Page 62

The animosity of a person of higher standing can be dreadful, but excessive favor could be awkward as well. Fortunately, I wasn’t facing that kind of hostility. Instead, I was currently dealing with an uncomfortable level of goodwill from the important individual right in front of me. How could you even imagine a situation in which the Duke would propose marriage to you? It was simply unbelievable.

Maintaining a strictly professional relationship and parting ways with the Gold Duke as business partners was the most convenient thing. That noble was so predictable that if you were to input A, you’d always get B. The other Dukes’ reactions to the same input were unpredictable.

“These days, people tend to marry later in life.”

“Yes, I’ve heard the same.”

This was the first time I was hearing about it.

“My own daughter got married at the appropriate age.”

“I remember. I was quite surprised when I heard about it.”

“Haha, if you were, then how much more would I, her father, have felt?”

The Invincible Duke subtly mentioned the Crown Princess, indirectly suggesting, ’Since you’re not too old, consider it.’ It’s fortunate that he didn’t mention anything further.

But wasn’t the Crown Princess’s marriage too unusual to be taken as a comparison? The Crown Princess married not out of political strategy, but out of genuine love for the First Prince, who was struggling to survive against the Second Prince’s faction at the time. He wasn’t even the Crown Prince back then.

Due to that unexpected marriage, the succession dispute which seemed to favor the Second Prince took a dramatic turn. Furthermore, a war broke out in the North as if it was scripted. If the Invincible Duke had fallen in the North at that time, the Crown Prince’s marriage proposal would have to be accepted.

“Oh no, I’ve been taking too much of your time. You must be busy.”

“No, Your Grace. It’s an honor to spend time with you.”

As I was envisioning an alternate reality where I bit my tongue and perished upon hearing about the Crown Princess’ marriage, the Invincible Duke’s voice interrupted my daydreaming. The conversation had taken more time than I had anticipated.

“Oh, Your Grace. I have something to give you.”

“Hmm? For me? Well, you must have rushed here; when did you manage to find the time to prepare me a gift?”

Although his tone was questioning why I would even bother to prepare something, he seemed to be genuinely pleased. Unexpected gifts were always delightful.

I took out the notebook from my pocket, tore out a page with a bunch of names on it, and handed it to the Invincible Duke. It was a seemingly insignificant gift, but one that would surely please him.

“There are many exceptional students in the Academy. The future of the Empire is truly promising. It’s all thanks to the benevolence of His Majesty.”

“That’s great news.”

The Invincible Duke accepted the paper with satisfaction, expressing his appreciation. It was a preliminary list of potential Civil Servants that I compiled the day before the Special Service Agency’s Executive Manager’s unexpected betrayal. Among them, I put emphasis on the individuals suitable for military positions.

Although the recommendation was made without their knowledge, I had no doubt that those students would be pleased by it. It wasn’t just any recommendation; it was a direct recommendation to the Deputy Commander, the head of the Imperial Army. It was a rare opportunity that might only come once in a lifetime.

“Thank you, Carl. The thought of these young individuals filling the Imperial Army makes my heart flutter.”

“I feel the same way.”

By occasionally recommending people suitable for the army, he could also recommend talented individuals for the Prosecutor’s Office later on. It was a win-win situation. What a beautiful sight.

“I shall take my leave now. Have a good day.”

After delivering the gift to the Invincible Duke, it was time to leave. If I stayed any longer, I might be late in returning to the Academy.

“Carl, I have one last thing to say.”

“I’m listening.”

The Invincible Duke’s voice stopped me as I was about to leave. Turning around, I saw that he had a small smile on his face.

“You don’t need to worry about me. I’m just returning what should never have been mine in the first place.”

“…Thank you, Your Grace.”

“No need for thanks. Take care and come back when you’re done with your duties.”

Seeing the Invincible Duke, I couldn’t bring myself to discuss the matter of the Six Swords. Regardless of my personal satisfaction, the rise in fame of the Six Swords would undoubtedly harm the Duke’s reputation. That’s why I couldn’t speak up until the end, but he took the initiative to mention it, assuring me that he was fine.

I left the Deputy Commander’s office with my head lowered. I thought I could repay some of my past debts by presenting him some new slaves today, but they had increased instead. At this rate, I’ll end up bankrupt, unable to even pay my interests.

While I saw a benefactor to whom I couldn’t pay the interest, I was greeted by these damn bastards who wanted me to pay the interest.

Ah! How envious! An Academy life in your youthful twenties!

A tattered placard caught my eye as soon as I opened the office door. It exuded a crazy presence that forcibly drew my gaze.

‘It’s still here?’

I distinctly remember tearing it apart and then throwing it away. Those persistent bastards must have found it and pieced them back together. I should have burned it instead of throwing it away.

“Oh, Executive Manager! You’re here!”

