Flower of Steel

Theatrical plays, again? At the déjà vu, I looked back at him without answering, and he frowned with his fingers pressing on his forehead.

“It’s too boring for me. I feel like I’m wasting time watching a fake story. But even when it’s fake, maybe someone can be mesmerized by that world and feel it’s true.” His meaningful words made me look dumb, and he continued, “But you know what? The play has an end. That’s why I endure even if it’s boring.”

He seemed to be speaking to me, but it made no sense, so I couldn’t understand where he was going with it. But I somehow thought that his words had some deep meaning to them.

“You can go now. Time is valuable, after all.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” I answered quickly as I found this meeting to be quite uncomfortable. Then, I heard a low voice coming from him.

“…It’s not too far now.”

What does he mean, “not too far?” But I thought he must not be speaking to me anyway. A person of his rank doesn’t have to worry about others when talking to himself, so that’s probably why he’s mumbling to himself while I’m still here.

After returning to the office, I handed over the request letter to Director Clove that said I was being appointed as an officer to go out on the field at the actual embankment construction site. Director Clove read the letter and nodded.

“Think of it as a paid vacation. It’s a good place with nature around it. It will be a good vacation. I envy you,” said the Director.

‘You can go yourself if you want that vacation,’ I thought, suppressing the curse words that were soaring up my throat. Yes, it’s never good to be stuck in the middle ranks like this.

“Oh? My assistant, are you going somewhere?”

It was Rave, who came into the director’s office with documents, asking me that question. Our director, Count Clove, answered in my place.

“Secretary Harrant will be heading north with His Highness soon. It’s for the fieldwork for the embankment construction.”

“Huh? Why? You know how much our work efficiency falls if she’s not around!” Rave protested strongly, putting down the documents on the desk.

Count Clove frowned and sighed. “It’s His Highness’s order.”

Rave became stern, then suddenly grinned, “Then we have no choice. Oh, anyway, director, I suppose my vacation is still in order?”

“Yes. Is it next week?”

“Yes, sir.”

“It’s approved. You can go now.”

“Thank you.”

His protest on my behalf was wiped away as soon as he spoke of his vacation, which made me feel angry. So next week must be when I would be going through hell with the Crown Prince. Rave acts like he’s such a good superior, but in the end, his vacation is what matters. That’s why I can’t consider him all that good after all.

***

“Secretary Harrant!”

While I was working after arriving at the office, Vice Director Raymont called me. I stood up automatically and began getting ready.

“What are you doing?” He asked me with a dumbfounded look.

I instinctively spoke what came to my mind, “It’s His Highness. Right? He’s looking for me?”

Vice Director Raymont shook his head slowly and answered, “No. He didn’t call you today.”

That made me ashamed. Was I automatically thinking the Crown Prince would be looking for me? Maybe the dream I had a while ago affected me. But I couldn’t show myself ashamed, so I calmly asked, “Then what is it that you are calling me for, sir?”