Chapter 38 - Meeting with the Chancellor

Finally, I was far enough.

‘YES!’ I became so excited that I almost ran back to the office. I was so excited that I became reckless and was close to bumping into someone around the corner. Fortunately, I didn’t bump into the person, but I dropped the document out of shock. Ugh, almost bumping into someone because of my recklessness again. This is shameful.

I crouched and began picking up the document, then saw the person that I almost bumped into also helped me collect my documents. I became embarrassed from this, quickly picked them up, and got up to apologize.

“I’m so sorry. I hope you’re not too surprised. I got a bit ahead of myself…”

I then looked up as I apologized but was at a loss for words out of shock. It was a man with silvery gold hair that looked almost like silver, cold blue eyes, and frighteningly beautiful features, who was no less handsome than the Crown Prince. He seemed to be more popular because he looked soft and warm compared to the Crown Prince, who had a sharp impression.

He was the second man who didn’t seem to falter against my first love, who was like the legendary unicorn in my memory. The first… Although I hate to admit it was the Crown Prince.

“Here, this is yours,” said the man.

“Oh! Thank you.”

I snapped out of my shock at the documents he gave me with a smile. I received the documents and looked at him again. He was smiling warmly at me again. Then I realized he was wearing the uniform of the Central Knights just like Chelleno and learned he was a knight. I then bowed again to apologize.

“I apologize for my mistake, sir knight.”

“Don’t be, my lady. I was reckless as well. You must be an officer at Internal Affairs. I saw the department mark on that document,” said the man. 

It seemed he had seen the document in that short amount of time. The budget adjustment wasn’t important, so it was okay, but it could have been problematic if it was a confidential document. I sighed at my luck and nodded.

“Yes, sir. I’m from the Operations department.”

“I see. Nice to meet you, my lady. I am Adrian, member of the Central Knights and the Knight Order of his highness, the Crown Prince.”

I couldn’t just look at him introducing himself and stand there, so I also bowed and introduced myself, “I’m Policy Officer, Secretary Harrant.”

“Oh, Secretary Harrant? You’re the one who his highness spoke about.”

“Pardon? Did his highness speak of me?”

He immediately made an impression that he had made a mistake with my question. Then I smiled to reassure him. “It’s alright, sir. I know that he didn’t have many good things to say about me anyway. You don’t need to mention it.”

“My apologies,” said Adrian. He seemed a bit depressed as he looked at me, then made a serious expression on his handsome face. “I made a mistake against a lady, and I also want to apologize for what I just did that seemed to have offended you… I want to help with anything I can in the future, my lady.”

“It’s alright, sir. It was nothing.” 

Adrian, however, seemed determined with his decision and replied, “I cannot do that, my lady. It’ll make me feel better. Please allow me.”

I sighed and reluctantly nodded, “If you insist.”

After receiving my permission, he had a bright smile on his beautiful face. It was still a mesmerizing smile easy enough to take one’s focus away. Such a handsome knight who is also a member of Central Knights and the Knight Order of the Crown Prince! There must be many maids and noblewomen wanting him as their partner.

Of course, it had nothing to do with me. I can’t think of such a handsome man as mine. I think talking to him like this today is already a miracle.

“If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be on my way, sir. I have a lot of work to do.”

“Oh… Will we meet again?” 

“If there’s a chance, maybe.”

Honestly, I don’t think there will ever be that chance. I still had to say it this way to be courteous. He smiled brightly even at my polite words. But he’s so handsome! Sigh, he’s only a fruit inside a drawing. Let’s not think further about it, Marina! But why do I keep looking at him?

“There will be one for sure,” replied Adrian.

Why does he keep making me want him? I sighed without realizing it. The handsome man then left, leaving a bright smile that lingered in my mind. I couldn’t take my eyes off his back.

I stood there absentmindedly for a while, then shook my head. I don’t belong with that man anyway. There’s no need to think much about it. I should get back to my work now.

I returned to my office and reported to Director Raymont. I received an unexpected compliment from a rather blunt superior because of my report.

“Well done! You sure are our flower. I didn’t expect his highness to stamp it so easily…”

‘It wasn’t that easy actually. I also don’t like being called a flower because I’m a girl.’ I suppressed my urge to sigh. I couldn’t do that to him when he seemed so pleased.

“Oh, yes. The Chancellor wanted to see you. Report to his office,” added Raymont.

“Yes, sir.”

I thought about the reason for the summon. Does he want to play chess? I walked toward the office with such thoughts when I saw Director Clove smiling weirdly at me. What’s going on here?

“Come in,” greeted the Chancellor as I walked into his office. I welcomed his offer by gracefully sitting down. The Chancellor was smiling at me while I was doing that. I wonder what’s on his mind?

“If you are the daughter of Count Harrant, then I suppose your mother is from the House of Marquis Reclan. I heard from Count Clove that you are residing at the Marquis’s estate at the moment,” said the Chancellor. 

“Yes, sir.”

Director… He was as talkative as I had thought. Spilling my personal information everywhere like this… was this what his smiling meant earlier? Well, the Chancellor could have found out in an instant if he wanted to. Anyway, he continued to speak by answering my question.

“There is a party being held at my home, hosted by my wife. I already have sent invitations to the House of Reclan, but I wasn’t able to prepare yours.”