At This Timing?
Oh my! I never thought such a thing would happen…….
I hesitated for a moment before deciding to tell Flora about what had unfolded at yesterday’s aristocratic council.
I wasn’t entirely sure where she had heard the details, but I figured it probably came from someone else in the nobility rather than directly from me.
Besides, Flora had been close friends with Cecilia for nearly a decade.
Trusting her, I went on to describe the situation in full detail.
Her reaction was exactly what I expected.
She covered her mouth with both hands and widened her eyes in pure disbelief.
I really didn’t want to say this next…
I found myself staring at her lips, curious what she would say.
Those are such low people.
Well, that was rather harsh coming from Flora.
Yes, exactly. The empire is on the brink of crisis, yet they were only thinking about filling their own greed in the meantime.
I honestly can’t understand it.
Flora shook her head vigorously.
She was basically the type who loved people, after all, and it showed.
Given how kind she was to everyone, she might not fully grasp the malice others harbored.
His Majesty would never accept that proposal, right?
Huh? That was quite different from what I had assumed.
My curiosity piqued, I asked,
Really?
To draw her out further, I countered.
Of course. Even Duke Montersen knew about that, I’m sure.
It sounded like she was about to say something different regarding the duke.
Probably some insult, but she managed to hold back while maintaining her dignity in front of me.
Oh ho. Then what do you suppose the duke’s true motive was?
It’s obvious. To put our sovereign in trouble.
Flora’s voice was steady with no hesitation as she answered my question.
If His Majesty had accepted it, it would have achieved their goal and given them grounds to make trouble. Either way, it didn’t matter to Montersen that bastard.
I had thought Flora was just bright and cheerful… but seeing this side of her was quite surprising. It felt refreshing.
I realized anew that she wasn’t just there as a lady-in-waiting to serve the empress.
Hmm? Why are you looking at me like that?
Ah, no… I’m just a bit surprised.
I guess you’ve always seen me that way.
Her emerald eyes, almost translucent, showed clear dissatisfaction.
To avoid any misunderstanding, let me explain: I never saw you in a bad light.
I thought you were simply kind-hearted, after all. Everyone does, don’t they?
With that, Flora crossed her arms and let out an elegant snort.
Her adorable gesture made me let out a small chuckle without realizing it.
You weren’t mocking me, but I still felt a tiny bit offended.
Oh my, no way. Just that little snort was so cute I couldn’t help it…
As soon as I finished speaking, Flora’s eyes widened in surprise.
Then a meaningful glint appeared in them.
But before long she returned to a serious expression.
In any case, Luke, you helped His Majesty properly.
How did you come up with such a clever idea at that moment?
Ah… I just got lucky.
Hehe. I see. Anyway, thanks to you, Cecilia can hold her head high now.
Instead, the one who suffered was that bastard Montersen.
Haha, let’s file a complaint.
I agreed that I too would file a complaint.
But the aristocratic faction won’t let this end so easily, especially Duke Montersen.
You mean you want me to keep an eye on them?
As soon as I asked, Flora nodded her head.
After yesterday’s events, I was already planning to keep a close watch anyway.
And could I ask for one more favor, even if it’s a bit much?
A bit much?
Yes.
Flora’s eyes drilled straight into me.
When His Majesty… no, when Cecilia is in trouble, I want you to be her strength.
This isn’t just as her lady-in-waiting, but as her longtime friend. I’m asking you this.
Ah… that’s quite a difficult request.
I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling both reluctance and embarrassment at the same time.
But the only person who can make this kind of request is you, the chief personal secretary, Luke.
……
In truth, there was no way I could accept it.
Because I had already decided to hand in my resignation in exactly ten months and leave the palace, and by extension the empire.
But at this very moment, I couldn’t possibly reveal that.
So I gave her the answer she would most want to hear.
I’ll do my best with whatever I have. Lady Simonian.
As the secretary who had decided to maintain a proper distance.
