When I arrived at the Duke's residence, it was approaching evening.
Oh, not only was it a business trip, they also made me work overtime.
On my return, I felt a twinge of guilt for making Ian, who was busy with his main job, work so hard.
“Ian, it's really late, isn't it? I'm sorry. I'll let you leave right away.”
I tried to show as much remorse as possible, directing my expression towards him as he stood next to me.
As a former office worker, I know better than anyone how frustrating it is to be forced to work overtime without prior agreement.
But, contrary to my expectations, he shook his head.
“No, it's fine. But there's something I'd like to ask.”
"for me?"
Instead of responding, he motioned to the thugs who fought so valiantly today to move away.
And so they disappeared quickly, as if the tide had turned out.
Oh, what is this?
I felt like I was watching a well-trained subordinate perform his role.
I stood there in amazement, watching the scene, and then began to rethink who Ian really was.
Could it be that these were not just his friends, but former subordinates that he controlled?
Well, I've heard that people who solve things with their fists usually establish a power-based hierarchy, so that might make sense.
Anyway, then, Ian spoke again.
“Yes, but... this might be a little personal...”
“Personal?”
“Yes… Why are you avoiding His Highness the Duke?”
huh?
When I heard the question, I froze completely.
Yes, I was expecting someone to notice and be curious. Bonita wasn't entirely convinced either.
But…
How do I explain this?!
The Duke seems to like me, but this feeling is nothing more than a misunderstanding?
How can I explain that I am so sure of this because I know exactly what will happen in the future?
If I had told Ian this directly, he would probably have thought I was crazy, so I tried desperately to think of something to say.
“Okay...”
No, I was about to think of something.
When my eyes met his - which looked like the eyes of a duke - I felt as if my memory had been completely erased. If that hadn't happened, I might have made up a plausible excuse by now.
"…Good."
“……Plan
“Well… for now, I think it’s best for both of us not to meet. Hahahahaha!"
At my embarrassed response, Ian slowly tilted his head.
“Is something going on?”
“Ah, um...”
I began to frantically rack my brains for a suitable excuse, even though it was already too late.
“Did His Highness the Duke annoy you...or act threateningly...”
"No! It's not like that at all!"
In fact, it was quite the opposite!
I quickly shook my head before he could continue his assumption.
I couldn't accuse the Duke of anything unfair, at least not towards Ian.
“Shall we take a walk?”
Haha. I laughed awkwardly and started walking, Ian following me.
As we moved toward the park, I slowly began to organize my thoughts.
After a moment, I slowly mumbled the thoughts that were running through my mind.
“Actually… I am not the right person to be at His Highness’s residence.”
Both in terms of my background and my position.
I wasn't even from the Kletan Empire originally.
“I don't quite understand what you mean...”
“Anyway, I'm just an indirect relative of Your Highness, right?”
Telling a lie without even trying to cover it with any semblance of innocence was making me feel guilty.
But at the same time, I had a strange, unshakable feeling that Ian would understand my true feelings.
However, from what I saw of him, he seemed like a more serious person than I expected.
“Being a second-class relative does not mean that I can stay in His Highness’s residence forever. Therefore, I will have to leave one day.”
Regardless of the feelings His Highness had for me temporarily, our parting was inevitable in the future.
I have never forgotten this fact.
If it weren't for the unexpected cost of accommodation, I would have packed my bags and left already.
When we reached the center of the well-tended garden, I stopped and turned to Ian.
“By the way, I think I have caused a lot of accidents. I may have become a nuisance to His Highness the Duke, the actual owner of this residence...”
“Who told you that, miss?”
"no one."
But at some point, I had this idea.
If this wasn't a picture book, there would be no need for Duke Stefan to plot any evil plots, and the Duke wouldn't have to relive unpleasant memories.
If I, as an outsider who should not have existed in the first place, had interfered with the original story, it would have become an obstacle for the Duke.
If there was even the slightest possibility of that happening...
“Maybe I should stay away from the Duke, right?”
In the end, the Duke saved me after I was kidnapped and probably thought dead, even going so far as to make me work as an imperial servant.
Oh, sure, he gave me assignments, but now I'm the one willingly asking for more work, so I can't complain.
As I continued these thoughts, I turned to Ian, who seemed to be waiting for my answer.
"Anyway, I'm trying to avoid Your Highness right now, minimize my work, and keep a low profile. Can you cooperate with me on this, Ian?"
“…How can I help you with that?”
Was I right about him?
Although there was no explanation, he nodded without hesitation.
She interpreted his attitude as consideration, and smiled brightly.
“Well, if you ever see His Highness or sense his presence, can you tell me so I can hide?”
Since Ian was more sensitive than me, I thought he could warn me before the Duke showed up.
“This way, I won't have to dive into the bush and ruin my dress...”
“…Have you been avoiding him that much?”
“Yes? Yes… haha.”
“Your efforts are truly impressive.”
What is this? Why does his voice sound tense, as if he is grinding his teeth?
But before I could continue my thoughts, Ian spoke first.
“No. I will start working overtime starting tomorrow.”
"Huh? Why the extra work?"
“My main job has become less busy.”
“Ah…”
Wait…does this mean its “primary function” has failed?
Is this why he was able to gather his criminal friends for today's mission?
“I was wondering about that.”
Mercenary, carpenter, miner...or maybe a bandit? That seems unlikely.
But considering how physically strong they were, this wasn't a completely wrong assumption…
I quickly stopped myself from going further down that path and forced my face to be neutral.
If his real job had failed and he had to work overtime, I would have pretended I didn't know. That would be the appropriate thing to do.
“Well, in that case, I'm really happy. I'll have to stay close to you to avoid the Duke, so I'll make sure to stay with you and hope I can make good use of it. Haha!”
Maybe I'd better give him as much work as possible because he may be strapped for cash.
Ian, who could not have guessed what I was thinking, nodded briefly as usual.
“I will do so. I will make sure you never run into His Highness…or if you do, I won't get paid for overtime.”
huh?
There's no need for that...
Why does Ian's voice sound like he's under a lot of stress?
Why does he look so upset too...
I think it's because he's tired from the protest that took place earlier.
Anyway...thanks. But today, go home quickly. I worked hard.
“Yes, understood.”
As I quietly watched Ian walk away, I did not realize until much later that he was not heading outside but was returning inside the Duke's residence.
…I quickly forgot about it, thinking he had come back to get something he left behind.