When will you fall asleep

The entire Empire was shaken by an extraordinary sensation: "The settlement of Commissioner R-700MC has been recognized as the most successful and suitable for a happy life in the entire Empire!" Considering that Dave was only 19 and had retaken the test twice, this was a remarkable result. The entire Empire, no, all of Aloterra buzzed with rumors that such success couldn't be clean. Maybe he ingratiated himself with Void or Caleb? However, every time a reporter caught him at the settlement and asked about it, he only smiled and replied the same way: "If you don't trust the statistics and the Empire, you can personally come to my settlement and see our work." And everyone believed his friendly eyes and smile. For achieving the title of the best commissioner, the Empire promised the commissioner a reward in the form of a hundred working hours. And the great honor - they were supposed to be presented by the Chief Inspector Void himself! This award didn't entice Lololoshka much, even though he wasn't afraid of Void. However, a bitter and dark feeling, as if someone was waiting around the corner, consumed every inch of his body, covering him in goosebumps. He had already met with the inspector a couple of times, but not one-on-one. And it seemed fate had turned its face towards him and granted an airy kiss. Or rather, that they had discovered a traitor to the Empire in the Emporium and the inspector was very busy. Hence, there would be no ceremony. Which meant... His thoughts were interrupted by Rai's voice. "Lololoshka, it seems someone remembered you!" Above the message from the Empire appeared another one.

OTERATAR

Award for the title: "Best Commissioner of the Year"

Commissioner R-700MC, we regret that Inspector Void won't be able to attend your award ceremony due to his busy schedule. Therefore, your prize will be presented by the Chief Secretary in his office at 18:30.

And remember: the Empire cares about you! Lololoshka sighed heavily, casting a glance at the settlement. A lot of unfinished work, reporters appearing out of nowhere, and now this ceremony... so inconvenient. Instead of just listing the working hours and sending a congratulatory letter, no, a ceremony was needed! He shook his head, trying to shake off unnecessary thoughts. Closing the message window, he returned to work. After planting the last row of potatoes, he entered the house, but before reaching the door, someone called out to him. Lionel briskly approached him. "Commissioner, congratulations!" Dave merely nodded modestly in response. "I'm sorry, but we've run out of wood again. And we also need new tools because the rookie demolished everything, and it would be good to bring some food to the dining hall, in case the supplies run out." Mentally ticking off Rai's mental checklist to complete the tasks later, Lololoshka wanted to say something else, but he hesitated, looking at the commissioner. He muttered something to himself and disappeared towards other incomplete and as yet imperfect houses. Fully convinced that Lionel had disappeared over the horizon, he was called out again, but this time by a female voice. "Lololoshka, it's already 18:00. Time to go. Caleb won't tolerate delays. If we're late, it'll be considered disrespectful to the Empire..." But Lololoshka interrupted her, knowing that listening to a generated monologue would take longer than getting ready. "I understand, I'm coming." He glanced sneakily at the window, surveying his face. Joy didn't flicker on it, no matter how hard he tried to force a smile. He would definitely be happy when they leave him alone and let him sleep peacefully, for the first time in exhausting six months. But that would be later, definitely not soon, after the soda holiday, in about a week. And now, it was time to leave.