Chapter 71

“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 broke all the firsts and youngest records, the fuss died down quickly. I at least had memories of my previous life, but the Duke really was in his twenties… He was 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 like someone out of their mind. Having to come up with excuses every time because of promotions — it was absurd.

“Why are you lurking around like that?”

Senior Lucius reached to pat my shoulder but, seeing bare skin, switched to the back of his hand.

“This is the kind of thing that should make you jealous so you’d 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 in and whispered cautiously in my ear. Senior Victor nodded as if to say it was fine, then murmured softly.

“Please, that brat…”

It seemed the envy over the promotions had faded because of that scribe in the group. I didn’t know whether to be grateful or incredulous that they kept asking me to handle it.

‘What, am I some sort of fixer?’

Just then, a man in court attire approached.

“His Majesty requests your presence.”

I wondered what he’d say this time. Bracing myself, I walked over as properly as I could. To my surprise, the Duke, who’d been speaking with other officials, was suddenly walking beside me. I was startled but also 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, who surely drew many fangirls, came walking over.

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

I greeted the Crown Prince politely. I couldn’t help but recall his conversation with the pompous fellow.

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

His tone carried an air of ‘we live in different worlds.’ But I was from a nameless Republic of Korea in my past life, so it didn’t sting at all.

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

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

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

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

Everyone around rose with their partners and began dancing on the floor. I, having nothing to do and feeling awkward, turned to go back to my seat. I almost bumped right into the Duke who was standing in front of me. I shut my eyes, and he steadied me by gripping my shoulder and back with confidence.

“Thank you.”

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

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

At the Duke’s invitation—truly the Empire’s most desirable match—everyone’s gaze turned our way again. He smiled at me.

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

Trying to ease the potentially tense mood with a stiff joke, he reached out; I gladly placed my hand in his.

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

Guided by his hand, I followed his steps. I had expected a rough style, but it was very smooth and delicate. He danced so skillfully that it was hard to believe he rarely appeared in society.

“You dance well.”

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

I couldn’t help but notice 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. We continued dancing in silence. His hands resting on my waist and back kept drawing my attention, but thanks to his steady lead, we finished without awkwardness.

“….”

“….”

Somehow, the air remained awkward. Both he and I tried to arrange small talk 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.”

It only grew more awkward. I was about to tell him he could go mingle with other nobles—this felt like me tolerating the situation out of politeness—but then he suddenly extended his arm.

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

I hadn’t expected him to propose it first, but I appreciated the way he asked my opinion on everything. Even if he was strict at work, he seemed basically kind and considerate.

“Yes, Supreme Justice.”

He led me to the central terrace. Once we went in, closed the door, and drew the curtains, I relaxed considerably. The night air was cool and pleasant.

“Secretary Cornelia.”

The Duke looked at me with a serious expression. I inwardly felt a premonition.

‘Is round two about to begin?’

But remembering what Mr. Bull had relayed, I didn’t feel like fighting. The Duke even looked a little gloomy… I strongly felt like giving in.

After a moment, the Duke’s 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 at all. The Duke spoke his mind 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.”

The Duke seemed to have struggled to find an 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 reddened eyes met mine directly. For a moment, beyond age, status, 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 felt like I finally understood him a little.

I sincerely apologized for my past behavior as well. 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 had a blunt look that could seem fierce when silent, but he laughed more readily than I’d thought.

“…(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 managed to keep a poker face unwaveringly.

“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 is difficult.”

“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 looked for the group’s head.

‘A catalyst, a catalyst…’

But, 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.’