Chapter 60: The Workers' Representative

"Hmph!"

Deville, though somewhat displeased, held back his frustration.

He snorted and stepped aside.

After all, Popov was praised by the Governor, and Deville was not—at least, not yet.

He simply didn't have the qualities the Governor needed right now, but he would learn and adapt.

For now, he would tolerate that coward for a little while longer.

Popov, seeing Deville back down, finally let out a sigh of relief.

If Deville had harmed someone unjustly, it could have resulted in a rebuke from the Governor.

Despite everything, Popov truly cared about Deville.

In his mind, he and Deville were like brothers who had survived life-and-death situations together.

Of course, by that, Popov meant that Deville had once saved his life.

Popov gently helped the factory director to his feet: "Stand up, we're not demons here. As long as there's no falsifying of names to deceive the Governor, nothing will happen to you."

Popov stared into the director's eyes: "But if the list has any issues, we will follow the rules. You may be punished—or even executed."

Though Popov had a reputation for being a coward, he was still a certified official of the King's Court. His authority, backed by the Governor, was no less than that of an enforcer.

"I swear on my life, the list is correct!" the factory director vowed, almost as if swearing an oath.

"Good!" Popov narrowed his eyes and smiled warmly again.

Soon after, Arila was led into the room by the overseer.

In the room, she saw the normally high-and-mighty factory director and the two imposing Emissaries, both dressed in black.

She was so shocked that she didn't know what to say.

The factory director quickly introduced her: "Emissaries, this is our factory's outstanding worker, Ms. Arila!"

"Emissaries!"

Arila hurriedly bowed in greeting.

"Ms. Arila," Popov said, pulling out a small box, "we are here on behalf of the Governor to invite you to participate in the Emperor's Ascension Festival."

"In recognition of your excellent performance, the Governor's palace has chosen to bestow upon you the title of Workers' Representative.

On the day of the festival, you will lead your factory's workers into the Sacred Square to receive the Emperor's blessing!"

This announcement left both Arila and the factory director in shock.

A medal bestowed by the Governor's palace—what an honor!

Even Deville and Popov were a bit envious, as neither of them had received such a medal yet.

Of course, that would change if they continued doing their jobs well, and they could aim for even greater honors in the future.

The Workers' Representative medal was something Eden had ordered to be designed, intended for outstanding workers in various fields.

Each region would select one or several workers to receive the medal, and the young officials from the new Secretarial Department would present them.

However, Eden had never specified that Arila should receive the Workers' Representative medal.

It was Bayev who had assumed that since her name was specifically added by the Governor, her status couldn't be ordinary.

So, he arranged for her to receive the honor.

Popov carefully opened the box to show everyone its contents.

Inside was a red medal with elements of a golden lion and hammer.

Arila, overwhelmed with excitement, took the medal and pinned it to her chest.

She was so happy that she almost fainted.

By the Emperor, not only had the kind Governor invited her to the festival, but she was also being rewarded?

This was beyond anything she had ever dared to dream!

"Congratulations, Ms. Arila!"

"Thank you, Emissary... And thank you, kind Governor..." Arila stammered, her words jumbled with excitement, but no one cared about the details.

Wearing the medal wasn't the end of it; there would be an official announcement, a ceremony, and her name would be entered into the King's Court records.

The police would even provide some level of protection for her.

The Interior Department would send personnel to teach her how to fulfill her new duties.

But all these formalities were beyond Deville and Popov's concern.

The factory and the Interior Department would handle the follow-up.

Soon, Deville and Popov left the reception area to inspect the list of active workers.

Their task was crucial, as they needed to filter out any underperformers or those whose faith was weak.

More importantly, they had to identify any bad elements or heretics.

After the Emissaries left, it was just Arila and the factory director.

Arila, still unsure of what to do, said hesitantly:

"Factory Director, should I go back to the production line now?"

The director, beaming with a smile, quickly stopped her:

"Ms. Arila, no need to rush back. You should rest here for a bit!"

Saying this, he personally poured her a glass of water.

After all, Arila was now the face of the factory—a representative of the Governor himself!

There was no way he would send her back to the production line, where she might collapse from exhaustion.

The director was already thinking of promoting Arila to a higher management position.

Only such a position would be suitable for her now.

As soon as a worker received a medal from the Governor, their status changed.

No matter what their past was, their future would be completely different.

They could rise above their previous circumstances and potentially even join the ranks of the nobility one day.

It was a glimmer of hope for the downtrodden.

This system gave the lower classes a path to ascend.

It showed them that no matter their poverty, anyone who worked hard for the King's Court and the Governor would receive the rewards they deserved.

Only through this promise could hope endure.

And this was the Governor's gift to his people.

Arila, this once unfortunate worker, had received that gift.

But right now, she had no idea how much this blessing would change her fate.

She was simply lost in joy.

In just two days, she would go to receive the Emperor's blessing.

And she would even meet the kind Governor himself!

What would the sacred bread and water taste like?

Sitting on the sofa in the reception area, Arila's mind wandered, lost in a daydream.

It wasn't until the director spoke again that she came back to her senses.

"Ms. Arila," the director said sincerely, "I've given it some thought. From now on, you won't have to return to that dirty production line…"

"Huh?"

Arila thought he was about to fire her and quickly pleaded:

"Director, are you firing me? Please don't…"

"No, no, no!"

The director was even more panicked than Arila: "By the Emperor, I would never do that. You're an important representative of this factory. There's no way I'd fire you!"

Firing Arila, after the Governor had just given her a medal? That would be suicide!

"Really?" Arila asked, still unsure.

"Of course not!" the director reassured her, explaining:

"Ms. Arila, what I meant is that, as a representative of this factory, you deserve a higher position."

He took out a form listing the factory's higher management positions.

"You can choose any position you want!"

Finally, Arila understood: "You're promoting me, and I can choose my own job?"

This was an unexpected bonus!

By the Emperor, today was the luckiest day of her life!

"Yes, Ms. Arila. Please, tell me—what position would you like?"

"Overseer!" Arila answered without hesitation.

"Huh?"

(End of Chapter)