Chapter: 784
The news that Marquis Ravirje’s granddaughter became friends with the Crown Princess quickly spread through high society. Rumor has it that the marquis’s shoulders are now even prouder than before!
It’s probably more than just a rumor. The marquisate is the practical pinnacle for the imperial nobility—he’s just hit the jackpot with a ‘link to the Crown Princess’. The marquis must now feel like he’s on top of the world!
As for me, I couldn’t care less whether the marquis is strutting around or not. It’s not like I have a vendetta against him, so there’s no reason for me to be on edge because he’s doing well.
However, there’s one thing that’s bothering me.
“Marcilio and Digo marquisates are rivals, right?”
It’s quite the coincidence that both families have territories in the West and share a similar history as competitors.
In fact, while the consensus is that Digo is slightly behind Marcilio in the social hierarchy, Digo managed to produce a valuable knight during the Northern Conquest a few years back. As such, while they may not compete on the scale of the entire empire, when it comes to the West, they’re neck and neck.
In this context, it’s a bit unsettling that Digo’s heir has become the childhood friend of the Crown Princess. It’s no surprise the Marcilio marquisate might be feeling a bit disgruntled.
“Well, who gives a damn?” I thought.
“What does it matter if that Maramenton guy’s granddaughter is friends with her? You’re my son-in-law.”
That was until I saw my father-in-law’s calm expression.
“Is that so?”
“Of course! Moreover, even if my granddaughter can’t be the Crown Princess’s friend, at least she’s her little sister, isn’t she? I’m more than satisfied with that.”
His words were filled with sincerity, leaving me utterly confused and nodding along blankly.
“Rival?”
It felt strange. Based on my father-in-law’s reaction, he didn’t view the marquis as a rival against Digo; in his heart, he must have already decided that the Marcilio marquisate won outright.
And the reason he feels that way is because of me. Should I be grateful for this trust, or is it burdensome?
“Maramenton must feel like he’s been reborn. Over time, he was about to be edged out as Digo’s rival, but now, thanks to the link with the Crown Princess, he’s been able to solidify his standing as a competitor.”
“Now that’s a rival for sure.”
But I could tell my father-in-law’s genuine feelings thanks to what he said next.
While he outwardly pretended to look down on Digo, inwardly he was more concerned than anyone else…
“If he really thought he was beneath them, he wouldn’t be so capable.”
Referring to the marquis by his full name. Accurately assessing Marquis Ravirje’s feelings. Subtly refusing to deny that they’re rivals.
It’s clear as day; my father-in-law genuinely cares about Marquis Ravirje.
“By the way, son-in-law.”
“Yes, Father-in-law?”
“I heard the Crown Princess will soon be visiting the knight’s residence. Is that true?”
I jolted at those words.
Wait, how does he know this? Only our kids, Anrietta’s nanny, the Emperor, and Luciano knew about this!
“That Maramenton fellow was bragging that his granddaughter is going to accompany the Crown Princess to visit the knight’s daughter. Like, really?”
“Oh.”
I let out a snort when I realized the source of that information was Marquis Ravirje.
At this point, I might as well consider them friends rather than rivals!
“Indeed! That knight is someone I have ties with, and the knight’s daughter is a friend of our kids.”
“Oh, now I understand.”
Whatever the case, in being honest, my father-in-law chuckled.
It’s quite the sensation that a minister of justice is visiting a mere knight’s residence. My father-in-law might not know much about Luciano, but he’s definitely aware of the relationship I have with that knight.
“A mere knight having such connections is quite a feat.”
“If he succeeds, he could become more than just a knight.”
“Ha ha, fair enough!”
With that, we exchanged some small talk, and then the communication device grew silent.
“Good luck!”
I silently cheered for Luciano.
Now that Marquis Ravirje and my father-in-law know about the Crown Princess’s future plans, if there’s something secretive happening, they will no doubt remain silent. But with Luciano’s past connection to me, he’s attracted attention.
That means news of “the Crown Princess visiting a knight’s residence connected to the minister of justice” is bound to spread quickly through society, and let’s face it, from a third-party perspective, it’s downright fascinating!
“Good luck…”
As I thought about Luciano becoming the superstar of the Ministry of Justice soon, I couldn’t help but feel a tear forming.
*
I had started submitting vacation requests a few days prior.
Each time I went to work, performed tasks, or left for home, I felt the weight of countless eyes on me. If glances had any power, my body would be riddled with holes by now.
“I thought I was used to the attention.”
I absentmindedly fiddled with the vacation request tucked in my pocket. Ever since the minister of justice visited my mansion, I thought I’d faced all kinds of stares for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, I was mistaken; my life is going to last longer than I expected it to!
As a result, I began to clutch that vacation request like a sacred artifact. Should things go south, I’d be ready to submit it and make a run for it.
“I must put my vacation plans into motion.”
