Chapter 212
It’s time to pray for the Crown Prince’s longevity. With this, we’re wishing for Season 24!
“Please, may he have a long life without serious illness.”
I clasped my hands and earnestly prayed. Just let him suffer from minor ailments—coughs and colds would be fine. If he had a serious illness, he wouldn’t be able to do anything.
Just enough discomfort to feel it; like a backache when sitting, or a stuffy nose from a cold in autumn. Not asking for much, just that.
“Your Highness, when will I be called to the Capital?”
– The sooner, the better. I’ll send someone today, so just head over.
Thinking back to our last conversation made me squeeze my hands even tighter.
“Damn it.”
My promise to not set foot in the Capital was utterly shattered. I might not even have time to catch my breath before I’m dragged over there.
– Of course, I don’t intend to disrupt the Executive Manager’s duties. Once everything is wrapped up, I’ll send for you, so don’t worry.
His expression, as if to say ‘I can afford to grant that much convenience,’ was shocking enough to awaken the sealed Proletariat Punch within me.
If I could just throw one punch, I’d be able to live without a resignation letter for two years. Should I pretend to be drunk and try it out?
“Curse this guy.”
I sighed deeply and bowed my head. Now’s not the time for useless fantasies; I need enthusiastic prayers instead.
Please, may he have a long life. If back pain or a cold are too much to ask, at least let me stub my toe on the corner of the desk!
But it’s unfair. I’ve made sufficient offerings to Enen too! Isn’t one prayer worth considering?
“Damn deity.”
It’s saying no to the faith and offerings of non-native species. I guess since it’s a god that won its religious victory, there’s no room for negotiation.
Maybe I should find a god that has some pity for foreign species.
*
When club time came, I felt suffocated. The anxiety about being dragged to the Capital weighed heavily on my chest.
“Oppa, over here!”
“Thanks…”
Also, being in the same space as the one who confessed only added to the awkwardness.
With a beaming smile, Louise handed me a cookie. Accepting it felt a bit uncomfortable, but refusing would be weirder, so I finally took it with trembling hands. Any little refusal could be misinterpreted by Louise.
“I added special ingredients this time!”
Taking a bite of the cookie, I sneaked a glance at Louise. Our eyes met the moment our gazes collided. The brightness in her eyes was unchanged from before the confession.
“Oh, really?”
“Are you curious?”
I wasn’t particularly curious, but seeing her eyes filled with excitement kept me from saying anything. Those sparkling eyes desperately wanted to share what was inside that cookie.
I nodded at her deliberately leading question, and Louise cautiously leaned in to whisper in my ear.
“It’s my love.”
‘Oh my gosh.’
I almost instinctively turned away. Holding onto my patience after hearing those words is a miracle in itself.
“Stay calm.”
My hands trembled now for different reasons. If I showed any hint of dislike, she might burst into tears right then.
In fact, a few steps back, Louise’s face, desperate to smile, turned beet red. She seemed embarrassed too. If I freak out here, it’s as good as game over.
I feel a bit sorry that her brave confession is that straightforward.
‘It’s her first love after all.’
A little pang of sadness hit me. Louise, who received a lot of love in her childhood, never had the chance to truly love someone back. Thanks to that, she struggles to express her feelings properly.
So it’s not surprising she would make such an old-fashioned declaration of affection.
‘Or is it?’
Thinking it through, this continent has a medieval European vibe to it. So even if from my perspective it feels dated, maybe it’s fresh by their standards?
Perhaps Louise has been studying the latest relationship methods in her own way. She tries hard, but the results are just… weird.
“Rare ingredients! I’ll enjoy it.”
After some inner struggle, I quietly spoke. As an adult, it’s my duty to protect this cheerful student’s innocent spirit.
“I’ll make them for you whenever, Oppa.”
“Thanks.”
Relieved by my steady response, Louise flashed an even brighter smile. Although her face was still flushed, her demeanor suggested she was trying to act casual.
‘This is even scarier.’
I took another bite of the cookie in my hand.
Despite the confession, and the fact that I hadn’t even responded yet, Louise remained blissfully unaware. She didn’t offer any prompts or hints.
It’s almost as if her confession acted like a dam holding back her emotions, and now she’s just letting them flow freely. In a way, this is even deadlier. It’s like receiving consistent point damage.
‘Maybe I just have to ride this out for a while.’
For this bizarre situation to break, I need to give a clear answer. Whether acceptance or rejection.
However, answering hastily would be a disservice to Louise. This is a heartfelt confession, so I should respond genuinely.
I shouldn’t refuse simply because I’m flustered. Likewise, I shouldn’t accept just to avoid awkwardness. I need to find the honest answer that reflects what I truly want.
…Aside from Marcilio, it’s been hard to sort out my thoughts lately, making it difficult to find that answer.
“I don’t need a quick answer. It took a long time for me to confess too; I don’t expect you to be quick.”
Fortunately, Louise told me she would wait. Of course, hearing that doesn’t put me at ease.
Isn’t it enough with Marghetta being this anxious?
“Oppa?”
