Chapter 156
A sudden meal request. No matter how unpredictable the 1st Manager might be, I highly doubt she was suggesting we eat military rations in the office. I figured she meant we could hit the cafeteria or try a popular restaurant somewhere. Either way, that was bound to eat up some time.
It’s a bit tricky.
I shouldn’t even be in the capital. I was summoned here after delivering what would go down in history as the “Spicy Proletarian Punch,” and now that my business is over, I really should return to my post quickly. If something happens while I’m away, it would just add to my headache. That’s why, back in the first semester, I made it a point to rush back as soon as I wrapped up my tasks.
But this semester is different. Ever since the club members got blown off by Louise, the chances of something blowing up have drastically decreased. Plus, it’s noon, and all the members should be in class.
And come to think of it, I’ll be on probation starting tomorrow, so does it even matter if I rush back now? The Crown Prince said to take my time today, so it looks like I can afford to chill for a bit.
So the situation does matter, after all.
Facing disciplinary action has unexpectedly made me remarkably relaxed. It’s like I’ve adopted a “let it happen” attitude now that my back is against the wall.
“I’ll just have a meal and then head back.”
“Yup!”
After some thought, I agreed. There wasn’t really a need to have a meal with the 1st Manager, but I had no reason to refuse either. It’s not like I was the one forcing this upon her since she approached me first.
“I know a great place, so let me take you there!”
“Sure.”
I nodded at the giggling 1st Manager. She seems quite confident, so she must know a good spot.
But really, wouldn’t it be better for her to go to a place like that with a friend or a lover? Who brings their boss to cute little restaurants anyway?
Is it because the 4th Manager isn’t around?
She was the only one of the same gender in the management team. It struck me as a little sad that she lost her only friend and now had to dine with her boss.
I followed the 1st Manager, who was beckoning me to hurry. I feel a bit bad for her working in an all-male environment.
Then, my moment of sympathy evaporated quickly.
“Hey.”
“Yeah?”
“Let’s eat here.”
As soon as I laid eyes on the place the 1st Manager led me to, I couldn’t help but chuckle. This is the dining spot?
“This place makes some really amazing food.”
Her bold declaration left me momentarily speechless.
What’s going on?
Had the culture changed while I was at the academy?
No, that couldn’t be it. Even if the culture had shifted, it wouldn’t have changed this much.
“It’s your house, isn’t it?”
It was my first time here, but I was well-acquainted with the locations of major estates in the capital. The 1st Manager led me straight to her own mansion for a meal.
Well, they do cook well. This is the residence of a marquis’s daughter, after all. Would they have a lousy chef around here?
But then according to that logic, wouldn’t the best restaurant in the empire be the imperial palace? Is this even okay?
“Boss, wouldn’t eating out draw too much attention?”
“Why are you suddenly saying something sensible now?”
If she cared that much about attention, we could have just gone to the cafeteria—
“Come on, let’s go in!”
Ignoring my concerns, the 1st Manager pushed me into the mansion.
*
I successfully managed to shove the grumbling Executive Manager into the mansion.
Done!
Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much. The Executive Manager tends to make surprise appearances and disappearances, so I assumed it would be the same this time.
Still, I had to bring it up beforehand and face a few rejections to have the grounds to complain about why he always dodges these things! That’s why I thought to propose dining together and lay the groundwork.
“I’ll just have a meal and then go back.”
But I got lucky. I didn’t think I’d succeed on the first attempt.
Oh, his defenses have definitely lowered.
I had asked him many times in the past to join me for a meal. While I couldn’t confess my feelings because of Hecate’s looming shadow, I figured we could still get a bit closer on a purely platonic level. Building rapport would make confessing a whole lot easier later on.
But every time, I was turned down for the silliest reasons. The food wouldn’t taste good with a superior around, too much work today, not enough work today, had to leave early, he’s starting a diet…
Thinking back on it, I feel a bit cheated. Did he really turn me down for all those ridiculous excuses?
And nobody ever told me I was lacking in any way.
Super frustrating. I felt the urge to smack the back of the Executive Manager’s head just then.
There have always been plenty of people who liked me, even before I entered the academy. I had my share of admirers through school and even after graduation. I came from a good family, so I’m pretty, and my skills are top-notch. Honestly, I’m not lacking in anything.
Even Senior Aria said whoever ends up marrying me would be incredibly fortunate.
Plus, he’s younger than me too!
He’s four years younger, so if he’s gonna act like a little brother, he should depend on and follow his gorgeous sister properly!
Of course, the Executive Manager’s prickly attitude adds to his charm, but sometimes I want to see a different side of him, one that’s not so sharp.
“You’re gonna poke a hole in my head.”
The Executive Manager cut in bluntly. Did I stare too hard?
He noticed my gaze even though I was looking at him from behind. This must mean he has some interest in me too, right?
Ahaha.
I almost let out a giggle, but managed to hold it in.
Honestly, he really does give off those younger brother vibes whenever he acts all sulky and tight-lipped with me. Right now, I’d much rather ruffle his hair than hit him!
“So, Executive Manager, do you want to end up like the 3rd Manager?”
“You little brat.”
