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The conversation with the Gold Duke ended with a very satisfying result compared to what I was worried about.

Because of the esteemed Gold Duke’s request, I would have to deal with the baby Kraken. Fortunately, I could drag all of the combined forces of the three countries, so I could leave the escort duty to them and enjoy boating. A 30% extra bonus? How could anyone resist such an offer?

No matter how much I thought about it, it felt like I was dealing with a victim who’d lost its habitat due to human environmental destruction. But that wasn’t the main issue. What mattered wasn’t the ‘Kraken’s Tears Trilogy’ but the shining 30% increase event.

Also, wouldn’t the baby Kraken prefer to be with its parents rather than suffer in this harsh world? I’m just helping it reach that outcome faster. How many people were as considerate as me?

I had a place I had to rush to immediately after arriving in Boyar. It was weird that he’d asked me to meet in the casino rather than the Duke’s castle, but that wasn’t something I should care about. After all, meetings inside the casino’s VIP Room were something that often happened.

Anyway, I’m glad that I’ll be able to give Sir Villar some good news. He’ll be happy to know all of the three countries’ forces can go to Boyar.

‘I should also mention that I needed to deal with something.’

Villar originally said he would ensure I wouldn’t have to get involved. Because of that, I’m sure there won’t be any complaints about me taking a break after delivering the good news. He’ll probably ask me to take a break.

Oh, I just remembered that I needed some cookies for Sir Villar. I ate more than usual today, so the quantity wasn’t enough. I should ask Louise for more.

* * *

Oppa asked for more cookies again. It wasn’t hard to do, but taking into consideration the amount, it seemed too much even for the Duke’s daughter. The leftovers might get soggy and lose its texture. Will that be okay?

“Sir Villar’s going to come, so I thought that we’re probably going to need more.”

“Ah, is that so?”

“I’m sorry. He ate well, so I wanted to take care of him.”

“Hehe, it’s okay.”

I smiled at Oppa’s apology, then opened the oven.

Sir Villar was a Knight that’s from the Armein Kingdom, just like Rutis. He often meets Oppa, and he’d been of great help during the club fair. That’s why I know him. He probably has a good appetite since he’s a Knight, so I guess it’s okay to make a lot.

‘They’re all eating well.’

The cookies I’ve been making recently were normal, unlike the ones I normally made for Oppa. It would be embarrassing for him if the cookies he served to his guests tasted bad.

However, it was still a bit disappointing. I used to add many beneficial ingredients to the cookies for Oppa, who often looked tired. But I can’t do that anymore. That’s why I’ve been giving him tea leaves that were good for him, but I don’t know how effective they were.

I looked at Oppa’s expression. He still had dark circles underneath his eyes. Maybe the tea wasn’t that effective? However, he didn’t seem that tired.

‘I should have continued giving him the usual ones.’

I learned during the club fair that his taste buds weren’t normal. That’s why I’ve been focusing on ingredients with health benefits rather than taste. It was something I could do since Oppa couldn’t taste them very well.

If those ingredients improved his health and restored his taste, he would probably notice that there was something strange about my cookies I could apologize for making them incorrectly by then. Oppa would probably laugh it up. I thought it wasn’t a bad idea.

But these health-focused cookies might not suit other people’s tastes, so I haven’t been giving them out. What’s the point of having a good idea if I can’t implement it?

‘Should I make something else?’

I pondered about the desserts I could make. Something that couldn’t be easily given as a gift, like cookies. If Oppa received it, even if it was for courtesy, he would eat it alone.

What could it be… Ah, maybe a cake? Should I make a big cake?

* * *

As the date of the school trip approached, the expression of the Student Council President became paler, and Marghetta’s smile started to fade. It was a pity, given that they were both young kids who should be growing up happily.

Unfortunately, there was nothing I could do to help except for listening to Marghetta while she vented. Still, she seemed relieved to talk about work as if it helped her ease the internal pain.

The problem was that a faint sob started to creep into Marghetta’s voice. It was so subtle that you wouldn’t notice it if you didn’t pay close attention.

“We need to secure carriages for hundreds of people, and we need to check the route they will take. We also need to identify some cities in the middle where everyone can rest. And we also need to find accommodations suitable for their status…”

“It sounds very challenging.”

The more I heard, the more ridiculous it seemed. The planning they were doing was comparable to a military march. This was why the Student Council members wanted to go somewhere nearby.

