＜ Ball and Four (2) ＞
Mumbles’ top-of-the-line sedan.
It is a vehicle nicknamed “ghost” thanks to its quiet engine, but today the noise is clearly heard.
boo woo woo
Because there was a heavy silence in the car.
The atmosphere of a mother and daughter who is unfamiliar with the driver for 20 years.
“·······”
In that cold air, Jeniel blankly looked out the window. There was a handful of sadness in the eyes that reflected the blue sky.
I’d rather have an accident, so I wish everything would be postponed.
Contrary to Jeniel’s wishes, however, the sedan headed towards its destination leisurely. Before I knew it, the view of the capital, Archinia, unfolded outside the window.
Eventually, we stopped in front of a luxurious building.
“Im here.”
the driver said.
Cecile grinned at him.
“Good work.”
It was a friendly voice, as usual.
Before getting out of the car, Cecil took out a hand mirror and checked her appearance. Are the clothes tidy, are there any protruding hairs, and is the makeup smudged? Then I glanced at Jeniel in the seat next to me.
“·······”
Jeniel was gloomy. I didn’t even prepare to get off, I just stared blankly out the window.
Cecile said as she straightened Jeniel’s hair.
“Jeniel. Will you continue to be like a child? You have to distinguish between public and life.”
“·······”
“Smile. My family has a pretty smiling face.”
“······yes.”
Jeniel reluctantly nodded.
Cecile also nodded in satisfaction. Then, men in suits waiting outside opened the door to the back seat.
“Hello Cecil, Jeniel. I will guide you to your room.”
“yes~”
Following Cecil, who got off first, Jeniel entered the building. The interior was luxurious. A huge chandelier hung from the ceiling in the lobby, and several paintings hung in the corridor leading to the rooms. It was the work of a famous painter that I saw in a book someday.
smart-
The knocking sound of the front-line staff.
The employee who opened the door bowed his head.
“You can go in.”
“yes~”
A luxurious table was placed in the spacious room. At the table where the dinner was set, Terios and Karios sat side by side.
Therios said.
“Thank you for your time.”
“no. The knight commander personally invited me, and of course I have to accept it.”
Cecile sat down with a smile brighter than ever. Jeniel also sat down next to her. A strange air current flowed in the room.
Except for one person, everyone seems to be in the same circle.
“Eat before it gets cold.”
I raised my spoon one by one at Terios’s words. We had a late lunch and talked about various things.
“I heard about your son. He was selected for the Imperial Family Gifted and Talented Support Group. Congratulations.”
“no. It’s all thanks to the knight commander. Oh, by the way, there was a commotion in the estate this time. Is it okay?”
“It worked out well. It was nothing.”
But Jeniel’s ears didn’t hear anything. Only the words Cecil had said a moment ago echoed in her head.
-Emotions, whether love or hate, will eventually become dull, but material things are stronger and more durable than that.
– Marriage is not something you do with your heart.
-Think carefully, Jeniel. This marriage is not just for you. No matter how times change, there are some things that don’t change. Especially on the women’s side.
A love that started with feelings.
The engagement that resulted.
The decision was entirely up to Jeniel, but with that choice came a lot of responsibility. Unexpected greed clung to him.
The prestige of the family that his father so much wanted, the wealth that his mother had dreamed of, and the future of his youngest brother.
The misguided greed grew like a snowball, and at some point it became a burden for Jeniel to bear.
Moreover, it was clear that breaking up the engagement with the Cedric family would remain a blemish on the family. The fact that the marriage was broken would quickly spread throughout the aristocratic society, and they would point fingers at the 8th most prestigious family in the Empire—not Cedric, but the Seirion family. All the families with whom they interacted will also try to cut ties.
An aristocratic society is a place where the rule of thumb is more certain than any other place.
Jeniel hadn’t known until now.
What kind of butterfly effect the engagement with Karios will bring, and what results will come from that light choice.
“·······”
It was a time when I was immersed in blank contemplation.
