Chapter 263
I couldn’t bring myself to look up at Irina, who seemed flustered. She had rescued me from the darkness, but in return, she was now handing me a fate worse than death.
“Oh ho, so this child is the Executive Manager’s lover.”
“She’s quite lovely. I was worried about her being single at twenty, but it looks like that was an unnecessary concern.”
My mind began to fade into the background as I heard voices coming from behind me.
I had managed to escape the hell that was the stagnant atmosphere, but it seemed I had inadvertently let the demons out with me. Can this really be considered an escape? Perhaps I possess some passive skill that turns the surrounding area into hell itself.
It’s a sad affair. I only said I was going to greet a friend, and now a parade of managers, including the Minister, was trailing behind me. I could read the expression on their faces as if it said, “Well, since we have nothing to do, this works!”
“So then, my dear lady, how old are you this year?”
The Senior Manager’s words carried an inescapable air of experience, and I could see Count Flanbel caught off guard.
The Senior Manager was not only the oldest among the Finance Department officials but also a miracle who had returned from retirement. For someone like Count Flanbel, a significant figure in high society, he must be quite a formidable presence! Seriously, who would underestimate the person who ultimately judges the Empire’s budget?
Anyway, in response to the Senior Manager’s mighty words, Irina stammered:
“I-I’m eighteen now…”
“Wow, so young. This thief has abducted a precious lady.”
“If the Executive Manager is a thief, then who’s left to supervise?”
The Head of Statistics chimed in slyly, supporting the Senior Manager’s joke.
These people, who had just been hurling insults with smiles, were now brimming with genuine laughter. It seems the joy of someone else’s romance is a universal constant, even as they age.
“No, there’s only a four-year difference, so what kind of thief are we talking about?”
I couldn’t help but put up a small resistance against the duo’s spectacular verbal jabs. I couldn’t just let such comments slide if it meant protecting my honor. If the age gap were in the tens, I could accept it, but just four years for being labeled a thief? That’s a bit much!
“If a person in their twenties happens to take a teen, then yes, that’s a thief.”
However, the barely audible rebellion fizzled out instantly at the Minister’s remark.
Damn these people.
After poking fun at me for a bit, the officials casually turned to leave. Thankfully, they were just playful and not completely oblivious to the atmosphere. I mean, if they were truly senseless, they wouldn’t have reached such positions in the first place.
“My apologies, Count. I’ve caused an unnecessary commotion.”
Once the officials were a distance away, I quickly apologized to Count Flanbel. I wouldn’t want to be seen as pressuring a nobleman due to those hefty officials. Grouping up finance department officials to push around an aristocrat—can’t imagine anything worse than that.
What a nightmare. Just showing a good face was hardly enough, and yet we started off twisted. No, to be fair, things had twisted long before this due to the antics of the Assistant Manager.
“Don’t worry. Actually, it’s quite amusing to see them in such a different light.”
Regardless, Count Flanbel maintained a smile while answering. Whether he was truly okay with it or just pretending to avoid displeasure, it was hard to tell.
“Please, feel free to speak. Where’s the son-in-law who must respect his father-in-law?”
With that, I decided to be straightforward. Count Flanbel keeping his polite demeanor suggested there was a barrier between us.
It was hard to blame him for having a wall up, especially after the Assistant Manager’s huge blunder. To have a strained relationship between Irina and her husband would be quite sorrowful. No matter how much the son-in-law is treated as a guest, even a guest can start looking like an unwelcome pest.
At my words, Count Flanbel’s eyes brightened in surprise. It was clear I had caught him off guard with my directness in such a public setting.
“You’re right. Though I’m getting older, adjusting to new things can be tough, but I’ll try to speak comfortably at the wedding.”
“Thank you for that.”
It was the first time I heard a merchant claim they struggled to adapt, but I couldn’t rush Count Flanbel’s pace of change.
Plus, he had set a clear boundary with the mention of the wedding. At least it was good news that he wasn’t opposing Irina and me.
“I’ll also apologize to your wife. Sometimes those playful types can surprise people during initial conversations.”
With that, I bowed my head toward Flanbel’s wife as well. At least Count Flanbel had had a chance to interact with the department heads for work; Irina could lean on me, but his wife was out of the loop.
How often does a lady of a house get the chance to meet high-ranking officials? It must be intensely burdensome when these high officials show interest in her beloved daughter. She might even be the most victimized person present.
In reality, while the Count appeared calm on the outside, his wife showed signs of distress, her pupils slightly trembling.
“Don’t worry about it. As the Executive Manager said, they’re just being a bit playful.”
Thank goodness she reassured me verbally. That was a relief…
“Damn those people.”
I couldn’t help but think of the esteemed gentlemen who returned to their corners to engage in worthless chatter.
Can’t they consider the power they wield and the effect of their words? Just a simple comment from the Head of Finance could send ripples through society!
*
With the Executive Manager at my side, I felt as if I had been sucked into a storm when the other senior finance officials approached. Thankfully, I faced no issues since they came as friends of the Executive Manager rather than as officials.
