Chapter 214
I quietly turned my gaze to the Executive Manager. Considering how often he stole glances at Erich, it seemed my plan to shock him with something different had succeeded.
‘It worked.’
Of course, it was an obvious outcome; I had designed it myself, after all—there was no way it could fail.
Now, the Executive Manager isn’t some perverted playboy who loses his mind at the sight of every woman, but when a close companion shows up looking different than usual, it’s unavoidable that his attention gets drawn.
Plus, Erich is a beauty. This isn’t just me being nice because she’s my junior; it’s an objective observation. Even though her personality and conduct may not match her looks all the time, when she dresses up, she’s certainly stunning enough to steal everyone’s breath away.
And once again, I directed my gaze at Erich.
‘…Should I kill her?’
The thought that instinctively crossed my mind upon seeing her current appearance.
Hold on, my reason. If I get angry now, it’ll all be for nothing.
‘Such frustration.’
But I couldn’t help but clench my hands. I was so tense I ended up scratching the plate with my knife.
It felt like I was about to explode. Where did the usual chatterbox of a girl go? It was replaced by the silent noble lady, as if she were deep in prayer at a church.
‘What’s the point of shutting your mouth?’
Right, I asked her to show a different side. And yes, this quiet demeanor is indeed different. But did it have to show itself right now?
I held back a sigh that felt ready to erupt and took a sip of my wine. Normally, she was so bustling with energy, yet now she was so well-behaved.
This wouldn’t do. I needed her to win over the Executive Manager by being her usual lively self, not this strange quietness. Just being different doesn’t mean anything without the spark of her vibrant personality.
‘Speak up already.’
As I stared at her with escalating urgency, it seemed she felt my gaze, flinching slightly.
Don’t tremble now; open your mouth! Do you want to be the one receiving the bouquet instead of throwing it?
‘There won’t be another chance.’
Failing at this point would mean more than just losing an opportunity. This venue, implicitly supported by the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, is a once-in-a-lifetime shock of uniqueness.
With such weapons at play, if she doesn’t open her mouth, she won’t get another chance to confess. At the rate things are going, she could walk somewhere that would take her longer than riding a carriage.
“Seems like the Executive Manager has many connections with beautiful women.”
Just as I was contemplating whether to flip the table to shift the mood, the Crown Prince spoke up.
That was an overly blunt statement that could provoke the Executive Manager. But right now, I needed even that; it’s a favorable setup to encourage Erich to act.
In fact, I could see her flinch again with the Crown Prince’s words.
“…I’m undeserving of such attention.”
The Executive Manager, whose hands had briefly paused, opened his mouth calmly.
‘He’s flustered.’
Upon closer inspection, the corners of his eyes were slightly twitching. Internally, he appeared to be quite flustered despite his words.
‘I’m sorry, Executive Manager.’
After a brief internal apology, I spoke. Tag-teaming this was truly sorry, but I had to do it for my junior.
Long-term wise, I believe this is also for the benefit of the Executive Manager. Offering him a chance to gain a beautiful and vibrant bride like Erich, right? Definitely, this is for him.
“Yes, indeed. With Lady Marghetta, the Duke Marcilio, and Lady Elizaveta around, it seems rather crowded.”
At that remark, the Executive Manager’s gaze shifted back to Erich.
Right, I needed to ensure they exchanged words, and the Executive Manager should see Erich at least once more.
If they both stayed quiet, nothing would ever happen. Shy, unrequited love leading to fate? That’s a tale for a fairy tale. If you don’t move, you can’t expect results.
“Yes, even the Second Manager is quite the catch. I’m almost curious about who will take her.”
After a moment of contemplation, the Executive Manager spoke softly.
Right now, Erich is my guest. So, his words didn’t hold much sincerity—it was clear he was trying to say something nice. But that’s fine; what matters is he said something pleasant outwardly.
‘Now’s the time.’
I turned my attention back to Erich. Just say something. At least something like, “It looks like the Executive Manager should take her!”
“Hehe…”
But Erich merely let out a dazed giggle and quietly sipped her wine.
…
‘Should I kill her?’
Don’t hold back, my reason.
Today is Erich’s last dinner here. We’ll see tomorrow.
*
When the Crown Prince brought up relationships, I almost thought my heart would drop. I wondered if that crazy guy would even joke like that in front of the Crown Princess.
But the Crown Princess laughed it off, and they exchanged a few words before the topic quickly dwindled. Fortunately, it didn’t seem like he had been joking around.
‘He’s making me feel insecure.’
It’s discouraging. They say you shouldn’t bother a dog while it’s eating. I feel like I’m in a worse position than a dog; I could cry.
… Well, to be accurate, dogs don’t bite when they’re fed; I just can’t bite the Crown Prince, can I?
Anyway, from that statement onward, dinner rolled by smoothly. We had dessert and a post-dinner drink.
“It was a joyful time, Your Highness.”
The invitation dinner ended without a hitch. Yet I still couldn’t understand why I was called.
I couldn’t make sense of it. Could it be true, that they really invited me with completely pure intentions? Just to share a meal?
“I thought so too. Having moments like these shouldn’t be bad in the future.”
“It’s an honor.”
Seeing the Crown Prince smiling while saying something horrific only confused me further. The way he stayed silent today indicates he really had no business calling me.
They say when a person does something they wouldn’t normally do, it’s time to go.
‘Did my prayers not work out?’
I was hoping for a long and healthy life; where did the longevity go? And I certainly didn’t wish for a sickness that would take me away immediately.
“Executive Manager.”
“Yes, Crown Princess.”
