Chapter 254
Hearing Yuris’s words threw me into a momentary confusion, but I quickly pulled myself together.
The Fourth Manager has feelings for me. Honestly, it’s not something I couldn’t understand. In fact, it’s probably not a shock anymore—if it ever was.
In addition to the initial rejection from Marghetta, there’s the Duke Marcilio who stands at a distance due to status and race, along with Louise and Irina, whom I’ve known for less than a year, and even the tightly-knit First Manager. All of them might actually like me.
‘Well, I did treat the Fourth Manager decently.’
I cleared my mind to assess the situation objectively. The Fourth Manager had more than enough reasons to have feelings for me, definitely not fewer.
I took her in after she lost everything to the war—her family, her home, everything. I provided for her, clothed her, and sheltered her. I certainly didn’t remember being abusive. I even awakened her potential in martial arts that she had neglected.
Plus, all the support I gave her to help revive our department has gotten her to her current position. She’s not technically a noble yet, just a simple knight, but it’s practically guaranteed she’ll receive a title someday.
‘She should have feelings for me, right?’
No matter how I looked at it, I indeed treated her well. Wasn’t I following the classic rescue cliché to the letter?
“I should have been more average.”
This sinful man! To have captivated one woman without even realizing it. My guilt runs deep.
“Master, we don’t mind, but you shouldn’t say things like that in front of others.”
“Sorry about that.”
That was a chillingly objective assessment. But to someone who doesn’t know me, I must come off as a cringy narcissist.
Fortunately, Yuris understands my relationship with the Fourth Manager so she just let it go, but it was definitely not something I could say in public.
“By the way, are you sure?”
I gently rubbed her head and asked again. If Yuris felt confident enough to speak directly, she probably had reasons backing her up, but there’s always a possibility.
At Yuris’s age, it’s when you start getting interested in love a lot. Just being close as friends can lead to wild imaginations. It’s not impossible for someone to read a close superior-subordinate relationship as something romantic.
“At the mansion, everyone but you knows.”
“…I see.”
When I heard her firm answer, the possibility of it being just speculation was wiped out.
Oh… so I’m the only one who didn’t see this. My awareness is nonexistent!
“Everyone was probably a bit anxious, right? Your rings are increasing, but Penelia hasn’t shown up…”
Yuris sighed as she said that. It sounded like she was implying that the Fourth Manager was pitiful, but she couldn’t hide the quivering in her voice.
Even though she’s typically aloof, the Fourth Manager was softer with the members of our department and the mansion’s staff. To her, those people were a new family to replace the one she lost in the war.
Yuris followed the Fourth Manager like an older sister. So it must have worried her to see her sister dealing with unrequited love, especially without any prospect of fulfillment.
“Um, so, Master… Penelia is a good person too…”
“I got it.”
I cut her off, knowing what she wanted to say. No matter how much I’m not the type to exploit my employees, how much courage does one need to speak like that to their boss?
And just as much as Yuris cares for the Fourth Manager, I hold her in a high regard too. She was more like my first student, and she’s the one who almost revitalized our department from its near downfall.
After all, I took care of an orphan from head to toe, how could I not form a bond?
Even if I was technically younger than her.
“I’d be serious, anytime, about the Fourth Manager’s confession. Today, tomorrow, or the next year.”
Yeah, if it comes from the Fourth Manager, I wouldn’t take it lightly. She’s someone I can trust more than any subordinate and someone with whom I have developed strong feelings. There’s no reason to dislike or push her away.
If I hadn’t received any other confessions, or only received one, I might still have hesitated; but here I am wearing five rings.
Even if it becomes six, that’s half of what the Gold Duke has…
“Um, Master?”
“Yeah?”
“Don’t you think she’d confess first…?”
Although it was a negative comment, I couldn’t find a counter-argument.
‘True enough.’
The Fourth Manager is always strict, solemn, serious, and quiet. I can’t even picture her being the one to confess. Honestly, imagining her getting married is a bit hard too.
If she had the courage to confess, she would have done so long ago.
“Don’t worry, I’ll handle this.”
I gently patted Yuris’s head, trying to soothe her. If the other person isn’t making a move, then I must step in. If I hadn’t learned about the Fourth Manager’s feelings, I might have let it slide. But now that I know, I can’t just pretend to be oblivious.
*
I hurried toward the Master’s mansion. I had just returned to the Ministry, and there was a mountain of tasks to handle, but nothing could take precedence over the Master’s call.
– Long time no see. Is it the first time since the Red Wave?
“Yes, Executive Manager. I apologize for not greeting you earlier.”
– No worries. If you’re busy with work, it can’t be helped.
I couldn’t bring myself to look up as I noticed how the Master smiled reassuringly. While I was away, the Master had endured the humiliation of confinement. For me, not being able to visit my Master as their servant is shameful.
Still, the Master didn’t blame me. When I was dispatched, my Master didn’t contact me first. If the communication line rang during an important moment, it would be a real inconvenience.
– Could you come by the mansion when you have time? I haven’t seen you in a while.
“I’ll come right away.”
– No, you just got back; you don’t need to rush.
“I’ll come right away.”
– …Alright.
So, as soon as my Master extended the invitation, I dashed over.
I left the tasks to the Vice Captain. Seeing that even he was pushing me to hurry because of the Master’s invitation, I could trust him to handle things.