Therios’s voice penetrated the blurry consciousness.
“By the way, I heard Miss Jeniel wants to break off the engagement, is that true?”
Only then did Jeniel come to his senses. I slowly looked around.
The cutlery on the table had stopped, and everyone, including Terios, was looking at him.
Untidy and quiet atmosphere.
“·······”
When Jeniel couldn’t answer right away, Cecil spoke urgently.
“It was because I couldn’t overcome the emotion of the moment. Isn’t that right, Jeniel?”
He could feel Cecile’s hand under the table. He was stroking his knee and urging him.
An answer not for me, but for the family.
A decision that everyone can be happy with one sacrifice.
Jeniel, who had been silent for a while,
“yes that’s right.”
He soon smiled brightly.
It was a beauty that was indistinguishable from the usual. It was a face that did not show even a drop of sadness.
“I guess I was a little sensitive at the time. I’ll pretend that the breakup never happened. We will proceed with the planned wedding as well.”
Seeing that, Cecil was relieved, Terios was satisfied, and Karios was taken aback.
Jeniel stood up from his seat, ignoring all those reactions.
“I’m going to go to the bathroom for a minute.”
He left the room leisurely and did not lose his smile until the moment he closed the door.
I was just trying to keep the pretense up to this point. Because I didn’t want to force a smile anymore.
But… it wasn’t long before the voices came rushing in.
“Hey, Jeniel.”
It was Karios’ voice.
He was willing to follow me down the aisle.
That’s right… there’s no way those eyes will go anywhere…
Eh, Jeniel sighed lightly and turned his head. Karios, who had been following in haste, shook his shoulders. After thinking about it for a while, he said it with difficulty.
“Oh, thank you.”
“yes? what?”
“Forgive me. I’ll do well in the future-“
“Do not misunderstand.”
Jeniel’s soft voice echoed. It was large enough to stay only in the hallway, neither leaking into the lobby nor flowing into the room.
The smile on his lips was still there.
“Because I haven’t forgiven you yet.”
The true heart revealed for the first time after coming here.
After saying that, Jeniel turned his back again.
After that, there was no sound of words or footsteps following. It was just silent.
“·······”
He said that emotions will become dull someday.
It was said to be weaker than the material one and disappear quickly.
If so… Will the sadness I feel right now fade someday?
＊＊＊
The Imperial Office of Mirvadiam.
It handles all civil complaints that arise in Mirvadiam, in other words, it is the equivalent of the Empire’s city hall.
I entered the Imperial Office with Narsha and Yerina. Even though I came right after lunch time, there were many people. All the seats in the waiting room were full.
After checking the countless crowds, Narsha looked up at me.
“You really don’t want to do that, do you?”
Eyes trembling as much as voices.
It was because of the special training I talked about in the conference room a while ago.
– Going to private gatherings, volunteering as a companion for the elderly living alone. If shyness is the cause, singing on public transportation…
Or a talent show in a public place.
The methods I suggested for smooth communication.
At the same time, the acts that Narsha hates the most.
Of course, I wouldn’t do such an absurd special training. There was no problem with Narsha’s announcement in the first place.
Even so, the only reason I dared to point out Narsha was to block some handshakes in advance using special training as an excuse.
I looked at my clipboard and said.
“If you come, let’s take a numbered ticket first.”
“Yes? yes.”
Narsha obediently followed my words. I trudged over and took out a number ticket.
“Here you go.”
He handed over the number with a pouty face. I still only looked at the clipboard.
“How many times?”
“It’s number 431.”
“All right.”
Short and clear answer.
A businesslike voice that no one could hear.
At the cold response, Narsha lowered the hand that had handed her the number tag. I scratched the back of my head and pretended not to be embarrassed.
-Customer number 347. Please come to window number 6.
Window notifications that sound just in time.
Yerina, who checked the waiting list, pressed her two cheeks and despaired.
“Huh… 84 people left. Will it take quite a while?”
