SOLIRF~40

Chapter 40

Thoughts on Changing Jobs

“So, you turned him down?”

“Yeah.”

Pinea tossed down the gossip magazine she’d been reading. It was so worn and crumpled it looked like she’d read it a hundred times. We were having lunch together for the first time in ages—just the three of us, thanks to Nicola’s suggestion. Naturally, the conversation turned to the recent job offer from the Imperial Palace.

“He wanted you to work for him, didn’t he? I already hate going to work every morning. Why would I want to work for some guy I’ve only met a few times?”

“But still, it’s the Imperial Palace. I heard the hiring exams there are brutal. He’s basically offering to pull strings for you.”

“That’s one of the reasons I don’t want to go. I can already imagine all the hazing and petty politics I’d have to endure the moment I walk in.”

“Well, yeah…”

Pinea shuddered as if the thought alone gave her chills.

“Just thinking about those lofty palace officials trying to deal with you makes me feel sorry for them.”

“What? That’s ridiculous. What did I ever do?”

“Remember when you were at the Opel branch? That senior who messed with you? You literally risked getting written up for skipping work just to get back at him. The look on your face back then was terrifying.”

“My face?”

Pinea made an awkward imitation of my supposed expression.

“You’ve got that look—the one where you’re scheming something big. You had the same expression when you went to report that supervisor, what’s-his-name, Batorn or whatever.”

“Wow, you sure pay attention. You were just as satisfied as I was, don’t pretend otherwise.”

While we were bickering, Nicola spoke up with a wistful tone.

“I still think it’d be amazing if Coco became a royal official. I just feel like you’re meant for something bigger.”

“Nicola, you’re too much sometimes…”

Looking at my ever-optimistic friend, I suddenly felt how jaded I’d become. But surprisingly, Pinea agreed with her.

“I think so too. I don’t know how great those palace people are, but honestly, I don’t think you’d be outshone there. Everything you’ve accomplished so far hasn’t exactly been easy, has it?”

I couldn’t tell them that my current skill set came from the soul of a thirty-something overworked Korean office worker living inside this body.

“I already turned it down. It’s over.”

“If you change your mind, you could still tell them. It’s not an opportunity that comes around often.”

“Yeah! You might even find something you really want to do there!”

Listening to the two of them, I felt an unwanted thought creeping in—maybe I should reconsider the Finance Minister’s offer.

The casual chat came back to haunt me like a boomerang. I couldn’t focus on work, so I ended up spacing out on a bench in the garden, watching the scenery.

Is there even a reason I should become a royal official?

Just because they’re offering a good salary—does that mean I should go?

After all, I’d already gotten rid of that schemer Gichu and was working peacefully at the Marquis’s estate. Lady Chiara liked me, the servants were kind, and even the Marquis treated me warmly. If I just stayed put, worked steadily, earned bonuses here and there, and left once Rio’s treatment was done—I’d be fine.

Then why am I hesitating?

That was the funny part. If I at least understood why I was conflicted, maybe the unease would go away.

“Coco!”

That cheerful, innocent voice…

Aidan was running toward me from a short distance away.

For some reason, he’d started calling me by my nickname. When I told him only close friends used it, he said he wanted to be close with me, so he’d use it too. Eventually, he even warned me that if I didn’t call him by his name, he’d just keep calling me “Coco.” I let it slide—if anyone saw me calling the young master by name, I’d lose my head.

I’ll forgive him because he’s cute.

His long lavender hair and bright green eyes made him look like something out of a fairy tale.

Was I always this weak to pretty faces?

Even with the Duke of Ariadne’s godlike looks, I’d managed to stay calm—but maybe that was because the Duke had this dignified air, while Aidan felt more like an adorable little brother.

Since he was here, I decided to ask.

“Young Master.”

“Yeah, Coco?”

“How did you end up joining the Magic Tower?”

Aidan tapped his chin thoughtfully, eyes turning upward.

“When I was five, they measured my mana and found I had the same capacity as a high-ranking mage. So, I went.”

“Did you want to go?”

He shook his head.

“Originally, I was supposed to commute between the Tower and home like school. But magic was so much fun that I just stayed there. The more I practiced, the faster I got better. Next thing I knew, the Tower Master called me his successor.”

