Chapter 61
The animosity from someone of higher rank can be quite dreadful, while excessive goodwill is just awkward. Fortunately, I’ve never faced anything horrifying, but I’m currently under an uncomfortable favor from the Duke right in front of me. Honestly, who would even think of a Duke considering marriage? This situation is simply absurd.
Honestly, it’s much easier to just have a cool and professional transaction with the Golden Duke and go our separate ways. That noble is so predictable that entering A will always yield B. Meanwhile, the other Dukes? Input A and you’re left wondering what on earth will pop out.
“Nowadays, it seems people are marrying later in life.”
“Yes, that’s what I’ve heard too.”
It’s the first time I’m hearing this.
“My daughter got married at the right age.”
“I remember that. I was quite shocked at the time.”
“Haha, if you were shocked, imagine how I, as her father, felt!”
The Invincible Duke casually mentioned the Crown Princess, subtly implying, ‘It’s not too late for you, so think about it.’ Thank goodness he didn’t go any further with that.
But seriously, the Crown Princess’s marriage is hardly a fitting comparison! She married out of love, not a political strategy, when the First Prince was getting beaten like a dog by the Second Prince’s faction back then. He wasn’t even titled the Crown Prince!
That unexpected marriage flipped the tables in a succession dispute that seemed to favor the Second Prince. And to add to the madness, a war broke out in the North like it was a scripted drama. If the Invincible Duke had fallen in the North back then, the Second Prince would have snagged the Crown title without batting an eye.
“Oh dear, I must have kept a busy man like you here too long.”
“Not at all, Your Grace. It’s truly an honor to spend time with you.”
As I drifted into daydreaming about that alternate reality where I bit my tongue and vanished into thin air upon hearing the Crown Princess’s news, the Invincible Duke’s voice snapped me back to reality. It seemed surprisingly more time had passed than I initially thought.
“Oh, Your Grace. I have something for you.”
“Hm? For me? You must have been in quite a hurry to come here; when did you even manage to prepare a gift?”
His tone seemed surprised that I’d bother with such a little thing, but surprisingly, his mood lifted. Unexpected gifts bring joy like a delightful surprise party.
Pulling out my notebook, I ripped out a page densely filled with names and handed it to the Invincible Duke. It might look like a shabby gift, but I’m sure he’ll be pleased.
“There are many outstanding students in the Academy. The Empire’s future looks bright. This must also be the blessing of His Majesty.”
“That’s truly wonderful news.”
As I spoke, the Invincible Duke expressed his satisfaction while accepting the document. It contained a preliminary list of potential civil servants that I had carefully prepared right before the Executive Manager of the Information Department decided to bail! Among them were the names of those who would fit well within military roles.
Though this recommendation was made without the candidates’ knowledge, I’m convinced they would be thrilled about it. After all, it’s a direct recommendation to the Invincible Duke himself! Opportunities like this don’t come around often.
“Thank you, Carl. Just thinking about enthusiastic young individuals filling the Imperial Army makes my heart race!”
“I feel the same way.”
By dropping in a few suitable names for the military every now and then, perhaps the Duke would later recommend capable individuals for the Inspectorate too. It’s a mutual benefit—an elegant dance, really.
“I should take my leave now. Take care.”
With the gift delivered, it was about time to exit. I was worried that if I lingered too long, I’d end up late in returning to the Academy.
“Carl, I have one last thing to say.”
“I’m all ears.”
Just as I turned to leave, the Invincible Duke called back to me with a little grin on his face.
“Don’t worry too much about me. I’m just returning what I never should have had in the first place.”
“…Thank you, Your Grace.”
“No need for thanks. Safe travels. Come back when you’re done with your duties.”
Seeing the Invincible Duke this way, I couldn’t muster the courage to bring up the topic of the Six Swords. Regardless of how delighted I might be about it personally, the hype surrounding the Six Swords could potentially harm the Duke’s standing. That’s why I kept quiet till the end, but here he was, saying it was fine and dandy.
I left the Deputy Commander’s office, my head lowered. Today I thought I’d be repaying some of my past debts by handing over a few new “slaves,” only to find I’d somehow racked up more of them instead. At this rate, I’d be broke before I could even pay the interest.
And then, just as I returned from meeting a benefactor I couldn’t repay, a bunch of bratty pestering bastards welcomed me, whining about getting their interest paid.
Ah! The youthful days of Academy life!
A tattered flier greeted me the moment I opened the office door. Its crazy presence forced me to look.
Why is that still even here?!
I distinctly remember tearing it up and tossing it out. Those relentless little creeps must have dug it out of the trash and resurrected it. I should have burned it instead of tossing it!
“Oh, Executive Manager! You made it!”
While I was stunned, staring at the flier, the voice of the 1st Manager chimed in next to me. I turned to see the 1st Manager, grinning and holding a bottle of liquor in each hand.
