Chapter 209
In the stillness of dawn, where even the hint of daybreak hadn’t yet appeared, it was a bit too early to kick off the day. But with all the hustle and bustle around the capital lately, I preferred the comfort of burying myself in the office early.
If I linger around the mansion, guests might drop by, and if I leave when everyone else is heading out, I’d get stuck in traffic. Now that would be a predicament.
I carefully lifted my body, only to feel a tug on my wrist, prompting me to glance to the side.
“Rana… Are you leaving already?”
“Lana.”
As I stroked Rana’s head with my other hand, her sleepy eyes fluttered shut again. She looked just like a cat dozing off, but comparing a person to a cat doesn’t exactly do justice.
“I wanted to have breakfast together…”
With her eyes still closed, Rana whined, and I gently patted her back. Lately, I had been skipping breakfast to head out sooner; it must feel lonely for her to be left behind.
But what can I do? If I stay at the mansion, a throng of people would gather, and I’d wear her out even more. Better for her to feel a bit lonely than utterly exhausted.
“I’ll be back for dinner, so don’t worry.”
“Really…?”
She wriggled and extended her pinky finger.
“Yeah, really.”
Once I hooked my pinky with hers, she sighed in relief and drifted off to sleep.
‘I should come back early.’
I carefully got up from the bed, making sure not to wake her again.
Fortunately, arriving early isn’t difficult. It’s not like I’m swamped with work that forces me in earlier; instead, starting earlier allows me to leave sooner, which is a win-win.
Besides, the 5th department isn’t even one of the busiest in the information bureau. Compared to the 3rd department, which’s always running around, my work is practically desk-based.
‘Let’s hope today goes smoothly.’
Since becoming the head of the 5th department, I’ve repeated my morning prayer every day without fail.
Of course, it’s extremely rare for that prayer to be answered.
…Today’s prayer didn’t succeed either. At this point, it’s hardly surprising.
‘Trouble already?’
As soon as I grabbed the handle of my office door, I sensed chaos on the other side.
But after two years of living this life, I can estimate the situation. This mess in the office is something I can handle.
Sure enough, as I opened the door, I saw the 2nd manager being manhandled by the 1st manager.
‘Nothing too serious, I guess.’
I felt relieved. I had a moment’s worry about being off the mark with my predictions.
“Oh, 5th department head.”
As I stepped in, the 3rd manager in the corner greeted me, having apparently hidden away from the 1st manager’s rampage.
To be honest, with the size of the 3rd manager, it’s hard to miss him, but in the current chaos, the 1st manager likely only had eyes for the 2nd manager.
“You’re early.”
“Of course. With so many people buzzing around, I have to come in early.”
The 3rd manager scratched his head, sounding exasperated, and I nodded in agreement. If I’m feeling this overwhelmed, I’m sure the other managers are too. We’re all on the same page about getting in early.
“Is it that we seem harmless while the Executive Manager is terrifying?”
“It’s often said that nobles are more curious when fear is involved.”
“Hmm, that’s true.”
We exchanged trivial banter, idly watching the 1st manager in a fit of rage.
Watching the 2nd manager flail about like a paper doll caught in the 1st manager’s grip was kind of sad. But once I thought about how he brought this upon himself, any sympathy flew out the window.
‘Well, he should’ve kept his mouth shut.’
Thinking back to the incident a few days ago made me sigh. No matter how much you’ve had to drink, there’s a time for everything.
At a department dinner where the information bureau heads gathered, the catastrophe struck. The 2nd manager, declaring he wanted to get drunk today, lost all restraint.
“Hey, what are you going to do now?”
“What are you talking about all of a sudden?”
The 2nd manager, devolving into a whimpering mess, barked at the 1st manager, who had been quietly drinking. Especially since the 1st manager had lately seemed to be in a sour mood.
“The Duke’s heir even met his future mother-in-law—what’s your excuse?”
The words from the chuckling 2nd manager made the 1st manager’s hand freeze in mid-air.
And as I looked on, along with the 1st manager and the 3rd manager who was texting his wife saying he’d be late, we all went stiff.
The rumors about the Duke’s son visiting the Executive Manager’s territory, along with the whispers of a close conversation with the Countess, had spread like wildfire. It was an incident that hinted the Executive Manager was being seriously pursued, and the capital was still buzzing from it.
But, tying this incident to the 1st manager?
‘No way he could’ve been involved.’
Shaking my head at the sight of the 1st manager harshly tugging on the 2nd manager made me reconsider.
If they were lumped together, it’d make sense that the 1st manager also had a crush on the Executive Manager.
Honestly, that’s truly unexpected. I thought the 2nd manager was just babbling nonsense out of frustration, but the 1st manager’s reaction during the dinner certainly lent credence to the claim.
“Shut your mouth!”
While trembling, the 1st manager struck the 2nd manager on the head with his glass. It was an impressively clean and crisp blow.
But regrettably for the 1st manager, while he won the battle against the 2nd manager, he lost the war of truth. His fierce reaction was indicative of someone whose foot was stuck in his mouth.
“…Did you hear that?”
The 1st manager then turned to us after the 2nd manager fell to the ground in a wine-soaked heap.
“Hmm? I was busy talking to my wife. What did he say?”
At that moment, the 3rd manager, fiddling with his communication device, seized the opportunity and created an alibi.
“I didn’t hear anything.”
The 2nd manager’s response didn’t hold much weight.
