Flower of Steel

“Oh, I sent it away because I had to discuss something with my superior here. I was about to grab a paid carriage,” I replied.

“Then may I-”

“No, Marina will go home on my family’s carriage.”

It was Rave who interrupted Rian as he grabbed my wrist. Hey, you surprised me. That’s when I heard a voice coldly say, “That’s what you wish, Rave Graciel von Harsen. Shouldn’t you consider her opinion first?”

Whoa… I’ve never seen such coldness from Rian ever since I met him. His gaze was fixated on my wrist, where Rave’s hand was grabbing.

“It’s none of your business. This is between me and Marina, Droinel Adrian von Siccain.”

Rave, too, glared at Rian with a similar fierceness in his eyes. Oh gosh, what’s up with the sudden argument in front of the palace? We might get into trouble at this rate. I hated such fuss. Also, why is Rave picking a fight with a Royal Guard of the Central Knights when he can’t even fight?

“If you’ll excuse me, I’ll just grab a paid carriage-”

“No, you can’t,” declared Rian.

“No,” said Rave.

I just said that to stop their argument, and they responded to me at the same time. They were still glaring at each other. Honestly, they were both acting weird. Wait… Don’t tell me that they were fighting for their pride.

“Huh? Marin! What’re you doing here?”

At that moment, I heard an energetic voice calling me and turned. It was Chelleno, walking up to me. I asked, “Chelleno! Didn’t you go home yet?”

He proved his usefulness in this situation! I lucked out, hahaha! Then, I announced, “Well, First Assistant and Rian, I’ll be going back home with Chelleno.”

“Uh… Okay,” said Rave.

“Hmph… Of course, Marin,” said Rian.

The two of them reacted differently. Rave seemed frustrated, while Rian let out a short sigh and returned back to his usual self.

What a relief. It could’ve been a fight between two duke families. I have no idea why those two men were so worked up, but it seems they don’t like each other too much. It’s a shame that my friend and my superior dislike each other, but it doesn’t concern me.

“Hahaha! Then if you’ll excuse me, sir, I’ll return home with my Marin,” said Chelleno, who had a victorious look. But then he became pale with his gaze looking toward my back. I turned and saw Rave and Rian waving their hands at me.

What did Chelleno see anyway? I was a bit curious but quickly brushed it away because I wouldn’t find out anyway. I’ll never know until he tells me about it. After being sent off by two proud men, I returned to my uncle’s mansion with my cousin.

***

A few days later, Rave came over to me as soon as I arrived at work and handed me another invitation. Confused, I asked, “Huh? What is this?”

“You should go with Lady Illumina this weekend. You’ll be bored if you go alone, won’t you?”

Gosh, is this why he’s such a playboy? He understands a person’s mind so well.

“It’s this Saturday! Don’t you forget about it!” added Rave.

“Yeah, of course, ”I responded energetically to his satisfaction. Rave then returned to his seat with strange and delightful footsteps. I didn’t think he would realize I would be alone at the banquet. He sure is keen on these things. But thanks to that, I think I can enjoy the party with Lumi.

As I was pleasantly going over the documents, I heard Vice Deputy Raymont calling me, “Secretary Harrant, can you come over here for a second?”

I was still buried with a pile of work even after working so hard. I sighed and walked over to him as I thought, ‘I already have loads of work. You still have more for me?’

“Did you call, sir?” I asked him, putting my complaints into words.

He apologetically answered, “His Highness has appointed you to report to him once again. I think he really likes your answers. It’s a drought preparation policy proposal for the upcoming drought season. Here’s the document for you to bring over to him.”

Damn it. So, you mean he wants me because I’m the easiest to bully?