“Oh, you came quickly!”
And graciously, my Master stood waiting at the front gate.
The guards, Theo and Hans, greeted me, but honestly, I hardly noticed them. I’m sure they’ll understand my situation. When the Master personally welcomes you, how can your heart not race?
“Let’s go inside. Yuris has been waiting for you a lot. Oh, and so has Sophia.”
“Yes, Executive Manager.”
With the Master mentioning Yuris, a slight smirk escaped me. It’s not easy to think about how anxious that little one must have been when she hadn’t heard from me.
“Were you that busy to not contact us even once?”
“Yes. The allied tribes drastically diminished, making supply a hassle. With winter approaching, operations got difficult as well.”
“That can’t be helped. The northern winter is harsh.”
Seeing the Master click his tongue as if feeling guilty made me feel like I’d committed a crime.
Actually, it is a crime. As the Master’s servant, I ought to resolve the worries of my Master, but I still hadn’t managed to sort through the northern problems.
“Don’t keep it bottled up. Searching the entire northern region is unprecedented in the Empire’s history.”
As if he sensed my feelings, the Master gently patted my shoulder to comfort me.
“Thank you.”
I had no choice but to bow my head in gratitude for such kindness.
Though my head hung low now for not accomplishing anything, I’ll strive to stand tall in front of my Master next year.
*
This time, I bowed my head for an entirely different reason.
“Penelia. Don’t you have something you want to tell me?”
As soon as we stepped into the empty reception room, my Master uttered something my heart could hardly bear.
‘Penelia.’
My hands began to tremble involuntarily. My breathing accelerated. Why did he suddenly call me by name, and without any warning? What was I supposed to do?
This was a situation with absolutely no prelude or sign. When my Master calls someone by name, it usually means he’s extremely angry.
But my Master didn’t seem angry at all. In fact, he wore a joyful smile the entire way from the gate to the reception room.
– You should’ve seen how happy the Executive Manager was when he called Elizaveta by name.
Suddenly, I recalled a conversation I had with Elizaveta before I contacted my Master. Truly, my Master has now begun to call us by name. Finally, I get to hear my name from my Master.
…And knowing the reason, I couldn’t bring myself to look up.
– Do you have any idea how many people have confessed to the Executive Manager? I’m fifth. There are four before me.
It was Elizaveta’s anxiety-filled statement. Coupled with Yuris’s anxious pleas.
If something happens in a day and I don’t notice, then that’s a problem with my intelligence. Fortunately, I can say there’s no problem with my intelligence.
Even before I mustered the courage to say something, my Master initiated a conversation. Softly whispering my name, he casually asked if I had anything to say.
‘Master…’
My eyes started to well up at his kindness. How merciful he is!
Because of this, I have to let out the words I had been holding back, the confessions I’ve kept buried for a lifetime. If my Master is caring enough to ask, it would be a great disservice and rudeness not to respond.
“Actually, there’s something I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time.”
I made an effort to calm my trembling eyelids and slowly lifted my head.
When I did, my Master was still smiling at me.
“I dare to harbor feelings for the Executive Manager. I’ve come to hold emotions that shouldn’t be felt towards someone as benevolent as you.”
How embarrassing. I just said the secret I’d wanted to hold forever, the one I sworn to never tell Elizaveta or anyone else.
It’s a vile secret. The one who has received everything thinks they can hope for more. How greedy it is to yearn for the one who showed me kindness.
Still, my Master continued to smile. No disappointment or anger was evident in his demeanor.
“But please don’t worry.”
I quickly added on to pacify him.
“I don’t wish to infringe upon your life. I’ll continue by your side and protect you as I have until now.”
Even though I’ve developed feelings for my Master, I don’t seek anything beyond that. I dare not presume myself worthy of becoming my Master’s spouse.
That’s only natural. How can a master and servant, a sword and a wielder, a deity and a believer be equals in marriage? The servant remains a servant, the sword stays a tool, and the believer is bound to the deity forever. Even if I carry these feelings deep inside, I mustn’t pursue anything further.
Thus, I am merely the Master’s servant, the Master’s sword, the Master’s believer. Just orbiting around the Master and being pleased to see them is enough for me.
“If you allow me, I shall devote myself to serving you and your family for a lifetime.”
This was my heartfelt declaration to my Master. I’m truly happy just existing in my Master’s service.
*
What is this?
What is happening?
‘Crazy.’
This is a response I never anticipated.
I honestly expected the Fourth Manager to either keep quiet or change the subject. I thought she’d end up confessing after her embarrassment got the better of her…
‘Is this love, though?’
I was confused. Something felt off. It’s definitely love, but the direction seems twisted.
She even speaks about that twisted love as if it’s normal.
‘…Did the Fourth Manager get possessed or something?’
I even began to consider that. The Judicial Minister, me, and that guy—they all turned out to be abnormal in some way.
Regrettably, whatever craziness the Fourth Manager ended up inheriting from those before her is a reality. While the Fourth Department’s name has changed to Mukgwangdae, the madness remains intact.
“E-Executive Manager!?”
A rush of guilt and sympathy surged through me, and I embraced the Fourth Manager. Feeling her tremble in my arms made me hug her even tighter.
I’m sorry, Fourth Manager.
The madness left by our predecessors has burdened the next generation.
‘I’ll fix this for you.’
It’s time to guide that twisted love onto the right path.
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