Chapter 63

Without knowing the reason, we hurried out of the Magic Tower after receiving a definite acceptance. I had questions, but I assumed the Duke had many other matters I wasn’t aware of, so I quietly followed.

“Perhaps the Ministry of Justice has much to do.”

Simon offered a friendly smile and spoke.

“The Magic Tower is not easy to visit, so I had been hoping the next head of the Magic Tower would guide us. That’s a shame. Since he’s busy, it’d be best to return to the Imperial Palace right away. I heard there’s a well-known grilled fish restaurant near the gate — we’ll have to save it for next time.”

I recalled the empire dining tips I got through the Information Guild. There were even a few places I had starred.

‘If it’s grilled fish, is it that place called “Sand and Sea on the Side…”?’

“I heard the restaurant’s name is ‘Sand and Sea on the Side.’”

“…!”

It was one of the starred places. In the capital, people mostly eat bread and meat, so it was hard to find a place that did fish well.

“Grilled fish…”

I muttered it quietly without realizing.

‘If he’s busy, we’ll have to wait for next time. If there’s a Magic Tower business trip again, I’ll have to go myself.’

“Let’s go to the restaurant.”

“Yes…?”

“Then to the gate… huh?”

“It’s lunchtime. We should eat.”

The Duke strode past the surprised Simon and me.

‘Even when busy, does he make sure to eat?’

“Well then. Not even a guide.”

“Ah, yes, yes!”

Simon hurried off and led the way. Fortunately the restaurant’s most expensive private room was available, so we could eat comfortably. The fish, crispy outside and moist inside, was savory and clean-tasting — excellent.

‘The siblings would love this.’

They’re at a growth stage and need balanced nutrients…

Wait, why am I worrying about that? Marcella will make sure they’re well fed! I pulled myself together and refocused on the meal.

Everyone seemed hungry; only the clatter of dishes echoed in the room.

“Secretary Cornelia.”

The Duke, who had finished his plate early, called me.

“Are you close with Young Lord Aidan Aurelius?”

It seemed his behavior at the Magic Tower had caused a strong misunderstanding. I wiped my mouth with a napkin and corrected the distorted assumptions myself.

“As I said at the Magic Tower, I’m Kiara’s aide, so we’re acquainted.”

Simon interjected with curious eyes.

“I’ve visited the Magic Tower a few times, but I’ve never seen Young Lord Aidan act like that. If the Supreme Justice hadn’t stopped him, he would’ve hugged you. You’re really not involved?”

Yeah, it was a situation anyone could misunderstand.

“Both of them dote on me to an extent that makes me embarrassed, even by my standards. The young lord’s behavior today startled me too. But I’m sure there was no ill intent.”

I recalled Kiara pinching my cheek and hugging me during the Marquess’s residence interview.

“How can I believe that?”

Suddenly the Duke turned serious. His hardened expression made me think I’d done something terribly wrong.

“As a secretary, you need to be conscious of being a lady. Even if the young lady is excused, the young lord’s behavior is clearly problematic. As an Imperial official, please maintain your dignity.”

“Ah, yes. Understood.”

It felt like an unexpected bombardment of nagging, but since he wasn’t wrong I nodded reluctantly.

I’m a mid-thirties office worker, so Aidan felt like a little brother to me, but to others Cornelia appeared younger than Aidan. Her looks especially made her seem naive about the world.

‘But the Duke is in his twenties and acts like such an old-fashioned bore…’

After that, the mystery vanished in one sweep when the Supreme Justice unexpectedly ordered the most deluxe dessert.

After the Magic Tower visit, things proceeded smoothly.

The Emperor welcomed the news that the next head of the Magic Tower would take charge personally and willingly agreed to register the Imperial family’s assets as well.

‘There will still be slush funds, though.’

Being the highest authority, certain areas are certainly hard to monitor. But knowing there’s no perfect way to cover everything, we considered the step forward meaningful.

If it prevented a second Marcus or Dorian from emerging, then the goal was achieved.

‘Now only the announcement remains.’

Aidan sent a letter saying he had many matters remaining at the Magic Tower and would send a junior mage for basic preparations, and that he’d visit the Imperial Palace for the formal authentication later. That junior mage seemed like an assistant. All that remained was to wait while preparations proceeded.

