Chapter 252
So, what happens after your dispatch duties at the Academy? Well, it’s time to report to the Information Department.
Unfortunately, civil servants don’t get a vacation. If we didn’t get a summer break, there’s no way we’d magically get one in winter. Not that I’m particularly dreading going to work, but…
‘Seriously, pulling this out already.’
Standing in front of the Ministry of Finance building, I stared blankly up at it, holding a case tied with a red ribbon in one hand.
Originally, the plan was for this case to see the light of day a week or two from now. In order, the Second Manager was supposed to get their response after Irina, with my answer coming after the New Year’s Ball.
But I momentarily forgot that my fate loves to smash well-laid plans to bits.
‘Of all times, only one ring left.’
What a headache. If I had two or three rings left, I wouldn’t be stressing like this. There are plenty of people still waiting for answers, so I could still claim it’s in the interest of the main faction.
But alas, there’s only one ring left. Only one person is left who hasn’t received an answer. If it fosters any misunderstandings, I’m toast for leaving the Second Manager hanging.
Of course, the Second Manager doesn’t know anything about Louise or Irina, but I do! Everyone else has already received their answers, and if I keep turning the Second Manager away, I can’t shake off the guilt.
‘The chain of rings.’
I couldn’t help but chuckle helplessly. When I received my own confession, Marcilio kicked things off, and now I was stuck repeating that process.
But what could I do? I’ve made up my mind, and consciously delaying this feels like playing with someone’s emotions. Even if I have multiple connections, I don’t intend to run my own harem.
It’s a weak excuse, but hey, it’s the truth anyway.
“Please, just give me one more chance…”
Seeing the Second Manager pleading so earnestly, I knew I couldn’t keep making her wait.
And if I ignore her conscience and bypass the Second Manager only for her to find out she’s the only one still in limbo, she’d be crushed.
‘This is my fate.’
With a deep sigh, I walked into the building.
It’s a silly thought, but if the confession was something I was bound to receive anyways, would it have hurt to wait about two months? Then I wouldn’t have to stress over timing like this.
As I opened the office door, I saw the Second Managers munching on some bread. Did these guys come to work without eating?
“Oh, Executive Manager! You’re here!”
The first person I made eye contact with was the Second Manager. Of all the people I could run into right when I arrive, it had to be this one. Today’s fortune is off to a terrible start.
“Uh, I’m here.”
I lazily nodded and quickly scanned the office. The Third Manager was nodding off with a mouthful of bread while the Fifth Manager swallowed and bowed.
The Senior Manager was probably swamped with paperwork in her office, so I didn’t bother to check in.
“Ah, Executive Manager!”
Then came the Second Manager, bounding towards me with a bright smile.
Standing before me, she bowed her head in a proper greeting with bright, sparkling eyes and a warm smile—far from the usual craziness I was used to.
This felt strange. The Second Manager wasn’t supposed to be like this.
“Long time no see, Elizaveta.”
Still, knowing how she felt obliged to put on a normal front, I kept my cool. I even patted her shoulder, not forgetting to call her by her name.
It worked wonders. The moment I said her name, the Second Manager’s eyes widened, and she beamed at me. If I had known this would happen, I should have started calling her by name two years ago!
“What’s this? Are we using each other’s names now?”
As I watched, the Second Manager responded with a smirk.
Using her name took her by surprise, but seeing her fall into that teasing mood showed she was quick to pick up on the atmosphere. It’s just a shame it’s trending in a not-so-great direction.
“Nope. You suit being the Second Manager more than Elizaveta.”
“Come on! Now you’re making me abandon the name given by my parents!”
Despite her words, she didn’t seem that upset. After all, when does a guy ever feel thrilled about being called by his name by another guy?
If anything, calling her Elizaveta would probably make her cringe and freak out.
“As far as you’re concerned, it’s a done deal. From now on, you’re Baron Second Manager.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me.”
And seeing Elizaveta’s evolution into a loyal vassal made the Second Manager shrug her shoulders with a laugh.