Still, I was too bitter to carry resignation papers with me. Thanks to a stroke of luck that’s harder to find than a needle in a haystack, I had the chance to meet with the minister—because of that luck, I even got promoted to second manager.
With that said, I absolutely couldn’t throw this blessing away. Even if I were to give up on moving up the ladder, I’m not about to let go of this glory!
For my family. To pass down a more beautiful legacy to Helen.
“Deputy Manager.”
“Oh, Manager.”
Just as I gathered my resolve, the voice of the Executive Manager drifted from behind me.
“Looks like you saw everything here. I was going to have lunch with the Senior Manager. If you have time, would you care to join us?”
“Well, that is…”
I couldn’t help but glance at the Senior Manager as he proposed meeting with me, a direct subordinate.
Lunch with the Executive Manager must be an important affair for the Senior Manager, whose eyes were on the Deputy Head position. It would be quite bothersome to ruin a blossoming friendship with him over something trivial.
“Yeah, it’d be best if the Deputy Manager joins us. When else are we going to get together like this?”
But the Senior Manager suggested my inclusion with a rather happy expression.
I could almost see where he was coming from, and an amused smile crept onto my face. Since he’s aiming for the Deputy Manager position, naturally, he wants my company.
“A senior taking advantage of his junior!”
He’s even a superior scheming against a subordinate!
Yet, despite my cynicism, I totally got it. If I were in the Senior Manager’s position, I probably would’ve done the same. Even without ambitious motives, I’d still cling to a smooth bureaucratic existence.
With the Minister of Justice having my back, and word getting out that the Crown Princess is paying a visit to the residence soon, I’d want to curry favor with my superior and the Senior Manager.
The upcoming visit from the Crown Princess is not simply a benevolent visit. It’s a chance for my family now that our Helen and the minister’s child have bonded. The minister’s child is a close friend of the Crown Princess.
Thanks to this connection, the Crown Princess was going to visit. My father-in-law and Senior Manager must have spotted me as some kind of valuable resource.
“Phew, I’m glad the stare wasn’t from a beast ready to devour me!” I thought, sighing in relief. I felt fortunate that those piercing eyes from earlier were more like a predator seeking food than one trying to hunt me down.
“Let’s look at this positively.”
The weight of that vacation request grew heavier, but I forced myself to smile.
Yes! This is an opportunity. While attracting excessive attention from the masses is toxic, garnering favor from my superior and Senior Manager is beneficial—
“Hmm?”
Suddenly, the communication device I had been clutching sprang to life.
“Don’t worry about us; just take the call. It could be important.”
“Thank you for your consideration, Manager.”
Following the Manager’s advice, I hurriedly pulled out the communication device.
He was right; this could be an important call. Like recently when the minister had personally reached out, maybe this time too?
“Second Deputy Manager of the Ministry of Justice, Luciano Niden.”
– This is Count Tailglehen.
As expected, it was indeed the minister reaching out.
As the Minister’s voice filled the air, both the Executive Manager and Senior Manager were dead silent, their instincts as desk workers kicking in as they instinctively leaned back, trying to create space from him.
– I apologize for reaching out so suddenly. I know it’s short notice, but there’s something urgent I need to discuss.
“It’s no problem, Minister. Please, go ahead.”
– Soon, the Crown Princess will be visiting the Kyung residence.
At his words, my body froze.
If I had known he was going to say that, I wouldn’t have asked him to speak comfortably about it.
– Of course, just as I mentioned before, I’ll accompany her, so there’s no need for excessive worry.
“Ah, yes. Thank you…”
While I was worried about the implications of his words, I simply nodded in response.
– I’ll contact you again once we arrive.
Staring blankly at the now-darkened communication device, I realized the Crown Princess would be visiting the residence without me around. It would just be my wife and Helen when she decided to drop by.
“Deputy Manager!”
“Yes, yes?”
“I’ll handle your absence! Hurry to the residence! No way can the Crown Princess show up with the master nowhere to be found!”
At the Manager’s shout, the color returned to my once-pale face.
Right! I shouldn’t be dawdling here. If it’s just my wife and Helen, it’s my duty as the owner to rush over.
“Thank you! I’m off now!”
With a bow to the Manager and Senior Manager, I darted toward the residence.
I need to arrive before the minister and Crown Princess! Even if that’s impossible, I should at least move as quickly as possible!
*
I’m feeling great today!
I’m going with the Master and the little Master! We’re off to see Jeni with the little master and his friend!
Oh! And there’s a new little person who isn’t just the usual one!
“Is this Titi?”
“Yup! Isn’t she cute?”
“Super cute!”
This little person even petted me!
Someone who pets me! Good person!
“Jeni must be just as cute, right?”
Someone praising Jeni! Good person!
Nice to meet you! Nice to meet you! Let’s all be friends from now on!
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