I tossed that cheekily, but the Executive Manager turned around quickly, clearly offended. Was comparing him to the 3rd Manager pushing it too far?
“You just called your precious subordinate a brat?”
Pouting a bit, I saw the Executive Manager swiftly grab my lips.
Ouch, that was a bit painful.
But somehow, I like it!
My heart warmed up. In the office, I didn’t have the chance to catch the Executive Manager’s attention because we were too busy rushing things, and I regretted the timing.
But thankfully, I managed to grab this moment at last. Unlike last year, where the Executive Manager was at the academy, I can’t pull this sort of stunt every day.
This is an interaction the Executive Manager only shares with me. Not with Hecate and not with Lady Marghetta. Just the two of us.
Those thoughts melted away my expression. It’s fine; that’s just part of how the Executive Manager is when he’s feeling free.
“Miss?”
A voice from behind the Executive Manager surprised him, making his hand slip away from my lips.
Ah.
With it came a wave of disappointment and annoyance. How dare they interrupt my precious time with the Executive Manager?
I glanced toward the voice’s source and found the butler. I didn’t think he would be this clueless. I felt like scolding him right there, but with others watching, I held back.
“Butler, prepare a meal for us. Make it for two since we have a guest.”
I stepped past the Executive Manager and approached the butler.
“Make sure it’s done with great care and perfection. You got that?”
I whispered to the butler. This meal meant for the Executive Manager had to be flawless; any slip-up would be utterly embarrassing.
The butler’s eyes flickered quickly from the Executive Manager to me.
“It might take a bit longer.”
“That’s fine.”
I nodded at his reply with satisfaction.
The Executive Manager would likely just munch down quickly and leave if the food arrived right away. To have him linger a bit longer, the meal needs to come out late.
Alright, I take back what I said about the butler being clueless. While I was a bit disappointed at first, his handling of this situation redeemed him in my eyes.
*
I sat there idly, soaking in the atmosphere around me.
It’s so flashy.
As you’d expect, the 1st Manager’s mansion was indeed extravagant. Technically, it wasn’t just the 1st Manager’s but Marquis Massello’s residence. But since other members of the marquis’s family mostly stayed in their own territories, it’s basically hers.
Given that the Massello marquisate became one of the top two families among marquisates after Marquis Asilon was demoted to a count, it’s only natural that their mansion in the capital would be grand.
But the owner…
As I turned my gaze to the opposite side, I saw the 1st Manager grinning sheepishly.
It gave me a headache. I knew about the 1st Manager’s background with the Massello family, but seeing it in person threw me to a whole new level of cognitive dissonance.
This kind of person is the owner of such a mansion? Isn’t that insulting to the mansion’s stature?
Am I any different?
Truthfully, I’m not in a position to talk. I ended up living in the remains of Marquis Asilon’s mansion, so who am I to judge?
Both the superior and subordinate matched awkwardly with their surroundings. It feels like putting a pearl necklace on a pig. We really shouldn’t mirror each other like this.
“How’s the Executive Manager doing these days?”
“What?”
That unexpected question caught me off guard.
Since when did we start exchanging pleasantries? It felt as awkward as getting asked about hobbies on a blind date.
And sensing my confusion, the 1st Manager smiled brightly and continued speaking.
“With you knocking out royalty, I figured there must be all sorts of interesting tales to share.”
What a roundabout way to tease someone.
“Nothing much. I’m always cautious.”
I’ve genuinely been careful. While it’s not really my place to say since I did faint a royal, it was actually his weakness that caused it.
So, I’ve decided to see it that way!
“And how about Lady Marghetta?”
I flinched a bit, caught completely off guard. Why is she bringing her up all of a sudden?
“I noticed when you guys took a break—there seemed to be good news just around the corner!”
Her teasing left me at a loss for words. Did I give it away in front of her? Was I that obvious, even in the office?
No, but with the 4th Manager around, he must’ve spilled the beans to the 1st Manager.
“I’m fine with this year. I’ll pick out a nice gift for both of you!”
“Busy with student council work, why would you add more on Marghetta this year?”
I wouldn’t dream of piling more responsibilities on Marghetta, who was already juggling her work in the student council.
Besides, if I handled this in a formal manner while she was still a student, it would be an affront to all the patience she’s shown.
*
I sneakily… no, I mean I boldly asked, getting some useful information. Does this mean there’s an engagement or marriage planned pretty soon after she graduates?
Over a year left.
It would be a lie if I said I wasn’t disappointed. After waiting for two years, I now have to wait another two?
But hey, that’s okay. Even if it stings, having a timeline is better than wandering around indefinitely.
Where should we hold the wedding?
I haven’t even confessed to the Executive Manager yet, but here I am, getting lost in these happy thoughts. Imagination is free, after all.
Should it be in the capital? Or in our territory? The Executive Manager’s territory could work as well. Choosing from all three is going to be tough!
Maybe I should suggest just doing it three times? I don’t think anyone has had three weddings before.
That sounds pretty good!
The first wife spot will definitely go to Lady Marghetta. So wouldn’t it be fair for me to grab a first on the wedding ceremony itself?
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