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The vacation was over, and a new semester had begun. It was the second semester of the first year, a time when the autumn leaves and snow would be beautiful.

Of course, I was trying not to think of the fact that there were still four semesters left.

‘There’s still two years.’

I couldn’t help but sigh internally, but I was grateful that it was only a three-year program. Imagine how terrible it would be if it were a six-year program like in elementary school. I’d have to spend more time at the Academy than my entire civil servant career. That would probably render me a real student, not an honorary one.

So, I decided to be thankful and persevere.

“I’m graduating next year.”

When I turned to the sullen voice, I saw Marghetta looking at me with her chin resting on her hand.

It was indeed regrettable. I sometimes forget, but Marghetta was one year ahead of the pastry club. I would still have to spend one more year at the Academy even after she graduated.

And once she did, I wouldn’t be able to rely on the Vice President’s office as much as I did now. Who should I rely on then?

“Is repeating a year not an option?”

If Marghetta took a year off, it would be good for both of us. Of course, it was just a joke.

“My grades have been too good until now. I don’t think they’d let go of me easily.”

However, her gloomy tone surprised me. It seemed like she was genuinely disappointed. No way. Was she seriously considering it?

If Marghetta actually repeated a year, it would undoubtedly be problematic. If the news got out that the precious and adorable youngest daughter of the Iron-blooded Duke repeated a year, he might just collapse. He might even try to kill me if I showed up while he was investigating the reason why Marghetta was repeating a year.

‘It’ll be difficult if the Iron-blooded Duke’s animosity towards me increases even more.’

He had already declared that I should come and beg on my knees if I wanted to marry Marghetta. It wouldn’t end with just me kneeling if I provoked him any further.

With my feeble creativity, I can’t even imagine what comes after kneeling. The Iron-blooded Duke had walked quite a few battlefields in his prime, so he probably knew a lot of unconventional methods.

“Are you disappointed that I’m graduating first?”

While I was lost in my thoughts, Marghetta smiled and spoke.

“Are you asking me when you already know the answer?”

“I wanted to hear it from your own mouth.”

Her smile grew wider as she spoke confidently. How had she endured all this time?

“I want you to stay by my side instead of leaving first.”

Then she nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answer.

‘It’s amazing.’

What I was talking about wasn’t Marghetta. She had already declared that she would become more proactive and honest.

What surprised me was myself. The fact that I could talk to Marghetta so casually and that my heart felt lighter than I expected.

Even though I told her about my past, getting closer to her was a separate matter.

But having a friendly conversation with her felt remarkably comfortable. It happened so quickly that it felt like a dam had burst inside me.

‘How did I manage to endure it all this time?’

I, who had endured for two years, finally burst when the opportunity presented itself.

***

I was used to the Prosecutors’ Office’s Executive Manager’s visits. Before the vacation, he came every day at the invitation of the Duke’s daughter.

The Student Council room was off-limits to all but the most senior members, but that was a trivial issue. How could we dare impose the Academy’s rules on a capable and dedicated servant of the Empire?

There was just one small problem—

‘When should I go in?’

The dessert I was holding had nowhere to go. I had planned to treat the Executive Manager with it as a celebration for the start of the second semester, but I couldn’t find the courage to enter the Vice President’s office after overhearing their conversation.

I naturally knew that the Lady had strong feelings for the Executive Manager. I had seen them together for months; I’d be an idiot if I didn’t notice.

However, the Executive Manager wasn’t usually this warm. What happened during the vacation?

‘Well, never mind.’

I gave up on going inside. Desserts like this could be served later.

If the Executive Manager was happy, then that was all that mattered. He was my lifelong benefactor, so he deserved to be happy.

As I admired the Executive Manager, a business card automatically popped into my head.

No, it wasn’t just any business card. It might have started as one, but it had become a treasure ever since the Executive Manager had touched it.

The business card, now an immensely powerful letter of recommendation, had pleased my father greatly when he saw it during the vacation.

No wonder. I was the son of a mere viscount, not a high-ranking nobleman, and wasn’t even the eldest son who would inherit the title.

It wasn’t a future that could be described as particularly bright. I might not live in poverty and be lacking, but it was also unlikely for me to live a life of wealth and recognition.

But a letter of recommendation from the Executive Manager, a key figure in the Imperial Crown Prince’s faction? This undoubtedly brightened my future and paved the way ahead, like a path adorned with flowers. My personal success was assured, and if things went well, even the Connor Family’s prestige could rise.

