Chapter 23 (2/2)

I picked up one book that looked easy, and sat down. It’s not so thick, but as I’ve never read such a book before, I focused on it. It’s not as difficult as I thought. The basic tenet of the tactics was similar to politics and diplomacy. Maybe that’s why politics and diplomacy were called wars without weapons. I thought it was just a simple metaphor.

While I kept reading the book with delight, I already came to read the last page, but my father hadn’t come back yet. I wondered if the two injured knights were in serious condition, given that he didn’t come back yet. I wanted to read another book, so I stood up, but suddenly, the doll in my seat caught my eye.

“Well… ”

I slowly raised the doll and put it on my lap.

When I was looking into its blue eyes for a long time, I suddenly felt warm in my heart. It was the first birthday gift from my brusque father. Strictly speaking, I received one at my coming-of-age ceremony, but this was definitely the first one that I received in my newly earned life.

Besides, my father gave me one, ignoring the customs of the empire that parents didn’t give gifts to their children before they came of age.

I thought that I should treat it more valuably, so I grabbed the doll’s crooked skirt and opened it, when I heard the door opening.

‘Is my father coming back now?’

When I slowly turned my head, I was startled. It was not my father who came in, but the boy with blue hair.

“Oh…. the little son of the empire… ”

While I hurriedly bent over, I hugged the falling doll with a little scream.

I barely managed to grasp it, but I stiffened when I felt goosebumps at his unexpected appearance.

‘Oh my God, what did I do now?’

When I swallowed and raised my head, I could see something passing by in his blue eyes.

As always, his gaze came back to me without expression and said, “Where is your father?”

“He went out, saying there was an accident during the training…”

“Got it. As I’ve come here, let me wait.”

I bowed my head, swallowing a sigh that I couldn’t help. I sat down awkwardly when he asked to sit down. As I felt so uncomfortable and awkward, I only touched the hair of the doll in my arms. I was conscious of his gaze, but I kept my head down, pretending not to notice it.

How much time passed? The two who were coming into the office chatting jovially stopped.

The blue-haired boy nodded at my father and Duke Verita who hurriedly greeted him politely.

“I stopped by here for a brief inspection at the order of the emperor.”

“I see. What do you want to inspect first?”

“I inspected the training session sometime ago, so let me pass it. I want to see some financial documents today.”

While the two were talking, Duke Verita, who looked at me as if my presence was very unusual, said, “I didn’t know you had this side to you. Only now do you look your age.”

“… ”

“But you shouldn’t neglect to study. OK? ”

“Yes, Duke Verita. I will always keep it in mind. ”

“Well, I’m sure you’re doing well without my advice. I know you have a very perceptive mind. I was very surprised when you insisted on introducing a luxury tax the other day. How can you who is only ten years old think of it? How smart you are!”

“I’m flattered Duke Verita. It’s all thanks to your guidance.”

As I bowed to appreciate his praise, he patted my shoulder gently with a smile.

While I was talking with him for a while, I turned my head when I found their quiet conversation seemed to stop. I saw my father collecting the papers as if he was done reporting, and the boy looking at us.

Looking back at the boy, the duke said in a satisfied voice, “She is only 10 years old, but she is so special. Isn’t it really the blessings of the empire?”

“Yes, I am also very happy to have a smart fiancee, ” He said, nodding slightly.

My heart sank when I saw him leaning against the chair, locking his fingers together with a very happy expression. It was an expression he usually made when he didn’t like something.