“I mean.”
I finally took my eyes off the clipboard. The office has six windows. The waiting list is 84 people. It seemed like we had to wait at least an hour.
“I haven’t eaten yet, but there’s no place to sit…”
Yerina pursed her lips and grumbled. Narsha also had a disapproving face.
Just then, a middle-aged man in a suit approached me.
“Professor Leonard?”
A face that looks like a Pringles character.
He was a person I didn’t know at all. he asked in a deep voice.
“What are you doing without contacting the office?”
Somewhat familiar nuance. Judging from the way he dressed and behaved, he seemed to be a nobleman living in the office. Moreover, it seemed that he had a close relationship with Leonard.
I didn’t panic and said it naturally.
“I have business to take care of.”
“Ah, if something like that happens, please tell me in advance. I would have handled everything with sincerity.”
he smiled warmly He politely stretched out his arms as if attending a nobleman.
“Don’t stay here, go to my room. I will try to help myself.”
“······If you do, I will be grateful.”
When I accepted, the man took the lead and ushered me to his room. I followed him Yerina and Narsha also moved their steps.
Yerina asked in a low voice.
“Who is that?”
“Well… he’s someone I know.”
I didn’t know for sure, so I was vague.
After a while, I entered the room he guided me to. The sign on the door had his title written on it.
[ Secretary General Berler ]
······He was the head of the office.
“Ohh—the person you knew about was the secretary general? You said it like it was nothing special, so I thought I was a man from the neighborhood again.”
Yerina quietly admired. Narsha was also quite surprised. This was because the head of the office was a position equivalent to that of a mayor.
As everyone entered the room, Verler pointed to the conference couch.
“You can sit over there. Can I prepare some simple tea for you?”
“it’s okay.”
I sat down on the sofa. Narsha and Yerina were also seated next to me.
Berler asked.
“What kind of business can I handle?”
“I’m trying to apply for a technique patent.”
“When it comes to technique patents, what kind exactly are you talking about?”
“It is a joint patent right.”
Spelling Patent Rights.
Among them, a joint patent right refers to a patent right for a technique invented by two or more people together. It is usually divided into original developers and later modifiers.
Verler looked at Yerina and Narsha in turn.
“Who is the original developer?”
“The original developer didn’t come, and this is the late modifier here.”
I pointed to Narsha, who was sitting next to me.
As if Berlin was in trouble, he extended his words.
“The original developer didn’t come… Then I need a consent form.”
“I brought it.”
I took out a copy of the formula and the original developer-music box’s agreement from the clipboard.
Everything was prepared before meeting Narsha.
Berlin carefully examined the documents handed over.
“Yes, it is confirmed. Then the reviewer only needs to write a few documents. Wait.”
Then he got up from the sofa and headed for his desk. I rummaged through the drawers and found the document.
Even then, Narsha was confused. I had absolutely no idea what was going on. Only the performance was superior, but the common sense about technique patents was ignorant.
I said while cleaning out my clipboard.
“Do not worry. I’m just trying to protect Narsha-sama’s rights.”
“Ah yes.”
Narsha replied stupidly. Then, perhaps realizing my true intentions, I quietly muttered to myself.
“Who asked me to do this…”
＊＊＊
That night.
Booo
Leonard’s sedan came to a gentle stop. Narsha looked out the window at a familiar house. It was his own home.
“·······”
At first, I tried not to ride at all. It was the last pride and fidelity.
However, because Leonard had something to convey about the conference, I had no choice but to board, and as a result, I naturally arrived in front of my house.
Leonard said.
“Tomorrow we will practice Q&A. I will go to the lab early in the morning, so know that.”
“yes.”
Narsha gave a short answer and got out of the sedan. The sedan started right away.
boo woo woo-
Narsha also went straight into the house.
After throwing away my things, I lay down on the bed. Looking at the fluorescent lights lighting up the ceiling, I looked back on my day.
“·······”
It was a busy day.
