Chapter 255
I was left alone in the reception room, deep in thought. I kept wondering how to guide this poor girl down the right path, but it’s tough to comfort someone walking a twisted road.
The only idea I had was to show her proper affection, hoping it might influence the Fourth Manager.
“E-Excuse me, Executive Manager, b-but if you do this… it’s troublesome…!”
Honestly, I never expected that just showing affection would turn out to be a challenge.
As soon as the Fourth Manager found herself in my arms, she vibrated like she was short-circuiting at the BPM of Duke Marcilio’s ear! She was stuttering like a broken record, too.
And yet, she couldn’t exactly push me away or run for it. There she was, trembling in my embrace. I just hoped it wouldn’t escalate any further.
“…….”
“…Penelia?”
She fainted. At some point, she went quiet, and I thought she had gotten used to it; turns out she was just escaping the scene mentally.
Honestly, that’s a pretty predictable outcome. After being bombarded mentally, could she even escape? All she could do was wait for a breakdown.
But fainting to avoid it? Our Fourth Manager is surprisingly a bit of a flounder…
“I-I’ll just step outside and… at least greet Yuris…!”
“Sure, go ahead.”
As soon as I let her go, she snapped back to her senses and bolted. And what a convenient excuse she had, not even giving me a chance to catch her.
‘What do I do now?’
This is a messy situation. Someone I know well, practically raised like a child, has gone off the deep end. Ignoring it would be inhumane.
On top of that, I’ve also been there, consumed by madness at one point. When I was in that manic state, everything I thought felt like the truth, but once I snapped back to reality, I couldn’t handle the aftershocks.
What if the Fourth Manager comes to her senses and realizes she doesn’t want to marry me? How despairing would that be?
‘Not good.’
I can already see a regretful future. It’s likely not a pretty sight either; she probably wouldn’t just go mad in a gentle way.
So, I steeled my resolve. For the Fourth Manager’s happy future, I have to show her the right way to love.
*
Recently, the sound of the wind makes me glance at the door. The guests who’ve been visiting lately have all been anything but ordinary.
Not long ago, I made a wedding ring for the Second Manager of the Information Department. Before that, the Executive Manager purchased four sets of rings.
‘It’s about time.’
It seems like the Executive Manager is due for another visit, and I’m keeping my ears perked.
When he bought those four sets, I wondered if something was up. But upon reflection, it seemed more like he was broadening his options. No matter what, it’s a gift for someone special. I can’t blame him for wanting to give something thoughtful after much consideration.
Of course, he’d want to take my recommendations and spend considerable time choosing them wisely. That’s the only way I can explain that strange bulk purchase.
‘Refunds were mentioned, after all.’
Even I have to admit it was a clever response. Amidst the confusion, I’ve managed to pass on all the essential information.
By now, I’m sure he’s picked what he wants out of those four sets. He’s got more than enough to cover the value of three by now. No matter when he arrives, a smooth refund is a given.
‘That’s how you build a loyal customer base.’
That’s just how business works. A small gesture of consideration and a seamless purchasing and refund process can nab a customer.
Honestly, most shops in the system offer quality products without defects. In that case, it’s about competing on external factors.
– Ding
The bell on the door chimed with a clear tone.
‘They’re here.’
I quickly looked up to see a young man in a black uniform—the Executive Manager entered. Yes, it was about time; my intuition is still sharp.
“Welcome, Executive Manager.”
At my greeting, the Executive Manager nodded and approached without hesitation. Since it was a refund and not a purchase, he didn’t need to browse other items—
“Can you recommend just one more ring?”
“…Huh?”
I made the mistake of repeating his words in disbelief. This is the Executive Manager who could send a colossal ship flying under the pretense of an “inspection.”
But what could I do? I’m sure others would react like I did.
‘Recommend…?’
Couldn’t quite believe my ears. Recommend? Not refund?
As I stared blankly at the Executive Manager, he calmly met my gaze.
No, not calm. He was just ignoring my stunned silence, which meant he wasn’t in a typical situation himself.
“If it’s at the level you recommended last time, that would be fine. Everyone liked what you picked.”
“Oh, right.”
Hearing that everyone liked my suggestions snapped me back to reality, though it was more shock overshadowing my initial shock.
Still, my head was spinning. I figured he would only pick one out of those four.
‘All rings have owners, though?’
And he still needs one more?
‘Crazy.’
I thought the Second Manager was charming the ladies, but it seems I was mistaken.
He was just a mere disciple who learned from observing. The real deal was someone completely different.
‘Yeah, I should live like that.’
It’s not weird to have multiple partners, but buying rings for them like they’re just on sale—that’s pushing it.
Thinking aside, my hands and eyes quickly scanned the rings. If the Executive Manager buys wedding rings from us and if his children grow to consider their parents’ unions, it would be a huge win.
A customer’s character and wallet being thick are separate matters. Sure, they are separate…
‘…What’s that?’
I found my gaze drifting to the Executive Manager’s left hand. There were five rings on it, and fine, I could allow that much.
‘Why is it only half the set, though?’
