Chapter 43: Mid-Level Manager
Did I somehow manage to pass the test?
After Eldrina left, the old butler I saw earlier entered and bowed.
My name is Philip, the chief butler. Madam has instructed me to provide you both with the utmost convenience. Please call me however youre comfortable.
Does he not plan to discriminate just because Im not their own?
At the entrance of the mansion where he had been waiting earlier, he now bowed deeply. Shiron noticed the change in the chief butlers attitude and smirked.
Chief Butler, is there a separate building here? Id like to live there.
Shiron naturally addressed the chief butler informally. He had no intention of picking a fight but saw no reason to use honorifics for someone bowing to him.
Of course, sir. I will prepare it right away.
The quick-witted chief butler said that and left.
I casually mentioned it to see how much theyd accommodate, and they allowed me to use an entire building.
Is this even possible?
Inside Shiron, Eldrinas favorability increased by about 3 points. After all, theres no way they would neglect the nephew of a beloved husband.
A separate building?
Lucia, who had been quietly observing, leaned back and approached. She had never made a request or order to someone and didnt feel confident about it. She had left the situation to Shiron but still wanted to know why.
Shiron tensed up and shifted his posture as he spoke.
I just want to avoid running into that aunt as much as possible.
I expected this, but so it has come to this.
Lucia sighed heavily. She briefly thought of her hopes of living with Siriel.
Seeing her slightly disappointed look, Shiron shrugged.
We dont really need to live in a separate building.
Huh?
My uncle knows about aunts nature, yet he suggested we come along, right?
But
That means hes probably not harmful to the children, right?
Well um Im not so sure.
Lucia recalled the two facets of Eldrina. With her arms crossed and eyes closed, she tensed her brow.
A motherly figure, being kind to her husband and daughter, and the cunning personality that she showed to Shiron and herself.
Eldrina said that Hugo wasnt a fool. Of course, Lucia never underestimated Hugo, but first impressions mattered, and it was hard dealing with such personalities.
Looking at the distressed Lucia, Shiron continued.
Whether shes a decisive person or simply generous, its not a bad situation. I think its rather good news that we dont have to pretend to be nice kids.
Its just unsettling, thats why. I dont like to tiptoe around either.
Lucia slowly nodded.
Late at night.
Berta walked along a street where ether lamps flickered.
Why did they have to call me during my vacation and at this late hour?
A sudden summons. Berta, who had just completed a month-long deployment, had been granted a paid vacation for a few days.
Having returned intact and even submitting the report on time, her immediate superiors reaction was worth noting. He had seemed as if he couldnt believe it. It was very entertaining to see.
However, unusually, he didnt say much to her. After flipping through a few papers, he put them into an envelope and stashed it in a drawer. They had just exchanged a few pleasantries.
Sigh. My fate. Why is it so cruel?
Misfortune came unannounced, as someone once said. She shouldve realized when she saw her bosss awkward expression.
When she returned home after a brief handover, a serious-looking envelope was on the table.
The blue envelope symbolizing the royal family was definitely not there when she left in the morning. Realizing someone had entered while she was unaware made every hair on her body stand up.
Lately, I seem to be very popular
Bertas heart remained restless while trying to comfort herself with this light-hearted joke. The thought of going to the palace in an unironed dress made her feel as if she would rather die on the spot. She refrained only because she knew she would trip on the pavement.
However, her hurried steps soon came to a halt.
The white ether lamp turned red, reflecting the light off the high-stacked red bricks. A splendid and grandiose palace filled her view. The absolute power of royalty was clearly evident.
Berta handed over her letter to the guard at the main gate.
The capital of the Empire, Rien. At its heart stood a castle, better described as a robust fortress than merely beautiful.
The Imperial Palace.
However, the place where Berta was led was not the main castle.
The separate palace, a distance away from the main residence of the Emperor and Empress, was where the princes who had yet to have their coronation ceremonies stayed.
Yet, even if it wasnt the main castle, it was still magnificent. The columns holding up the ceiling boasted Rococo-style carvings in gold. The carpet she was currently standing on was so soft it came up to half her knees.
You may sit comfortably.
The person who greeted Berta was a boy, appearing of similar age to the Young Master of the Prients.
The Third Royal Prince. Victor Ado de Rien.
The prince, who had just turned eleven, had slightly curly blonde hair and strikingly innocent eyes.
However, despite his permission to be at ease, Berta remained standing. Her mind was clouded, overwhelmed. She recalled the strict palace etiquettes.
One did not refuse a royal request thrice.
The Third Crown Prince, Victor, had not yet fully grasped the nuances of court manners. If he wanted to see the face of a kneeling subject, he should command them to rise.
A servant whispered in the boys ear.
Raise your head and stand.
Realizing his mistake, Victor, his ears reddening, gave the command. Only then could Berta properly face the young prince.
You are Lady Berta, correct?
Yes, Your Highness.
Berta bowed deeply in response.
Flustered, Victor fanned himself with a bundle of papers.
Lady Berta, Ive read the report you sent today.
The report in Victors hand was the copy of what she had submitted that morning.
I apologize, Your Highness.
Not even a day had passed since its submission, and it had already reached the hands of the Third Crown Prince. She had her doubts about where the task originated, but this was not how she wanted to find out.
Oh, this is not good.
Cold sweat ran down Bertas stiff back. Imagining what couldve happened had she come empty-handed made her dizzy. However, the servants reactions were of no concern to the young prince. Victor tried to look dignified, nodding his head.
I summoned you for a simple request.
Please command, Your Highness.
Seeing Bertas eager response, Victor began flipping through the pages of the bundle.
People say my temperament is a bit different from others. Im very curious and cant resist it.
Ive been scolded many times by my brothers. I tried to control it, but it seems some things cant be changed with just effort.
Could it be
A sinking feeling grew in Bertas heart as the young prince continued.
The story of the warrior Kyrie who defeated the demon 500 years ago piqued my curiosity. I always longed to see someone from that legendary family.
I believe you met Lord Hugo recently.
Hoping for the best, Berta mentioned Hugo to divert the boys attention.
Right! Lord Hugo. Well said.
However, it backfired. The young prince suddenly stood up, his eyes shining.
Ive caught glimpses of the strongest warrior in the empire, whom everyone praises, at my grandmothers palace a few times. I was so awed that I almost wet myself just standing near him. It was the first time I felt this way since I began walking
Lord Victor, please maintain your dignity.
The servant beside him tried to calm the excited Victor by reaching out to him, but the boy pushed him away, poking his chest with a stack of paper.
Ive been enchanted ever since.
Victor recalled a distant memory. Though it was just a year ago. The man who came to the palace when he was just ten years old and overpowered everyone.
He wanted him. Hugo Prient, who did not kneel even before his grandfather. Although he had two older brothers and was far down in the line of succession, wasnt everything else fine?
Victor patted his chest with his small hand.
They said the eldest son of Prient in the capital is my age. According to this report, hes a little less talented than his younger siblings?
Lord
Bertas lips trembled. She was frightened by the situation.
Maybe its possible now. I want him as my subordinate. Help me!
The young princes ambitious dream.
A bead of sweat formed under Bertas chin.
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