Wow, I didn't think you'd come with gifts while off-duty, Deputy Chief!
Is there a dress code for the restaurant
called Veil, on 7th Avenue?
Veil?
There are ten cream puffs in here!
We get two each?
Oh, the sister restaurant of the upscale restaurant in Kororē District.
I wouldn't be surprised.
Right...
Do you really believe what they said back there?
It isn't entirely implausible.
What do you think?
Grossular isn't exactly being a team player.
We cannot give him sole control over Crow.
Jean's having dinner with a colleague.
And I was looking forward to our dinner party, too.
Nino, did you talk to Jean, like I asked?
Huh?
Oh... I forgot.
Jeez, you're like twins with stuff like that.
Sorry, sorry.
Be sure you don't forget to ask him next time about why he can't quit ACCA.
Got it.
Well, either way, he won't quit.
Not ever.
I'm sorry for forcing you to come to such an uptight venue.
I wanted to eat food from my homeland.
I'm so glad I stuck it out with ACCA...
The Dōwān cake was that good?
Yeah!
It was chock full of nuts.
So delicious!
Good.
Dōwā District, huh?
I wish I could go.
We have a delivery!
Okay!
Thanks!
Nino!
What?
It's heavy. Can you carry it for me?
You got it, Princess.
From Fāmasu District?
It's for Jean, so maybe it's from someone in ACCA?
Oh, potatoes!
I'll make a potato gratin!
It'll be great on toast!
Jean loves that, too.
What?
Oh, just thinking you haven't changed a single bit.
You've always been the type to get caught up in things.
Do you have an aversion to alcohol?
I'm not a strong drinker, so I try not to drink too much.
It's a private dining room.
You can go off the rails without any damage to your reputation.
I doubt that.
True.
I wouldn't want you to get drunk.
I wouldn't want you to forget tonight.
Otus, this is a business engagement.
The kind where you arrange a good meal and try to recruit someone to your faction.
If word got out that I'd entertained a powerful figure, it'd cause a stir.
But you wouldn't raise an eyebrow.
However, where I stand now,
you are more powerful an ally than any other.
What's wrong?
Nothing.
Are you getting drunk?
That won't do. You can have my water, too.
No, I'm fine.
I'm so embarrassed...
It's about the coup d'état.
A coup d'état?
You haven't heard the rumors?
No, nothing worth bringing to your attention, Director-General.
I pay close attention to any rumors of coup d'états.
Through my investigations, I have confirmed
that it isn't just a rumor this time.
However, Chief Officer Grossular
has forbidden further investigation.
I would like your help.
You visit every single district.
I'd like you to report any information you find during your rounds.
In secrecy.
A coup d'état?
Could something like that actually happen in this peaceful nation?
Peaceful?
Are you being serious?
Do you not know?
A coup d'état?
That's ridiculous. It's just another rumor.
But if we only get concerned after one happens, Dōwā Kingdom is finished.
Finished?
Impossible.
Not as long as I am the next king.
Prince Schwan's Coming of Age Commemorative Ceremony...
Talk about last minute.
Attendees requested ACCA headquarters include the Five Chief Officers,
the director-general, and the deputy director-general.
Also, two from the Inspection Department.
So, Jean...
Sorry to ask this of you right before your departure for Suitsu District.
And about the second invitation...
I don't do airplanes, so...
I'm thinking of asking Knot to fill in for me.
Will you go for me?
Oh, but I have my kids...
It will be winter break by then.
Maybe they can stay with your parents.
I see.
It'd only be about two days...
Yeah.
Then I'll go.
Dōwā, huh?
Guess I'll have a story to tell my kids.
As you well know, the king did not produce a male heir.
His Majesty sired only daughters.
As such, the only claim to the throne
is Prince Schwan, born to the king's youngest daughter.
He's coming of age soon, isn't he?
Yes.
He will become the official heir to the throne.
When he ascends the throne, we will not be at peace as a nation.
He is a complete idiot.
You don't mince words.