While I blankly stared at the placard, the 1st Manager’s voice came from beside me. I turned my gaze and saw the 1st Manager giggling, holding a bottle of liquor in each hand laughing and with a smile on her face.

“Since we had a party without you last time, we decided to do it again!”

“Without me…”

I vividly remember completely ruining the party. Those bastards had the audacity to hold a party behind my back. Who was that party for? Its protagonist was missing, you crazy motherfuckers.

“Ta-da! Executive Manager, I didn’t even bother bringing an ordinary cup for you, but an entire bottle!”

The 1st Manager offered the bottle cheerfully. I looked down at the bottle in her hand and then lifted my gaze to the 1st Manager’s head. Would hitting her head with this bottle kill her? Can I control it enough not to kill her?

“You never know when you’ll be back after you leave, so have a drink before you go.”

The 2nd Manager appeared, all smiles. Could I stab him in the belly with a broken bottle? How much control would I need so he wouldn’t die, too?

“Cheers!”

The 2nd Manager exclaimed as he raised his glass, and the 1st Manager and 3rd Manager naturally joined in, appearing joyful. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the 4th Manager and the 5th Manager quietly holding their glasses, seemingly holding their breath. They were one of the few conscientious people in the Prosecutor’s Office. I might have truly gone insane if it weren’t for them.

“…Fine.”

I forcefully suppressed the urge to make a mess out of everything at this moment. Starting a rampage right now would only delay my return to the Academy. If it was intentional, they’re bastards; if it’s accidental, then they’re idiots. Which one were they?

Contemplating which one they were, I clinked glasses moderately and left. I felt like I would collapse due to high blood pressure if I stayed any longer. In the meantime, they kept on drinking even after I left. It’s as if they used my arrival at the Prosecutor’s Office as an excuse to drink.

‘They used to drink so casually.’

The Prosecutor’s Office was a department where drinking was allowed during work. It’s a department that frequently clashed and argued with nobles, which resulted in considerable work stress. So as a favor, albeit somewhat necessary, they were allowed to deal with it through alcohol.

Of course, there were many individuals in the Prosecutor’s Office who weren’t in their right minds even when sober, so this level of consideration might’ve been unnecessary. They probably would have been fine without drinking.

Just before returning to the Academy, I received both good and bad news.

The good news was that there was no communication from the palace. After meeting two dukes in a row, I wondered if the Crown Prince might also summon me. Fortunately, the Crown Prince was apparently too busy to have the leisure to call me. I feel somewhat guilty for being relieved by this.

The bad news was that the Special Service Agency’s Executive Manager went into hiding. I personally went to the Special Service Agency to make a complaint instead of just sending a letter since I had come all the way to the capital. However, he was reported absent. That damn bastard must have caught on fast and fled.

“I’ll take you to the Academy.”

Despite having gone to the Magic Tower without having sent word beforehand, a teleportation magician greeted me. It was probably because the Mage Duchess had already given an order. I was able to move quickly to the Academy without the need to find anyone. If I had gone like this the first time I was dispatched, I wouldn’t have suffered from motion sickness. It just so happened that the Magic Tower was exceptionally busy at that time.

“Executive Manager. The Mage Duchess left a message for you.”

“What is it?”

“She said not to worry about her, so you could do whatever you want.”

That was the message the magician gave me before he left. I flinched when he said that it was the Mage Duchess’s message, but contrary to my concerns, it was just an ordinary message.

Although she taught Louise as her disciple without revealing her identity, she still showed concern. In that situation, it was probably a request for me to take care of Louise, considering that I was the Advisor to the club she belonged to. It wasn’t a difficult request. After all, Louise was someone I was looking after.

Well, it wasn’t like she was flying to the Academy to take care of her only disciple. I almost had a heart attack when she mentioned that she wanted to become a teacher at the Academy. It’s hard to distinguish whether the Mage Duchess’s words were sincere or just casual remarks. It’s like saying, ’Let’s have a meal together sometime,’ and then actually making plans for it.

‘Why does today feel so long?’

I sighed, feeling exhausted. It feels like I’ve spent three days’ worth of time on each of the Dukes, but in reality, not even one day has passed yet. My body is fine, but my mental energy has been drained.

Now, I’m starting to forget why I was brought to the Capital in the first place. Was it because Louise had used the Mage Duchess’s unique magic? Actually, it wasn’t a big deal, but I wonder if the Principal and I made too big of a fuss about it. It was natural for the protagonist of a novel to be able to use powerful magic. I might have not taken that into consideration.

‘Damn.’

Having such strange thoughts, I could tell that I was truly exhausted. Maybe I should rest a bit in the club room. Anyway, the members probably won’t pay any attention to what I do.

Before I forgot, I pulled out my communication crystal and called the Principal. I need to report my return and the situation. I’m sure he’s been anxiously worrying about the relationship between Louise and the Mage Duchess up until now.

‘I’m so tired.’

I just want to rest. Today, of all days, I really want to rest.