Chapter 9 Why are you staring at me?
Episode 9 Why are you staring at me?
After the execution ceremony for the criminals, daily life has returned to normal.
This daily life of waking up in my room prepared in the imperial palace every morning, wearing a neat uniform, and going to work at the empress’ office.
I checked my clothes in front of a full-length mirror one last time before leaving the room.
It’s a uniform that I wear almost every day, so now it’s quite angular.
A neck collar sharpened as if it could lightly cut paper, and a clean white cravat.
The top as well as the pants had perfect angles with no wrinkles.
I finally took out the pocket watch from my pocket.
8:35 Am.
Originally, the imperial family’s business hours start at 9:00 am.
But the empress wants to start her business 10 minutes earlier than that.
I thought it was just a diligent personality and passed it on. But it wasn’t just because of that reason, I recently found out through Count Milord.
“You explained earlier that you should be on standby first as it is the final gathering place for all palace duties.”
“Your Majesty is really diligent.”
I was genuinely impressed.
Cecilia’s diligent side has never appeared in a novel.
“They probably want to emulate the image of His Majesty the former emperor. Even the former emperor always started work earlier than the scheduled time.”
It seems that Cecilia followed the emperor very well.
However, I had little information about the former emperor. Even after possessing this body, I almost didn’t know anything except my name.
Well, you don’t have to worry about that now.
The former emperor passed away before Cecilia ascended the throne, and the former empress went down to the countryside to recuperate her right after Cecilia ascended the throne.
“Now, let’s survive today safely.”
After making up my mind, I left the room.
The maids who cleaned the hall recognized me and greeted me first. I responded lightly and moved to the office.
Then I saw the secretarial staff walking from the opposite side.
At first, I wondered what the difference was between direct and general secretaries. As I later found out, there was a significant difference in work.
General secretaries mainly dealt with Cecilia’s attire, organizing meeting minutes, and ceremonies when welcoming diplomatic missions.
On the other hand, the direct secretary is what I am doing now, following the empress and assisting with various tasks.
‘They’re real suckers.’
I clicked my tongue inwardly.
If I could change my job title even now, I could just throw it away…….
I arrived in front of the Empress’s office. Milord was waiting for me in front of him.
“Oh, now you’re here,”
“Yes. Hello.”
I nodded my neck and said hello.
“It’s the last day, can we say goodbye properly?”
When Milod spoke of the last day, he meant that his work day ended today.
“It is not entirely final. First of all, you have to say hello to His Majesty.”
“Baby.”
Milrod was all about laughing.
With the Empress’s permission, we stepped into the office. After politely bowing, Cecilia stared at Milord.
“Earl Milord. I’m done working with you today. Since my father’s generation, you have suffered a lot.”
“No, Your Majesty. I was just doing what I had to do.”
Milrod bowed deeply.
Now I really realized that Milord was leaving.
Like Cecilia, Flora and Mulia, who had been working with him, approached Milord.
“It’s been a pleasure working here, Mr. Milrod.”
Flora reached out to him with her bright smile. Milord shook hands with her cautiously.
“You worked hard.”
Mulia gave him a slight bow.
Immediately after that, Milord was strangely thrilled. He seemed to have developed a certain affection for himself after working for a long time.
Now it’s my turn to say goodbye.
“Count Milord. Thank you for teaching me wholeheartedly for a month, I think I will be able to work hard as a direct secretary in the future. Thank you.”
At first I didn’t like this guy very much.
From the beginning, I openly laughed at my status, so who would like it?
But since I showed my ability, the attitude toward me has changed. Thanks to that, it has changed a lot from my first impression.
A boss who is clumsy but takes responsibility for the work.
“You had a hard time learning under me for a month.”
Milrod tapped me lightly on the shoulder.
After greeting everyone like that, Cecilia called him in front of me.
“Earl Milord. Finally, please sign this contract.”
What kind of contract will you write when you retire?
Watching the back of Milod reading the papers, I became very curious. However, it would be quite rude for someone who has only been in the palace for a month to ask that.
I could be branded by Cecilia as an ugly newcomer who is already ready to leave.
After signing the contract, Milord greeted the empress one last time.
“I authorize your retirement, Earl Milord.”
“Congratulations, Your Majesty.”