I believe the current coup d'état movement involves
powerful figures in outlying districts, who fear this outcome.
Even ACCA branch staff is suspect.
I know this goes beyond the scope of your position.
But I'd like you to do this as a favor.
This is a serious request.
That's right.
Did you consider the possibility I might refuse?
I do not wish to go against the Five's will.
I'd like to fulfill my responsibilities as ACCA director-general.
ACCA was founded to serve the people of this nation.
Though ACCA may have to confront this nation's issues,
it cannot allow a coup d'état to ravage the country.
ACCA is not the symbol of peace.
It's the protector of order, one that will guide the nation to peace.
You understand ACCA's role.
That is my assessment.
Like me, you desire order.
Will you help me?
I understand.
I accept your request.
I mean, when she smiles at you like that...
Jean, you're drinking too much.
Hey, look who's pouring me another.
And you'll get to see her again in Dōwā, won't you?
Yeah.
Good thing you didn't quit ACCA, huh?
Yeah!
I'll be there, too. In Dōwā.
It's for a story, given how big the festivities will be.
I'll see you there.
Well, let's get going.
They've started boarding already.
Okay!
Regarding tomorrow's ceremony,
I've requested the attendees wear formal attire.
All right.
I have no desire to see any ACCA uniforms.
After all, tomorrow will be a historic day.
My grandfather will announce his retirement,
and my succession claim will be formalized, Magie.
After my ascension is announced,
I shall stand before the people
and speak respectfully of my joy at having come of age.
Then, to conclude, I shall say the following.
On the day of my ascension, ACCA is to be disbanded!
ACCA, the symbol of peace?
The Dōwā family, my family, is the symbol of peace.
As in,
me.
Nothing is final yet.
Of course it is!
He invited all these people. Grandfather did!
It wasn't His Majesty.
It was his aide, the president of the Privy Council.
That's basically the same thing!
Stop talking already!
Listen, Magie... After disbanding ACCA,
my next act will be to shut down the central congress for good!
Then I shall place the Privy Council back under royal jurisdiction!
Right?
What's your response?
You may speak!
Yes.
All you have going for you are looks!
I am honored by your praise.
But are you not forgetting one further thing?
What about the Privy Council president's replacement?
Idiot.
The president will retire with Grandfather.
That is entirely in line with the virtues
the president speaks so highly of.
I hear this sudden call for formal attire came from the prince?
Who else could it be?
He sure likes us dancing to his tune.
May I join you?
Very well.
All the branch chiefs have arrived.
We are to dine with them tonight.
Should we include the Inspection Department staff?
That won't be necessary.
Understood.
Why was the Inspection Department
invited to tomorrow's ceremony?
They have in-depth knowledge of all the districts.
The royal family can ill afford to ignore them,
given the unsavory rumors of late.
The royal family has made no formal request
to meet with Inspection Department staff.
But they may put out feelers at tomorrow's celebration.
So even the royal family is manipulated by the rumors.
Yes, just like I was.
Of course, the Five Chief Officers are impervious.
All thirteen district chiefs,
members of the central congress, all ACCA branch chiefs,
and the Five Chief Officers...
Such powerful figures being assembled in one place is rare.
I wonder what will be announced at tomorrow's ceremony.
That concludes the overview of tomorrow's events,
from the ceremony to the celebration.
I see.
Is there any issue with giving the address at the ceremony, Your Majesty?
Have I ever had any issues with
anything you've informed me of?
I am honored by your words.
Which sweets will be served at the celebration?
I believe you will find them worthy.
And fruits?
We've not been remiss.
President of the Privy Council,
His Highness has apparently prepared his own remarks for the address tomorrow.
What do you advise?
Just let him be.
It's going as predicted.
He can do whatever he wants.
At least for now.
Would you like this bread, too?
Oh.
Are you from here?
Um...
She's on my team for a story. She's my assistant.
I see.
She's beautiful.
You're still half asleep?
All of the bread was great.
You're eating all that?
Let's split it 50-50.