Anyhow, these officials, who approached as ordinary acquaintances, were like old men giving snacks to neighborhood kids, completely showering Irina with attention. They barely exchanged simple pleasantries with me.
‘Guess I should be satisfied just seeing their faces.’
Not too shabby. If there were no adverse effects, this meeting turned out to be quite good. Networking with high-ranking officials in the Finance Department is beneficial, and I had the chance to meet all of them simultaneously. It’s a net gain, if you ask me.
Moreover, the Executive Manager apologized several times for the sudden encounter, so I shouldn’t dwell on it. In fact, I should be thankful he arranged the meetings with such officials.
Yeah, I’d rather be thankful, but…
‘It’s truly incomplete.’
The Executive Manager was conversing with his wife. More accurately, my eyes were drawn to the Executive Manager’s hand.
I had already heard the details through Irina, but to wear a half ring in public! It sent me into a fit of suppressed laughter at the disruption of conventional wisdom.
‘…Interesting, though.’
At the same time, my merchant instincts howled. The rings worn by the Executive Manager and his beloved—no one had ever seen anything like it or even imagined such a design. Plus, the symbolism was rather nice. Two becoming one is pretty romantic, right?
This could sell. Absolutely could sell. Even had just the Executive Manager worn it, trends would inevitably follow—not to mention the Duke’s daughter as well as Marcilio himself wearing it. It’s the perfect timing during the New Year’s Ball with so many peers around; it’s strange if it doesn’t set off a trend.
Lucky for me, we already had numerous craftsmen aligned with the family. I would get in touch with them after today’s events.
*
I left Count Flanbel’s scrutinizing gaze behind as I walked away. He kept staring at the ring, clearly concerned that his precious daughter was one of six wives.
I’m the sinner, yeah, I’m the sinner…
“If anything, it’s a father’s desire for his daughter to have exclusive love.”
“I know, so please shut it.”
Unfortunately, it seemed the Minister understood my feelings all too well and naturally stepped in to provoke me.
Who doesn’t know that? No matter how natural polygamy is in society, the feelings involved are obviously distinct. Parents only want the best for their children, and that’s an instinct you just can’t legislate against.
“Still, it wasn’t so bad, was it? If it were me, I wouldn’t have allowed it even if a grain of dirt entered my eye.”
“Damn it.”
Despite my plea for silence, the Minister began battering me with undeniable facts.
To be honest, if I were Count Flanbel, I’d have that same response. No matter what accidents might occur or apologies made, encountering the culprit who wrecked the family and snatched away his precious daughter would leave him wide awake in the dead of night.
I pray my future daughter won’t end up with someone like me…
“Minister, please take it easy. It seems Count Flanbel has buried his grievances, so is there really a need for us outsiders to meddle?”
“You’re right. I was inconsiderate.”
With the Minister’s harsh truth, I could find no counter-argument. Fortunately, the one who interrupted to mediate was the Senior Manager.
With the Senior Manager’s laughing words, the Minister quickly retreated. No surprise there; he couldn’t step over the Senior Manager. It was the Minister who grovelled to have the Senior Manager return to work for the Finance Department after all.
…The more I think about it, the more horrifying it sounds. After finally retiring, they want to drag him back? What a terrible life for a civil servant!
‘No wonder he enjoys himself as a gamer.’
Without realizing, I cast a sympathetic glance at the Senior Manager. It was the Senior Manager who encouraged everyone to join him when he went to greet Irina.
I was a bit annoyed back then, but knowing that push was a desperate effort to find joy in life brought tears to my eyes.
‘I shall not end up like that.’
When I retire, crossing borders and living peacefully sounds pretty enticing.
The once quiet Imperial Palace interior began to bustle. In contrast to the rising activity, our area remained eerily calm.
Having a good title is indeed advantageous. While the reality is a gathering of retired folks drowning in their reminiscing, others approach thinking it’s a discussion of crucial policies. People typically don’t want to talk shop outside of work.
“Hey.”
“Yes?”
Amid listening to the complaints of other managers about wanting to pass their titles down just as their kids refuse to accept them, the Minister gently tapped my shoulder.
“Congratulations. Looks like you won’t need to go hunting for your lady.”
At the sudden compliment, I instinctively furrowed my brow. What’s that supposed to mean?
Then, observing my reaction, the Minister pointed somewhere with his finger—
‘Oh.’
As I followed his finger, my body froze.
I stood petrified at the sight of a blonde man walking alongside the Iron Duke, with a pink-haired woman holding Louise’s hand a few steps behind them.
‘…What’s going on?’
I was confused. They clearly belonged to the Nyeard family, but why were they entering together with Valenti?
Could it be because the daughters shared a friendship and decided to come together? But then, the Yuris family arrived separately, so what are the odds they randomly met?
“Now all that’s left is for Marquis Iones to show up.”
The Minister’s quiet remark brought out a hollow laugh from me.
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