Chapter 39 Strangely tired
Chapter 39 Strangely tired
I tilted my head because I couldn’t understand the intent of the question.
There’s no way he would have noticed that I was leaving the Eckhart Empire.
At times like this, all I can do is respond back with a question.
“Preparing for the future?”
“Ah. Literally, Secretary.”
First of all, there was no particular meaning.
“It’s just a little curiosity.”
Assuming that I might have been offended, Mulia added cautiously.
I definitely feel it these days. That this woman’s attitude towards me has become somewhat milder compared to her earlier days.
As expected, I know what I have to do, so my relationship is easy.
“Ah. Don’t get me wrong. I was just curious about the intent of the question.”
“I see.”
Mullia nodded her head slightly.
If this is the case, then I can answer more comfortably.
“Well, won’t the time come when I can use it? I will explain it as a preparation for such a time.”
Of course, it will only be used after leaving the Eckhart Empire.
But it will probably be a while before the two of them know what I really mean.
“You’re trying to fulfill your duties as a secretary even on your days off…… Mr. Luke is a true man.”
Flora looked this way, her emerald eyes twinkling. Although it was a little burdensome because of the admiration in her eyes, it felt like her shoulders were rising in triumph.
Besides, since Mulia is also looking at me with a similar look to Flora…….
At that time, someone nearby cleared his throat.
Gee, we’ve been talking too long.
“Let’s sit down and read a book now.”
The two maids nodded at my suggestion.
The three of us sat down in front of our desks and started reading the books we each picked out.
I have been reading “The Language of Quilton Kingdom” Since morning.
Mulia was looking at the book she had been carrying by her side since she came here. The title of the book is 「A Guide to Effective Administrative Work」.
A book that most people would fall asleep while reading, Mullia was devouring it.
‘Then what book would Flora read?’
Flora was reading a book that was thinner than the one Mulia and I were reading. She was reading her book just in time, holding it in her hand, so she knew the title right away.
「Invitation of Duke OO」.
…… No matter how you look at it, it was like reading a romance novel.
Well, I don’t think Flora would read difficult books well.
Now that I’ve checked the books the two women are reading, it’s time to focus on my work.
I lowered my gaze to the pages of the book. Because of the quiet atmosphere, the content of the book caught my eye.
As I was concentrating for a while, I heard the noise of a chair being pushed back from the other side. When she looked up, it was Flora.
“It’s almost time for lunch.”
Flora speaks in a low voice.
But Mullia, sitting next to her, was still burying her face in her book.
“Hey, Mulia.”
Flora tapped her on the shoulder, and then Mullia raised her head. Mullia cast a look at Flora, as if asking why.
“I need to eat lunch.”
“Ah… ….”
It’s already been that long.
“Would you like to go with Luke?”
Flora looked at me with a smile on her face. But she had a strong desire to read more books now.
“I still want to read more books. I’ll sit down with you next time.”
“Yes. Then there is nothing you can do.”
She gave Flora a hint of pity for her, but that was all she did. I greeted the two who stood up from their seats.
After confirming that the two women were leaving the library, I immersed myself in the book again. Then, after some time had passed, I felt a signal from the ship telling me that I was hungry.
‘Today, I guess I’ll have to eat something at the staff cafeteria.’
I grabbed all the books I had taken out and stood up. Then he said he would check out the book to the staff at the entrance of the library.
“You can return it in two weeks.”
“Yes. Take care.”
First of all, I should put this heavy book in the room before I eat.
* * *
When I was almost at my room, I noticed Cecilia walking from the other side.
I put the heavy book down on the floor for a while and bent my back at a right angle.
“Did you sleep well last night, Your Majesty?”
“Hmm. Okay. How were you?”
“Thanks to Your Majesty’s castle, I was able to stretch out my legs and sleep comfortably.”
“I see.”
I stood up again and looked at Cecilia. She was wearing a plain dress, with less decoration than her usual.
Of course, the color of her dress was dark red because her existence was the symbol of the imperial family and the empire itself.
“Looks like you went to the library.”
Cecilia’s gaze turned to the book I had at my feet.
“Yes. I wanted to make the most of it because it was a holiday I got on a weekday.”
“It’s desirable,”
A thin smile appeared on Cecilia’s lips.
In her eyes, she probably looked like a desirable subordinate who worked hard on self-development even during her holidays.
…… I didn’t want Cecilia to see me like this.
“The language of the Quilton Empire?”
Cecilia recited the title of the topmost book.
“Ah! Now I am interested in the languages and cultures of other countries, so I am thinking of studying them.”
“Whoops.”
A low exclamation flowed from her mouth. There was a light of admiration in the ruby-colored eyes that looked at me.
“I didn’t know that my secretary had such a strong passion for learning.”
“Rather than fulfilling my passion for learning, I think the most important thing is to assist Your Majesty and properly handle the duties of the Imperial Palace.”
I answered politely, and Cecilia smiled lightly.
Why?
What did I say wrong?
“You are very right.”
“Thank you for the compliment.”
Actually, that’s not correct at all.
“I hope that uprightness will continue to be of help to the Eckhart Empire.”
“I will do my best, Your Majesty.”
When I lowered my head again, Cecilia made an unexpected proposal.
“By the way, have you had lunch?”