“That could be troublesome. I’d have to make a new business card.”
“Well, there’s no helping it then…”
Anyway, as I ruffled the Second Manager’s hair, she muttered weakly.
This transformation was certainly off-putting. To think this Second Manager could turn into such a meek and loyal subordinate. What on earth were the past two years of my pain and suffering for?
It seemed the rest of the colleagues felt similarly, with the Third Manager shaking their head and the Fifth Manager quietly closing their eyes. Their reactions screamed disbelief.
“Elizaveta.”
Noticing their distraught reactions, I felt the need to get the Second Manager out of there.
Handing over a ring in front of everyone like this is awkward enough already, but for the other Managers, it would be cosmic horror incarnate. Handing a ring to a subordinate is practically workplace harassment!
“Shall we get some fresh air for a bit?”
“Sure thing!”
At my suggestion, the Second Manager beamed and snuggled up next to me.
“…Why am I crawling out now?”
Just before stepping out of the office, I caught the Fifth Manager mumbling something very dismal, but I decided not to engage.
If the Fifth Manager felt down about it, it couldn’t be a trivial matter—but unfortunately, it’s tough to help or comfort someone when I’m not around.
Good luck, Fifth Manager.
*
In the small garden attached to the Ministry of Finance, designed to catch a breather during work hours—though frankly, it hardly ever sees any visitors. There are hardly any bureaucrats who have the luxury of stepping out for a breath of fresh air.
But the Executive Manager is the exception. The only person who could say anything to the Executive Manager at the Ministry is the Judicial Minister.
“It’s cold out. Come closer.”
Once we stepped into the garden, the Executive Manager grabbed my arm and linked it with hers.
Blasting happiness surged through me as she pulled me in.
‘Stay calm.’
There’s so much I want to say, from how much she must have missed me to how she managed to hold back all this time and still do skinship like this. Words were practically itching to jump out.
But I can’t say a thing. I promised the Executive Manager I wouldn’t mess around and would behave myself. I have to keep my word. After all, this is a chance I worked hard for.
“Relax.”
“W-What?”
“Just act normally. Don’t hold back for no reason.”
Her smile left me a bit confused as if she could read my mind.
Huh…? Isn’t acting modest the right thing to do? Shouldn’t I keep from teasing her and really play the role of a proper lady? I mean, Aria-senpai used to do it!
“I want to be with Elizaveta, not a doll who worries about every little thing.”
Hearing her candid remark made my heart race.
That’s unfair. Here’s this younger guy laying down sweet talk. How sweet is that? The fact that he likes me just as I am is so genuine.
“Hehe, it’s definitely more fun when you’re relaxed, right?”
I fought hard to hold back my fluttering feelings and said it out loud. If I look embarrassed right now, I’m going to get dragged around by the Executive Manager.
“Just because you cry a lot doesn’t mean you’ll need someone to soothe you.”
I held my tongue at those words.
That’s just nasty… If you bring that up, I’ve got nothing left to say.
“You’re such a crybaby; I’d have to comfort you for life!”
Still, the Executive Manager’s hand on my head melted my heart away quickly.
I’m not an easy lady, but I’m allowing it just for the Executive Manager. Had this been any other guy, they wouldn’t have dared to lay a finger on me.
“Well then, I guess I’ll have to keep crying. Is that a promise to comfort me every day?”
“Should’ve kept my mouth shut.”
It was just a simple exchange, and yet it sparked laughter.
I’m so happy. Crawling together with the Executive Manager, not just as boss and subordinate, but as a man and a woman feels so real. I’ve spent two whole years working alongside the Executive Manager, yet I’ve never felt quite like this before.
In truth, there wasn’t a specific moment that made me fall for the Executive Manager. I began to like her because of her reliable demeanor, her perseverance, her decisiveness, and her willingness to take responsibility.
Honestly, how couldn’t I find the actions of a young and handsome guy appealing?
‘Seems like it’s only me who’s in trouble here.’
…Sadly, it’s a one-sided emotion that I’ve never confessed.
