Chapter 45
Chapter 45
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 45
Chapter Title: Final Selections
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"Hmm..."
The interview at the pub had been tougher not because of the interviews themselves, but because of the agonizing decisions about who to prioritize afterward.
Unlike the coffeehouse interviews where three standout oddballs had shone, excluding the spiderkin, there hadn't been anyone particularly exceptional here.
With mostly average talents, I could have sorted them by motivation, but as commoners, they all seemed desperately earnest.
Beastkin wanting to preserve their racial culture, or kids who had come just to find any job they could.
It felt a bit heartless to cut them off so cleanly.
Still, I had no choice but to do it.
[Adelaide Aranie, Marie Kartus, Katarina Fairy, Elin Smith, Walter Smith, Reginald Baymont]
After two days of agonizing, I finally managed to narrow it down to six.
Three beastkin, three humans.
I hadn't intended to split it evenly, but that's how it turned out.
"I hope this works out."
I mumbled to myself as I stared at the list.
It was the best lineup I could come up with, so I desperately hoped none of them would turn it down.
I'd selected my candidates, but truth be told, none of them felt quite perfect.
I pulled over the stack of contracts I'd shoved to the corner of the desk.
I planned to send them notification of acceptance along with the contract terms, then meet to sign if they had no complaints.
And if they did?
The opportunity would go to the next candidate.
Once things stabilized, I could offer better terms, but right now, with not even a proper shovel dug in, I couldn't guarantee much.
I slipped the acceptance notices and contracts into envelopes, sealed them with wax.
I'd set the meetings for the last Monday of July, so now all that was left was to wait patiently.
_
Ever since Edward told me William was living it up splendidly in the capital, my sleepless nights had multiplied.
I wished he took after me a little more like the other children, but no, he'd inherited his father's stubborn temperament perfectly, leading to all this.
I'd thought the signs from his childhood had mellowed after puberty, but apparently, he'd just been quiet from lack of interest...
"Haa..."
"Madam?"
In my frustration, I let out a deep sigh, closed my eyes, and pinched the bridge of my nose. Then his voice echoed in my ear.
"Frederick, you're back?"
"What are you doing up so late? You've been restless lately—don't you worry you'll fall ill?"
"Frederick, how could I sleep now? William's drawing every eye in the capital."
I knew Frederick was just worried about me, but my nerves were frayed, so I snapped back irritably.
Surprised at my own words, I widened my eyes and covered my mouth with my right hand.
"Madam, try not to worry too much. The palace is watching over him, so things won't spiral out of control."
"That's what makes me more anxious. Of all people, that emperor is taking an interest... If he were by my side, fine, but he's so far away now..."
Unable to hide my unease, Frederick watched with a wry smile and approached the bed.
He sat on the edge and gently took my hand before speaking.
"It's positive attention, at least. You know William won't be rude to the palace, so the emperor might lose interest, but he won't incur his wrath."
"I can't help being anxious. If it were any other child, I wouldn't worry, but it's that William."
I shot Frederick a reproachful glare.
Vivid memories still lingered: as a child, swinging his sword until his hands blistered and his nose bled, desperate to awaken his aura; or jumping from trees, claiming crisis would awaken his mana.
How could I not worry about a child like that? Telling me not to...
"Frederick, new scandals erupting weekly, and the palace still saying the same thing?"
"Yes. 'We'll summon him when the time comes, so guard your territory and don't act rashly,' they say."
"Even the Foreign Minister?"
"That friend of mine seems to want us there, but..."
Frederick trailed off, avoiding my gaze.
Obviously, that emperor was interfering.
After all we'd done for the palace, why toy with our son like this?
"Haa—really, if he could just avoid drawing one person's attention, but of all people..."
I resented William for being careless right in front of the one he should fear most.
"Still, they promised a positive response before summer ends."
"Summer? It's mid-July now. You think that boy will stay out of trouble for a month or two?"
"Of course not."
"......"
Knowing both our temperaments and William's all too well, Frederick shook his head quickly.
"But worrying like this won't change anything. If my beautiful madam ruins her looks, it would pain me."
"Not in the mood for jokes."
"I'm not joking."
"Really..."
Frederick had done nothing wrong, but looking at him reminded me of William, making me seethe.
No, half of it was William anyway—maybe it was fine to treat him as such.
"Frederick."
"Yes?"
"Anything tomorrow?"
"No special plans."
"Perfect."
Smiling, I threw back the covers and rose from bed.
"?"
Frederick looked up at me, brow furrowing slightly as he tilted his head.
I shot him a sidelong glance and gripped the hem of my knit dress.
"Madam? Why the sudden—"
"Be quiet."
"......"
Since the son I could call half of him had erred, I decided to hold the father accountable.
_
Thankfully, though a couple of the iffy candidates were uncertain, most of the top choices replied positively.
Relieved at their stance of at least meeting to talk, I spent the remaining time at ease.
[William, for your father's sake if nothing else, please don't cause any trouble. I beg you...]
"...?"
Amid my peaceful days, Father's letter arrived out of the blue, but it was no big issue.
His unusually messy handwriting conveyed desperation and misery for some reason, making me wonder what was wrong, but when I asked Brother, he just blinked and shook his head, clueless.
"What on earth...?"
I had no idea why such a letter came, but it seemed Father had worries he couldn't share with me, so I replied that I'd be extra careful and, just in case, sent one to Mother too.
My favor stack was overflowing; sending only to Father might irk her again.
Thus breezing past the minor hiccup, the final Monday arrived.
I headed to the coffeehouse I'd used for interviews.
About thirty minutes early after bustling preparations.
No familiar faces, so I figured I was first—
"Sir William, you're early this time."
Of all people, Lady Elizabeth—the most uncomfortable of the acceptees—approached under a parasol with a maidservant-like woman, greeting me.
I hastily smoothed my stiffening expression into a smile and bowed.
"Haha... Lady Elizabeth, long time no see. You've arrived first, I see."
"It's basic for a lady."
"Impressive."
"Thank you."
She formally acknowledged my formal praise with a slight curl of her lips.
After exchanging smiles briefly, she dropped hers and shifted her gaze slightly aside before speaking.
"By the way, Sir William."
"Yes."
Her finger pointed toward Emily, standing behind my right.
"You said in the interview you had no relations with women, so what's your connection to that maid?"
I glanced back at Emily.
Startled at suddenly being singled out, her blinking quickened.
"She's my cherished exclusive servant. Someone I confide in after family."
"Just a servant?"
"Yes."
"I see. Interesting. It's rare for a man to keep a female servant close."
"Probably because I've known her since childhood."
"Hmm~"
The lady narrowed her eyes, humming softly as she alternated glances between Emily and me.
Her scrutinizing gaze felt oddly appraising; I stepped sideways to subtly block the line of sight to Emily.
She returned her eyes to normal and spoke.
"That was a somewhat rude question, but thank you for answering."
"No, it's a common one, so it's fine."
"Hehe~ How magnanimous. You must have been popular with women since childhood."
"No... Not particularly."
"Really? Surprising."
"Yes, I've never been very sociable."
"I see."
She nodded faintly, flashed a light smile, and turned slightly.
"The sun's getting harsh. Shall we head in first?"
"If that's what you wish."
"Thank you."
I passed her, opened the coffeehouse door, and gestured inside.
"After you, Lady Elizabeth."
"Oh my, thank you, Sir William."