I’m Not the Final Boss’ Lover

I wondered if they were just curious for something to gossip about, which they couldn’t get from Mayer, and it seemed like I had hit the nail on the head. One of the people surrounding me quietly asked, “If I may ask… What is your relationship with His Excellency…?”

Of course. I knew they wanted to know about this. I let out a small sigh. Mayer’s romantic status was of great importance to everyone in high society. The man was popular with women—very, very popular. Of course, there were bound to be some who didn’t fancy the taciturn type or some who had a liking for a somewhat pretty face. But Mayer more than satisfied the universal standards of handsomeness, had lots of money, was strong and had fame to show for to boot. When examining such conditions, there was not a man in the world who surpassed him.

Truthfully, it was hard for him not to be popular. His blunt attitude toward women was even viewed as a plus; it gave hope to women of becoming the one exception. Even now, I could feel the eyes of the women in the crowd who feigned disinterest glancing at me from behind their fans. They were all on tenterhooks waiting for what answer I would give. It made me wonder why they didn’t just come and ask themselves if they were so curious. Then again, it wouldn’t be easy to go to a woman who seemed to have some kind of relationship with the man you were after, then ask if they were together. Imagine how vexed they would be if I came out putting on airs, after all.

Therefore, I thought it plausible that they sent their brothers to do the job. The men who asked me about my relationship with Mayer might have had sisters who had a crush on him. Or maybe they were curious more for themselves. Considering the political value Mayer held, it wouldn’t be strange if the men felt the urgency to make contact without even being pressured by the women. More than being the only grand duke of the empire, Mayer was a candidate to become the future emperor. If things went well, these socialites would be able to enjoy the honor of having raised the future empress. An empress that would write a new history of the empire at that. Thinking about it that way, it was only natural that all these people were acting so fervently.

Perhaps sensing the ridicule in my heart, the man who had asked about my relationship with Mayer gestured in a fluster. “I meant no offense. It is merely that… you, Vice-captain, are the first person His Excellency treats so dearly. He rarely attends banquets… And as for bringing a partner…”

The man’s original courage had disappeared somewhere, his voice growing weaker the more he spoke. Regardless, I thought this was good. The man’s question happened to be the golden opportunity to wipe away the misunderstandings going on. With a light smile, I answered, “This may be unfortunate to hear, but my captain and I are no more than working partners.”

“That is to mean, there is nothing between you two…?”

Feeling that the doubt wasn’t leaving this person’s heart, I repeated my statement. “Yes. Truly nothing. I am merely enjoying an undeserved position thanks to my captain’s high appreciation for my talents.” The man’s face turned bright, and I presumed he was happy to find out that the seat of the empress wasn’t taken after all.

“Please, don’t get any strange misunderstandings. It’s disrespectful to my captain too.”

Since they had gotten the answer they wanted from me, it was time for everyone to lose interest. Finally, I was going to escape from this public hearing… or so I had thought. Instead of going away, to my bafflement, the man smiled with a small blush on his face and took a step closer to me, saying, “Then… By chance…”