Chapter: 92
The sight of the 4th Manager in black clothing isn’t unfamiliar at all. Back during the Inspection Department days, she was clad in black uniforms, and even now that she’s in the Ministry of Special Affairs, the Masked Unit wears black uniforms too. So, I thought any outfit in black would suit the 4th Manager.
‘It does suit her.’
Well, to be fair, the maid outfit is also black. It’s combined with white, but it’s still mixed with black at the core. However, I had never once imagined the 4th Manager wearing a maid outfit, nor did I wish to see that.
‘Why does it suit her so well?’
It’s strangely irksome because she looks good in it. It’s not something I should be mad about, but it feels like my cherished child has taken a turn for the strange. It’s a bizarre feeling I can’t just put into words.
Thankfully, there’s no one around. I’m glad I let them in first; it means we can chat without any awkwardness.
“Did you arrive just now?”
“I came right after the Master left.”
“Uh…”
I nearly blurted out to stop using “Master” but thought better of it. She wouldn’t call me that without a reason. Right now, it felt a bit awkward, but the 4th Manager is one of the few sane individuals I trust.
Noticing my internal struggle, the 4th Manager spoke up first.
“There are many people who want to attend to the Master, but if we increase the number of servants on top of all the guests, it might just inconvenience the Master. So, I decided to take it upon myself.”
“Thanks for being considerate.”
“You overpraise me.”
The 4th Manager bowed again. Her explanation kind of made sense of the situation.
Despite the fact that the Masked Unit was sent to support me, it would be outright flexing for the Empire’s special forces to take residence where important figures from foreign nations are. If Villar got wind of it, he’d be grabbing his neck and collapsing in betrayal.
So, other members of the Masked Unit are lurking somewhere near the mansion, while the representative, the 4th Manager, naturally contacts me in a maid guise. Natural… right?
I quickly scrutinized the 4th Manager. A cold expression, sharp eyes, and a height that’s tall for a girl. Hmmm…
“Let’s make the best of it for now.”
“Yes, Master.”
Even though I know she’s not a maid but the 4th Manager, it felt unnatural. Yet, she must have some thought behind her arrival like this. Sure, a taller maid could exist; thinking that commoners are all small is a terribly discriminatory mindset.
“Have you met with the butler?”
“Yup. I’ve met all the other staff too.”
The 4th Manager meeting the other servants after a long time. If they hadn’t seen each other for a while, they should at least sit and share some tea.
“Then just go inside, what are you doing out here?”
“I wanted to be of help…”
“Forget it, let’s head inside.”
I nudged the 4th Manager toward the mansion. After some hesitation, she finally followed when I led the way.
If they’re just left alone, there are those who cling on stubbornly, and there are those who go out of their way to create work for themselves. The 4th Manager definitely fits in the latter category; she needs care from me.
*
The Minister of Special Affairs’ summons was unexpected. I wasn’t in the best mood since he called me right after I returned from the North.
“Head to the Prosecutor’s Director’s mansion. Follow his orders once you get there.”
If it’s to see the Director, I’d gladly respond to the call, even if I had just returned from the opposite side of the continent. I had encountered him at the Academy recently, but now it would be in the Capital.
As the members unpacked their gear, they quickly rushed to repack, preparing to dash out at a moment’s notice. Naturally! No one would dawdle on their way to see the Director.
“Um, can we all enter the mansion?”
The once cheerful atmosphere crashed at the Vice Captain’s words. Thinking back on it, he was spot-on. It was said that the Director’s mansion was also home to other significant figures, including the 3rd Prince.
In such a situation, if we barged in all at once, it would only be a bother for the Director. Such a thing couldn’t happen! I’d rather bite my tongue and die than cause trouble!
“Captain, since you’ll be instructing the members, I’ll—”
“I’ll go.”
“…Isn’t there someone who might recognize the Captain among the three countries—”
“I’ll go.”
I swiftly cut off the Vice Captain’s suggestions. As the Captain, I should be the one with the Director. No way I’d let someone else handle this. How could he not recognize who’s who in terms of ranking?
That’s how I left the members in the hands of the Vice Captain and entered the Director’s mansion alone.
“Penelia unnie?”
“Uh, really? Is that you?”
Upon entering the garden, the two maids watering the flowerbeds turned their attention to me.
“Yuris, Sophia!”
I greeted them by name, and they immediately set down their watering cans, dashing towards me. As happy as I was to see them, they shouldn’t abandon their tasks; I might just have to scold them for this.
“Unnie!”
“Wow, our Master is here today too!”
But upon seeing the two kids beaming with joy as they embraced me, my heart softened. They’re still young; it’s understandable. I could allow this slip-up just this once.
“Where’s the Director?”
“He just stepped out.”
Giggling, Sophia responded, and I felt a twinge of disappointment. If I had come just a bit sooner, I could’ve greeted him immediately.