I gently reached out and placed my hand on Louise’s head. Then, I softly patted it.
“Thank you.”
“Yes, um…!”
In the past, Louise would have smiled normally, but now she melted into a blushing mess.
‘“What do you mean wait?”’
I really need to get my act together quickly. Not just for myself but for Louise too.
But when on earth should I pull my hand back? It feels hard to let go now that I’ve put it there.
“Who used ice magic in the club room?”
Just as the atmosphere began to get awkward, a grumbling voice came from beside us.
Looking over, I saw Erich defiantly chewing on a pie.
“I’m freezing in my side. Can’t people put a stop to this magic nonsense in public?”
“I didn’t do it.”
Erich’s statement got a head shake from Lather.
As the club members joked around, Louise quickly backed away and cleared her throat.
“It’s, it’s gotten a bit cold since autumn is nearing, hasn’t it?”
With a forced awkward smile, Louise opened up.
Still, compared to earlier, her face seemed to have lost a bit of that blush.
‘Well done.’
Thanks to Erich intervening at a good time, the awkward air began to dissipate.
It’s a pity. Why is someone so perceptive when it comes to things like this but not with their own love life?
‘Not my place to say.’
A wave of guilt washed over me deep inside. To be honest, regardless of how perceptive I am, from a third-party perspective, I’m just the scummy bastard stealing away my little sister’s first love. I didn’t mean to, but I ended up in that situation.
I shouldn’t throw around the Proletariat Punch at the Crown Prince. I have to accept any punches Erich dishes out without complaint.
Yet, Louise displays her affection without harboring resentment towards me. All I can say is sorry.
“When will I be able to settle this?”
I need to have a serious talk with Erich. Whether I apologize or hear his hidden grievances, I must contribute to helping his first love.
“That winter is coming; it feels like it’ll get even colder.”
“R-right?”
…Wait, is it helping or complicating?
*
The senior’s words wouldn’t leave my head.
– The Executive Manager liked me first… I met him before they did!
Those words are etched in my mind, as if someone engraved them into my brain.
At first, I tried not to pay attention. Regardless of the teasing from my senior, I’m the one who met the Executive Manager first. Even before the Lady, or Marcilio. Aside from Hecate, no one could beat me.
And then that confidence crumbled in an instant.
‘What a mistake I’ve made.’
Cold sweat trickled down my jawline. My eyes felt hot; if I let my guard down, tears might start flowing.
The Information Department is unpredictable, you never know what will happen. So, grabbing little naps whenever I can has become routine.
The problem is; I fell asleep right after hearing those horrible comments from my senior.
“1, Second Manager, I’m the boss, and you’re my subordinate.”
“Marriage? Me? With you?”
“Don’t be mistaken. You’re treated as a subordinate; I’ve never looked at you as a woman.”
Wait, how long was I out? At most, I think I only dozed for about 10 minutes?
But during that tiny moment, the Executive Manager popped into my dream. If it had merely been a simple Executive Manager dream, it would have been a pleasant little nap. Instead, I heard gut-wrenching words.
“Oh no!”
And I bolted upright in panic. The lack of other people around me was such a relief.
Since waking up in sheer disarray, I’ve been trying to console myself. This was just a dream. Just a bad dream. The Executive Manager has never said anything like that.
I worked to calm my trembling hands. I haven’t even confessed to the Executive Manager yet; nor have I been rejected. Isn’t it said dreams are the opposite? Maybe this is a good sign!
‘It will go well…’
This is all my senior’s fault. Getting me all tied up in knots with her strange words.
With a deep sigh, I turned my gaze. Somehow, my communication device was glowing.
‘Of all times.’
I was in no state to converse, but I reached out barely. Ignoring work communications would be terrible. Besides, it could be the Executive Manager after all.
– Eri.
The moment I grabbed the communication device, my senior’s face appeared. This wasn’t about work or the Executive Manager.
‘Should I hang up?’
I frowned instinctively. I’m getting fed up with my senior right now.
Yeah, I should hang up. Honestly, my senior went too far this time.
– Have you been crying?
“I haven’t cried!”
Just before hanging up, I foolishly reacted to my senior’s provocation.
– Good to know.
The way she spoke made her sound indifferent.
Couldn’t she see I was at my breaking point? I’m seriously considering hanging up on this hassle. My senior deserves to be ignored at this rate.
– You shouldn’t be crying when you’re about to meet the Executive Manager.
But her words caused my hand, which was ready to disconnect everything, to freeze.
– His Highness the Crown Prince is planning to have dinner with the Executive Manager tonight.
“Today…?”
– Today.
I found myself swallowing hard. Today, the Executive Manager is coming to the Capital?
– And I’ve coincidentally invited a close friend, the Marquis’s daughter, before His Highness invited the Executive Manager. So, it wouldn’t be weird for the four of us to have dinner together, right?
“Uhh…?”
My mind went blank from the sudden shift in events.
– What are you doing? Hurry up and come!
And just like that, the communication was cut off.
…
“Se, Senior!”
Snapping back to reality, I dashed toward the Senior Manager’s office.
I have to leave early! Right now!
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