Why the Glare?
The execution of the criminals marked the end of another ordinary day in the Imperial Palace.
Every morning, I would open my eyes in my room, dressed in my crisp uniform and head straight to the Empress's office for work.
Before leaving the room, I checked my appearance in the full-length mirror one last time.
Since I wore this uniform every day, it had already taken on a perfect fit.
The collar, sharp enough to slice paper, gleamed with a flawless crease. The cravat was spotless, white as fresh snow.
Even the trousers maintained an impeccable crease, as if tailored by magic itself.
I reached into my pocket and pulled out my pocket watch.
Eight thirty-five in the morning.
Normally, the Imperial Palace's business hours began at nine.
But the Empress insisted on starting ten minutes earlier.
I had always assumed she simply had a diligent nature. That was until I learned the truth from Count Millord.
“Since all Palace business ultimately converges here, one must wait first.”
“Your Majesty is truly diligent,” I replied with genuine admiration.
The Empress's diligence had never appeared in any novel I knew.
“She wishes to emulate the late Emperor. He also began his duties ahead of schedule.”
The Empress clearly held the late Emperor in high regard.
For me, however, there was scarcely any information about him. After my reincarnation, I knew almost nothing beyond his name.
Well, there was no need to dwell on the past.
The Emperor had passed away before the Empress ascended, and the Empress Dowager had gone to the countryside for recovery right after.
“Alright, let's survive today as safely as usual.”
With that resolve, I stepped out into the hallway.
The maids cleaning the corridor greeted me first.
I nodded lightly in return and continued toward the office.
On the opposite side, I spotted the personal secretaries walking toward me.
At first, I wondered what set the Chief Personal Secretary apart from the regular staff.
Later, I discovered there were indeed meaningful differences in their roles.
Regular secretaries handled the Empress's attire, meeting notes, and diplomatic etiquette.
The Chief Personal Secretary, however, followed the Empress closely, providing assistance with all kinds of tasks.
Those lucky devils.
I clicked my tongue in my mind.
Even now, I could change positions if I wanted. I could abandon the Chief role in an instant...
I arrived at the Empress's office. Count Millord was already waiting there.
“Ah, you're here.”
“Yes. Good morning.”
I gave a casual nod.
“It's your last day. Don't you think a proper greeting is in order?”
Millord's last day meant his shift ended today.
“It's not the absolute last. I should at least greet Her Majesty first.”
“You brat.”
Millord let out a soft chuckle.
With the Empress's permission, we stepped inside the office.
After a respectful bow, the Empress looked at Millord in silence.
“Count Millord. Today marks the end of our work together. Since the time of my father, you have endured much hardship.”
“I merely performed my duties, Your Majesty.”
Millord bowed deeply.
The reality of his departure finally sank in.
Just as with the Empress, Flora and Myla also approached Millord.
“It was enjoyable working with you, Mr. Millord.”
Flora extended her hand with a bright smile.
Millord gently shook it.
“You've all worked hard.”
Myla gave a slight bow.
At that moment, Millord wore a strangely emotional expression.
After working together for so long, affection had clearly developed.
Now it was my turn to say goodbye.
“Count Millord. Thanks to your thorough training for a month, I believe I can work diligently as a Chief Personal Secretary. Thank you.”
At first, I hadn't liked him.
From the beginning, he openly mocked my status.
Who would enjoy that?
But after I demonstrated my abilities, his attitude changed.
Now he treated me like a competent boss who took responsibility for every task.
“You've worked hard learning under me for a month.”
Millord patted my shoulder lightly.
After bidding farewell to everyone, the Empress summoned Millord forward.
“Count Millord. Please sign this contract one last time.”
I wondered what contract he would be signing upon retirement.
Observing his back as he read the document, curiosity burned within me.
But asking such a question now, after only a month at the Palace, would be highly inappropriate.
He might even be branded as a failed rookie by the Empress.