It had been a few months since I received the letter of recommendation, but my heart still swelled with pride. Thank you, Executive Manager. My loyalty lies with you. If I make it into the Ministry of Finance, then I’ll become a person you could rely on.

He was going to be my boss anyway, so it was only fair that I be loyal to him in advance.

“Demian? What are you doing there?”

I was in the midst of pledging my loyalty to the Executive Manager when an impudent person dared to disrupt this sacred moment.

I suppressed my annoyance and turned to see the Treasurer looking at me blankly. Oh, it was this unchosen child.

“It’s nothing to worry about, so just focus on preparing for the civil service exams. You must be busy with that.”

As I said this, the pen the Treasurer was holding flew toward my neck. It would have struck me if I hadn’t ducked.

“I was going to make sure you’ll never be able to speak again.”

I was surprised by the Treasurer’s audacity, but I quickly regained my composure. Winners always maintained their composure; how could I react to every provocation from a loser?

“A jealous kid sure is pathetic.”

“You’re really something, aren’t you?”

I quietly closed my mouth after seeing the treasurer sweep her hair back with annoyance. I’d have to lay off on the teasing for now. If I did it again right away, I’d be caught in a headlock.

The second semester of the third year was a sensitive time to be a Student Council officer. It was the final semester at the Academy, meaning we’d have to take the civil service exams immediately after this semester.

If I hadn’t received the letter of recommendation, I would have been living in a state of anxiety and sensitivity. Anxiety about whether I could become a civil servant, and the uncertainty of what I would do if I failed the exam.

‘We were lucky.’

It wasn’t just me. We were all lucky.

Those were the words the Excutive Manager mentioned just before entering the Vice President’s office today.

I had a feeling that this was an opportunity for my treasure to become our treasure.

The Executive Manager nodded lightly and entered the Vice President’s office, seemingly satisfied.

There was no doubt about it. After three years in the student council, I had gotten to the point where I could read people’s expressions. It was an ability that came naturally when dealing with students who were high-ranking nobles.

“I’ll pass the exam anyway.”

“If I recommend you, wouldn’t your chances of passing increase?”

That was why I could provocatively say things like this without hesitation. After all, they would eventually receive recommendations too.

If I provoked them without knowing that they were receiving a letter of recommendation, then that was just inhumane. Did I go through all the trouble during the first semester for nothing?

But with exclusive knowledge about the letters of recommendation, this was my chance.

‘Darn it.’

When the lady became my nominal subordinate as the Vice President, how much did she mock me, who was her superior on the surface?

It was time to pay back the humiliation and disgrace I suffered back then. This was also thanks to the Executive Manager’s favor.

Loyalty to the Executive Manager.

***

I started hearing chatter outside. It was quiet until a moment ago. Did someone come?

“It sounds like the President and the Treasurer.”

“That’s surprising. Both of them seemed like the quiet type.”

There was the President, who had Marghetta as his subordinate (not exactly a subordinate), and the Treasurer, the de facto second-in-command of the Student Council (with a heavy workload).

Perhaps it was due to the challenging environment, but both of them generally had quiet personalities. Of course, the same could be said for other officers as well, except for Marghetta.

As I listened closely to the faint conversation, I heard the President lecturing the Treasurer. He had quite a way with words.

By the way, I mentioned earlier that I was considering kidnapping, or rather, recommending, the other officers as well.

“They seem close.”

If the President was doing that even though he knew, then he was probably just teasing the Treasurer.

“I heard there has been some interaction between their noble families for a long time.”

“That does happen.”

I found it fascinating because I’ve never experienced such a situation. While the Krasius family did have interactions with other Imperial Families, I’ve never personally made friends with anyone.

Maybe I was just socially awkward? Maybe even Erich had made friends without me knowing about it.

“It’s unusual that they get along so well. Regardless of interactions between noble families, it ultimately comes down to the relationships between the heads of the families. It doesn’t affect the children below them much.”

I felt relieved by Marghetta’s words. Thankfully, I wasn’t the weird one.

“If they have a good relationship, then it might be a good idea to put them in the same department.”

Saying that, I took out a business card from my pocket, and Marghetta burst into a soft laugh.

“Fufu, that’s right. They will definitely be pleased.”

I agreed. Skipping the bothersome exam and becoming a civil servant right away would indeed be a cause for celebration.

But where should I recommend them to? The military would be better than the administration, right?

Invincible Duke, I’m sending one your way now…