Chapter: 746
About five years ago, a republican terrorist organization known as the Red Wave attempted to demolish the Academy. Fortunately, we caught wind of their nefarious plans early on and even managed to unearth an internal spy, successfully quelling the threat without major casualties. However, there were a few small hiccups during the operation.
Well, it wasn’t really a problem that occurred during the operation itself. After all, how hard is it to say you were actively engaged in subduing a foe while also taking prisoners? To be precise, the hiccup came during the aftermath of the operation.
A rather minor issue arose when our forces ended up executing the leader of the Red Wave we had captured. Honestly, while it wouldn’t have been a major setback to eliminate or capture the entire top brass of the Red Wave, the unauthorized execution of prisoners, instead of the proper judicial process, was a bit tricky to gloss over. If word spread that “the Empire executes prisoners without trial,” we’d never see anyone voluntarily surrender again.
Because of this, the Emperor handed me a disciplinary report, and soon enough, those reports stacked up like takeout menus from Chinese restaurants…
“It was a terrifying experience.”
While officially, I was just submitting reports as a disciplinary action, in truth, it turned into a tear-jerking episode of my detainment. It was a mere five days, but it’s a memory I’ll never forget before I kick the bucket.
And during those five days, the one who kept me company like family and friends was Luciano. He was the guard who ensured I had a bit of comfort during my imprisonment. I can only imagine the turmoil he faced, enduring countless visitors while his mental state was whittling down in real-time.
Feeling both guilty and grateful, I sent him a recommendation letter.
“I never imagined you would actually rise to the position of Second Manager!”
What a surprise! It’s been five years since I met Luciano, and in such a short time, he climbed from a mere guard to a Second Manager.
Of course, my rate of promotion surpassed Luciano’s. But unlike him, who hails from a common background, I had the blood of an Imperial Count heir. Add in the peculiar circumstances of war and succession disputes leading to many of my superiors being swept away, and comparing me to Luciano is absurd.
So, if we exclude my case, Luciano’s rapid rise is quite exceptional. To put it metaphorically, it’s as if a platoon leader jumped to the level of a regiment or brigade commander in just five years. If we push further, you might even compare it to a division commander! Quite a miraculous promotion indeed.
“Is that mansion your place?”
“Yes, Your Excellency! Thanks to your grace, I was able to purchase this mansion after becoming the Second Manager of the Administration! I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy this if not for your grace!”
As I pointed to the mansion where Titi had entered, Luciano responded with a respectful bow.
His words made me chuckle. While it’s true I played a part in richening his life, the fact that he made it to his current position is entirely due to his capability and hard work. It takes more than just a recommendation to rise to a position within the Imperial Administration.
“A recommendation is simply that—a recommendation. You seized that opportunity with your abilities; wear that pride.”
“I will remember that, Your Excellency!”
Seeing Luciano bow his head deeper, I gently patted his shoulder.
It was a reunion that transcended five years, rekindling a bond that had been fading in my memory. And all because of Titi strolling freely, not us seeking each other out. If a connection like this happens twice, it’s practically fate.
“Luciano.”
“Yes, Your Excellency! What is it?”
“Do you see that dog entering your mansion over there?”
At my words, Luciano quickly lifted his head to look at the mansion.
“…Yes. That’s a dog I’ve never seen before.”
After nodding, Luciano gazed at Titi with a perplexed expression.
Judging by the child, presumed to be his daughter, playing with this strange dog, and the guards entrusted with securing the mansion merely observing, I’m sure as a father and owner, he’s puzzled by the situation.
“This dog is mine. He likes to take walks, so I let him wander around, but he’s taken to hanging around this mansion for a few days now.”
“Really?”
“I think Titi has grown fond of your mansion. It seems our connection is deeper than expected.”
“Wh-what an honor.”
I couldn’t help but smile again at Luciano’s mixed expression of joy and bewilderment.
Meeting your benefactor in life is indeed joyous, but the fact that this reunion was facilitated by a dog would surely elicit joy and confusion simultaneously. I could understand how he’d feel if I were in his shoes.
“Well, since it’s come to this, I’ll accept Luciano’s formal invitation and enter the mansion.”
– Woof! Woof!
As soon as our eyes met, Titi dropped the treat he was chewing on and rushed toward me with a wildly wagging tail.
Such an enthusiastic reaction filled me with pride. Indeed, Titi loves me, his owner, the most! This mansion is just a playground he drops by while maintaining the love and loyalty he has toward me.
“Did you have fun playing?”
– Woof!
As I affectionately patted his head, Titi yelped in excitement.
Good to see you’re enjoying yourself.
“Daddy!”
While I engaged with Titi, the little girl who had been playing with him scurried over to Luciano.
“Daddy! Why did you just come home?”
“Sorry, sweetie. Daddy was busy with work, so I’m just now finishing up…”
What?!
Hearing Luciano’s explanation, I couldn’t help but feel solemn. Titi has been showing up at this mansion for the past eight days, and yet Luciano was completely oblivious to his presence? That means he’s been stuck here for at least eight days without getting home.
“Was the Administration that hectic?”
