Chapter 125

“I refuse.”

Rudely, I openly and outright refused in front of the prince.

This was no different from shattering Nicola’s peaceful life.

We had only just brought the family to Resera, gotten treatment, and begun to settle down—so to be heading to the Imperial Palace and beside the prince! There are frequent late nights there, and the moment one becomes a thorn in the Crown Prince’s side it can be dangerous.

But I couldn’t say that straight to the prince, so I steered the conversation tactfully.

“Nicola, before being my friend, does not have the proper qualifications to be a personal attendant. The open recruitment period has already passed. Central ministry officials are appointed by the Chancellor if they pass the exam. But the Imperial Household staff select independently. The Chancellery only verifies. It’s difficult.”

“Even if I, as royalty, appoint him personally?”

In truth, considering the Crown Prince’s scouting offer, it’s not impossible.

“Nicola is a commoner. Only those with noble titles can be personal attendants. I was able to enter the central ministry because I was a fallen noble and had the Minister of Finance’s recommendation. Besides, all the other central ministry officials—except me—are graduates of high institutions like the Academy. Honestly, I don’t want Nicola to suffer the kind of discrimination I experienced.”

“Hmm…”

My sincerity slipped out at the end, but Prince Raven only listened quietly. His golden eyes seemed to sink into an abyss, then surfaced again.

“A title is no problem. As the prince I can grant him a minor noble title. The problem is his not being an Academy graduate…”

‘Ah, this guy is serious…’

He broke into a broad smile as if he’d come up with a good idea.

“Wouldn’t it work if the Chancellor personally teaches him?”

I cut to the chase and said.

“I’ll pass. I’m busy. You seem to think I’m easygoing, but I’m the Chancellor.”

“Ugh… right.”

“Then…”

“Then I’ll consult with the Academy to see that he can complete an accelerated program. In the meantime I’ll arrange for him to attend both Imperial Household duties and the Academy simultaneously.”

A vein stood out on the back of the hand we had clasped. I couldn’t hold back and asked.

“Why on earth are you going to such lengths to get Nicola in?”

With that much devotion I might think you’re bringing in a concubine.

Whatever had happened among the three of them in the past two weeks had visibly calmed Prince Raven’s expression.

“I feel at ease with him. During the journey he took good care of me and always gave me courage. He’s the sort of person you seldom find in the Imperial Palace.”

Yes, Nicola was warm and kind like wool lining. Hearing that, I could somewhat understand his obsession with Nicola.

‘But this prince… they said he was outstanding in the past—he does have an eye for people, doesn’t he?’

It seemed his reputation wasn’t entirely exaggerated.

He knew exactly who he needed most right now. That, too, was an effect of the journey.

‘What he needs is someone who can support him mentally, rather than an office-efficient person.’

Sigh… a commoner becoming the right-hand of a powerless prince overnight. That’s probably harder than becoming suddenly rich.

The prince and I were at a stalemate. There was only one way.

“I’ll convey Your Highness’s wishes to Nicola. If he refuses, we’ll leave it at that.”

I planned to feel him out naturally so Nicola wouldn’t feel pressured by the prince’s status.

“Good. I also want him by my side because he chooses to be.”

The prince agreed readily. In this regard he lacked the aristocratic arrogance and self-will typical of royalty. The Emperor and the Crown Prince were so alike in being willful.

I headed to the old house thinking I’d be sure to collect my due once this was over.

The house where Pinea’s and Nicola’s two families lived together was bustling.

Nicola’s family had moved in first, then Pinea’s family joined. Nicola’s father, who was having leg treatment, and his family used the first floor, and Pinea’s family used the second.

As befitted a house gifted by Kiara, each floor had a living room so separate living was possible. However, there was a single communal kitchen, so meals were shared.

They were all from the same Ophel and acquaintances, so the awkwardness lasted only a short while.

“We’ll go inside first, so talk freely.”

Nicola’s mother set down a towering plate of cookies and kept smiling. It was probably a strange life in the capital, so I was glad she seemed to be adapting well. After the parents and siblings went into their rooms, only the three of us—me, Nicola, and Pinea—remained in the kitchen.

“Father’s leg is healing smoothly. It’s all thanks to you, Coco.”

The corners of Nicola’s drooping eyes curved into a round smile. Indeed, there were more renowned physicians here than in rural Ophel, so the uncle’s leg recovered quickly. Pinea was excited too.

“My father’s complexion has improved a lot too. He must have been very lonely, as you said. My younger sibling’s mood lightened. Honestly, living together makes me relieved as well.”