After this, Milord left the office.
“… ….”
Cecilia stared blankly at the firmly closed door, then instructed in a calm voice.
“Let’s get to work.”
Now, I am the only direct secretary.
That realization felt like it was pressing down on my shoulders.
* * *
From noble mtl dot com
Since I was so busy with my work, it was almost time for lunch.
Of course I was going to head to the restaurant the staff use. However, Cecilia’s voice caught my footsteps.
“Luke. From today, you will have meals with me.”
“Yes?”
“Looks like you haven’t heard from Count Milord.”
It was only then that I was able to recall the information I had heard from Milod shortly after entering the palace.
Originally, it was customary for the direct secretary to dine with the emperor.
However, since he had to travel with himself for a month, he ate at a regular restaurant shared by other employees.
“No. I heard the explanation, but I forgot for a moment.”
“From now on, remember everything even if it is trivial. That’s the basic duty of a direct secretary.”
“I will keep this in mind, Your Majesty.”
So, I followed her maids and Cecilia to the dining room reserved for the emperor. There was no furniture other than four chairs at an antique round dining table.
Cecilia was seated first, followed by her ladies-in-waiting and I. Cecilia lightly shook the bell on her table, and her maids quickly set the table.
When I saw the menu, I couldn’t help but be surprised.
The main menu served in the cafeteria used by ordinary employees was bread, stew with meat and various vegetables, and coriander to add flavor.
But now, there were eight kinds of food in front of me.
Freshly baked baguette, seasoned lamb ribs, pasta and wood-fired pizza, and more.
Originally, it was customary to have wine with a meal like this, but I couldn’t find it here.
“Mr. Luke. Would you like a glass of wine?”
Flora, sitting across from me, asked my doctor. It looks like I want to have a drink too.
But before I could answer, Cecilia’s reaction was a step faster.
“You are not allowed to drink until after work hours.”
“Your Majesty won’t allow it, so I can’t help it.”
Flora expressed regret by shaking her shoulders.
Mulia is…… It’s the impression that she wouldn’t drink in the first place.
Are you ready to start eating at this point?
“Come to think of it, I forgot one thing before eating.”
After saying that, Cecilia turned her head towards me.
“Luke.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Last time you told me about the orphanage’s full investigation into the use of donations. Thanks to that, she was able to catch those who were actually embezzling.”
Why are you bringing this up all of a sudden?
“If you hadn’t questioned the tradition, she would never have known. So, I hope she continues to be active like this in the future.”
“… ….”
“Answer?”
Only then did I regain my sanity.
“Yes. I will do my best!”
She replied vigorously, and she nodded her head once to see if Cecilia was satisfied.
I didn’t expect her to compliment me in front of her ladies-in-waiting like this…….
At the same time, I felt a sense of relief. By doing this in the future, she will be able to make a good impression on Cecilia.
It also meant that I could avoid her suspicions.
During her remaining 11 months, she felt strongly that she should prepare little by little for her departure from the Empire.
“Oh my God! Congratulations, Mr. Luke.”
Flora, who couldn’t understand my intentions, gave her a light applause.
“It’s not usually difficult to be acknowledged by His Majesty. It took a long time for me and even Mulia to be recognized for her work.”
“Flora. Talking like that…….”
Mulia, who had been silent the whole time, opened her mouth after a long time,
“Let’s start eating.”
At one word from the empress, everyone shut up.
I cut the grilled lamb ribs in front of me and put it in my mouth. Every time you chew, the savory juice bursts out and makes your tongue happy.
Even when I was living in the Nedville estate, lamb was a really hard food to eat…….
Until you throw out your resignation letter, you should enjoy this luxury if possible.
While I was enjoying the pleasure of eating for the first time in a long time while tasting various types of food,
‘Hmm?’
I felt a prick in my temples.
It’s not a headache, what is it?
I stopped knives, and only then did I find the cause.
Mulia, sitting on the right, was looking at me. She
She was glancing.
“… ….”
As soon as her eyes met, Mullia lowered her gaze towards her quicksand plate.
Why are you staring at people like that all of a sudden?
The reason was unknown, but she decided to move on.
When she got up after eating, she quietly said to me, Mullia.
“Secretary. Would you like to talk to me for a minute?”
-Continued
Cult behavior