Ah. The usual genius trajectory.

“So if the Tower Master had said, ‘Become my successor! Work for the Tower!’—would you have gone?”

“Hmm. I’ve never thought about it that way.” He frowned deeply, as if picturing it for real. “I wouldn’t work for the Tower, but I’d still go. Because magic is too fun. And there’s no better place to learn. If I can do a few good things for the Tower along the way, that’s fine too.”

“I see.”

So, not quite the same as my situation. Aidan knew exactly what he wanted.

“Are you worried about something?”

“No.”

“Career troubles?”

He’d been perceptive ever since the whole Melony incident.

Fine—nothing to lose by talking.

“Things are good right now. Peaceful, even. But I got a new offer. It’s not really better than this, so I don’t know why I’m even considering it.”

Aidan suddenly burst out laughing.

“Coco, I thought you were smart—but you’re kind of dumb, huh?”

“What?”

My brain glitched at the insult.

“You’re thinking about it because it interests you. Enough to risk this peaceful life of yours.”

“…!”

“This peace must feel boring to you, right? You’re not the type to stay in one place for long.”

“Am I… not?”

Maybe all those job changes in my old world weren’t just survival—they were my nature. The thought left me oddly unsettled.

Then, out of nowhere, Aidan reached out and ruffled my hair.

“Now you actually look like you’re younger than me. If you ever leave, make sure to say goodbye!”

For once, he looked almost… mature.

I always thought I preferred stability, but maybe he was right. Still dazed, I went back to the office—where Butler Fenel was waiting.

“Young Lady Chiara wishes to see you.”

At my superior’s summons, I quickly gathered myself and went to her room.

Knock, knock.

“It’s Cornelia.”

“Come in.”

When I opened the door, Lady Chiara was already seated at the table, tea and sweets prepared. Usually, she only asked for tea after we began working—so this setup was unusual.

“Sit down and have some tea.”

“Yes, my lady.”

The atmosphere felt different, but I quietly sipped, waiting for her to speak.

“The Finance Minister came to see me.”

“Pfft!”

I nearly choked and spewed tea before I could stop myself.

Chiara frowned slightly, then took a handkerchief from a maid to wipe away the droplets. She handed me another one.

“I—I’m sorry! Thank you.”

It was the first time I’d ever lost composure like that in front of her. I swore there was amusement in her eyes.

“No need to panic. I didn’t call you to scold you.”

“I’ve already refused his offer, my lady. Please don’t worry.”

“He doesn’t seem to have given up. He asked me how he might persuade you.”

Unbelievable. He went to my boss?

My blood pressure spiked.

“So, why did you refuse? Was it because of me?”

I froze. Because yes—the main reason I’d stayed at the Marquis’s estate was her.

Chiara took a calm sip of her tea, then continued.

“Did you think I wouldn’t let you go?”

I shook my head.

“I’ve only been your aide for less than a year, and I’m satisfied with my current work.”

“Really?”

She paused, then said softly,

“I actually wish you’d accepted.”

“…What?”

I was stunned. That was the last thing I expected to hear.

“My lady?”

Her usually composed voice grew slightly faster, almost flustered.

“To be honest, I don’t want you to go either! I’d love for you to stay as my aide forever!”

“Then why…”

“Because I don’t want you to only live as my aide.”

“…!”

“You have a rare talent, Cornelia. I’m sure of it. No matter how brilliant those palace officials think they are, you’d outdo them all. Remember the brand launch? They failed miserably, but you made it a success overnight. I want you to become a royal official—not just to serve, but to claim your own wealth and honor as a noble. I want to meet you as an equal, as a friend—not as my subordinate.”

“Lady Chiara…”

I hadn’t known she thought that way.

Who gets this attached to an aide in less than a year?

Before I knew it, tears welled up. She leaned forward and gently brushed my cheek with her thumb.

“If you go and decide it’s not for you, come back. I’ll take you in anytime.”

A boss who could send her aide off so beautifully—there was no one like her.

It felt like a lock inside me finally clicked open.

The next day, a message arrived from the Finance Minister.