A very basic question from someone who just experienced the shock. But I shook off my curiosity.
Sometimes, curiosity can lead to trouble.
*
Seeing the confusion in the shopkeeper’s eyes made my heart ache a little, but I persevered.
I’ve already crossed the river and rolled the dice. At this point, worrying about other people’s opinions is pointless. I should just do what I want.
And just like that, I got my sixth ring.
‘…Did I buy it too soon?’
But holding the case made me wonder. I hadn’t even helped the Fourth Manager yet; was this a hasty decision?
Up until now, I purchased rings after confessing. I bought them with the intention of having something pretty for her to respond with.
But right now, I hadn’t even gotten a chance to start, let alone seize control. At least I’d have to rid that madness from the Fourth Manager before I present this ring.
‘If I give it to her now, it’ll just cause chaos.’
With a Fourth Manager possessing twisted feelings, what good would it do to present her with a ring and whisper sweet nothings? She might either faint from the shock or stash it away like a prized possession.
No, it’s not a ‘might’—that’s a 100% certainty.
“This is a tough problem.”
“Right?”
Regrettably, even Marghetta admitted it was hard. If it were easy, I wouldn’t even be consulting with her.
“Sorry. I was hoping to help even just a little.”
“No, you’ve been a huge help in this process.”
Seeing Marghetta in such a downcast mood made me shake my head rapidly. Honestly, I wasn’t speaking with the intent of finding a solution; I was merely sharing information without holding back.
After all, consulting about another woman with my lover is already a tad insane. Thankfully, Marghetta understood I was sharing information and not actually seeking advice, so she brushed it off without a care.
“That aside, I figured I’d be getting a confession—this situation is new to me, and it’s rather surprising.”
“Cal, if you go around saying that, people will misunderstand.”
As I muttered my frustrations, Marghetta shot me a smile.
…I have to admit it did sound a bit off. To think I’d assume I’d be confessed to—what a narcissistic idiot I am.
“Oh, trying something like Cal did isn’t a bad idea either.”
“Like the direct approach?”
At that, I rapidly recalled memories.
The period of shame where I was ensnared by madness, talking about mass weddings. The only reason I was able to overcome it was due to Erich’s factual brutality.
So that’s it. Directness really is the best approach—
“However, it needs to be done differently. If you, as the person in question, approach Penelia, she’ll just get scared.”
‘Ah.’
It made so much sense; I could only nod along.
Right. Direct confrontation requires you to look someone in the eye. If I just walk past her, she might just hold her breath. Maybe she’ll think I’m angry and just apologize profusely.
“Let’s get some of the people around involved. If several people whisper about the right kind of love and your genuine feelings for Cal nearby, don’t you think it’ll snap her back to reality?”
“Huh…”
“Once she realizes her thoughts are different from everyone else’s, she’ll start to reflect.”
I feel bad for Marghetta, but I’ve seen too many lunatics who think the world is against them.
That narcissism only misleads them—the ability to even think that way is a cause from the gods.
“Thanks for the advice, Mar.”
“Oh, it was nothing really.”
Yet Marghetta listened with kindness to her beloved man’s troubles concerning other women. Anyone who tells her “that probably won’t work” will likely have the brain of a beast.
Plus, seeing as I don’t have any clear alternatives, following Marghetta’s suggestion isn’t a bad idea at all.
Let’s just hope the Fourth Manager isn’t the type to challenge the world.
*
I contacted the closest person to the Fourth Manager.
There’s really no one better than this. Even if the Fourth Manager is bouncing around due to dispatch, she’ll always be tethered to this one deadly duo.
– This is Giuseppe Digo, Vice Commander of Mukgwangdae, greeting the Executive Manager.
I was the top team leader of the Fourth Division and currently the Vice Commander of Mukgwangdae. If I were to be separated from the Fourth Manager, that would truly be a misfit.
“Hey, it’s been a while. How have you been?”
– Thanks to your concern, Executive Manager, I’ve been doing just fine.
“Glad to hear that.”
I felt a hint of guilt thanks to his unwavering respect. He had just come back from a dispatch mission, and here I was, the old boss, reaching out to him.
I should quickly state my purpose and wrap this up. I’ve already interrupted him by calling, and dragging the conversation would only be more of a nuisance.
“Vice Commander.”
– Yes, Executive Manager.
“The Fourth Manager seems a bit unwell.”
At my words, the Vice Commander’s eyes widened.
“What—”
He quickly started explaining everything regarding the situation. Out of respect for the Fourth Manager’s honor, I left out the part about her momentary breakdown.
“So, I was hoping you guys could help her out.”
– You can count on us! We will do our utmost!
“Good, I trust you.”
His passionate reply made me nod instinctively.
Feels satisfying. Even with a name change, the Fourth Division remains true to itself. That spirit of camaraderie remains intact.
– We’ll make sure she confesses to you, Captain!
While his direction was a bit odd, I figured it wasn’t a bad one, so I didn’t stop him.
But making her confess? What exactly are they planning? Writing a formal report to the Fourth Manager?
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