His Majesty has arrived!
I am overjoyed that my grandson,
Schwan, has come of age,
and that I can share this joy with all of you.
I ask that you all enjoy yourselves to your heart's content.
Is that it?
Yes.
But what about my ascen—
Hmm?
It appears His Majesty is not abdicating.
Everyone is waiting for you to speak, Your Highness.
I am gladdened to have such an occasion
to welcome my coming of age day.
Those of you who represent our loyal subjects, I appreciate
that you have come here today.
I trust you will continue your efforts to contribute
to Dōwā Kingdom's continued prosperity.
That was awful.
So there will be no announcement of an abdication...
Why were so many of us called in, then?
I want to have a smoke.
Can I get out?
A smoke?
Very well.
But, Your Highness...
As the guest of honor today, I permit it.
What a joker, smoking in this castle.
Cigarettes are scarce in this nation
because the Privy Council's president became concerned
for the health of my grandfather, a smoker.
And yet, that man...
How curious.
She looks like your taste in ladies, Your Highness.
Find out who she is.
That girl looks like Lotta.
Huh?
Lotta.
Nino brought me as his assistant!
She said she wanted to go to Dōwā, so I killed two birds with one stone.
How are you helping him, anyway?
Um, like carrying luggage...
You aren't carrying anything.
Nino said it wouldn't go with my dress!
Uh...
Well, let's take a commemorative photo.
Okay!
Come on.
Wow. They all look delicious.
The king does like his sweets.
The strawberries are amazing, too.
This was supposed to be a celebration for His Highness.
But all this is to His Majesty's taste.
They look so good...
I recommend that one.
His Majesty has a particular fondness for them.
Wow...
Please.
Do you like sweets?
Yes!
Have as much as you'd like.
Did you take a photo of me with the king?
Of course.
So was what Grossular said true?
Director-General Mauve,
a comment on today's ceremony, please.
You are one of Otus's friends?
Yes.
Hmm, I didn't know that.
"That"?
I do my best to know everything about everyone in ACCA.
The Director-General knows who I am.
And after that, what of Otus?
Nothing of note, but...
Have you noticed the president of the Privy Council?
He's paying close attention to Jean.
Right now, there are enough influential people
gathered here to overthrow this nation.
And everyone's focused on the man who's entrusted with
the responsibility of keeping it together.
I guess that about sums it up.
Jean may accept his third and fourth cigarette tonight.
Excuse me.
Yes? Yes, it's fine.
I'm going for a smoke.
Okay.
It's all going smoothly.
I believe you'll be satisfied.
That's bold, smoking in Dōwā.
Personally,
I find Dōwā's night breeze rather harsh.
Sure you can afford to be here?
Yes.
I'd like to spend more time chatting with my brothers,
but I'm here on official business.
Your brothers?
My older brother is chief of Furawau District,
and my younger brother is an ACCA branch chief.
Oh, that's impressive.
You didn't know?
No.
I can tell when someone's lying.
I think of you as an honest, likable young man.
Are you here to get away from everyone's eyes on you?
Yes.
You look confused about why that is.
Then, do you know why, Chief Officer?
You're the intermediary for the rebels planning a coup d'état.
That is what they believe about you.
Those with power and influence among the thirteen districts, that is.
Rumors have spread throughout the nation.
That's why everyone's looking at you.
Well, that's a bother.
As I thought, you aren't the one.
I believe Grossular
started these rumors.
He desires for ACCA to have absolute power.
It's obvious.
He is the one plotting the coup d'état.
Without realizing it, you're being made into his puppet.
Of course, I won't let Grossular get his way.
ACCA may suffer internal turmoil, but I'll be sure to protect order in this nation.
Like me, you desire order.
And for that,
I want your help, Otus.
To preserve peace in this nation.
Smoldering Embers in an Isolated Nation
Next time on ACCA:13-Territory Inspection Department,
Smoldering Embers in an Isolated Nation.
The next audit will be in...
I see.
It's a whole different story from the others.
Will he be okay?