Chapter 103
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103.
"Ah, my apologies."
At the sound of something rolling across the floor with a soft rumble, Francis snapped to attention and quickly retrieved his fountain pen.
"It's fine. Let's just clean this up first."
I'd already completed half of that document anyway.
At least it wasn't something meant for external distribution—a small mercy.
"Cassian Artez understands these things, so you don't need to fetch fresh paper."
I spoke urgently to Francis, who was already reaching for a new sheet to rewrite on.
Fortunately, the ink hadn't splattered too heavily across the text. A bit of correction fluid would cover it, and once it dried properly, it would be readable again.
"Don't rub it—just let it dry as is. That way, the correction fluid will adhere more easily."
"...Yes."
At my words, Francis, who had been flustered, composed himself and exhaled a short sigh.
I detected a note of self-reproach in that breath, so I opened my mouth to offer him reassurance.
"These things happen all the time when you're working. Besides, for documents that only His Highness and I see, we often don't even bother covering ink stains."
That was hardly the extent of it—we had so many urgent matters that required secrecy that Cassian would frequently rifle through my notebook without permission and handle things himself, and it wasn't a rare occurrence.
Of course, I did the same to him just as often.
From spending so much time together, I'd become quite adept at deciphering his hastily scrawled handwriting, and I could grasp the general context from mere fragments and broken phrases.
So when I spoke of not needing to spend time and effort rewriting documents for Cassian, that's what I meant.
"...In that case, I truly have no face to show and nothing to say."
"What are you talking about?"
Francis lowered his head.
Really, just because a bit of ink spilled? Was it worth such a reaction?
"I understand, Ashwood Advisor. It's certainly surprising—and I think it's wonderful news too."
At my words, he immediately lifted his face.
For some reason, his eyes appeared slightly reddened.
Was it such joyous news that he might weep?
As that thought crossed my mind, I glanced at the documents piled throughout his office and understood.
Well, Ashwood had abandoned his comfortable Duke's Residence and worked until 10 p.m. every night for the past month—such a development certainly warranted his emotion.
I myself had even compiled a list of books to read on weekends and evenings, thrilled at the prospect of finally living like a human being again.
"...Is this joyous news for you, Salice Advisor?"
"Of course it is."
"To that extent...."
Yet something about Francis's reaction seemed off.
A hint of resentment began to glimmer in his eyes.
Was that a look of reproach for not having pushed harder to fill the vacant positions until now?
I could understand that too.
Of course, he understood the circumstances, but hardship is hardship nonetheless.
"You've endured so much these past months. Once we recruit the new advisors, Ashwood Advisor will soon be able to return to a more comfortable life."
"A comfortable life...."
"Cassian Artez requested it from His Majesty, and we've managed to secure two additional advisors!"
This outcome reflected His Majesty's will to maintain balance, given that the Summer Palace currently had five advisors.
More capable personnel were being assigned to the Winter Palace as a result.
Still, the Administrative Officials had said we could recruit generously without concern, so I was content with that much.
I firmly believed this was news that would bring him joy as well.
"Is it that you don't trust Salice Advisor so much, then?"
"...Pardon?"
For some reason, Francis had uttered something quite strange.
"Of course, I know I still fall far short compared to Salice Advisor and Cassian Artez!"
Francis raised his voice in a manner entirely unlike himself.
"But for nearly a year now, I have strived. To be of service to the Winter Palace.... Truly...."
"I know."
Sensing that Francis had misunderstood something, I hastened to console him.
"If you know, then why!"
Yet his reflexive cry came faster than my words.
"Why won't you allow me to remain by your side!"
"No, I—Ashwood Advisor—"
"Of course, I was born into Duke Lopez's House and understand that such is the nature of politics. I know that since both of you have taught me so much, I must repay that debt when you say to go...!"
Francis pressed his lips firmly shut and held his breath, fighting back tears.
Witnessing this, I felt
'This is serious trouble.'
the gravity of the situation wash over me entirely.
For such a composed man to bare his heart like this....
Would he be so ashamed upon learning the truth that he'd submit his resignation?
*
I was concerned, but there was no solution, so I quickly told Francis the distorted facts of what had happened.
The First Concubine had proposed it, but I had refused because I didn't think it was within our authority in the first place.
And that Cassian Artez had agreed with that decision as well.
