King Jin-Ho surveyed the room, noting that the general mood of the court was surprisingly positive. He adjusted his posture on the throne. “We shall summon the twins to explain the technical details of their 'box system' personally tomorrow,” he announced. “It is far too late into the night for the young Prince and Princess to be brought before the assembly now. As such, we shall conclude this session and resume our discussions at dawn”.

  Both twins bowed deeply and with practiced fluidity, their foreheads nearly touching the cool stone floor before the elevated royal platform. King Jin-Ho, his powerful presence dominating the heavy silence of the Great Hall, addressed them. “Do you both understand why I have summoned you here today?”

  Mi-Reu nodded, followed closely by Gi-Reu. Nearby, Crown Prince Yi-Joon arrived with his usual composed grace, taking his seat among the senior ministers to observe the proceedings.

  “I would like you to explain, in much finer detail, what you hope to achieve by proposing this new bureau to the court,” King Jin-Ho asked. Beside him, Queen Myeong-Hwa watched the twins with an expression of thinly veiled concern, her fingers tracing the embroidery of her silk sleeves.

  “Just as our petition suggests, we wish to experiment with new, accessible ways to gather the grievances and complaints of the common people throughout the realm,” Mi-Reu stated, her voice projecting a confidence that seemed to defy her eight years of age.

  The Inspector General immediately interjected, his eyes narrowing as he leaned forward. “But the suggested name for this bureau, the Advisory Office for Practical Affairs, is rather broad and peculiar if it is meant to deal only with the collection of petitions, is it not?”

  Mi-Reu nodded in agreement, her face lighting up with a polite smile. “Yes, it is indeed broad.” She turned toward Gi-Reu, who picked up the explanation with a sharp, intuitive understanding.

  “We envision the Advisory Office for Practical Affairs as a laboratory of sorts,” Gi-Reu continued. “It is a bureau designed to experiment with various practical, logical solutions to better understand and relieve the diverse troubles currently faced by the people of Haebang.”

  “So, this Jagged-Seal Receipt Box system is merely the beginning of your planned projects under this bureau?” the Inspector General asked, his skepticism remaining plain for all to see.

  “Yes,” both twins replied in a crisp, sharp unison.

  “But why? Why would you dedicate yourselves to such an arduous task?” the Minister of Taxation asked, truly confused by their motives. Most royal children spent their allowances on rare silk, imported sweets, or ornate jewelry.

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  Mi-Reu looked toward the Minister, her expression turning unnervingly earnest. “We have learned a great deal after attending the court sessions two times in the past few months, and we have deeply reflected upon the profound teachings the Inspector General has imparted!”

  With a subtle, sharp smirk, she continued, “He has opened our eyes to the truth that royal wealth should never be used for petty material greed. He taught us that we must constantly seek to be virtuous and selfless leaders.” Turning her gaze directly toward the Inspector General, she pushed the point home. “We find that we have a budget far beyond what is necessary for our daily operations. As such, rather than wasting that surplus on unvirtuous luxuries, we believe it would do us and the dynasty much good to find new, innovative ways to aid the people.”

  Gi-Reu added his support, his voice laced with the same mocking sincerity. “Just as the Inspector General so eloquently warned us before the massive influx of capital from the tortoise raffle: to be possessed by wealth will inevitably result in one drowning in luxury. This dangerous pursuit of opulence will ultimately lead to the destruction of one’s character.”

  He finished with a sharp, knowing smirk directed at the official. “As such, the surplus amount we do not strictly need for our survival, we shall dedicate to finding ways to help the realm. We are simply following the path of virtue you laid out for us, Inspector General.”

  The Inspector General sat frozen, his mouth opening and closing slightly. He had been hoisted by his own petard, his previous moral lectures used as a shield for the twins' unprecedented political move.

  “Even if the logic regarding their budget is sound, we must always prioritize the dignity and the perceived authority of our great kingdom,” the Inspector General finally managed to say, his voice tight. “Regardless of their intentions, having children manage an official royal bureau is simply not the image we should project to the world.”

  “Why must you perceive it as a negative thing, Inspector General?” Crown Prince Yi-Joon interjected, rising from his seat with a smooth, practiced smile. “Could it not also be perceived as a testament to the strength of our dynasty? That Haebang possesses such incredible, burgeoning talent that even our youngest royals are capable of assisting in state affairs? Surely that speaks to a glorious future,” he finished, his tone light yet challenging.

  The Inspector General let out a long, weary sigh, recognizing he was outnumbered by the royal siblings' united front. He retreated a step, bowing his head in silent concession.

  Queen Myeong-Hwa tapped the arm of her throne, reclaiming the room’s attention. “Just as we did with their personal finances, let us find a compromise. I shall not only audit the accounting of their allowances, but I will also personally oversee the bureau’s operations. I will ensure that every action they take maintains the absolute dignity and decorum of our kingdom.”

  King Jin-Ho smiled, pleased with the resolution. “Then that is how we shall proceed. The Advisory Office is officially sanctioned under the Queen’s supervision.” He leaned forward, tapping his throne rhythmically. “Now, Mi-Reu, you mentioned earlier that you have further plans? Is this Jagged-Seal Receipt Box system truly your first and only experimental goal?”

  “Not exactly, Father,” Mi-Reu said, casting a quick side-eye toward Gi-Reu.

  As if sharing a single mind, both twins spoke in perfect sync: “Our true first objective is to revolutionize how the realm documents data. We intend to introduce a Systematic Sorting Method!”