Thank you. I’ll also do my best to protect Cecilia alongside you.
Flora, who had no idea of my true feelings, raised both fists in a fighting pose.
* * *
Finally, the afternoon duties were all finished.
‘It’s already eight in the evening…’
As soon as I checked the clock, a sigh almost escaped me.
But remembering that Cecilia was still there, I swallowed it back.
Everyone worked hard today.
His Majesty also endured a long day. Please have a peaceful night.
The three of us bowed our waists toward Cecilia with our farewell greetings.
Yes. You may go now.
Only after Cecilia gave her permission could I leave the study.
Luke. Stay behind here for a moment.
I had thought I would be able to return to my room right away…
But the emperor’s orders were absolute in the empire.
What can I do? I have to obey.
As a result, only Cecilia and I remained in the study.
What on earth does she want me to do?
Bring the stool over here.
At that moment, I had absolutely no idea what she was up to.
Because her finger was pointing right at the seat next to her own.
‘What kind of situation is this?’
Why would she ask this of a mere secretary?
But I couldn’t refuse an imperial order. If she wants me to do something, I have to do it.
That was just the life of a chief personal secretary.
‘Still, she won’t ask for anything too difficult.’
I tried to keep a positive mindset.
I quickly carried the stool over as instructed and placed it beside her.
Now, what was the next order?
Please sit here.
Hmm. This was exactly as I had expected.
Then, as ordered, I shall obey, Your Majesty.
I sat on the stool with the utmost politeness.
Cecilia swept her gaze over me from head to toe.
The reason I called you here is because there’s something I want to ask you.
If it’s within my knowledge, I’ll answer anything.
Cecilia exhaled quietly and opened her mouth.
What do you think of the aristocratic faction?
That was the very first question that came to mind.
What was her true intention in asking?
But soon I realized what she was driving at.
Her imperial authority wasn’t very solid at the moment.
On top of that, the aristocratic faction was led by the duke who possessed enormous influence, Montersen, and they had gathered many nobles beneath them.
Of course, the imperial faction was nearly the same in number.
But Duke Kailos, the leader of the imperial faction, had a somewhat weaker influence compared to Montersen.
Moreover, he didn’t like to take action and hadn’t shown active support for Cecilia.
In short, the situation surrounding Cecilia wasn’t exactly favorable.
If I understood this far, I could guess a little at the intention behind her question.
May I speak honestly?
I asked because I wanted an honest answer.
Since I had received confirmation, I had no choice but to reveal my usual thoughts.
Every time there was an aristocratic council, their attitude felt like a clear challenge to imperial authority.
Hmm…
Yesterday, Duke Montersen even went so far as to try to insult His Majesty.
As someone who supports the sovereign, I find it hard to accept their attitude.
In other words, you don’t like them.
Yes, that’s exactly right.
I stood entirely on Cecilia’s side.
As her exclusive secretary, of course I couldn’t say I disliked her.
But that wasn’t the only reason.
Even while facing the empire’s crisis, the way they only thought about their personal greed had me fed up.
To use the people of the empire as hostages?
I didn’t mind other things, but I simply couldn’t tolerate such vile behavior.
Did you really mean that honestly?
Cecilia’s bloodshot eyes were sharp, as if trying to pierce through the truth of my words.
There is not a single lie in what I said, Your Majesty.
From your expression, it seems you really feel that way.
Cecilia moved her head once and relaxed her eyes.
Only then could I let out a sigh of relief in my heart.
Receiving her piercing gaze was still not easy for me.
……
Cecilia touched her chin as if lost in thought.
There was probably more to discuss.
Luke.
The wait was short.
Yes.
Aren’t you curious by now?
I tried to figure out what she meant, but there was no hint at all.
I am still lacking, and I find it difficult to guess what Your Majesty wishes to say.
What? You can take my silence as a sign of trust.
So what was it?
The reason I appointed you as my chief personal secretary.
It was a bait I had never anticipated at this timing!