At some point, the atmosphere didn’t change even if I left work on time. According to Lukan, other department members also left soon after I did. Feeling acknowledged, I left the Imperial Palace with a smile and headed to the TWCR.

The grilled fish I’d brought back from the Magic Tower trip got an enthusiastic response from my family. The capital Rusera and my hometown Ophel aren’t coastal regions, so fish is pricier than meat and harder to come by.

The Magic Tower is located on the outskirts, on a coast not far from the capital, so prices are relatively reasonable.

I happily added a brief review to my favorite-restaurant map and looked for my next spot.

At that moment the bell announcing a customer’s arrival rang. I calmly flipped on my Quokka mask and opened the counter.

“You make a standing reservation once a week. It’s tedious every time.”

The empire’s top ‘spec man’, now a full VIP client, flopped into a chair as if tired. Forced to play an out-of-character persona, I felt drained. I had set him up as someone with extreme temperament and little thought for the future.

“Customers are always very welcome—! Now then, Little Lamb. What brings you here today—?”

He hesitated, then slowly began to speak.

“I finished my work smoothly, so why am I bothered by something?”

‘This is a new case.’

I couldn’t hide my surprise at this workaholic’s confession.

“You?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm… Did someone you dislike get credit for your work?”

He shook his head. He wasn’t the sort to fret over that.

This problem was top-tier difficulty.

“Usually it’s that you have to work with someone you dislike and get annoyed regardless of the outcome, or you were given a new task that’s overwhelming even if the issue was solved. If not that… has something outside work been bothering you lately?”

He thought deeply.

“Maybe…”

“Really? That’s unusual for you.”

“I can’t say it’s completely unrelated to work, but I can’t say it’s because of work either. Yes, ‘it annoys me’ is probably the right way to put it.”

My mind started racing with suspicion that it might be me. Last time he also complained about someone being disagreeable — possibly about me. So I asked directly.

“Is it a woman?”

“Is that important?”

He immediately shriveled.

“Ah, no! I mean, someone who annoys you outside of work… why would that be?”

“I don’t know either.”

“Want to say whatever comes to mind? Maybe we can find the reason that way.”

He fell silent again. Though masked, it seemed he was struggling with something inside.

After a moment, he spoke.

“I just didn’t like them from the start. I didn’t care much before, but recently I realized for sure: they don’t suit me.”

A cold sweat broke out at my temple for no reason. Isn’t it really me?

“If it doesn’t affect work, wouldn’t it be better not to worry about them? Mental health is important~!”

“You’re right, Master Quokka. But it’s bothersome…”

I had decided to live as I pleased, but thinking I might have been singled out by one of the highest powers made me uneasily anxious. I steadied myself though — it’s almost a second life, I won’t live worrying about clocking out!

‘I will go my own way. Of course I’ll get anxious at times — that’s human.’

I pretended it didn’t bother me and changed the subject.

“If nothing major has happened yet, how about giving it more time and watching? How’s the department atmosphere lately? No subordinates still running out crying, right?”

Rather than counseling the empire’s top ‘spec man’, I felt my energy draining.

After the basic preparations at the Magic Tower, the Emperor ordered the announcement of the ‘Noble Asset Registration System.’ Anticipating strong noble backlash, it was decided to run it as a six-month trial.

“Your Majesty is too harsh. How can you try to control nobles’ private property?”

“Do you think a mere registration system will eliminate overseas asset concealment crimes? I’m worried it might backfire on His Majesty.”

“That’s why it’s being run as a trial. But how many nobles will voluntarily register? They’ll stall within the registration period or dispose of assets.”

“But having the Magic Tower notarize it suggests proper preparation. His Majesty said he’d register Imperial assets too.”

“Tsk tsk. Just wait. This decree will end in failure! Even His Majesty will have to experience failure this time!”

“Ahem, you there. Keep it down — there are ears listening!”

Hiding and watching that scene, I nodded calmly. It was as expected.

“Cornelia, is this really okay as it is?”

Lukan looked worried. I patted his shoulder encouragingly and smiled.

“What is there to worry about? It’s not costing us money. Even if it fails, we won’t be fired.”

He wore a look of realization.