Chapter: 649
After I got the Secretary of the Information Department’s approval for the performance report, the reports from the Executive Manager’s office and the Special Operations Department came in as well. The Judicial Minister’s secretary will handle it expertly, but since I was involved in this report and the personnel changes, I took a quick look through the details.
Naturally, there weren’t any dramatic personnel shifts in a department that’s only been running for a year and a half. It was just a simple change from Eri to Angelica Winen as the Chief Team Leader of Division 1.
Outside of that, there was something else worth noting—
“Looks like fine’s taking a vacation too.”
My soon-to-be wife, Fine, applied for an extended vacation. With her honeymoon and eventual pregnancy leave, plus future maternity leave, we’re looking at several years off.
Luckily, the Senior Manager is capable enough to fill in for Fine, and the folks from the old Mukgwangdae will work hard to prevent a disaster in her interim return. With everyone cheering us on for our marriage and Fine integrating into our mansion, we’re all set.
“Sirdi Baronage, huh.”
I thought to myself, glancing back at the documents in my hand.
Sirdi Baronage. A title and territory bestowed upon Fine by the Emperor, who promoted her to a department head. Having been a war orphan, Fine proved her exceptional skills and achievements to the royal family and earned a noble title and land in just a few years. She’ll probably remain a hero to the common folk for decades to come.
Of course, I had awarded a title and position to the chief governor of Wiriidia once, but the current steward, although not noble, still has a hint of noble blood. Fine, on the other hand, had dedicated decades to the nation rather than just a few years.
And receiving a title from the Emperor carries more weight than one given by a mere Count.
“Our lady is truly remarkable.”
That thought filled me with profound pride.
Fine has become this magnificent figure on her own merit, unlike me, who was born a successor to the Imperial Count family. How satisfying is that?
So, we decided to hold my last wedding at Sirdi Baronage. It’s not just proof of where Fine has come from, but also the place she’ll one day govern.
“Being on the outskirts, we better revitalize it.”
Sirdi Baronage lies in the northern perimeter of the Empire’s territory, and considering its size, it’s hardly prime real estate.
So yeah, my final wedding should definitely happen at Sirdi Baronage. It’s the last chance for me to connect deeply with Fine and meet big shots that’ll come as my guests.
This will temporarily attract a hefty amount of wealth, manpower, and influential figures to Sirdi Baronage, serving as a perfect opportunity for a solid upward trend. It’s just one of the many wedding gifts I’m giving Fine.
“If worse comes to worst, we can incorporate it into Wiriidia Count’s territory.”
I chuckled to myself as I whispered that.
Even if the territory fails to develop, it’s fine. I can just include Sirdi Baronage under Wiriidia Count’s domain, and I have more than enough wealth to boost things up. I’ve got resources to spare for developing a barony.
“Your Grace?”
“It’s nothing. Just talking to myself.”
Hearing my muttering, the secretary, who had been diligently working beside me, lifted her head, likely interrupting her busy schedule. I felt a tad guilty for bothering her.
Even before the wedding, Fine decided to move into the mansion early to live with us.
After all, she’d soon become my wife in just a few days anyway. It’s not a big issue for her to settle in a bit earlier.
“Fine! We’ve been waiting forever!”
Once the news broke about Fine joining the mansion, Eri came rushing up to the front door, her belly waddling as she hurried about, welcoming her soon-to-be married friend.
“Elder sister! Come on in!”
“Is it true that you’ll be living with us now!?”
Of course, Fine’s relatives, Yuris and Sophia, and other staff from the mansion also excitedly swarmed to greet Fine. The enthusiasm they showed could outshine any welcome given to any lady.
Which is only natural. To the staff, all ladies are supposed to be treated with respect, but Fine is the only one with personal connections. Other ladies would’ve understood and accepted it without jealousy, since no one would resent family taking care of family.
“Elder sister? From now on, you should call me ‘Mistress’!”
The butler’s teasing tone triggered laughter among the staff.
“M-Mistress? That’s a bit…”
“Definitely! You’ll be called ‘Mistress’ for the rest of your life.”
I pulled Fine, whose face blushed red, into an embrace.
“So you should get used to it early on, right?”
“Y-Yeah…”
At my insistence, Fine gently nodded her head.
But it seemed she was happy about being called ‘Mistress,’ as a slight smile crept onto her face.
‘She’s grown so much.’
Seeing her like that made my eyes a bit misty.
From trembling at my slightest motion to this, Fine has slowly developed herself. Though still shy, she’s become honest about her feelings.
