Chapter 23
“Is this rigged? Her grades are… what!”
If she’s the Mage Tower Master’s secretary, she’d be one of the most successful among her graduating classmates.
Throughout school, Freesia had quietly boosted everyone’s confidence by handling the “she’s better than me” comparisons. There was no way she had suddenly outdone everyone and achieved such a position.
No one could easily admit it.
Lorena also widened her eyes.
“Freesia became the Duke of Kreutz’s secretary? That’s impossible.”
With those grades, there’s no way she could immediately land such an elite job. Even if she was boastful, this was extreme.
Even if it was shameful to admit the truth—that she was a graduate with no job—how could she fabricate such a lie?
The man across from Freesia, momentarily stunned by her position, then revealed his own credentials.
[“Well, your job is pretty impressive…? Ahem, allow me to introduce myself.”]
“Three trading ships and two emerald mines? Wow, he must be rich.”
“Well, that tree is definitely out of Freesia’s reach. But that guy—he’s like winning the lottery for her.”
Everyone supported the potential match between Freesia and the balding man.
“So, Freesia will attend the graduation ball holding that man’s hand?”
Lorena imagined herself, dressed beautifully beside Felix, and Freesia standing there with that bald, pot-bellied man. She felt a pang of sorrow.
“You were once a bright, cheerful child, talented in magic…”
And now, somehow, our roles have reversed.
“…Ah, good.”
A thrill ran from her head to toe at the thought that their positions had completely flipped. Her flat stomach seemed to flutter slightly. Perhaps the baby was reacting to her mother’s happiness.
[“Uh! Who are you?”]
Suddenly, a commotion erupted in the video orb, which had been showing the tedious introductions.
[“You shouldn’t be entering here!”]
Lorena instinctively looked, eyes wide.
“…Huh?”
A man walked into the frame.
Long limbs, broad shoulders, and features so striking that the orb’s blurry image couldn’t do him justice. He looked entirely different from the other participants.
Lorena’s mouth fell open.
“Who… is he?”
Was there really someone like that in this country?
She wasn’t the only one thinking that.
“Who’s that man?”
“Wow, look at those legs…”
“The orb’s quality is awful! So frustrating!”
Some viewers leaned so close they seemed about to press their noses to the screen.
“Even with bad resolution, his beauty comes through. How has he never found a match?”
“Nonsense. With just a wave of his hand, he could fill a hundred wives’ spots!”
“But who is he? Does anyone know his name?”
“No one seems to know. Maybe he’s just a commoner?”
“Doesn’t matter. With that face, I’ll take care of him!”
Dotty’s eyes widened.
“Huh? …The Duke?”
“What?”
There was only one ducal family in this country—the Kreutz Dukes.
Those briefly shocked soon scoffed.
“What nonsense? Why would the Duke waste time on someone like her?”
“I swear I saw him from afar before. That has to be the Duke!”
“Are you sure it’s not someone else?”
“How could you mistake that face?”
“True… I guess.”
Everyone seemed to agree with Dotty’s observation.
Meanwhile, the man in the orb strode forward and seated himself firmly… in front of Freesia Violet.
“What’s going on?”
“Why is the Duke in front of Freesia…? Could he have discovered she’s faking being the Mage Tower Master’s secretary?”
Freesia’s eyes widened behind her glasses.
Finally, a conversation began between the two.
‘What’s happening?’
‘What are they talking about? It doesn’t seem hostile…’
Everyone perked up, focusing on the orb.
Crackle!
At that moment, interference began on the screen.
“What?! Suddenly!”
“Ah, I can’t hear anything!”
Everyone clamored, curious about their conversation.
Lorena, pale, glared at the orb.
“This is impossible. Why would the Duke of Kreutz even show up at such a low-level event…”
And why, among all these women, would he be talking to Freesia for so long?
“…It’s probably nothing. Just a brief incident.”
Freesia couldn’t possibly get involved with such a high-ranking figure.
Even as she tried to convince herself, Lorena’s eyes stayed glued to the orb. Her hand pressed lightly on her flat stomach.
‘This man is completely outrageous.’
The first conversation with the bald man had been nearly torturous.
I listened with lifeless eyes, like a rotten fish, to his incessant chatter.
“If you’re the Mage Tower Master’s secretary, you must have achieved quite a lot.”
“Ah, yes…”
He looked me over from head to toe.
“Tsk tsk. It seems you’ve been building your career but neglected your appearance entirely.”
“Ah, yes…”
“Well. I focus more on inner qualities than outward looks, so it’s fine. If you’ve reached the Mage Tower Master’s secretary, you can probably teach magic to our child well. That saves on tutor fees… hmm. That counts as a pass.”
He muttered to himself while scribbling on paper—likely scoring me.
Clearly, he wasn’t just there to claim subsidies. He was sincerely looking for a bride.
Judging by his manner, I’d never survive 100 rounds.
I closed my eyes tightly and sighed.
‘Time, please pass quickly…’
[Damned bald man! How dare you judge our benefactor so rudely! Should I show him how feisty we are?]
‘Calm down, Pipi. Too soon for a scene.’
I hadn’t lost hope yet. It’s too early to give up—there were still many men left.
Time passed, and it was time for the next candidate.
The bald man stood.
“Ahem, Freesia? You’ve passed my preliminary round. The other women will take their turns, so don’t lose hope and wait patiently.”
“Ah… yes…”
Phew! Finally free from the first man.
‘The next man will be better. Better… right?’
I prayed he wouldn’t be like the last one. Forget it—no bad thoughts.
I closed my eyes to gather strength, when someone plopped down in front of me.
A faint scent of a forest breeze brushed my nose.
Fresh… yet familiar…
I opened my eyes and froze.
“Hello, newcomer.”
Am I dreaming? Why is he here?
“D-Duke.”
“Here to marry?”
A tall man perched on the chair with a delinquent-like casual posture. Even that mischievous attitude somehow suited him perfectly.
Kaien Kreutz was sitting before me.
‘What? What is happening?’
Not only was I startled by my superior’s sudden appearance, but his expression looked… displeased.
Cold sweat ran down my spine.
‘Did I forget to request leave? No! I did submit it!’
“Well… yes. I came here to marry, technically…”
My foolish, stammering words met his golden eyes, calm and piercing.
“Really? And what should I do…”
He twisted the corner of his mouth slightly.
“My secretary must remain single for life.”
“…Excuse me?”
“Didn’t you see the clause in the employment contract? No personal relationships that interfere with work.”
You mean… I can’t even marry?
I stammered, bewildered.
“I didn’t think that clause could be interpreted so strictly…”
“Don’t. Marry.”
“Excuse me?”
“Everyone else wasn’t good enough. No freedom, distracted from work.”
Kaien coldly advocated remaining unmarried.
Can he really say that in a program designed to encourage marriage?
No. Why is he even here?
Nothing made sense, and I felt like my mind had gone blank.