“Mar, have you been getting enough sleep these days?”

“I’m sleeping whenever I can, so don’t worry.”

I couldn’t help but feel sympathy after seeing her making a forced smile. Sleep was essential. It wasn’t something that should be squeezed in whenever you had some free time. It seemed like she already had her mindset twisted after enjoying the taste of what it felt like to be a Civil Servant.

A few days ago, I found her asleep face-down on her desk in the Vice President’s office. I didn’t want to put her on the sofa because I thought she would wake up if I touched her, so I put a coat over her and waited for her. She woke up by herself not long after.

On the one hand, I wished she got a bit more sleep. However, I also knew how much pressure would be on her if the work was stacked.

I acted as if I hadn’t noticed how surprised she was to see me. The coat fell to the ground and she said she would return it after cleaning it, but what returned was a new one. I also pretended not to have noticed that.

“But still, having Carl here is a relief.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

I smiled and slid one of Louise’s cookies toward Marghetta. She immediately grabbed one and ate it.

‘She reminds me of the Senior Manager.’

He ate for the nutrients rather than the taste. But why was Marghetta acting like this? I felt sad at the sight of the Duke’s daughter.

“I hope that next year’s destination is closer.”

My comment was meant as a form of consolation. However, Marghetta stopped eating as if she were startled by the comment. She then finished chewing and cautiously spoke.

“…It seems like the destination will be Boyar from now on.”

“Ah.”

The Gold Duke didn’t seem to see this as a one-time event. Boyar was becoming this world’s equivalent to Gyeongju or Jeju Island.

Watching Marghetta reach for the cookies with a slightly more melancholic expression, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the red-haired woman running away from the Student Council.

‘Poor girl.’

I silently poured tea into Marghetta’s cup. I hope she makes it through this without breaking down.

With someone in the south of the Empire laughing and people sighing in the Academy, the first day of the school trip came.

‘They really managed to gather everything.’

The sight of over a hundred carriages lined up made my heart swell with pride. Considering the number of students and staff, these many carriages were necessary.

But now that I think about it, it’s strange. Why would all three grades go on a school trip together? Of course, it might be more convenient to go all at once rather than scheduling three separate trips from the Student Council’s perspective.

“Carl, let me know if you change your mind.”

“Haha, understood.”

As I admired the impressive carriages, Marghetta approached me. It seemed like she was disappointed about my choice, but I hope she understands my circumstances.

These were four-seater carriages, so Marghetta’s carriage had three people assigned to it. She had been trying to invite me since yesterday, but I had a different carriage in mind.

‘Being next to Louise is the most comfortable.’

Fortunately, there were also three people assigned to Louise’s carriage, so I was able to join hers. The school trip itself was an event, but something might happen on the way there. Considering that, I’d feel more at ease by staying close to her.

There was just one minor issue that bothered me about riding the same carriage as Louise, but I couldn’t help it. After all, this was an official matter.

“Hyung, were you assigned to this carriage, too?”

“That’s how it turned out.”

Erich greeted me as I walked towards Louise’s carriage. I’m sorry. You would’ve been the only male member if I wasn’t here. You might have been able to make some progress…

‘No.’

Progress? I overestimated this guy.

I brushed off the absurd thought and got on the carriage. There was no one there except for Erich.

“Where’s the other two?”

“She said they were going to get here soon. She’s still talking with other people.”

“I see.”

As always, the pink capybara was at the center, receiving everyone’s attention. She was naturally building friendships with others even at this moment.

Not long after, I heard some commotion outside of the carriage. And then, the door opened. A pink-haired figure hastily rushed in.

“Sorry! I’m late—huh? Oppa?”

“I was also assigned here.”

I waved my hands at the surprised Louise, and a smile spread across her face. It felt good to be welcomed.

‘So they came together.’

As Louise smiled widely, I turned my gaze to the golden hair peeking out from behind her. Her body was hidden behind Louise and only her hair stuck out, as if she was trying to hide from my sight. Obviously, it had no effect.

“Hi. It’s been a while.”

“Ah. Y-yes. Hello.”

Considering that we would ride the same carriage, I greeted her, and she responded while trembling. I felt sorry for her.

“Irina? What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well?”

“I’m fine. It’s nothing.”

Irina replied awkwardly with a smile to Louise’s concerned question.

I’m sorry; I would have also preferred to avoid this if possible.

I felt like sighing after seeing a hint of fear in Irina’s blue eyes.