Chapter 2
Edwin’s humming continued all the way into the minister’s office.
Knock, knock. Paul tried to announce the guest’s arrival. Well… he tried.
With a loud bang, Edwin swung open the door and strode in without hesitation.
Since this wasn’t the first time, Paul silently went to prepare the tea.
Meanwhile, Derek Child, the Minister of Magic, nearly couldn’t believe his ears.
“Is that man actually humming right now?”
That lunatic? Why?
Ignoring everyone, Edwin naturally took the seat of honor on the sofa.
“Has the Third Prince arrived?”
Derek sat across from him, smiling politely but with the faint stiffness of a mask.
Edwin placed his soaked book on the table and tapped it lightly with his fingers.
The endless humming made Derek glance at Paul.
“Am I really seeing this?”
Paul, bringing the tea, nodded with a pale face.
Derek frowned at Edwin, clearly displeased.
“I heard you returned safely. I’m honored you came to see me before His Majesty the Emperor.”
“Save the flattery.”
“Very well.”
They had been friends for a long time.
Derek, the second son of the Duke of Child, became friends with the Third Prince because they were the same age. And it was forced by their parents.
Only Derek could tolerate Edwin’s unpredictable personality, shaped by early education.
Edwin himself didn’t seem particularly grateful for it.
“By the way, what’s with the book? Some assassin’s secret technique or…?”
“It’s a poetry collection.”
A lunatic and a poetry collection… not exactly a harmonious pairing. Derek had long since given up trying to understand him.
“You’re not sorry for making me wait. You came so suddenly.”
“Really? I was thinking of killing you, actually.”
Let’s put aside the murder threat… Derek checked the clock; soon, a major council meeting would begin.
“And what brings you here so suddenly?”
“I had an urgent matter.”
Urgent matter at the Ministry of Magic? Surely not…
Hiding his sly curiosity, Derek asked,
“Does it concern Miss Dana Hartwin?”
A freezing glare shot toward him.
“How do you know her?”
Whenever the Third Prince displayed that imposing presence, it was overwhelming.
Derek forced a small smile.
“I couldn’t forget. You suddenly appeared at the new clerk interview last time, asking questions only to her.”
The Edwin Derek knew never showed interest in anyone. Yet here he was, taking the time to personally attend the Ministry’s recruitment… unusual, to say the least.
Derek’s dark curiosity was piqued.
“What’s the urgent matter?”
“Trying to get a job.”
Did he just say…? Derek’s hearing must be failing. One strange statement after another today.
“So after years of fighting monsters in the North, he’s truly lost it?”
No… the Third Prince had been insane since birth.
Seeing Derek’s puzzled expression, Edwin said,
“Reserve a position in the Potion Management Division. One week will be enough, right?”
Derek stared blankly at this audacious job-seeking request.
Regardless, Edwin stood up, cradling the water-soaked book carefully against his chest.
Despite his crazy mind, his gestures were neat and composed.
“…”
“…”
Even after he left the minister’s office, Derek and Paul were still stunned.
Derek returned to reality first.
“Could it be that Dana Hartwin works in…?”
“Yes… correct. Potion Management Division.”
Paul’s answer helped Derek piece things together, and he snickered.
“As I suspected, she and the Third Prince have a rather… unusual relationship.”
Derek’s mischievous eyes sparkled.
“Watching the Third Prince suffer a little won’t be bad, either.”
“Eh…?”
No… no, don’t…! Paul shook his head reflexively.
But Derek ignored him.
“Reserve her a position. As a low-ranking clerk.”
He smirked at the thought of the chaos that might ensue.
Paul glanced nervously at him. Derek, despite his frivolous exterior, had a sticky, calculating side.
“Nothing could possibly go wrong… right?”
Only the lowly secretary felt uneasy.
“Dana, working late again today?”
Her colleague Kira looked at her with concern.
“Just simple tasks today, so I’ll finish quickly.”
Even seeing Dana smile brightly, Kira couldn’t leave easily.
“Dana, I know the circumstances… but your health is more important than money.”
“I know, I know! Thanks for worrying!”
Hurry up and leave! Dana nudged Kira out.
Watching her colleague disappear, Dana muttered,
“Thanks, Kira.”
Even in a harsh life, small kindnesses warmed her heart.
“Alright, time to start my night shift.”
Stretching, Dana sat at her desk. Tonight, she seemed to be the only one on duty.
In the dark office, she lit a magic lamp and began compiling reports.
“Let’s see… tasks for today…”
In recent years, medical advancements meant potions were used only to restore stamina.
Naturally, applications for the Potion Management Division dwindled, and Dana was the last new clerk.
The work had become easier, but its uncertain future always kept her anxious.
“No side effects, good.”
Recovery potions were mainly sent to knights—from royal guards to border patrols.
They were required to report the potion’s effects and side effects, and Dana’s department organized the data.
She had done it dozens, even hundreds of times. Writing reports had become second nature.
Hours later, Dana stretched her stiff body.
“Ugh, what time is it!”
The sky outside was pitch black. Remaining in one position had left her sore all over.
She turned off the magic lamp and left the office.
Once home, I’ll soak in hot water, then sleep…
How many hours could she actually sleep? Dana laughed bitterly.
Though of noble birth, she had no carriage to take her home. Luckily, her home and workplace were close.
She dragged her weary body to the mansion doors.
“Wahaha!”
As always, the dining room echoed with her family’s laughter. Familiar as ever.
“Miss, you’re home…”
A maid cautiously approached, holding a piece of paper. Seeing it, Dana’s drowsiness vanished.
“No… it can’t be…”
“Yes… it is…”
Trembling, Dana took the summons.
How many zeros are there…?!
The staggering amount made cold sweat run down her back.
She ran to the dining room, where her family was gathered.
Once again, the table was full of fine wine. Her family, oblivious to her arrival, was thoroughly drunk.
Her brother Jamie shrugged to the Duke and Duchess.
“Father, Mother! This time it’s serious! The merchant guild we’re investing in is incredible…”
“Jamie!”
Dana shouted, stopping him.
“When did you rack up more debt? This is insane!”
“My ears hurt.”
Jamie rubbed them. The Duchess looked on worriedly.
“Jamie, are you alright?”
Her kind gaze quickly turned sharp.
“You girls are so bold! Women shouldn’t meddle in men’s affairs!”
Dana’s father, the Duke, glared at her too.
“Our only brother is doing something important, and you can’t even help…”
It was always like this. Whenever Jamie gambled or the Duke and Duchess indulged, Dana alone had to repay.
Her actions had even forced part of the estate to be handed to the state.
Yet, they couldn’t give up their mansion, lavish dresses, or servants.
“This isn’t money I can repay!”
Dana finally shouted, her rising anger shaking her thoughts.
“True, there are limits to your abilities.”
Jamie laughed.
“At least you’re tolerable to look at.”
A sense of foreboding washed over Dana. Her whole body instinctively went cold.
“So, here’s the thing…”
Jamie’s eyes gleamed greedily.
“You need to get married.”
“…”
“He invested through Duke Hembern. He wants a third wife.”
Dana froze at the idea of being sold off. Her parents nodded in agreement.
“Ha ha…”
A stunned laugh escaped her lips.
The voices of her family seemed to fade. Time felt like it slowed.
At that moment, something inside Dana snapped.
Her love and sacrifices for her family… would end today.