The world wasn’t very easy for a woman living alone. Not only the family but Pinea also looked at ease. I was grateful she took my words without resentment.

“You know I’m the homeowner, right? Do well.”

I awkwardly deflected the passing praise with a teasing remark. Pinea and Nicola caught each other’s eyes and snickered.

“You’re secretly weak to compliments, you know?”

“That’s right. You work hard, but when someone publicly praises you, you don’t know how to react.”

That was the ingrained virtue of a K-office worker: ‘modesty’. If you openly liked praise, they’d think you were arrogant.

“I don’t want that, but I can’t help it. Fine, from now on I’ll accept it confidently. Praise me, quickly.”

“What? Hahaha.”

“Coco, the happiness evangelist who restored the peace of the household!”

How long had it been since we’d laughed together like this without worry?

We happily chatted about what had been happening and had a great time. With beer added, the mood warmed. I took the opportunity to tell Nicola about Prince Raven’s offer. Unsurprisingly, he was shocked.

“M-me?!”

“Yes.”

“Amazing, really.”

Pinea, beside him, shook my shoulder, unable to hide her excitement. I held up my index finger before his bewildered eyes.

“Nicola, your decision matters most. Personally, having seen you suffer so much in the central ministry, I think being the prince’s aide would be equal or harsher. If you’re satisfied with the work at Daijo, you don’t have to accept the offer. I made Prince Raven promise firmly there would be no disadvantages.”

Pinea chimed in beside me.

“We’ve always told Coco over and over: Coco’s wishes come first. This is the same.”

“Hmm…”

Nicola couldn’t decide readily and fell into thought.

Of course. How could he decide immediately upon hearing such a major matter? He would likely recall both what I’d been through and Prince Raven’s behavior during our travels.

“Can I have some time to think?”

“Of course. A week. Is that okay?”

“Yes. Thank you, Coco.”

He was a careful friend in everything.

Still, he was someone who could make bold choices for himself, so I hoped he’d make a happy decision.

I looked up at the large, snow-white building before me and muttered.

“I never thought I’d come here.”

This was the temple of the lord deity Lemer. I hadn’t believed in gods, but having actually seen them, I couldn’t deny it anymore, so I had come to request that power.

‘As a count he’s a high noble, so he should be able to request treatment for Rio.’

Vespera had also said it was possible, so it was reliable information.

He had offered to help first, but I declined. I didn’t like always being indebted, and now that I was qualified myself I didn’t feel the need. Also, Rio’s steady treatment had been improving his health.

But his coughing a while ago looked ominous. That’s why I informed the temple in advance to request treatment.

‘They’ll be expensive.’

The reply came after almost three weeks. Still, I was the Empire’s Chancellor to some extent, so perhaps I had secretly expected special treatment.

“As long as Rio recovers.”

I sighed softly and moved toward the temple lobby. Paladin knights guarded the main entrance. When I presented my ID and the reply letter, they promptly escorted me inside.

In the reception room I sipped a light tea and waited for the person in charge to arrive.

Knock knock.

“Yes.”

A man in a pure white clerical robe entered quietly.

“Good day, Chancellor Cornelia Libertas. Sorry to have kept you waiting. I am a servant of Lord Lemer, who will hear today’s request.”

“Hello.”

The cleric sat down and opened the letter I had sent last time, placing it on the table.

“I have read your request, Lady Libertas. Your younger sibling is said to have an incurable disease.”

I nodded and explained in detail Rio’s symptoms and ailments to date.

“I heard that as a high noble one can directly request holy-power treatment, so I sent a letter.”

“Is that so?”

He gave me a questioning look as if staring me down, then skimmed the letter once more and said.

“Lord Lemer wishes to do good for all. Of course he will surely grant a blessing to Lady Libertas’s younger sibling. However… there are so many who desire blessings that it’s difficult to grant them to everyone. If you show Lord Lemer your sincerity, he will gladly bestow the blessing.”

A faint whiff of a cult-like vibe crept up.

‘Almost like they’re selling medicine, huh?’

But the disappointing part was me.

I had generously donated the problematic-treatment jewel I received from the Duke at TWCR, or more precisely the one given by Vespera who didn’t know my true identity. The cleric’s mouth curled up as if split by a grin.

‘Not trusting at all…’

I could roughly see their scheme, but I decided to treat it as the cost of treatment. The holy power itself was real.

The cleric said they’d contact me if I waited comfortably.

I said okay, yet I couldn’t shake a feeling of unease.