Unlike usual when he was only in the lab, he was busy running around. A conference coordinator was also assigned. That must have been Leonard.
Evaluating him as the person in charge… Well, it wasn’t bad.
It increases the efficiency of the technique, applies for a patent, does not give special training, only scares you, but does not deduct points.
There were times when he acted meanly, but the feeling that he acted strangely well was strong. Still, I didn’t feel rejected at all.
Is it because of the businesslike voice every time?
Or is it just my illusion?
Narsha, who was deeply troubled, jumped out of bed.
“Let’s wash.”
It was all a futile idea. It was just meaningless implication. Leonard’s actions so far have clearly distinguished between public and private.
And this time… I will never be mistaken alone.
Tuk-tuk-
Taking off her robe and even her underwear, Narsha went into the bathroom. I took a hot shower and melted away the fatigue of the day.
＊＊＊
early the next morning.
Luna from the planning department went to the academy earlier than usual. Wandering around the 29th floor of the Mage Tower, waiting for Narsha.
“Haam—when are you coming?”
Operation to capture Narsha ordered by the upper level.
According to the plan, it should have started yesterday, but access itself was impossible because of Leonard. What happened was that he stayed next to Narsha all day.
But there are gaps in everyone.
No matter how hard Leonard is, he won’t come to Narsha from rush hour.
“Hehe…”
Luna looked at the paper bag in her hand with dark eyes. It was a strawberry puff cream bread airlifted directly from Arkinia.
An extremely popular food that only sells 50 pieces a day, and is said to be impossible to find even if you want to.
It looks fine from the outside, but the strawberry cream puff contains a terrible cold virus. If you eat this cream puff bread, you will be sick for days and days.
If that happens, the conference with 3 days left will be completely ruined, and Narsha will naturally fall into a swamp of pessimism and despair.
jerk- jerk-
Suddenly, footsteps were heard from behind.
Luna smiled broadly and turned around. I was going to deliver strawberry cream puffs to Narsha right away.
But where her eyes reach
“What are the planning department staff doing here?”
Leonard was standing.
She arrived at the lab before Narsha did. Luna couldn’t hide her embarrassment.
“Ah… that’s why…”
While talking endlessly, he managed to come up with an excuse.
“The planning department has prepared a special snack for you to prepare for the conference.”
“All right. give it to me.”
“Yes?”
“Give me I’m in charge of Miss Narsha, so I’ll deliver it myself.”
Leonard held out his hand boldly.
At the same time, an anomaly occurred again. My ears felt hot, and I couldn’t resist his words.
“Here you go······”
Luna quietly handed over the paper bag. After checking the contents, Leonard said in a firm tone.
“Do you have anything else to do?”
“no.”
“Then go.”
“Yes, I understand, Master…”
After saying that, Luna returned to the planning department. Narsha approached from the other side of the hallway, but she couldn’t stop walking. I couldn’t even tell you to eat the strawberry cream puff.
jerk- jerk-
Leaving Luna passing by like that behind her, Narsha continued walking.
Leonard was standing in front of the lab. They said they would practice Q&A, but I didn’t know it would come this early.
Narsha nodded lightly. I looked up and said in a low voice.
“hello.”
“yes.”
Leonardo also bowed lightly.
I didn’t notice it when I saw it from a distance, but he had a pink paper bag in his hand.
Artiblanc is a bakery famous for its strawberry cream puffs.
The bread that I always wanted to try someday.
Unknowingly, gulp- Narsha, who had swallowed her saliva, asked pretending not to know.
“That, what is that?”
Then Leonard hurriedly hid the paper bag behind his back.
“······It’s mine. Mind you.”
“Ah yes.”
Narsha pursed her lips and opened the lab door.
I wasn’t expecting much anyway.
No, I hoped it wasn’t brought for me in the first place.
If that was the case… it would have been very burdensome.
But, how much do you mean to hide it?
Is it only your mouth?
＜ Ball and Four (2) ＞ End