Chapter 60

“So you’re saying you’ve never once stayed late at the office because you felt pressured by anyone’s gaze?”

“Why would I pretend to work because of other people’s looks when there’s nothing to do? I’m not that idle.”

It seemed the department members’ conversation had secretly shocked him.

“So does that mean our staff also stay because I don’t leave?”

“No way, that can’t be. They must have had a lot of work.”

“Master Quokka.”

“Maybe… there are times like that.”

“Phew….”

I offered some words of comfort to him, who was gloomier than usual.

“That’s how bosses are! They hold the life and death of their subordinates. It’s scary and the staff want to look good to them.”

He objected with an even more baffled expression.

“Then why wouldn’t the lower official who offended me by leaving on time try to look good?”

As someone directly involved, I answered plainly.

“Either they don’t care about getting fired, or they have confidence in their ability. Or they really, really don’t want unnecessary overtime. Even if it means being at odds with their boss.”

“All of those seem to apply. But… I don’t want to be at odds with that person.”

Good. The mysterious secret of overtime being revealed seemed to ease his discomfort. He had genuinely thought everyone stayed late because of lots of work.

I pushed further while I had the chance.

“Because they’re good at their job?”

He nodded without hesitation.

“Probably. I like the way they handle tasks. Honestly, they might even be better than me. This case was that impressive.”

Although he wasn’t wearing a mask, I had the illusion his mouth corners had lifted. I shamelessly made a request.

“Treat them well. You don’t see that kind of employee often.”

“Alright.”

“And don’t give them looks for leaving on time.”

“Now that I know the reason, that won’t happen.”

“If they make suggestions, listen to them. In my experience, such people are honest and reliable.”

“I’ll remember.”

The Duke nodded seriously, perhaps offering an infinite shield to me who would meet his hidden department’s subordinate tomorrow.

‘By the way, if they’re clearly competent, why do they do so much overtime?’

After the commotion, my first week working at the Hidden Department passed.

Today I planned to visit Kiara to thank her for helping with the boulevard construction case. I had a gift ready.

“Long time no see, Cornelia.”

Butler Penel greeted me warmly. Pinea and Meloni also came out and we had a pleasant reunion.

“It’s been really peaceful since that creep left.”

Meloni’s face brightened. Stress really is the root of all illness, it seemed. Pinea, who had become my successor, also seemed to get along well.

“Miss is waiting.”

Guided by Pinea, I headed toward the familiar Marquess’s residence’s young lady’s room. It had only been a few months, but it felt like years.

Knock knock.

“Miss, Cornelia is here.”

“Come in.”

I opened the door happily at the same sharp voice as always and entered.

“Lady Kiara.”

She seemed dressed to go out as if she had an appointment. I thought I’d greet her quickly and leave, but she suddenly stood and headed out the door.

“Let’s go.”

I asked, bewildered, not knowing why.

“Where to…?”

“Do you think I’m going to kidnap you? Just come quietly.”

“Well, yes.”

No matter how I thought about it, she would gain nothing from kidnapping me, so I shrugged off my doubts and followed. Kidnapping would have the fatal flaw of making me unable to work.

We rode the Marquess’s carriage to a wealthy residential area not far from the Imperial Palace. Pinea, who had ridden with us, led the way. She kept a slight smile, clearly pleased.

‘Did she get a bonus or something?’

Kiara was generous, so if Pinea worked hard she would surely catch her eye.

“We’ve arrived, my lady.”

“Wow….”

It was like a house out of a fairy tale. A large, adorable two-story house with a chimney. Even someone like me could tell high-quality materials were used. There was a small yard, a neat stream behind, and an arched bridge above. It looked like a hideout the Miss would come to for private time.

“How is it?”

Kiara asked for my impressions.

“My lady, it’s so pretty… it heals the heart on its own. If something upsets you, come here often. It’s such a shame to leave a house this lovely unused.”

The surroundings were full of well-kept flowers and trees; it was the kind of place you’d strongly recommend for a working vacation.

I was busy simply taking in the house with my eyes.

“Is that okay? You said you wanted to separate work and private life.”

