76

“Oh, this isn’t what I expected.”

After finishing work, I went to the Ministry of Justice and greeted the Duke and his aide Illya, who were working late.

The Ministry of Justice’s request wasn’t simple like other departments’. It couldn’t be handled in a day or two; it felt like starting an entirely new project.

“Thank you for your cooperation.”

“Not at all. I’m glad I could help.”

I wondered if the Crown Prince had ordered this bizarre task, but deciding speculation would be a waste of time, I focused on the work. The Duke probably didn’t want to take it on either, so once I agreed I resolved to do my best. I was also curious whether the Ministry could manage the workload.

“Secretary Cornelia. I’m going to have a quick dinner—do you want anything?”

He was the sort of boss who thought about his subordinate’s hunger. For me, though, getting off quickly mattered more.

“I’ll have whatever the Supreme Justice is having. I don’t have any dietary restrictions.”

I answered and dove back into work. There was a lot to do: research, planning, organizing. The Duke gave Illya a few orders and sent him out—he must have gone to buy food.

I frowned when I saw the stew and grilled fish he brought, but since it was a royal meal I ate without complaint. I had expected something like a sandwich. It tasted refined—probably made by the royal chef.

‘With a dinner like this, staying for overtime might be worth it.’

Of course, I wouldn’t.

After finishing that day’s tasks, I organized the papers and handed them to the Duke. He inspected each one carefully and smiled slightly.

“Well done. There’s nothing to fault.”

I couldn’t hide a twitch at the corner of my mouth. I’d never seen the Duke praise anyone like that. I felt Illya’s envious gaze.

“Then I’ll take my leave for today. See you tomorrow, Supreme Justice.”

I packed my bag satisfied and left the Ministry of Justice.

A problem arose.

The cooperation request—overtime—just didn’t end.

The task the Duke had requested took a full week of overtime to finish. I felt rewarded by the result of my hard work. But that wasn’t the end.

“Secretary Cornelia, I have another favor.”

He seemed infatuated with my insane work ability and requested tasks almost daily.

To be honest, I’m a K-office worker who’s had a lot going on, but I don’t think a department head should be calling me every day. Because of that, my dinner date with Deputy Commander Girion kept getting postponed.

“I’m really sorry.”

He said it with a friendly smile.

“It’s fine. I’ve heard the Ministry of Justice has a lot lately. You can’t refuse the Supreme Justice’s request. I understand.”

Delaying once or twice is one thing, but if it keeps happening, I wouldn’t blame someone for getting upset.

I decided to sacrifice my precious weekend. It was better than waiting for overtime with no end in sight.

“If a weekend would be okay…”

His face brightened instantly. His refreshing smile only made me feel more guilty.

“That would be great. I’ll prepare everything. I should thank the Supreme Justice.”

He never frowned, which made him seem like a genuinely kind person. Unfortunately, I resolved to politely refuse if we met and smiled bitterly. Given my schedule, romance wasn’t feasible.

Today, after another late night at the Ministry, I trudged out of the Imperial Palace. I wanted to walk a bit, so I asked for a carriage to be called to the main gate.

Even in my early twenties, repeated overtime left me increasingly tired. The Duke’s sculpted face was starting not to catch my eye. Lately, I even questioned the work itself.

‘Still, that dinner was really delicious.’

It was as if he knew my taste—dinner had been far superior to the central department cafeteria. I was almost afraid I’d get addicted and keep working late.

“Coco.”

Someone called my name in a familiar voice. Aidan was leaning against a pillar at the main gate, waving.

“Mr. Aidan? What are you doing here?”

He walked straight toward me, looking somewhat displeased.

“I went home and you weren’t there. I heard you’ve been working overtime every day, Coco.”

“It just happened that way.”

“Is Coco the only one who can do this job here? Are the others all idiots?”

I had no real rebuttal; honestly, I’d thought the same while working today.

“…Let’s say I am the key talent.”

He frowned deeply and held out his hand.