"I'm sorry, I was thoughtless."
"No, it's not...."
After I finished explaining everything, Francis Ashwood covered his flushed face with his hands and couldn't meet my gaze.
Even his hands were stained red.
Since he had naturally pale skin, the contrast was truly striking.
"I'm truly sorry for misunderstanding and slandering the Salice Advisor. If I had just thought about it more calmly, I would have known that wasn't the kind of person she is."
Francis's voice grew quieter and quieter.
"I'm genuinely sorry for hurting the Salice Advisor's feelings with such suspicion."
"I'm fine, really. It was my own matter, so I should have shared it properly from the start. I didn't mention it because I was worried it might upset you. I asked about it then on a whim, but it seemed like you'd refuse anyway...."
"Back then...?"
At my words, Francis lowered his hands and lifted his head.
"You suddenly asked if I was interested in Yeon-ha, since the Second Princess is younger than Ashwood."
"...Ah."
His expression shifted to one of realization, and his face grew even more crestfallen.
I couldn't see into his heart, so I wasn't certain, but it felt like he was blaming himself.
"This whole situation happened because I was careless. I never expected the First Concubine wouldn't give up."
"...I'll make sure to refuse her properly on my end."
Francis sighed as he spoke.
"The Second Princess even told me she dislikes me and asked me to refuse."
Watching him speak so calmly, I felt an even greater sense of pity for him.
He'd been rejected without even confessing....
And he didn't even seem to have any intention of confessing.
"I'll speak to her about it too, since this situation arose from my carelessness."
"That's not necessary. Rather than that...."
Francis quickly regained his composure and gazed at me quietly.
"Was what you said just now truly sincere?"
"Which part?"
"That I've been of great help to the Winter Palace...."
"Of course. Just having you in that position is a tremendous strength. And thanks to the work you do, I can actually take one day off a week."
My words carried complete sincerity.
Without him, there would be no five Administrative Officials, and Francis Ashwood was genuinely competent enough that even the Fourth Concubine had coveted him.
Until now, he simply hadn't found direction in how to use his abilities.
Moreover, his willingness to acknowledge his own mistakes was truly a great strength.
Since arriving at the Winter Palace, he had never flaunted his status as Ashwood, nor had he pushed difficult work onto the Administrative Officials.
Because he quietly and diligently handled his assigned duties, I was able to visit the Salice Barony and shoulder my responsibilities as Marquis Clupea.
"It's actually such favorable terms that I was worried about holding you back."
The Grand Duchy, the First Concubine's nation of origin, had solid internal foundations, and her way of conducting herself wasn't poor either.
Moreover, from Duke Lopez's House's perspective, the Second Princess was indeed a rather suitable marriage prospect.
"It may sound like an excuse, but I think I refrained from sharing it because I was worried that Ashwood Advisor might waver if that fact were revealed. I was rather thoughtless."
Rather than applauding and pushing forward the future of an employee I had carefully nurtured, I wanted to hold them back.
Of course, I did think that the work being done at the Winter Palace would ultimately benefit him in the long term.
But it would be a lie to say there was no selfish calculation involved.
Yet at my meager words, a faint smile somehow graced his face.
"Do you wish for me to remain in this position to that extent?"
"Of course."
I had taught him to work so well and suffered alongside him—of course I would say such a thing!
The next moment, I nearly blinked in surprise.
A faint flush colored his cheeks, which had finally found their true composure.
Though I could have attributed it to the sunset beyond the window, he looked so genuinely proud and happy that I set aside my curiosity and simply gazed at that face for a moment.
It was a sight that moved even me.
Somehow, as a colleague who had worked alongside him, I truly felt recognized.
*
And just as Cassian Artez had anticipated, the First Concubine withdrew far more gracefully than expected.
"There's nothing to be done about it—he said he didn't want it himself, and our daughter seems to have acted rather foolishly."
At the First Concubine's words, the Second Princess beside her let out a sharp cry.
"How could you speak of me that way, Mother! As the Second Princess of the Empire, I am more than willing to make any sacrifice, but—"
The First Concubine, listening to her daughter's words, quickly moved her hand and blocked her mouth with a dessert.
Whether it tasted good or not, the Second Princess accepted it while grumbling, her mouth busily working away at the treat.
"Instead, could you do me another favor?"
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Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org
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