She sounded like she was holding back a lot of laughter. I didn’t understand what she meant.

“What? What do you mean?”

Then Pinea, with the exact same expression as the Miss, handed me a rolled parchment.

‘What could that be?’

I tilted my head, checked the contents, and froze, lifting my head to look at her.

“Miss?”

She smirked as if it were nothing and gestured toward the house.

“Congratulations on your promotion to Second-grade Secretary.”

“Wh… what????”

It was the deed to a house in my name. I kept looking between the document, the house, and the Miss, trying to make sense of this unbelievable situation. But it still didn’t add up.

“No, even if it’s a gift, a house!?”

I tried to hand the deed back to her, but she crossed her arms and refused to let go even with effort.

“Miss, this is too much! Take it back. Who gives a subordinate a house as a gift?”

“It’s not unheard of.”

Kiara said, as if my fussing was unnecessary.

“Nobles often reward loyal retainers with houses. It’s like the crown granting lands and castles to those who serve it well.”

The scale of rewards was on another level compared to the modern world.

“But I’m no longer a retainer of the Marquess’s residence…”

“You joined the Chancellery on my recommendation and you’ve been doing well. I’m surprised how well you’ve done, to be honest.”

“Still, even if it’s a reward, this is a bit…”

Seeing me keep trying to refuse, Pinea, unable to stand it, chimed in.

“We thought you’d refuse, so we picked something more modest like this. Originally, the Miss wanted to give you the grand mansion she bought with Black Dia’s profits.”

“Yes, if you don’t accept this quietly, she’ll just buy you the mansion, so take it quickly.”

I had no choice. And I liked this quiet house in front of me far more than a mansion.

Pulling myself together as best I could in this unimaginable situation, I bowed toward Kiara.

“Thank you so much, My lady. I’ll accept it gratefully.”

“Don’t plan to live here forever. Do better and buy a place like our house.”

I couldn’t help but smile at her casually giving me the next ‘quest.’

“Come often. I mean it.”

“You better not complain about it later, okay?”

For some reason, it felt like we had taken a step into a new relationship beyond boss and subordinate.

The Miss was incredibly decisive. The moment I accepted the deed, she had people arrange the move. I was busy explaining the whole story to my younger siblings, including Marcella.

“Coco, since I arrived here in the capital, I don’t get how things work.”

“Uh… me neither.”

Watching the servants carry boxes, Marcella mumbled absentmindedly. The younger siblings were busy running around the yard happily. I had nothing to say, so I just watched with them.

“At least each kid got their own room, so that’s good.”

Now everyone had their own rooms plus a guest room. The place was incomparably larger than our previous home. Taking advantage of the move, I told him something in advance.

“Anyway, since I brought the house, big brother, you clean it.”

“…Fine.”

When the servants had nearly finished moving things, Marcella went in and adjusted the placement. Seeing the furniture the Miss had been using, he frowned and immediately replaced everything with new items. He said he couldn’t possibly let guests use such mattresses and sofas, so there was no stopping him.

“Nice house.”

At that moment, a man’s admiring voice came from behind.

“Sir Aidan?”

He bounded up to me with a big smile.

“I heard from my sister. You moved? And you got promoted in just a few months, so I came to congratulate you.”

It felt a bit awkward that he came in person, but Aidan didn’t seem to care at all.

“Did the scroll I made work well?”

‘Oh— I forgot to thank him because I only thanked the Miss.’

The scroll he made played a huge role in Rinus’s field investigation going smoothly. I sincerely thanked him.

“Sir Aidan, thank you so much. I wouldn’t have been promoted without you.”

“Really?”

“Of course! I’ll definitely repay you.”

“Actually, there’s something I want!”

He answered as if he’d been waiting brightly, and a slightly ominous feeling crawled up on me.

“If it’s something I can do, anything!”

“I want to come visit here often!”

“…!”

I place great importance on my private life.

By my standards, he wasn’t close enough to come hang out at my house. But the scroll’s value was high. I grudgingly obliged.

“Anytime!”

This house might stop being a place of healing.