# Chapter 18
“Congratulations, Olivia, you got recognized!”
Natasha said with a wink.
“Is this really my office?!”
I asked in surprise, and Dante nodded.
“From today, you are His Highness the Prince’s assistant.”
"wow!!!"
Is this correct? truly? I quickly ran to look at my desk.
“I received the notice yesterday, so I moved your things. Maybe I should have consulted you first?”
Campbell said, scratching his cheek apologetically.
“No, thank you!”
There were a lot of books, and they were certainly heavy, but he moved them for me, so I thanked him enthusiastically. I put my bag down and I'm excited.
“This is your new access card.”
Edmund threw something on the desk. The old card had my name on it with the words “Administrative Officer in the First Prince’s Office,” but now it was “Edmund Layhart’s Assistant.”
I felt moved in my heart. I am no longer just an administrative employee, but a real assistant! I felt like I had climbed the ladder of success.
Help the hero of the story!
“Your Highness, I love you!”
“Weren't you looking at me with fiery looks a moment ago?”
"when?"
“A few minutes ago.”
"I didn't! I was looking at you with eyes full of love!"
I answered in a playful tone, and Edmund laughed sarcastically as he ran his hand through his hair. His hair is always messy, so why does he do that?
“And by the way, will you continue this daily confession?”
“What should I do if I like it? Get used to it, Your Highness.”
I laughed and sat in my chair. Wow, the desk is bigger than before, and the chair is more comfortable! I was very happy that I got this position thanks to my skills.
Since I was young, studying was the most visible achievement. Study rewarded me with grades and ranks.
Apparently, I have always loved learning and achieving results. Even when I came here, learning new things was a lot of fun.
But what if I were to spend my life studying, as the High Priest said? I don't want that!
“But what about the papers I was co-handling with Campbell?”
Campbell looked at the stack of papers on the side desk, as if he had a sudden realization.
“Right, will I have to handle it on my own now?”
His black face looked a little pale when we heard a knock on the door.
“Hello, is this His Highness Edmund’s office?”
“Yes, right... who are you?”
“I am Ecla, I will start working here from today!”
“Ecla?”
I turned around in amazement, and it was really her.
"Oh, Olivia! Good to see you."
Ecla smiled and waved her hand. She was wearing the same uniform as the staff, but she looked more elegant with her plump body.
Campbell wasn't the only one who couldn't take his eyes off her, it was every man in the office.
“I will provide it.”
Edmund suddenly rose and advanced towards Eclat. They are both tall, and they look exceptional together. Their foreign blood made them seem like an ideal pair, as if they were born for each other.
Is this because they are champions of this world? I felt suddenly anxious. If Edmund is truly the master, can I win his heart away from Ecla? Even if I push with my skills, is this possible?
“From today, Ecla will work with us. She will replace Olivia.”
“You mean it will work with me?”
Campbell seemed to be imagining his marriage to Ecla and their children and grandchildren.
But, Campbell, this woman is wanted by two princes, so surrender.
“She came because of the trade negotiations with Voglich, and she speaks the language of the empire fluently and is talented, so she will work with us. Take good care of her.”
Edmund tapped Campbell's shoulder, as if to warn him. When I came, he just said “name” coldly! This is blatant discrimination!
“Use this office. If you are not used to working, ask whenever you want.”
Does he gently guide her to her office? This is not your usual Edmund! I wasn't the only one who felt this way, everyone seemed surprised by his behavior.
“Okay, I'll count on you.”
Eclat bowed, everyone clapped, and I joined in, confused, but my eyes were on Edmund.
I was worried, very worried.
***
“I'm not used to working yet, what should I do?”
“It's okay, everyone is like that at first.”
As I expected, my bad feeling came true.
Whenever Eclat had a problem, Edmund would quickly notice it and go to help her, as if he was constantly watching her. Or does the hero of the story instinctively know when the heroine needs help?
“Everyone makes mistakes in the beginning, so don’t worry.”
Oh my God, I didn't know Edmund was so tolerant of mistakes! How many employees resigned because he reprimanded them?
“…Olivia, if you keep staring like that, you’ll make a hole in His Highness’s face. These are papers that need to be finalized, right?”
I regained my focus at Dante's words and looked at the papers.
“I will focus.”
First, the redevelopment of Umfa! This project is a priority.
If I succeed, will Edmund feel anything for me?
The novel was about Edmund falling in love with Eclat because of her solutions, but that was because Eclat was his taste. Isn't it?
I looked at Edmund and Eclat as they spoke sweetly, and I felt a pang of worry in my heart.
Even while working, my eyes were on Edmund. There is no escape from that.
The person I have to seduce is the hero of this novel, but the heroine of the story, his destined partner, has appeared. It's normal for me to worry, right?
“Huh...”
It was lunch time, but I didn't feel hungry because of the fear of death.
I declined Natasha's invitation to go to a new café, and drank coffee while sighing. Wasn't I happy a little while ago with my appreciation?
“Olivia.”
“The new employee.”
"Yes?"
I raised my head in horror. Edmund was standing in front of me while I was lost in thought.
“You say I should call you by your name.”
I puffed and took my cup of coffee.
“Drinking too much coffee will prevent you from sleeping, little one.”
“I'm not young!”
I'm an adult! I reached out to retrieve my coffee, but he held the cup so high that no matter how much I jumped, I couldn't reach it.
Well, maybe I'm young.
“Labor was quickly recruited to build the wards. When they heard they would be paid, everyone raced.”
Edmund pressed the cup to my head and spoke. As I expected, labor was gathered quickly.
As winter approached, they needed money for food.
“The problem is population?”
"Yes, correct."
We moved to his office, where the Umpha map was on the table.
“You know, most of the area is shacks.”
Umfa's alleys are full of huts that collapse as soon as the wind blows.
“If we want to redevelop, the shacks must be demolished and new wards and houses built, but the residents must leave.”
His voice faded. Yes, the biggest problem with redevelopment is residents.
“Has land compensation been agreed upon?”
Edmund nodded briefly.
“Of course. With the land prices in Umfa, we offered generous compensation. We also provided temporary accommodation as you suggested, but they refuse to move.”
If they refuse though, I have a guess.
“Can I meet them first?”
"from?"
“Population.”
Who else? I pointed to the map and smiled.