But it was fine. I would be residing at the Director’s mansion for a while, so I had happiness waiting ahead. No need to linger on minor disappointments.
“Ah, I need to inform the butler.”
“If unnie tells them you’re here, everyone will be so happy!”
As the chattering little ones each took one of my hands, they eagerly pulled me towards the mansion.
“Aren’t you forgetting your work?”
“The master said it’s okay to take it easy!”
Well then, I can’t argue with that.
While being led by Yuris and Sophia to meet the butler, it felt like I had met nearly all the servants in the mansion. They all greeted me warmly, which I greatly appreciated, especially since it had been ages since I had seen them other than through letters.
“Oh, isn’t that Lady Penelia?”
“Please, you can just call me Penelia.”
“Seeing you struggle to accept a joke, you must really be Penelia.”
The butler welcomed me while serving tea. He waved his hand signaling Yuris and Sophia to leave, but they stubbornly clung to my side.
I could hardly remain right there when I needed to explain to the butler why I was at the mansion. It would be troublesome if they stayed longer.
“I’ll be staying here for a while, so we can play later. Why don’t you run back for now?”
“Really?”
“Really.”
Only then did they finally leave us alone.
“How’s everyone doing?”
“Yes, they’re all doing well.”
The butler, who had inquired about the well-being of the Masked Unit, seemed to relax at my answer. It’s a miracle that all members of a special forces team engaging in dangerous activities are still doing well. This was all thanks to the Director’s rigorous training.
“I was quite worried. After all, we’re practically family now.”
“Indeed, we feel the same way.”
“That’s a sweet sentiment.”
We shared a smile. The Masked Unit once served under the Director as the 4th unit, while the servants protected the Director’s mansion. It was truly a family.
We were comrades who had experienced utter despair, losing everything during the brutal war. Thanks to one person who extended a hand, we were granted a second chance at life. This bond made us a family serving the same master in our own ways.
“The Master has just returned to the mansion, so this seems to be more than coincidence.”
“I came upon orders.”
“Understood. Make yourself at home.”
“Aren’t you going to ask a bit more…?”
His casual acceptance of my response threw me. Yet the butler just smiled.
“What could be more important than a family member returning home?”
His words struck me dumb. Truly, it’s no wonder the Director entrusted his household to him.
At the same time, to prevent conflicts with other nations, I was the only one entering the mansion while the rest waited outside. After hearing this, the butler nodded repeatedly and told me to wait a moment while he vanished for a bit.
“Uh, um, what’s this?”
He returned holding a maid outfit.
“There’s nothing odd about having a maid in the mansion. If we want to avoid suspicion, this should be our best bet.”
His convincing words made me nod, yet I couldn’t stretch out my hand to take it. After vowing my life to serve the Director, I had wielded only my sword for so long. Now, to put on such a light and breezy outfit feels strange!
Besides, would the Director be disappointed if he saw me like this? Perhaps he’d think I look ridiculous in it?
“Now you can call him Master too, Penelia.”
Those words felt like a spell compelling me to reach out my hand.
After changing into the outfit provided by the butler, I fidgeted around the garden while waiting for the Director—no, the Master—to arrive. I noticed some untidy spots and went ahead and pruned them, an unexpected task but practical nonetheless.
As time passed, the Master finally appeared in the garden.
“When did you get here?”
“I arrived right after the Master left the house.”
He seemed surprised, which reassured me. I had been worried he might want another squad and not us.
However, it hurt to feel his gaze rove up and down at me. Clearly, even the Master thinks this looks strange. Still, I’m grateful he keeps that opinion to himself.
“Then head inside. Why are you out here?”
“I just wanted to be of help…”
“Forget it. Let’s go in.”
I silently trailed behind the Master back to the mansion. As soon as we were in my room, I planned to change again. People really should stick to things they’re suited for; stepping out of one’s comfort zone often leads to dislike.
“You look uncomfortable in that attire since it’s different from what you usually wear.”
I squeezed my eyes shut at those words that slipped out. I had intended to change immediately, but it seemed the Master couldn’t hold himself back anymore.
“Although it suits you well, I can’t ask you to change.”
“Y-yes?”
His unexpected praise made me blurt out a reply. I realized my mistake too late, but the Master merely turned to look back at me without a hint of anger.
“I said it looks good on you.”
At that moment, my previously anxious heart settled down into calm warmth.
*
Even from behind, I could sense the 4th Manager felt awkward in her new attire. I can only wonder how she ended up wearing something she must feel strange in.
Seeing her slightly deflated, I took a moment to compliment her, and it seemed to lift her spirits, which relieved me.
Let’s switch perspectives. I’d lose it if I had to wear servant clothing like that while lounging around in my boss’s home.
“Hahaha, look at yourself!”
Suddenly, the Minister’s mocking voice echoed in my mind, filled with disdain. How dreadful.
‘Remarkable.’
The 4th Manager displayed immense courage standing before me like this…
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