Chapter 49
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Chapter 49 It was right when I was thinking how nice it would be to have a secretary! Miraculously, Kibon Altes's intern reapplication came through. 'Goodness.' I was so delighted my hands trembled. I hurriedly read through the documents. <Name: Kibon Altes Date of Birth: November 2, 524> 'Born in 524? He's a year younger than me!' At last, an employee younger than myself was joining. I rummaged through the previous documents and found his detailed personnel information. <Nationality: Imoet Kingdom Family Relations: None> Ah... he had no family. It seemed he was unmarried with no parents or siblings. Just like me. 'And he was from the Imoet Kingdom...' I clicked my tongue at the fact I'd only just realized. The Imoet Kingdom. A distant island nation from the Empire, with terribly inconvenient transportation. 'The Imoet Kingdom—that's the former Empress's homeland, isn't it.' So Crown Prince Kiaros's biological mother was from the Imoet Kingdom. It was also the place where diplomatic relations had only begun due to the Emperor's first marriage. In other words, almost nothing was known about that country. 'Their culture is so different; it makes sense diplomatic ties were established so late.' I recalled that their way of greeting involved asking what one thought of marriage to the Crown Prince. To my narrow, Empire-centric way of thinking, the more I pondered it, the more bizarre it seemed. 'Why would they offer not the Emperor but another country's Crown Prince? How could their curiosity about someone's circumstances be so limited and provincial...' But then again. Being on the opposite side of that continent, it did seem plausible their culture would develop quite differently. 'But an intern reapplication, of all things.' I gazed at the documents, lost in thought. 'Perhaps he found it a shame to simply return to the Empire?' He had definitely said he wanted to learn much from me. A smile began spreading across my face. 'Then I can use him as my secretary.' Everything was solved. I'd felt awkward using senior cohort members as my secretary, but an intern posed no burden. [I thought you'd returned to your homeland, but how did you come here...] [I came running.] Besides, Kibon was a foreigner whose Imperial language was poor! That brazen yet confident expression back then wasn't something just anyone could pull off. [This woman is my superior.] That face, completely oblivious to what she'd said wrong! Those eyes, intoxicated by her own coolness without understanding anything! That clumsy way of speaking, unsure how to address her superior properly! That was... absolutely, definitely not an act. 'They wouldn't use someone with poor Imperial language skills as a spy. The risk of miscommunication is too high. Being a foreigner, she wouldn't catch nuances well either.' Besides, in the original work, the Imoet Kingdom never involved itself in the continent's wars. Being a distant island nation, it simply declared neutrality and withdrew. So there were no conflicting interests whatsoever. 'No matter how I think about it, it's perfect.' Kibon Altes. Having this foreigner as my secretary and working seemed like it would work out fine. It would probably be good experience for the Intern who wanted to learn about work. After all, that's what he wanted. Either way, I should give him plenty of work to do. 4. Kibon Altes's Circumstances The Scroll Management Department, which had been jointly operated by the Magic Tower and the Imperial Palace, was dissolved. Afterward, the Imperial Palace's Scroll Department was launched. The Minister of the Scroll Department was... only twenty-three-year-old Namia Loapi! Naturally, every department fell into chaos.
"What? A scandal with the Crown Prince and she gets parachuted in just like that?"
"Did you see her in the Trial Court? The Crown Prince sent her a heart sign and it was absolute pandemonium."
"With that solemn expression, he made a heart with his hands? Goodness, I thought I was hallucinating."
As expected, such rumors circulated, and as expected, different rumors emerged.
"That's not true. The Minister said Namia kicked the Crown Prince."
"Goodness, where are Namia's eyes? Her aesthetic standards are completely different from normal people's?"
In the rumors, Crown Prince Kiaros was excessively portrayed as being rejected. But in any case, it was effectively revealed that she hadn't become Minister for personal reasons. That rumor swept through the Imperial Palace in an instant.
"Is that true? The Crown Prince was really rejected?"
Of course, Crown Prince Kiaros, who had been coming to work with Kibon's appearance, also heard the news. As Crown Prince Kiaros passed through the Garden, he spotted his Aide surrounded by other people.
"Is it really true? That you were rejected so mercilessly you stopped eating and secluded yourself?"
People bombarded the Aide with questions.
"I can say nothing. Because I deeply respect the Crown Prince and have sworn my loyalty to him."
His loyal Aide stood firm and answered with a resolute expression.
"I will never tell how carefully the Crown Prince prepared something, and how I skillfully handled the aftermath when it failed. Even if a blade were at my throat, I wouldn't speak. So please stop asking."
That answer was of no help to Crown Prince Kiaros whatsoever. People gasped in greater shock.
"...What... did you even prepare?"
"Goodness, so that's why he's secluded."
Crown Prince Kiaros had already changed his appearance, yet he still hid his body behind a tree. It was an emotion he'd never experienced before—embarrassment. However, he was a rational man with a sound mind. Therefore, he thought positively yet coldly. 'I can perfectly conceal the reason for my seclusion, so perhaps this turned out well. It's fine. Really, truly, exceptionally fine.' When he thought about it with emotions thoroughly excluded, the situation seemed acceptable. 'Of course, I'm still curious why Namia Loapi suddenly rejected me.' It remained an unsolved mystery. He walked slowly toward the Scroll Department. 'In any case, I've been quite busy lately. Now that His Majesty the Emperor has returned, I should rest for a while. Monitoring the department members is hardly work at all....' And when he made his second visit to the Scroll Department. The few remaining staff members all wore bewildered expressions. They showed no interest whatsoever in the returning Intern. The departmental reorganization had been that shocking to them.
"Welcome back."
Only Namia Loapi, seated in the Minister's chair, greeted him with a radiant smile. 'Hmm?' It was the first time he'd seen Namia Loapi smile so brightly. Crown Prince Kiaros felt as though he'd been struck on the head. Had her smile always been this beautiful? Her silver hair neatly twisted into a single knot, her dignified attire, and above all... her eyes curved like crescents and her gaze shimmering with warmth.
"I'm so, so, so, so glad you came."
Genuine joy radiated from her face.
"I truly cannot express how grateful I am that you've returned."
Crown Prince Kiaros felt a tightness deep in his chest. To his first superior who had cared for him so deeply, he had complained that he couldn't even carry a single burden.... She continued speaking kindly.
"Kibon, you'll be working as my secretary for the time being."
Crown Prince Kiaros stared blankly at her face. A woman whose status—spy or loyal subject—remained undetermined. An opponent whose true nature—benefactor or malevolent force in disguise—was unknowable. Her secretary? Did that mean they would be constantly together? 'If she's an enemy, it's good for surveillance; if she's loyal, it's good for protection.' Either way, it worked out well. Crown Prince Kiaros nodded readily. Seeing this, Namia Loapi spoke with a pitiful tone.
"I promise you. The Scroll Department will be very different from before. This time, please stay for a long while."
She even grasped his hand tightly.
"I was so anxious you might leave after just one day again...."
Her appearance was truly fragile. Though she hadn't shown it, had her heart ached so much when he said he was quitting? Crown Prince Kiaros found himself moved and nodded involuntarily.
"No matter what happens, I will fulfill the entire duration. I swear it."
"A vow, how delightful."
Namia Loapi's smile deepened suddenly. Amid something unsettlingly eerie, she added with a flicker in her eyes.
"You must guard it with your life, your honor, and your homeland."
Wait, hold on. ...To that extent?
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