It’s like all those dates we had when she ventured out for dungeon hunting in the North, all the effort I put into taking her out to transcendent dates in Yudher County finally paid off. Yudher County is now my love shrine.
“Minister. Are you crying?”
“Yeah… it’s just so wonderful I feel like tears will come out.”
Eri, upon hearing this, stared at my face before whispering near Fine’s ear.
“If the Minister cries a lot now, he’ll cry less later during your honeymoon—”
“Hey, you!”
Her voice was loud enough to catch me off guard.
Those kinds of jokes are way too early and harsh for Fine. She’s just getting comfortable with innocent love, and jokes that transcend that are enough to mess with her head!
“Fine deserves to know what’s up too!”
But Eri stood her ground, unapologetic as if asking what was wrong with her.
If it weren’t for Hayang being around, I might’ve grabbed her by the lip hundreds of times. I don’t want to accidentally hurt my lips and end up unable to eat, leading to everyone starving—including Hayang.
Fortunately, Fine seemed to not have caught onto Eri’s words mid-sentence. If she did, I doubt she would be blinking with that innocent expression.
*
With a heartfelt send-off from people who were like family to me, I applied for a vacation.
Arriving at my Lord’s mansion, I was warmly welcomed by people who are nothing less than family.
My heart raced. While I’d visited my Lord’s mansion a few times before, those visits felt more like squeezing in slices of time. I’d have to come by after work and disappear before morning.
But not anymore. Now I can spend the entire day here, just like everyone else.
‘I’m also one of them now.’
A smile crept on my face without me realizing. I get to live among people who I consider family, and those who acknowledge me as the sixth wife of my Lord. I will live as his wife.
It’s a joy so profound I can barely express it with a single word.
‘Countess of Tailglehen.’
As I thought of that exclusive name that can only be called five times in this world, my heart raced even more. In just a few days, I’ll be able to claim that title too. I’ll be joining the ranks!
Titles like Chief of Division 4 in the Information Department, Commander of the Special Operations of the Military, and head of the Special Operations of the Prosecutor’s Office are all honorable names for serving my Lord, but none are as honorable as ‘Countess of Tailglehen.’ For me, it’s even nobler than being called Empress.
“Mistress! What are you thinking about?”
My thoughts jolted as I heard a playful voice beside me, shaking me from my reverie.
“…Call me elder sister right now.”
“But in just a few days, you’ll be the Mistress! Getting used to it ahead of time will prevent any slip-ups!”
At my words, Yuris giggled and poked my side.
“Congratulations, Mistress! Finally, you’re our Mistress!”
“C-Congratulations!”
Timid Sophia, too, took my hand and smiled.
Their warm congratulations filled my heart with warmth. It was a different kind of happiness than what I felt in front of my Lord.
“Thank you.”
So I gently ruffled the hair of Yuris and Sophia. Even as I become my Lord’s wife, I’ll always be their sister.
“By the way, Mistress.”
“Yeah? What is it?”
While I was affectionately petting their heads, Yuris turned her gaze behind me.
“Why don’t we just take that one to the stable?”
Yuris’s words made both Sophia and I turn our heads.
— Meee!
As if answering us, the white horse that had been quietly following us tilted its head.
The same little one I met in Yudher County.
“It’s fine. I want to take her for a walk and show her around the mansion as well.”
— Neighhh~
It seemed the horse understood me, letting out a joyful whinny while licking my cheek.
Yeah, I want to move this cutie myself. Just like I feel happy being here, I want her to feel the same. Plus, her partner is also in our mansion.
“Hehe, I’m happy to be with you, Mistress!”
After the horse expressed affection, Yuris jumped into my arms.
“Me too!”
Even shy Sophia joined in.
With that, my smile widened. Today is a happy day for me, these kids, and this horse.
It’s a day when everyone in this mansion is happy.
As I crawled down the hallway with Friedrich, I caught a glimpse of the black horse and the white horse outside the window.
‘They seem happy.’
It was heartwarming to see the reunited couple frolicking together, rubbing against one another as they strolled around the garden.
What a lovely sight. A mansion that’s filled with happiness from the lord to the horses. What a promising omen.
“Uhoh?”
“Do you want to see them too, Friedrich? Look! That’s Kkamang and Hayang.”
I spontaneously gave them names, and from today, that little one is Hayang. If my husband is Kkamang, then accepting that fate is a must.
“Uu!”
Anyway, I moved closer to the window, carrying the curious Friedrich. Right now, what mattered was his curiosity, not the horses’ names.
“U! Uu!”
Friedrich sparkled his eyes and waved his hands, drawn in by the massive horse beside him.
Looks like my little boy has a knack for recognizing fine horses!
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