“…”
“…”
An intense stare-off took place between the 1st manager and me.
Unable to withstand the silent pressure, I managed to convey my drunken act as a part of my performance from that dinner fiasco.
So, officially, we had no idea who the 1st manager was harboring feelings for.
“Oh, you both are here!”
“Just arrived.”
The 1st manager, looking relieved to see us, caught my eye instinctively, and I nodded.
The 1st manager’s affection, the 1st manager’s fury. I knew nothing.
Only the 2nd manager was aware of the truth.
‘Hang in there.’
I silently wished for the 2nd manager who was squirming behind the 1st manager.
Of course, he brought this upon himself. No matter how far the 1st manager is from being an ordinary woman, if she were to hear about the 2nd manager’s crush, there would be no excuse for the beating he deserved.
He might be stupid enough to let it happen without any resistance.
‘Not the best person to be bragging about love.’
Thinking about it gave me a chuckle. Knowing why the 2nd manager ended up as he did that day makes everything seem even more ridiculous.
‘The Judicial Minister’s niece.’
I may be chuckling at the thought. Of all people, why’d he have to poke a bear like that?
He even got caught mentioning it directly to the Minister. That’s why the 2nd manager ended up summoned to the Ministry. It’s no wonder he wants to drown himself in booze tonight.
Or perhaps, since he spilled the beans about his own relationship, he’s intent on dragging down someone else’s love woes.
What determination! The resolve to not go down alone.
‘Note to self, avoid living that way.’
A paragon of perspective!
The senior manager arrived late in the morning.
“Ah, Senior Manager!”
“Good to see you.”
“Yep.”
The senior manager let out a small sigh, showing signs of fatigue on his face.
In fact, he always looked a bit worn out, but these days it seemed worse.
‘Looks like it’s all piling up on him.’
What a sad reality. The Executive Manager is far removed from the concerns, while the subordinated managers are hiding. Ultimately, the senior manager is left to deal with everything himself.
Sure, he could evade a bit if he wanted, but with his role as the acting Executive Manager, he couldn’t exactly dodge his responsibilities. He inevitably has to meet with nobles or other departments, so eventually, he’s bound to be snagged.
“Are you okay? The rumors aren’t dying down; they’re heating up instead.”
The 3rd manager, observing the worn-out look on the senior manager, cautiously spoke up.
That was for sure. Normally, rumors cool down over time, but this one has only fanned the flames with time.
‘Not a rumor that would fizzle out easily.’
Sure, the buzz surrounding the reclusive Duke’s lover has drawn a crowd for over a century, with whispers of whether the proposal from the Katoban family may fall through.
Yet this drama was taken up a notch. It felt as if someone was behind the scenes, making sure the stories blew up—
‘Hmm.’
I instinctively halted that thought. I was inching dangerously close to dangerous territory. Unnecessary curiosity only shortens one’s lifespan.
“I’m fine. Now I can catch my breath a bit.”
The senior manager who said that let out another sigh. This one tinged with a hint of relief compared to the last.
“The Executive Manager told me to redirect all the inquiries from the curious nobles directly to him.”
“Oh.”
I nodded at the 2nd manager, who was speechless with admiration.
‘Very clever indeed.’
A terse command, but one with remarkable immediate effect.
Ordinary nobles wouldn’t dare directly contact the Executive Manager. Hence, they’re taking it out on the senior manager instead.
And anyone who could directly approach the Executive Manager would have been teasing him long ago. Think Judicial Minister, then Judicial Minister, and maybe again Judicial Minister.
“Do as he says. That’s what the Executive Manager wants.”
“Understood.”
I readily replied, relaying the good news.
“I wanted to have breakfast with you…”
Rana’s earlier words echoed in my mind.
Now that there’s no need to dodge anyone during my morning commute, I could have breakfast with Rana.
Thank goodness. At the very least, it’s only right for a husband to share a meal with his wife.
Thinking of how pleased she would be with even this little news brought a smile to my face.
“Wow, looks like you’ve had quite the day, 5th department head.”
“Indeed. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you smile.”
As I headed back downstairs,
*
Fiddling with my communication device, I let out a sigh.
‘It’d be a problem if the senior manager passed out.’
I had been so focused on managing my own stress that I hadn’t thought about him.
With a look that seemed on the verge of fainting with the next crisis, I could feel the exhaustion even through the communication device.
So I asked him to relay any AGOs toward me instead. It’s a weird thing to say, but it sums up my intent.
— Yes, Executive Manager. Thank you.
Hearing his thanks made me feel a bit guilty.
‘Of course, they wouldn’t say anything to my face.’
After I declared that the senior manager should bring any grievances to me, hours later, my communication device was eerily quiet.
All the stirring matters had gone silent. If someone did contact me, I was genuinely ready to engage in meaningful conversation.
Of course, this was the desired outcome. Which sane person would confront the head of the information bureau with questions like, “So, are you the Duke’s matchmaker?”
‘What on earth.’
Just as I had that thought, my device buzzed unexpectedly. Not a call, but a text.
[ Are you getting married to that Duke’s son? ]
As I read the content, I quietly closed my eyes. Mortification swept over me, prompting me to open my eyes once more. I could roughly guess who it came from.
A message that seemed like it was sent after gulping down a bottle of alcohol during the day.
‘Is this… wisdom?’
I could feel the crushing despair wash over me.
No, it’s more like “drunk wisdom” than “wise wisdom.”
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