Amidst my ridiculous thoughts, the Crown Princess beside the Crown Prince spoke up.
“Would it be alright if I took Lady Elizaveta back with me?”
At those words, I glanced over at the Second Manager. Barely conscious at this point, she was being supported by the Crown Princess.
If anyone else saw this, they would think it quite inappropriate, but both the Crown Princess and the Crown Prince showed no reaction, behaving as if it was the most natural thing.
‘That’s quite the favoritism.’
A close friend of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess was nothing strange to hear; but that friend happens to be the Second Manager of the Inspection Department? The mismatch between her status and position is simply staggering.
I still cannot understand it. She could submit her resignation and get accepted right away; what’s keeping her in the Inspection Department?
“Of course, Your Highness.”
First, I decided to take the opportunity to collect this crazy girl who was leaning on the Crown Princess.
As I placed one arm around the Second Manager, the smell of alcohol wafted strongly. Just how much did she drink?
“I’d appreciate your help, Executive Manager.”
The Crown Princess, who was quietly observing the Second Manager, gave me a slight smile.
I had been to the Second Manager’s residence before, so finding my way wouldn’t be a problem.
It was just that it was a hassle to support someone.
‘What’s with getting drunk?’
I glanced disdainfully at this lumpy burden beside me. I’d never seen someone get wasted at a normal meal, especially when it wasn’t even a drinking party.
Drinking post-meal is typically just a light buzz, but losing control this badly is extremely rare.
… But wasn’t the Crown Princess drinking similarly?
‘Did I misjudge?’
I must have misjudged. I’ve never heard rumors of the Crown Princess being a heavy drinker.
At any rate, I suppressed my annoyance and quietly moved forward. Really, my heart wanted to drop her off right here and say, “Welcome to your new home!” but I had to keep in mind she was dressed up.
Honestly, I felt like I couldn’t treat her like a regular lady. The way she was dressed demanded a certain respect.
‘If she’d acted like this normally…’
Had she been like this all the time, she would have gotten married long ago. I couldn’t predict what kind of criminal would end up with her, but surely someone would have caught her interest.
“Ex-Executive Manager…”
“What?”
“Ex-Executive Manager…”
Finally, after some time, the Second Manager produced sounds resembling proper words amid her moans.
“Hehe… I’m feeling better now.”
Finally lifting her head, the Second Manager wore an awkward smile.
Of course, her appearance offered no indication that she was actually doing better. Her face was flushed; whether from the alcohol or tears, I couldn’t tell. She seemed to be suffering from a headache too—just how much did she drink, anyway?
“I can walk alone now.”
“Crawling on all fours doesn’t count as walking.”
“I’m serious!”
Upon my remark, the Second Manager yelled back, shaking off my hand and trying to walk on her own.
Needless to say, she didn’t get very far and collapsed instead.
“Hold on to my hand. If you’re going to flop down, do it on the bed.”
Seeing her pitiful state as she sat down made me sigh. I’d tried to prevent her dress from getting dirty, but ultimately, the owner herself ruined it in a heartbeat.
My efforts… instantly trashed…
“Manager…”
“Yeah, what is it?”
“Manager…”
Yet the Second Manager only mumbled, refusing to take hold of my hand.
Her tipsy state mixed with her provocative words was enough to make my heart swell.
“If you act all dressed up while being this drunk, you’ll never get married.”
With a small sigh, I grabbed the Second Manager’s shoulder. If she did this in her Inspection Department uniform, it wouldn’t matter; they’d avoid her like the plague instead of being drawn in.
But if she acted like this nicely dressed, someone could easily spot her, and soon, there would be rumors about how she flopped on the street.
It was true that it’s already a rocky road to marriage for her, so the last thing I needed was to ruin her chances further by acting so shamelessly.
“Stop it… I’ll never get married anyway…”
That wave of chilling self-reflection nearly took my breath away.
No, well, it seemed like common sense to think that way, but hearing it from her directly hit differently.
“What’s wrong with you? Who else is like you?”
So I had to boost her confidence. Even if she may think so lowly of herself, I can’t stand for it—my subordinates can’t be put down like that.
And the Second Manager is certainly marriage material. What’s lacking for her to live out her life as a married woman?
Aside from her personality.
“Is that so…?”
Fortunately, my comment seemed to offer her a little comfort as she gave a small smile.
“I wonder if… the Manager could take me…”
“What?”
At that unexpected statement, my face scrunched up.
“I really like you, Manager; I really really like you…”
Ignoring my reaction, the Second Manager continued with a goofy grin.
“I’ve liked you since the first time I saw you… I really, really liked you… for two years now…”
Then suddenly, she began to cry buckets.
“I’ve always liked you more than Hecate—though I’m sure I’m nowhere near your level… but still, I was the first one to like you…”
“Second Manager.”
I reached out to pat her on the shoulder to calm her down. She wasn’t in her right mind. She was saying incoherent things because she was too drunk to handle them.
This kind of thing needed to be cut short. Just imagine how embarrassing it would be for her once she sobered up.
“Don’t call me Second Manager!”
But the Second Manager waved my hand away and yelled. It was as if she was in despair.
“I’m… I’m Elizaveta! Not just Second Manager, but Elizaveta!”
When she said that, I was taken aback.
“…I know, I do know… the Manager calls me by my title… I know why…”
Having screamed once, the Second Manager spoke with a softer tone now.
“Still, still… how sad is it that I can’t be called by my name by the man I love?”
Her tears flowed endlessly as she offered up a distorted smile.
Tonight, her white hair glimmered tragically in the moonlight.
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