“Comic books?”
The Duke was wearing such a strange expression that it was impossible to decipher. It was neither a confirmation nor a denial, just a vague reaction that made me nod in embarrassment.
Surely, he wouldn't refuse now, would he? It's not like I was suggesting something as outrageous as contractual marriage.
But his next question completely surprised me.
"What is this?"
"…pardon?"
Forget agreeing or disagreeing; He didn't even know what a comic book was!?
Countless images of the picture books I had read appeared before my eyes, but when I tried to define what a picture book was, I found myself completely speechless.
“Well, did you know that ordinary books consist entirely of words?”
"This is correct."
“Yes, but picture books, as the name suggests, are books in which the content is expressed through illustrations.”
“Hmm.”
There was a short silence.
But I saw him. In that fleeting moment, the Duke's always calm expression wavered slightly. Although he quickly regained his usual composure, I knew I had not imagined it.
She spoke again cautiously.
Do you understand what I mean?
“Yes, but...”
The Duke, who was sitting with a tone of arrogance, bent his impossibly long legs in the other direction.
I was so caught up in the graceful movement, I barely took in his next words.
“Is that all you want?”
"…Sorry?"
“I ask if picture books are everything a princess wants.”
“Well… if it's not too inconvenient for you, I was hoping some snacks could be added to my meals as well.”
A balanced diet, after all, should contain sweet and salty elements.
But lately, my meals have become fairly healthy and simple. Granted, I was grateful not to have to cook myself, but we all crave something good sometimes, right?
“It would be nice to eat something sweet, but salty is good too... haha.”
But as soon as she finished speaking, the faint smile that was still on the Duke's face disappeared.
“Princess, I told you that I will compensate you for your help in the affairs of the ducal territory.”
“Yes, I did.”
“And yet your requests don't go beyond comic books and snacks?”
“Yes. Hmm… is that a problem?”
The change in his facial expression made the room seem colder, as if the temperature had dropped.
What is this? What is the possible problem?
Given his use of the word “just,” my requests did not seem excessive.
“Huh.”
The Duke lowered his head. I froze, wondering if he was about to get angry, but instead I heard a soft laugh.
He raised his head, covered his mouth with his hand, and a mixture of amusement and disbelief appeared on his face.
“…How wonderful.”
It was a charming smile, befitting his attractive features. However, I couldn't shake the feeling of anxiety that crept up on me.
As I stared at him in confusion, he seemed to make up his mind and nodded.
"Okay. Comic books are the answer. I'll make it happen."
Even as I exited his office and walked away, I kept glancing back, doubting his approval.
Outside, Liam, who had been waiting at the door, leaned over.
“I will accompany you to your room.”
Click, click.
Step, step.
Our footsteps echoed loudly in the empty hallway.
Liam didn't speak until I was deep in thought, when he finally broke the silence.
“As requested, I offered jobs to the shortlisted individuals. They all accepted.”
I stared at Liam in amazement, wondering why he was telling me this.
His facial expression, as usual, did not reveal anything, so I could only nod absently.
“Ah, I see.”
“We will make sure that the elderly or those with chronic diseases are assigned lighter tasks.”
“Yes, yes.”
“As for the Black Eagle, they prefer a fairly modest diet, so most ingredients can be sourced locally within the region.”
“Got it.”
My responses were lacking in enthusiasm, but Liam continued speaking undisturbed.
Why are you telling me all this? Can't you submit your report to someone else?
I had no intention of continuing to interfere in the affairs of the region.
“…As a result, the morale of the region’s citizens has increased significantly.”
“Well, that's good news.”
I tried to explain my disinterest, but Liam remained as indifferent as ever.
“Thank you for everything.”
When I heard the unexpected note of gratitude in his voice, I shook my head.
“I just did what I was asked.”
Anyway, half of that was forced on me. Sure, he remembers that.
How ruthless could one be to express gratitude for what was essentially coercion?
“Not only did she accomplish a mission, but she also cared about the well-being of those in need.”
“…Aha.”
I fixed my gaze directly in front of me, and ignored his compliment. It was strange, to be praised for what I considered the simplest rules of propriety.
In this world, where human rights are considered a low priority, even survival is a challenge. If I, with my foresight and comparative advantage, find it so difficult, what will it be like for others?
However, instead of sharing my thoughts, I responded with a joke.
“So, what about reducing surveillance?”
Liam adjusted his monocle in a steady motion.
“This would be a dereliction of duty.”
“Ugh…”
Our light quarrel brought us to the door of my room.
“Thank you for your efforts.”
Hoping that was the end of the matter, I bowed my head politely and extended my hand toward the door. But Liam's calm voice stopped me.
“See you tomorrow.”
…tomorrow?
Why? Do we have anything to discuss at all?
His last words left a disturbing impression on my chest, a feeling of fear that I could not get rid of.
* * *
Contrary to my expectations, Liam's words became a reality.
No, to be precise, it only took a few hours. Early in the morning, a loud knocking sound rang out next to my ear while I was fast asleep.
Still half asleep, I showered and looked at the clock. It was only six in the morning.
Normally, I would still be in the dream world by now, but…
"What's going on so early in the morning? Aren't you sleeping?"
“My philosophy is that sleep is for the dead.”
Why are you doing this to me?
“…It's better not to say anything.”
Complaining in an exasperated voice did no good in convincing Liam.
With a face that clearly showed displeasure, he led me to two large doors.
From inside, I could hear faint murmurs, indicating the presence of people.
“Where is this...?”
You'll know that soon.
squeak.
When the large double doors opened, I felt like I had entered a maze instead.
In the spacious hall, a group of people gathered.
“Who are all these people...?”
“They are artists. Or more precisely, they are the ones who will draw the ‘comic book’ you requested.”
I was surprised, so I glanced at the group gathered in a circle.
Some of them were middle-aged or elderly, and one of them seemed to have been dragged here in a hurry, still wearing house slippers.
They too seemed to find the situation unfamiliar, and their looks at me and Liam were filled with unmistakable bewilderment.
Liam confidently walked towards the center and started introducing people to me.
“This is Sir Browne, the former royal painter. Next are Sir Kidric and Sir Robid, who taught art at the academy.”
Then...people crowded behind them?
"Nice to meet you. I'm Brown. These are my interns."
Oh, I see.
Still completely stunned, I instinctively took the wrinkled hand extended to me, shook it, and bowed my head to Sir Brown, who flaunted a long white beard.
“Yes, nice to meet you...”
My head started pounding hard.
To create the comic book, did they enlist the help of a former royal painter and even a series of his distinguished apprentices?
Leaving my stunned self behind, Liam confidently announced: “With the support of His Highness Duke Blair, I hope you will create an exceptional comic book.”
...Is this really happening?
Would all of these highly skilled individuals really work together to produce a comic book just for me to read?