“Grab it. I’ll take you home.”

I tilted my head in confusion, but he kept his hand out. When I tentatively took it, there was a slight flutter and suddenly my house was right in front of us. It was a thirty-minute door-to-door carriage ride; it was amazing. My mood lifted instantly.

“Thank you, Mr. Aidan! But did you really come to pick me up?”

“Yes. I’ll pick you up every day from now on.”

Then, without entering the house, he told me to rest, waved, and disappeared with a teleport.

Aidan really did come to pick me up every day. When I left work, he was always leaning at the Imperial Palace’s main gate.

“If you’re going to come like this, why don’t you come into the palace and check the magic certification? The mages have it rough in there.”

He was firm.

“I’ve already suffered all at once. I don’t want to do it anymore. I thought I’d get to hang out with Coco, but you aren’t able to do any of that and just collapsed.”

He whined but naturally extended his hand. Having had comfortable evenings off myself, today I decided to repay that debt.

“Mr. Aidan. Have you eaten? If not, it’s my treat tonight.”

“Really? For real? Coco, you said it first!”

“Yes, yes.”

He was hard to classify as child or adult. He happily grabbed both my hands and shook them up and down.

“But where are we going?”

“Mr. Aidan, do you know how to drink alcohol?”

So I decided to test him a little.

I took him to a Resera beer joint I often went to with Pinea and Nicola. With its cozy wooden tables and beer served in wooden cups, it was a place I liked for both atmosphere and taste. It must have been unfamiliar to the Marquis family’s young master.

“Wow.”

He looked around the shop with curiosity. The owner gestured with two fingers, quickly set two beers on the table, and ordered the place’s signature grilled sausages.

The owner glanced at Aidan and said, “A handsome fellow has come. He must have stolen many ladies’ hearts.”

Then he turned and vanished. He was a very cool owner.

“No, that’s not true.”

Aidan replied belatedly. “I don’t give my heart so easily. It’s true I’m handsome, though.”

His pout made him look like a girl. I held back a laugh, raised my cup, and suggested a toast.

Clink!

We clinked glasses and gulped the beer. The sharp cold sliding down my throat blew away the day’s fatigue.

“Ah.”

Aidan felt the same. He opened his eyes wide and stared at the beer in wonder.

“I’ve only had wine before, but this is good too.”

“Right? It’s one of my favorite places.”

“Is that so? I think Coco would like it.”

“Why?”

“The place is warm. Like you.”

“Uh… thanks.”

I was at a loss for words for a moment. But since the mood was comfy, I asked him various things.

“Is the Magic Tower busy these days? What are you going to do coming to pick me up every day like this?”

“The Magic Tower is busy. But I have time to pick up Coco.”

“Mr. Aidan, I’m really grateful, but I hope you don’t overdo it.”

“If I get bored, I’ll stop on my own. But before that, I want Coco’s overtime to end.”

“I think so too.”

“But if that’s the work Coco wants to do, I’ll respect it. I’ve pulled many all-nighters studying at the Magic Tower myself.”

Though his speech was simple, the conversation flowed surprisingly well. I could feel thoughts and consideration appropriate to his age beneath his tone.

“A job I want to do… I entered with that in mind, but I’m not sure I enjoy it as much as you do. For me, work feels more like survival.”

He propped his chin on his hand, thought deeply, and then spoke.

“I think I’m lucky too. But just because you aren’t like me doesn’t mean you should be disappointed. Everyone has their own reasons. As long as Coco is okay, that’s fine.”

Somehow, it felt like comforting words.

“Thank you for saying that. I hope I one day find something I can immerse myself in like you have. Aren’t you curious about me at all, Aidan?”

“Then can I ask just one thing?”

“Yes. If I can answer, I will.”

In this mood, I was willing to answer most questions. I wondered what could make him look so serious.

Aidan asked with a resolute, serious expression.

“Did you go on a date with that knight?”

Well, there goes all my sentiment.