And moreover, given the state the Executive Manager is in, how could I ever bring myself to reveal my feelings? I’ve got no confidence in replacing Hecate!
‘But right now, I’m happy.’
Yeah, here and now, I’m happy. Thanks to Marghetta, the shadow cast over the Executive Manager has lightened, and now I could finally show my true feelings. Thankfully, the Executive Manager received my genuine affection positively.
I haven’t yet heard an answer regarding my confession, but isn’t this basically a done deal? The Executive Manager isn’t the type to date a woman he wants to push away. He’s nothing like the Second Manager.
“I’ll be meeting Marquis Iones soon.”
As we walked arm in arm, the Executive Manager mentioned my father.
“Every time, I can’t help but be concerned about you.”
“I’m a grown lady. He’s being too nosy.”
I puffed up my cheeks in annoyance at the Executive Manager’s words.
Seriously, it’s excessive. I’m well over twenty; I can manage my own life just fine.
“He worries because you’re old enough. A twenty-five-year-old with no plans for marriage is a concern.”
“Couldn’t you describe it as being devoted until twenty-five?”
“You didn’t surpass twenty before meeting me, did you?”
What a cowardly counterattack with a simple truth.
With that disheartening thought, I lowered my eyes, only to hear the Executive Manager chuckling beside me.
What a rebellious little brother. I should start showing my dignity as a sister someday.
“Here. This should ease your father’s concern.”
That caught my attention, and I lifted my head.
Hearing that my father wasn’t complaining was already a pleasing thought, but if he wasn’t nagging about marriage, that could only mean one thing.
Sure enough, as I raised my head, I saw a small case in the Executive Manager’s hand.
“I originally intended to come packed with all sorts of confession messages…but I figured you wouldn’t care for that?”
“Right.”
I replied firmly. Confession messages? Who cares about that? What matters is whether there’s a ring on my finger or not.
I had already set everything aside after crying and wailing in front of the Executive Manager the previous night. Searching for romance and ambiance now is meaningless. It’s all about efficiency.
“Saw that coming.”
The Executive Manager smiled again as he loosened the red ribbon tied around the case. I like the ribbon! Red is definitely the prettiest color.
The ribbon unfurled as the case opened cautiously, and the ring emerged from inside.
I’m so happy. So incredibly happy. Honestly, it feels unreal…
“Um, Executive Manager?”
“What is it?”
“…Why is it a half-ring?”
I couldn’t suppress the fundamental question that surfaced.
No, to be honest, I had heard that Marghetta received the same half-ring. Given how things were starting, it wasn’t surprising I’d receive half, too.
However, expectation and understanding are different things. Why the heck is a perfectly good ring split in half…?
‘A ring that symbolizes us becoming one?’
It sounds decent enough. If someone else told me, I’d nod in acknowledgment at the romance.
But knowing the Executive Manager, he would never be the type to pursue such romantic gestures voluntarily. He’d just nab something from a shop nearby.
“Isn’t it unique?”
Yet is it just me? The Executive Manager almost seemed to take positive delight in my inquiry about the half-ring.
Why…?
*
Enen hasn’t given up on her sister just yet.
And neither has our Master!
– Yuris. How have you been?
“Elder Sister!”
When the Master started for work, I received a call from the butler saying someone was looking for me.
Immediately, I suspected there was only one person it could be—only Penelia, my sister.
“Why didn’t you get in touch until now?”
The moment I saw her face through the communication device, feelings of sorrow and frustration burst forth.
Do you have any idea how worried I’ve been?! Every time I watched someone else rush ahead of her, I felt like my heart was going to explode! I was so afraid something might have happened to her!
– I’m sorry. I barely had any time.
With a tan though strong voice, and yet draining with fatigue, I scrutinized my sister’s expression closely.
‘…No kidding?’
While my sister appeared expressionless, her eyes told a different story—they were the windows to her emotions.
In those eyes, fatigue towered like a wave ready to spill over. My steel-strong sister was visibly worn down.
What on earth happened…?
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