After signing, Millord bowed once more.
“I permit your retirement, Count Millord.”
“I am deeply grateful, Your Majesty.”
With that, Millord left the office.
......
The Empress stared at the firmly closed door for a moment before speaking in a calm voice.
“Begin work.”
Now, as Chief Personal Secretary, I was alone.
That realization quietly weighed on my shoulders.
***
As I immersed myself in work, time passed quickly, and before I knew it, it was lunchtime.
I headed for the staff cafeteria as usual.
But the Empress's voice stopped me.
“Luke. From today onward, meals will be with me.”
“Excuse me?”
“It seems you didn't hear from Count Millord.”
Only then did I recall the information from my early days at the Palace.
The Chief Personal Secretary traditionally dined with the Emperor.
But during my first month, I was expected to accompany her, so we would eat at the general staff cafeteria.
“No, I heard the explanation, but I forgot for a moment.”
“From now on, remember even small things. That is the basic duty of a Chief Personal Secretary.”
“I will keep it in mind, Your Majesty.”
Following the maids, I walked behind the Empress toward a specially prepared dining room for the Emperor.
The room was simple: an elegant circular table with four chairs and nothing else.
The Empress sat first, followed by the maids and me in order.
She lightly shook a small bell on the table, and the maids immediately brought out the dishes.
When I looked at the menu, I was stunned.
The staff cafeteria usually served bread, stew with meat and vegetables, and a sauce.
Yet before me were eight different dishes.
Freshly baked baguette, spiced lamb ribs, pasta, and oven-baked pizza.
Normally, wine would accompany such a feast, but it was nowhere to be found.
“Mr. Luke. Would you like a glass of wine?”
Flora, sitting across from me, asked.
She seemed to want one herself.
Before I could answer, the Empress responded faster.
“No alcohol is permitted until the end of work hours.”
“Since Her Majesty has not permitted it, there's nothing I can do.”
Flora shrugged in disappointment.
Myla... she didn't seem like the type to drink anyway.
Should I start eating now?
“Now that I think about it, I forgot something before lunch.”
The Empress turned to me.
“Luke.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“The other day, you mentioned the audit of the orphanage's donation funds to me. Thanks to that, we were able to uncover the actual embezzlers.”
Why was she bringing this up suddenly?
“If you hadn't questioned the traditions, you would never have known. So, I hope you continue to contribute in this way.”
“......”
“The answer?”
I finally gathered my thoughts.
“Yes. I will do my best!”
I answered firmly, and the Empress nodded in satisfaction.
I hadn't expected her to praise me in front of the maids...
It brought both surprise and relief.
From now on, this would leave a good impression on the Empress.
It would also help avoid suspicion.
A strong urge grew within me to begin preparing for my departure in the remaining eleven months.
“Oh! Congratulations, Mr. Luke.”
Flora clapped lightly, not knowing my true thoughts.
“Receiving recognition from Her Majesty is no easy feat. Even Myla and I took a long time to gain recognition through work.”
“Flora, that's not—”
Myla had remained silent until now, but finally spoke.
“Begin eating.”
With that single word from the Empress, everyone fell silent.
I cut a piece of the spiced lamb ribs and placed it in my mouth.
Each bite released rich, savory juices that made my tongue dance with delight.
Mutton had always been tough to eat in Nedville Manor...
Until I submitted my resignation, I should enjoy such luxuries as much as possible.
While savoring the various dishes and the long-awaited pleasure of a good meal,
Hm?
A sharp sensation pierced my temple.
It wasn't a headache, but something felt wrong.
I stopped cutting and looked up.
Myla was staring at me.
She was glaring.
......
The moment our eyes met, Myla quickly lowered her gaze to her plate.
Why was she suddenly glaring at me?
I didn't know the reason, but I decided to let it go.
After the meal, as we stood, Myla whispered to me.
“Secretary. May I speak with you for a moment?”