“W-what is this?”
I received the bouquet without prior planning, and I found Rose smiling in front of me with a bright face.
“Congratulations on getting started, Head Librarian Erica!”
“Congratulations on the promotion, Chief Secretary!”
“You are the pride of the Royal Library! Congratulations indeed!”
I was left bewildered by the barrage of congratulations and applause from those present.
Besides William, Mrs. Marian, the Waynes from the restoration department, Nelly the nice girl, and ten other employees from the library were greeting me with bright smiles.
Seeing these library people genuinely cheering me up made my nose tingle and tears threatening to fall for no reason.
“Th-thank you all for your congratulations.”
I held back my tears with difficulty, and bowed down to thank them, expressing my gratitude.
William took a step towards me.
His hands, carefully cradling the papers, were trembling slightly.
His expression was gentle, but upon closer inspection, his chin was stiff and the corners of his mouth were twitching.
Even the surroundings of his eyes were red.
It's not possible... Maybe he cried?
“As Miss Erica’s patron… I cannot express how happy I am today. For you to become the head of the trustees… Lord Dale in Heaven must be rejoicing as well.”
Will my pastor hug me soon and cry tears of emotion?
Mrs. Marian, who could bear it no longer, came forward and gently took the papers from the principal's hand.
“Since the director is overcome with emotions, on his behalf, I will hand you the letter of appointment.”
Lady Marian handed me the letter of appointment with dignity and seriousness.
“As of today, Miss Erica Dale has been appointed Chief Trustee of the Royal Library. Please continue to strive for the advancement and honor of the Royal Library.”
I recently received the appointment letter with both hands, while the library members erupted in loud applause.
William turned his back and secretly wiped his tears with a handkerchief.
I felt grateful that he, who is usually quiet, made me so happy. It's like I see a foolish brother who only cares about his younger sister.
Lady Marian, who was staring at me with a satisfied smile, clapped as if she had belatedly remembered something.
“By the way, there are papers attached to the appointment letter explaining the privileges of the chief secretary, check them. They are the most important thing.”
She winked at me with one eye.
Feeling nervous for no reason, I opened the appointment letter with a trembling hand.
I went over the content of the appointment letter, written in eloquent terms, and first reviewed the papers explaining the promotion privileges.
· Privilege of immunity against unintentional illegal acts
· Increase the salary three times
· Paying a pension after retirement
· Providing a private office
My mouth opened unintentionally.
Oh my goodness, perks can be this perfect! It truly is an ideal workplace!
And above all, the privilege of immunity!
I finally got what I waited for so long like this.
Only with this, even in the worst case scenario if I get involved with the rebel forces and reach the guillotine, I can at least save my life!
I suppressed my desire to give a three-way salute and deep bows towards the palace.
Instead, I looked at the Rupriya Kingdom flag hanging on the reception desk and firmly declared in my heart:
From now on, I will devote myself even if it takes my soul!
“Hmm, I got too excited.”
William returned to normal and stepped forward, carrying a purple robe.
The fabric looked finer than my library uniform robe, and it was embroidered with gold thread, making it luxurious.
“This is the special magic robe of the Chief Secretary. It protects against moderate cold and heat, and also has a defensive effect against shocks.”
Magic robe! At least I worried about starving to death during hard times.
If you even sold it on the black market, how much would it cost?
William wrapped the robe himself around my shoulders.
It was warm and light, comfortable as if it was made for my body.
Lady Marian smiled proudly and held my hand tightly.
“It's as if Erica's first day at the library was just yesterday, and now that you're the chief curator because of your recognition, I feel really honored.”
“Thank you. This is thanks to your wise leadership.”
“Hoho, be humble. Come on, let’s head to your office now?”
Lady Marian quickly went up the stairs.
Will they give me my office right away? I'm not even mentally prepared, and my stuff is still at the front desk.
“Should I still work the front desk?”
“You will be assigned other tasks now. We will move the tasks around after slowly tidying up your desk.”
As I walked up the stairs after the lady, a part of my heart felt heavy.
Rose, who would be alone at the reception desk, kept echoing in my mind.
I constantly remembered her face full of joy when I first had a colleague after being hired as a librarian.
After the library appointment ceremony was over, the employees returned to work.
Rose also seemed busy returning to the reception desk and examining the returned books.
I have to talk to Rose seriously when I have time.
Leaving her alone was heavy on my heart.
***
“Here it is, this room.”
Ms. Marian directed me to an office in the far corner of the third floor.
With a trembling, eager hand, she grabbed the bronze door handle and opened it.
The office was small but cozy, with a large window letting in the warm sunlight.
It was a wonderful space that included a small dressing room and even a bathroom.
However, there was a serious problem: it was completely empty without any furniture.
I could not show an open expression of disappointment in the lady's presence, but practical concern came first.
Shouldn't I buy furniture with my own money?
I haven't received my salary for this month yet... Wait, when does the increase start?
Maybe I should ask for my paycheck early and buy a desk first.
The lady asked cautiously:
“Are there any unused desk or chairs?”