Luciano holds the position of Second Manager in the Correctional Services. If anyone’s set to begin a career in the Administration, I recommend caution.
“It must have been boring being here alone?”
“It’s fine! The uncles, aunts, older brothers, and sisters kept me company!”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“And I played with Jenny and Taily, so it was fun!”
The mention of “Taily” caused my hand, which was petting Titi, to freeze.
“…Taily?”
Luciano’s voice began to tremble slightly.
“Yes! Taily! That boy and me are good friends!”
As she continued, I couldn’t stop the corners of my mouth from lifting. Good to know I still somehow have the youthful looks to be called ‘oppa’ instead of ‘uncle’!
“That boy is the owner of this pup. Thank you for taking care of him while I was away.”
“No! I also had fun!”
“…Huh?”
“Yes?”
The little girl giggled at my thanks, but the nearby guards began trembling as if they’d short-circuited.
“Uh, uh, excuse me! If you’re the owner…”
“Count Tailglehen, Your Excellency.”
One of the guards finally found his voice, and Luciano replied in a slightly subdued tone.
“I—I greet you, Count Tailglehen!”
“We greet you, Your Excellency!”
“Alright, that’s enough. I’m here as a guest, so rise.”
Seeing the guards bent almost at a right angle, I waved my hand dismissively.
I understand why these guards are losing it. Not only did a Count pay an unexpected visit, but that little girl also called our Titi by the title of Tailglehen! They probably assumed I’d be furious over a title getting attached to a dog.
“That could happen.”
But I had no intention to get mad. I can’t blame a child for that. It’s partly my fault for not noting down Titi’s true name.
“What’s your little lady’s name?”
“Helen!”
“Alright, Helen. This dog’s name is not Taily; it’s Titi. Can you call him Titi from now on?”
“Sure! I’ll call him Titi from now on!”
But I still need to clarify Titi’s name. I’d hate for him to confuse himself with ‘Taily’ just because of a few slip-ups.
*
I’m so happy! Absolutely thrilled!
Being in the same garden as Jenny and playing with a tiny human like our little masters made my heart soar! And then the owner, who should have been home, suddenly showed up! I’m so excited and happy!
The person I love the most in the whole world is my owner! And the friend that makes my heart race just by looking at her is Jenny!
“By the way, Luciano, if you’ve become a Second Manager, you must have received a title from His Majesty. What is your family name?”
“Niden, Your Excellency.”
“Luciano Niden, is it? Nice name.”
Plus, the person who appears to be Jenny’s owner seems to know my owner!
‘This truly is destiny!’
This must be what they mean by fate! If Jenny’s owner knows my owner, then that means I can get closer to Jenny too!
It’s bound to be true! If our owners are acquaintances, then me and Jenny are practically family!
– Woof!
So I joyfully barked at Jenny to say let’s keep getting along well.
– …….
But Jenny looked at me silently and then flopped beside the little girl.
That’s okay! Even in that posture, Jenny is charming!
“You too seem to have a similar pup.”
My owner began to observe Jenny!
Jenny is undoubtedly an adorable and charming friend! Just as my owner cares for me, he will surely adore Jenny too!
“Yes. My wife’s hometown is rural, and this pup was sent over by my father-in-law, just perfect to be Helen’s friend.”
“That pup seems a bit standoffish for a playmate.”
“She has a peculiar trait—when only our family is around, she’s super affectionate, but when others are present, she goes quiet. At most, she stays nearby and gives a gentle lick.”
Luciano’s hand reached towards Jenny, but she quietly turned her head to avoid his hand!
What a bummer! My owner’s petting would’ve been heavenly! I know Jenny would love it too!
“A loyal pup, indeed. You’ve been blessed with a good one.”
“Thank you, Your Excellency.”
“How wonderful that our Titi fell for her.”
– Woof?
I gazed at my owner’s face in response to his remark.
“Strangely enough, our Titi is smitten with… Jenny, right? It seems like he’s captivated by her.”
– Woof?
Captivated? Captivated? Am I in love with Jenny?
What does being captivated even mean? I’m not too clear on it! It’s not exactly what my owner or the maids use in their conversations!
“Haha, you mean our Jenny?”
“Well, Titi’s a lively boy. Who knows? We might just see Jenny and him become a couple and end up with pups of their own one day.”
But as he continued, I finally got it!
Marriage! That’s something my owner talks about often! It’s something two people in love do!
Ah, so that’s what it means to be captivated! Does that mean I love Jenny?
‘Married… puppies…’
Imagining marriage with Jenny, picturing having puppies together made me burst with joy!
I’m over the moon just thinking about it!
“Hmm. Should I start calling you dog in-law from now on?”
It seems my owner enjoys the notion of me marrying Jenny!
Thank you, owner!
*
At my words, Titi wagged his tail even more vigorously.
It looks like spring has truly come for our Titi.
‘So that’s what the connection is.’
With the term “dog in-law” sounding both unusual and delightful, I caught a glimpse of Luciano smirking gently.
I never expected that the person I met five years ago would end up being our Titi’s father-in-law!
Though I guess calling him ‘father-in-law’ feels a bit odd, let’s go with that for now.
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