You wouldn’t ask to eat this together, would you?
I wanted to avoid the situation where I was eating alone with Cecilia. I have to say that I ate some time ago.
The moment she thought that and tried to open her mouth,
– Growling.
The belly clock answered one step faster.
‘Ha, damn… ….’
“Your belly button is very honest.”
“I apologize, Your Majesty… ….”
At a time like this…….
“I will remember it in the future. The sound of your belly button clock is cuter than I thought.”
“Your Majesty. As much as that…….”
However, Cecilia cut off my feeble protest with a single knife.
“Are you going against my wishes?”
“That, could it be… ….”
She suddenly gave out a bloody voice, and she immediately broke down. Then she smiled as Cecilia suddenly folded her eyebrows.
Could that be a joke?
She didn’t sound like a joke at all…….
“I was just about to go to the dining room. I think having someone to enjoy a meal with will make that time even richer. What do you think?”
“Yes. I very much agree.”
“It’s a decision.”
Ha, it turns out like this in the end.
If only the belly button hadn’t rung…….
However, how can I go against the will of my direct supervisor?
However, I had to put the book down first.
“Your Majesty. Can I put these books in my room before then?”
“So be it.”
I took the book I had at my feet and headed to my room.
It’s not good to eat comfortably today.
* * *
I came to the dining room alone with Cecilia.
It was a very familiar place to me because it was the place I always came to for lunch, but Flora and Mulia were missing today.
In short, I will be eating alone with my direct supervisor!
‘I wish I had a fire extinguisher next to me… ….’
However, Cecilia didn’t notice my thoughts at all.
“I’m eating alone with you…… It’s a bit different.”
“Glory to you, Your Majesty.”
“What? Don’t you always eat with me?”
“That’s right.”
Cecilia lightly shook the bell on her table. The maids immediately set the lunch menu on the table.
“Shall we eat slowly?”
Cecilia put the fork and knife into her hands first. It wasn’t until I made sure that she took the veal hind leg steak that was placed in front of her that I was able to bring the roast to my plate.
Fortunately, Cecilia didn’t say anything and focused on her meal.
Maybe he was quite hungry.
Well, thanks to that, I was able to eat without paying much attention.
When the food on the table was half empty, Cecilia put the fork and knife on the plate. Then she wiped her mouth with a napkin.
“Eat comfortably.”
“Yes.”
Cecilia watched me munching on food while holding her chin.
I felt a little uncomfortable. But she can’t bear to ask me not to look…….
Let’s be patient. You still don’t touch me
I finished my meal only after I emptied half a plate of salad.
“It’s nice to see you eating well.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Receiving her thanks, Cecilia nodded her head once. Then she waved the bell once.
The maids who had been waiting in advance quickly removed the tableware and served tea after dinner. It was a fragrant herbal tea.
We quietly sipped our herbal tea.
I thought it would be very uncomfortable to eat alone with Cecilia.
But contrary to my expectations, I didn’t feel very uncomfortable.
From noble mtl dot com
‘I often get caught facing her face.’
There was no other reason that came to mind.
Well, anyway, the important thing is the fact that I filled my stomach.
It’s a bonus that the tea smells good.
“Luke.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
I quickly put down the teacup and answered.
“You are my secretary, so I would like to inform you in advance about the rest of the schedule for this week.”
“Which one?”
“I got the death list from the knight commander this morning.”
I was puzzled when I heard that. Have you ever worked alone in an office?
But I soon thought that it could be. Because Cecilia is the empress who rules the Eckhart Empire.
“I’m thinking of holding a funeral for them over the weekend. Not a large-scale director, but a small one where only the bereaved family is invited.”
“With that, I think I can prepare enough before the weekend.”
Immediately after answering, another question arose.
Come to think of it, why didn’t the other protagonist of the banquet, the captain of the imperial knights, not attend the banquet?
When I asked about this, Cecilia replied calmly.
“He told me he wasn’t there because he wanted to focus on reorganizing his men.”
“You are a true knight commander.”
Cecilia nodded her head softly.
I finally put the part that bothered her in her mouth.
“I’m asking this just in case, but did Your Majesty go to the office today?”
“Are you worried about me? Thank you.”
“As a secretary serving His Majesty, I think it is a matter of course that I have no choice but to worry about.”
I spoke in a worried tone and bowed my head towards Cecilia.
“Don’t worry. I only did minor tasks.”
“I think we should rest properly, at least on holidays.”
“… ….”
Sudden silence came.
Maybe I’ve been too obtuse, haven’t I?
While I was nervous inside, I heard Cecilia let out a heavy sigh.
“Hold her head.”
As instructed, I raised her head and looked at Cecilia. After a while she opened her mouth.
“Thank you for your concern. However, I am the emperor who leads the empire. As long as I wear the crown, this weight is what I have to endure.”
Cecilia’s face showed a strangely tired expression as she uttered those words. But it was only a fleeting moment.
Cecilia immediately showed off her empress-like expression.
That’s right. It was only up to Cecilia to bear the weight of the crown.
So you must be asking me if I need to know about the conversation I had with Duke Kailos yesterday.
‘Yes. Cecilia won’t be relying on me much from now on.’
Because I’m just a secretary.
Having come to that conclusion, I decided not to think about this any further.
-Continued