Louis suddenly spoke up, praising, "Marquis York, you’re right. If it’s merely this 10% turnover rate, it indeed deserves commendation."
The tense atmosphere in the conference room loosened momentarily.
Even Olivia showed a wry smile.
"Fool, defining it this quickly? That is... never mind, I guess I have to handle it myself."
But in the next moment, Louis’s smiling face suddenly turned cold:
"In these 74 years, even at 16 years ago, when the personnel turnover was at its peak, the turnover rate of outsiders never exceeded 50% of the total turnover.
But guess, over the past five years, what’s the proportion of outsiders in the turnover?
Let me tell you, 98.6%.
You might not realize the severity; among the 75 people who left in these five years, only one person held Tino residency.
When the lakeside residents of Ense fish, they know to spare the small fish. This is a ratio of 74 to 1, are we worrying about the outsiders surviving? Could this be just coincidence?"
Olivia, who was about to speak, was petrified.
"Did... did he steal my lines?"
In fact, she had this piece of data as well.
This operation was one thing for testing the factory director and another for testing Louis.
Just now, she temporarily handed the Secret Guard to Louis, letting him investigate the situation, thinking to see him helplessly fumbling and then guiding him from above.
Perhaps he would realize the gap, obediently collect his pay, renounce the prince’s status, and live as a wealthy gentleman in the Imperial Capital.
She had no expectations for Louis whatsoever.
After all, as far as she knew Louis, he wasn’t sensitive to numbers. It’s unlikely he could detect the tricks in explicit data, let alone pinpoint data issues accurately.
A mature data analyst is akin to a skilled accountant in falsifying records, both are masters in manipulating numbers.
Who would’ve thought the first step he took hit the opponent right in a vulnerable spot?
It’s unthinkable, is this really the nation dishonest who solves everything with brute force?
Seeing Marquis York’s frowning expression, she felt like having a myocardial infarction.
"How did this scoundrel get smarter?"
"Why is he using his brain now?"
"Isn’t he the one who believes fist power is real power, and sword’s edge is justice?"
"Oh right, I nearly forgot."
"Louis is not originally a Tino resident but someone sold to a slave merchant from an unknown remote village and finally resold to the White Tower as a poor soul."
"In the White Tower, his relationship is unfriendly with the White Tower Mages and many self-righteous Tino residents."
"Seems like during the investigation, this data triggered a stress reaction in him, sparking a moment of clarity."
Are you out of your mind!
Why did you become smart at this time!
Olivia wailed inwardly, but on the surface, maintained a calm smile.
This was my highlighted show prepared for myself, waiting to be praised by Sister Wang!
Louis couldn’t see Olivia’s expression as she had her back toward him, so he continued:
"Marquis York, the selection of personnel in national institutions is of great importance. Maintaining the stable balance of employment between outsiders and locals is the emperor’s guideline, don’t you think?"
He nonchalantly tossed the topic back.
Marquis York nodded: "Quite right. I’ll address this issue immediately. Snow, ensure a smooth and orderly restructuring within six months. The annual bonus for this year is canceled, do you have any objections?"
Snow, sweating all over, said: "No objections, absolutely no objections..."
"Objections!" ×2
Louis and Olivia spoke in unison.
They exchanged glances.
Louis said: "Your Highness Olivia, you first?"
"I’ll go, I’ll go." The little swan stood up, puffing out her chest with a charming yet slightly domineering smile, "Snow, let’s put aside the forming cliques for now. I have a question for you."
Snow: "Your Highness Olivia, please speak."
Olivia showed a cute little canine tooth, speaking with a slightly cold tone:
"According to the investigation, in recent years, the number of illnesses among residents around the processing plant has significantly increased. Some believe it’s due to the plant’s failure to handle pollution timely.
Residents previously watched the sewage pipelines and discovered a huge difference in sewage frequency during the plant’s normal working hours.
There are reasons to suspect that the processing plant, which should operate continuously from 6 a.m., is not conducting its work as seriously as we imagined."
As Olivia spoke, she handed over the investigation materials to Marquis York through the Secret Guard.
Marquis York is a central figure in the traditional noble forces of the Ense Empire, Olivia knows of him.
This is a typical old-fashioned Ense patriarch.
Strong, autocratic, biased, and incredibly rule-abiding. Becoming enemies with him would be a disastrous experience.
However... he isn’t necessarily an enemy.
On the contrary, he leans towards royal views within the conservative party.
Moving him would only require a reasonable explanation.
Therefore, he is the city official of Tino City, a trusted royal minister, and a guardian of Ense’s rules.
Provided that...
You must give him a compelling reason.
Louis narrowed his eyes.
Oh little swan, your idea is quite good, but you’ve overlooked a crucial point...
Ignoring this may not end well.
Sure enough, Marquis York showed a calm smile on his old face.
"If this is indeed the case, please leave this matter for the city hall to investigate."
"No, Marquis York, the impact of this matter is rather severe, I hope to..."
"Your Highness Olivia." Marquis York put on a gentle smile, "Matters like these are usually handled by the city hall. Snow was promoted by me back then, I will set a good example, rest assured."
Louis pinched his brows.
As expected, there’s an issue.
Little swan, you really don’t understand people...
Luckily, I had a fallback.