Chapter: 23
As always, I found myself alone in the clubroom on a bright morning. Honestly, I would have preferred to organize my thoughts in my lodging, but having spent some time at the academy, it had already become routine to clock in at the clubroom. As a civil servant, I can only feel at ease after heading somewhere in the morning.
Of course, I felt at ease mentally, but my mind was still a chaotic mess.
‘He talks so easily; damn it.’
In my frustration, I slouched back in my chair, resting my head against the backrest. So that’s what the ceiling looks like, huh? I guess I’ve never really looked at it before.
Holding back a sigh that escaped naturally, I ran my fingers through my hair. I had suspected something like this from the moment Ainter joined the club; however, there was a moment I had hoped wouldn’t come to pass. It was a moment I simply couldn’t refuse.
I received an indirect order from the Crown Prince through the Minister of the Imperial Household. While it wasn’t an official command, I couldn’t ignore it when the designated next Emperor outright expressed his desires. Since I was technically aligned with the Crown Prince faction, I had to put on a show of complying with even the most outrageous demands, no matter how absurd.
“But for him to ask me to deal with the Second Prince in case of an emergency—how preposterous!”
There was no way it would involve a kitchen knife in broad daylight; I’d have to pass it off as an accident. I was already exhausted from that hassle with the Second Prince. If a prince were to die unexpectedly, it could only be attributed to the Crown Prince’s orders. Both the current princes and I knew that when the Second Prince was killed.
‘Fortunately, it doesn’t seem like he’s set on that.’
If the Crown Prince was truly determined, he would have ordered me to deal with it immediately. However, Ainter had shown a surprising degree of calmness, maintaining a firm claim to the throne; maybe he had opted to show a bit of mercy instead. I couldn’t believe it: that reckless guy was capable of mercy.
I suppose it’s a good thing. As it stood, I felt guilty towards Ainter, and sending him a fancy wine set was just something I really wanted to avoid. The Crown Prince hadn’t lost his marbles yet, so I had no choice but to endure it while defending Ainter as much as possible.
‘What a jerk.’
Even if I could swear at that Crown Prince a hundred times over, I couldn’t entirely fault him.
After all, Ainter, who had been keeping a low profile until now, would understandably freak out hearing that he was suddenly intertwined with foreign princes and a saint candidate in the same club. He’d probably recall the past where he and the Second Prince were swinging each other by the collar and simultaneously kicking each other in the groin like some bizarre scene!
But knowing the whole truth put me in an uncomfortable position. If I ended up killing Ainter, I’d only be labeled as the guy who hastily eliminated a prince who had no shot at the throne. It would gain me nothing and result in nothing but trouble.
And if Ainter were to die suddenly, it would be obvious that I, who was at the academy, was responsible. Talk about massive unwanted attention…
“I’ll settle my debts with this.”
Ultimately, I couldn’t hold it in any longer; a sigh escaped my lips. I would consider the pressure I put on Ainter two years ago settled, and if the time came when I had no choice but to eliminate Ainter, defending him should suffice. No, it might even be considered a spectacular act of kindness. Ainter should be aware of my hidden efforts on his behalf.
In addition to the main quest titled “Louise and the Kids,” I now had the side quest “Determining Ainter’s Treatment” to handle concurrently. But what was I supposed to do? The higher-ups wanted it, and us lower-ranked folks had to roll with the punches at their beck and call. It was a small comfort that I could at least steer how I rolled to some degree.
I felt like I shouldn’t be too happy about that, but if I didn’t think that way, I wouldn’t last.
When club activities started, another discomfort brewed within me. It wasn’t quite as intense as yesterday, but the five’s piercing gazes still weighed heavily on my nerves. They all seemed to be the kind that harbored grudges for a long time, and I hadn’t realized…
Among those five, Erich’s presence made it even more heartbreaking. Had he completely forgotten the valuable advice this brother had once given him? The thought of that “black-haired beast” flitted through my mind, but I rapidly shook it off. I believe my brother isn’t a beast!
“Oppa, here! I made something new.”
Honestly, I suspected the reason for those five’s persistent glares was Louise’s fervent chatter directed at me. Louise, seemingly embarrassed by yesterday’s prank, had slightly rosy cheeks. “What were you thinking?” This turned into quite the messy free-for-all without a single victor!
“Anyway, if she made it fresh, I ought to taste it.”
“Fruits?”
On the plate before me lay a cookie adorned with bits of fruit. I’d heard such cookies existed but had never seen one before. Louise really did have a knack for this. It was no wonder she wanted to start a pastry club.
