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“Really?”

“It’s because he became the Chancellery’s second-in-command in less than a year.”

“No, the Duke was faster. If you ask me, who collects every paper about him, the Duke became Supreme Justice in five months. That Chancellery employee has only eight months. Our Duke wins!”

“What a monster.”

Luckily, because the Duke had broken all the firsts and youngest records, the fuss died down quickly. I still had memories of my previous life, but the Duke really was in his twenties—monstrous.

“I’ll grant the fief as soon as the secretary is ready. For now, present the decree. Of course, generous rewards will be given to the Hidden Department in charge of overseas assets.”

The Emperor finished his review of the Duke’s merits.

Before the shockwaves from the sweeping personnel changes had fully settled, the banquet began in earnest. I staggered back to my colleagues as if stunned. Having to make excuses every time because of promotions felt absurd.

“Why are you lurking around like that?”

Senior Lucius reached to pat my shoulder but, seeing my bare arm, instead tapped the back of his own hand.

“This should make you jealous enough to at least curse.”

Lukan spread his hands and shrugged, putting on a show.

“If only someone would deal with that guy, I’d admit it…”

Elysia leaned close and whispered cautiously in my ear. Senior Victor nodded as if to approve, then murmured softly.

It seemed the envy over the promotions had faded, replaced by annoyance at that scribe. I wasn’t sure whether to be grateful or incredulous that they kept asking me to handle him.

‘What, am I some sort of fixer?’

Just then, a man in court attire approached.

“His Majesty requests your presence.”

Curious, I braced myself and walked over as politely as I could. To my surprise, the Duke—who’d been speaking with other officials—fell into step beside me. I was startled and oddly relieved.

“Ah, here she is. Cornelia! My nephew has arrived too!”

“I heard you were looking for me.”

The Emperor seemed slightly tipsy; he kept laughing, clearly in high spirits.

“I mentioned before that I’d introduce our Crown Prince. Lawrence, come here.”

A boyish, idol-like man with shining silver hair—sure to attract many admirers—approached.

“So this is the one who brought a smile back to His Majesty.”

I greeted him politely, recalling his earlier conversation with that pompous fellow.

“Well, work hard from now on and be of service to the Empire.”

His tone implied we lived in different worlds, but I was from a nameless Republic of Korea in my past life, so it didn’t sting.

“Yes. It’s work done with precious imperial taxes, so nothing can be wasted.”

When I smiled and said that, the Emperor praised such admirable thoughts for someone his age. The Crown Prince’s face tightened a little; I felt a small glow of satisfaction. Victor had told the Duke many unflattering stories, and I had also cursed at the Crown Prince on the Duke’s behalf, which probably helped.

“The music’s changed. Everyone, enjoy yourselves.”

With a boastful gesture that signaled the conversation was over, the Emperor raised his glass and returned to his seat.

Everyone rose with their partners and began to dance. Feeling awkward with nothing to do, I turned to go back to my seat and nearly collided with the Duke standing in my path. I shut my eyes; he steadied me with a confident grip on my shoulder and back.

“Thank you.”

My face warmed. He checked I was steady, bowed slightly, and extended his hand politely.

“Lady, would you do me the honor of dancing a song with me?”

At his invitation—the Empire’s most desirable match—everyone’s gaze shifted to us. He smiled.

“I’m curious to see the results of your practice.”

He tried a stiff joke to ease the tension and reached for my hand; I gladly placed mine in his.

“As promised, I’ll be impeccable in both manners and dance, so look forward to it.”

Guided by his lead, I followed his steps. Expecting roughness, I was surprised by the smooth, delicate movements—so practiced it was hard to believe he seldom appeared in society.

“You dance well.”

“I’m usually good at things done with my body.”

I couldn’t help noticing his broad shoulders and firm thighs; honestly, he was impressive.

“You’re not bad either.”

“I told you I wouldn’t disgrace the Supreme Justice.”

“You didn’t have much time, so this is excellent.”

The Duke was more generous with praise than usual. His hands at my waist and back kept drawing my attention, but his steady lead carried us through without a misstep.

….

….

Yet the air remained awkward; we traded small talk haltingly to break it.

“It’s best not to get close to the Crown Prince.”

“Of course. I’ll remember.”

“….”

“….”

“Congratulations on your elevation to Viscount and promotion to First-Rank Secretary.”

“Congratulations to the Duke on his honorary medal as well.”

“Ha ha.”

“Ho ho.”

The awkwardness deepened. I was about to tell him to mingle with the other nobles—I’d been tolerating the situation out of politeness—when he unexpectedly extended his arm.

“May I speak with you outside for a moment?”

I hadn’t expected him to propose it first, but I appreciated how he asked my opinion on everything. He led me to the central terrace; once the door closed and the curtains were drawn, I relaxed in the cool, pleasant night air.

“Secretary Cornelia.”

He looked at me with a serious expression. A premonition prickled—was round two about to begin?—but remembering what Mr. Bull had relayed, I didn’t want to fight. The Duke even looked a little gloomy; I felt inclined to give in.

After a moment, his tightly pressed lips opened.

“About last time… I want to apologize for raising my voice immaturely regarding your suggestions.”

I hadn’t expected an apology. He spoke in a low, calm voice.

“Since that day I’ve been thinking. Truthfully, none of your points were wrong. I may have felt my authority as a manager threatened. But that wasn’t the case. If anything, being able to do more work increases authority. The simplification of reporting systems and standardizing forms you proposed were created for efficiency; clinging to them simply because they’re old makes less sense.”

“Duke…”

“It may sound arrogant, but I assumed you’d think just as I do because of your competence. At first, I had difficulty understanding you, but upon reflection, all your reasons were valid: the radical proposals, the suggestions, even your leaving early.”

He’d clearly struggled to find the right answer in his own way. I hadn’t expected him to take the words of a low-ranking official so seriously and admit his mistakes.

His eyes reddened as they met mine. For a moment, beyond age and rank, I felt I could see the person he was.

“You and I are different, but I acknowledge you.”

His mouth curved in a gentle smile.

‘So this is what a true noble is like.’

I finally understood him a little.

I sincerely apologized for my past behavior. He accepted it graciously.

After that, our conversation flowed in a much more relaxed way. It felt like a wall between the Duke and me had been torn down.

“It would be a pity for you to return to the Chancellery. I’ve never seen anyone work as satisfactorily as you.”

We even reached that level of conversation.

“If you need anything, I’ll help. Though, please avoid overtime when possible.”

“I’ll remember.”

He could look fierce when silent, but he laughed more readily than I’d expected.

“…(abridged)…So now I’m wondering what to do about that head secretary.”

I found myself confessing about the group’s head. The Duke’s brow furrowed deeper as he heard about his behavior, but he kept a steady poker face.

“If it were me, I’d have fired him immediately, but we’re short-staffed, so it’s awkward. Since he’s in the same department, we need communication; isolating him isn’t feasible.”

“That’s right.”

“I’ve never seen someone tarnish a noble’s dignity like this. If we can’t fire him right away, we must make him change his behavior… Honestly, nothing comes to mind. Ordinary people act when they feel it’s necessary. If there’s a catalyst, it might be possible.”

“A catalyst?”

“A reason that forces him to act decently.”

I drew back the terrace curtain and searched for the group’s head.

‘A catalyst, a catalyst…’

As when I first saw him at the banquet, his gaze was fixed on one spot. At the end of that look was First-Rank finance officer Reyra, chatting merrily with the juniors.

“Oh my.”

“What’s wrong?”

I pointed to the head secretary visible through the window and said,

“Found him.”

The catalyst was simply love.