“Since we had a party without you before, we decided to throw another!”
“Without me…”
I vividly recall ruining that party myself. These scoundrels actually had the nerve to throw a party while I wasn’t there. For who, may I ask? The protagonist is missing, you idiots!
“Ta-da! Executive Manager, I didn’t even bother to give you a cup; here’s a whole bottle!”
The 1st Manager cheerily offered the bottle. I glanced down at the bottle in her hand and then back up toward her head. If I bash her with this bottle, will she survive? Can I control the impact well enough not to take her out?
“If you head back now, you never know when you may come back. So let’s drink heartily before you go.”
Suddenly, the 2nd Manager swooped in, grinning. If I jab him with a broken bottle, will he drop too? How can I gauge it so he doesn’t die?
“Cheers!”
The 2nd Manager shouted, raising his glass, with the 1st Manager and the 3rd Manager jumping in, looking completely elated. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the 4th and 5th Managers standing quietly, just holding their glasses, barely breathing. They seemed to be some of the last few people with a shred of conscience in the Inspectorate. If it weren’t for them, I might have genuinely gone bonkers.
“…Alright.”
I desperately stifled the urge to wreck everything at that moment. If I threw a tantrum now, I’d only delay my return to the Academy. If this was intentional, they were bastards; if accidental, then they were just fools. Which category do they fall into?
As I pondered this conundrum, I clinked glasses moderately and slipped away. I felt like my blood pressure was about to go for a ride if I stayed much longer. Meanwhile, they continued their revelry even after I left. It seemed they were using my return to the Inspectorate as an excuse to celebrate.
They used to drink this casually.
In the Inspectorate, drinking during work hours is allowed. With constant clashes and battles against nobles, the stress can be overwhelming, leading to this peculiarly generous allowance.
But honestly, there are plenty of folks in the Inspectorate who are already a bit on the crazy side, even when sober, so this whole leniency might just be unnecessary! They would have been just fine without a drink.
Just before I returned to the Academy, I received news—both good and bad.
The good news? The royal palace hadn’t contacted me at all. After meeting with two Dukes in a row, I was worried that the Crown Prince might summon me too. Thankfully, he seemed preoccupied enough that he couldn’t bother to call me. A tiny part of me found relief in that, which made me feel a bit guilty.
The bad news? The head of the Information Department went AWOL. Since I had ventured all the way to the capital, I had to confront him face-to-face instead of sending a letter. But, lo and behold, he was out! That little rascal must have sensed the wind changing and bolted!
“I’ll take you to the Academy.”
Ultimately, after strolling around with no yield, I was greeted by a teleportation magician at the Magic Tower. The Mage Duchess must have had a word with him. No point wasting time finding someone; I zipped over to the Academy pronto! Had I taken this route the first time I was dispatched, I wouldn’t have suffered motion sickness at all! Oh, the irony—the Magic Tower just happened to be exceptionally busy during my last trip!
“Executive Manager, the Mage Duchess left a message for you.”
“What did she say?”
“She mentioned that you needn’t worry about her and should just focus on what you need to do.”
That was the final note the magician left before he left. It struck me as odd at first since it was a message from the Mage Duchess, but thankfully, it was pretty standard.
Even if she trained Louise without revealing her identity, she still cares. Given my role as the Advisor to Louise’s club, it seemed like a casual request for me to keep an eye on her. It’s not a hard ask—after all, Louise is someone I look after!
Well, it’s not like the Mage Duchess is actually going to fly all the way to the Academy just to check in on her lone disciple. When she mentioned wanting to become a teacher at the Academy, my heart nearly exploded! It’s challenging to tell if the Mage Duchess was being serious or just teasing. It’s like saying, “Let’s grab a meal together someday,” and then BAM!—plans are made!
Why does today feel so long?
I rubbed the back of my neck and sighed. It feels like I’ve spent three days with each Duke, yet it’s not even the second day and the sun hasn’t set. My body might be okay, but my mental faculties are shot.
At this point, I’m beginning to forget exactly why I was dragged into the Capital in the first place. Was it because Louise used the Mage Duchess’s unique magic? Truly, it shouldn’t be that big of a deal. Did the Principal and I overreact? It’s not unusual for a novel’s protagonist to use strong magic; maybe I’m just lacking in literary sensitivity after all.
Damn it.
As realization dawns, I genuinely feel my exhaustion. Should I catch a few winks in the club room? It seems like the members won’t pay much attention to me regardless.
Before I forgot, I whipped out my communication crystal and dialed the Principal. I needed to report my return and catch him up on everything else too. I’m sure he’s been anxiously contemplating the dynamics between Louise and the Mage Duchess while I’ve been out and about.
I’m so tired.
I just want to rest. Of all the days, today—I really want to rest.
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