Taking a bite, I was satisfied yet again. Nodding as I savored it, Louise beamed brightly at my approval.
“Should I also try one?”
“Oh!”
To my surprise, Rutis piped up, declaring he would also try Louise’s cookie. Louise’s eyes widened in surprise; it seemed she was thrilled that someone who had been avoiding it for so long was finally taking the plunge. With a radiant smile, she extended her plate towards him.
“Here! Enjoy it!”
“Look at that!” Just the act of offering a cookie she’d poured her heart into made Louise joyous. Despite the easy route laid out before them, the five stubbornly wandered into a maze! But finally, one of them realized the obvious.
While I wasn’t thrilled that the realization stemmed from my influence, at least it was a positive outcome, right? Rutis had finally decided to play his part in a romance fantasy! What a heartwarming moment.
“Hmm…”
It was too soon for heartwarming. As Rutis chewed, he clearly struggled to mask his feelings. I noticed Louise’s shoulders slumping in disappointment. Now, they didn’t even attempt to feign enjoyment.
“I guess it isn’t very common to put fruit in a cookie. Opinions will definitely vary.”
Saying that, I took the entire plate. It wasn’t a surprise; I always had to take care of Louise’s cookies in situations like this. Regardless of whatever transpires, I always become the one handling the aftermath.
After I swiped the plate, Louise stared at me, flustered, before awkwardly turning her head away. It must have been embarrassing for her, realizing someone couldn’t even eat what she had crafted with such care. I glanced toward Rutis.
“I was expecting great things from his boldness!”
Rutis only seemed like a blundering fool who rushed without thinking! Still, at least he made an effort, which gave him a few credit points. The main issue was he was starting from a deeply negative score!
I shot a disparaging look at Rutis while he, to my surprise, regarded me with a different expression. It was awe…? What kind of madness was this—feeling awe over someone simply eating a cookie?
“What a lunatic.”
With a slight frown, I turned my gaze, only to find the other four standing there awkwardly. When Rutis had boldly decided to take action, it looked like the others considered joining in on the cookie taste test, but their courage fizzled out once they witnessed his reaction. How petty—but at least Rutis had the guts to try!
I quietly took another cookie, enjoying its sweet taste. The sugar brought me a sense of comfort.
After that, the pastry club’s activities carried on normally. The only remarkable difference was Rutis, who’d joined us with a bang, had suddenly gone silent. “It’s important to know the difference between confidence and recklessness, kid.” Though truthfully, even suggesting that eating a cookie could be reckless was a laughable notion.
While I mourned for Rutis, who had set out to lead yet ended up floundering in last place, I felt my communication device vibrate in my pocket.
I took a quick peek at it. Since it wasn’t lit up, it seemed someone had sent a message. I initially thought it might be another alarming contact from the palace and was caught off guard.
It could be something important, so I rose to step outside to check. As I did, I met eyes with Louise, showing her the communication device. She nodded and diverted her gaze towards the oven. It seemed like we’ve been making eye contact more frequently nowadays.
Anyway, I exited the clubroom and strolled down the empty hallway while operating the device. Was there really a need to send me a message?
『Come to my office the moment you read this. – Minister of Finance』
My expression froze as I read the message. However, upon reading it again, I relievedly recognized it as something sent to me weeks ago. I must’ve forgotten to delete it!
‘I was just about to think he might be losing his marbles.’
Requesting me, someone from the Academy, to visit his office was either a sign of madness or senility, and sadly, it turned out he was neither.
I reviewed the message sent the most recently.
『I’ve sent the information requested by the head of the Inspection Division. Please check it. – Information Executive Manager of the Special Service Agency』
“Ah, this must be it.”
‘Have they already sent it?’
Just after it was decided that I’d be dispatched to the academy, I’d fervently asked the Information Executive Manager for intel while preparing in various other aspects. Although the Inspection Division possessed some information-gathering capabilities, it was nothing compared to the dedicated Information Department.
Fortunately, it seemed my earnest request had moved the Information Executive Manager. Contrary to my plea for substantial information, he had already compiled and sent it. All that mutual assistance during our civil servant careers seemed to have come back around pleasantly— not bad…
Before replying, I examined the document. Based on the title, this was indeed the information I had requested.
‘So these calamities were already lurking in the original work?’
It truly was a bewildering affair. If I hadn’t dug into this intel, I could’ve ended up blindsided and swatted like a bug!
I quickly skimmed through the information received. This was first on my list after hearing about the major players congregating at the academy.
“So many folks are bent on destroying the academy.”
I diligently gathered a list of groups that likely contributed to the protagonists’ crises in the original work.
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