"Oh, didn't you know? The gifts will arrive soon."
"Gifts? Who's sending it?"
When I asked in confusion, the lady smiled.
“In congratulations on your promotion, His Highness the Crown Prince has sent a sofa, chairs and a table, and Duke Reinhardt has sent a desk and bookcase set that seem to be arriving soon.”
At that moment, I heard a noise from the first floor.
Lady Marian came out quickly.
“Oh, they arrived just in time.”
Five or six workers were carrying pieces of furniture, dripping with sweat, and walking up a line.
My eyes automatically lit up when I saw the pieces of furniture going up one after the other.
Starting from the luxurious mahogany desk decorated with luxurious gilding worthy of a royal palace, the set of bookcases engraved with majestic carvings, and the lounge chair that seems to have been given an artistic spirit by a craftsman.
To the sofa and table with luxurious decorations fit for a noble lady's salon, and even to the velvet chair decorated with silver and jewels.
They were expensive and luxurious pieces of furniture that would not fit a librarian's office at all.
Lady Marian also admired the furniture as she examined it.
“Wonderful, His Highness the Crown Prince and the Duke’s taste in furniture is excellent.”
“For these people, don’t they confuse my office with theirs? This causes me great inconvenience.”
The lady gently patted my shoulder.
"It shows how deeply they care about you, Erica. Come on, let's arrange it. I'll send someone to help if you need."
“Thank you for your consideration.”
Mrs. Marian left first, and the workers also left after arranging the furniture in the room.
Left alone in the office, I rolled up my sleeves.
I put on the arm guards I usually use while working, and carried a mop and broom in each hand.
The real cleaning and tidying from now on was my responsibility.
I opened the window wide, shook off the dust from the curtains, and cleaned the desk and bookcases thoroughly with a dry mop.
The desk and bookcases have become so luxuriously shiny that it is annoying to use them.
Although I am grateful for the attention of the Crown Prince and the Duke, they are too generous for me.
I prefer the simple style.
However, while diligently cleaning my desk, a hum came out on my own.
Having my own office, I never imagined that here I would realize the dream of a successful woman in her career that I did not achieve in reality.
I apologize for the “fucking takeover” insult.
It seems that the world of books is really beautiful. Hohoho.
While I was laughing madly alone, I heard a knock on the door.
I turned around and saw Rose standing with a gift box in her arms.
“Can I come in?”
“Oh, of course. Here you are, Miss Rose.”
“This is my gift. It is a luxury tea set that is handled by our trading company Midsun. It is an artisan piece that is sold even to royal families.”
The gift box contained a teapot and cup set decorated with a gold frame and luxuriously engraved handles.
In addition, there was a glass vial containing different types of tea leaves and a box of cookies.
“The tea and cookies are a gift from Lady Marian. She made them herself.”
“Ah...thank you both very much. I will use it carefully.”
Rose looked at the luxurious furniture that filled my office and her eyes became wide.
“Is this the royal library? It looks like a noble lady’s salon. The furniture is elegant and luxurious. We rarely see furniture of this level even in the capital.”
“Sent by His Highness the Crown Prince and Duke. It does not suit my taste at all. The furniture is so luxurious that it is unpleasant to work here.”
When I spoke as if I were complaining with a sigh, Rose gave a meaningful smile.
Her eyes sparkled with her unique curiosity and keen observation.
“Being loved by the most eligible suitors in Rubria, you must have saved the country in your previous life, Erica.”
“Love? This is a misunderstanding. Surely they only gave it as a reward because I have suffered so much as a book reader.”
I was decisive in my words, fearing that Rose would misunderstand and imagine a romantic triangle between me, the Crown Prince, and the Duke.
Rose covered her mouth with her hand and smiled politely.
“You are humble. You are a true chief curator of the Royal Library, Erica.”
“Please! Don’t say that word ‘boss’ again! I’ll go crazy with embarrassment.”
I woke up, suppressing my desire to pull my hair.
Rose withdrew her teasing look and nodded.
“Okay, I understand. Even I get goosebumps whenever you mention ‘president’. I know it’s His Highness the Crown Prince’s strategy to manage people’s feelings. Anyway, you will face many difficulties, Erica.”
I looked at her, genuinely amazed.
I realized again that she was the eldest daughter of a family that ran a business.
Although she seems uninterested in library work, she is always a keen judge of the surrounding circumstances.
After observing her facial expression, she spoke cautiously.
The pent-up feelings were deep in my heart: regret and guilt towards her.
“You've been at the Royal Library longer than me, and it's embarrassing for me to be promoted before you even though I'm a rookie and also… leaving you alone at the reception desk again, I really…”
I couldn't finish the sentence and bit my lip.
I know very well how the senior feels when the junior gets promoted before him.
If Rose hated me and blamed me, I wouldn't have anything to say.
Rose's eyes widened in astonishment, then her expression changed to anger.
Her beautiful eyebrows rose.
“What do you think I am, Erica?”
“To be continued in the next chapter”
Loving translation