Chapter 73
A Date Request
Even with his notorious workaholic reputation, he was undeniably handsome. Lately, even Hwangso said he seemed much softer than before, which only boosted his popularity further.
I’d forgotten.
After our recent quarrel, I hadn’t really paid attention to his face, and at the banquet, I had been too busy reconciling to properly take in his striking features. Now that the concealment department was disbanded, I felt a twinge of regret.
There’s no chance I’d ever partner with royalty anyway. This is already lucky enough.
Thinking of it as a good experience, I turned away from the women bureaucrats nearly fainting at his presence and focused on learning horseback riding in the beginner class. Honestly, I had been scared at first, but my assigned horse was gentle and followed my cues well. The feeling of my body rising and falling with the horse was exhilarating.
“You’re doing very well. If you keep practicing, you’ll be able to ride on your own in no time.”
The knight assigned to help the beginners encouraged me warmly. He looked kindhearted. I returned a smile.
“It’s because the instructor is so good. Thank you, sir.”
“You’re a fast learner. If you’d like to continue, you’re welcome to visit the knights’ headquarters. Just a little more practice and you’ll be perfect. I’ll show you the rest.”
“Really? Thank you!”
His open smile made me beam in return as I dismounted. The horse was moved for the upcoming hunting competition, and the knight, who was also participating, didn’t fail to cheer.
“Cornelia! Over here!”
Lucan waved from the outdoor stairs. When I approached, I saw a mix of people from the Finance Ministry and the former concealment department.
“So, no one from our side is joining the hunt?”
Diplomat Simon waved his hand.
“Ugh… at our age, knees can’t handle it. You try it once and the next day you can’t even get to work.”
“That’s true. Too much work to even think about it. No stamina…”
Grumbling voices came from various corners. Classic office workers, clearly not fond of exercise.
“Most of the knights will be participating, though, so it’ll be quite the spectacle.”
Finance Director Laira slid up beside me.
“Just watching them is captivating—such admirable men.”
“Ah, yes…”
Most of the outgoing bureaucrats were participating. I wondered if the Duke was joining, but apparently some urgent matters had pulled him back to the palace. Even departmental events weren’t enough to hold him—truly, leaders always have too much to do.
“Why isn’t Lucan participating?” I asked.
He shook his head and shrugged.
“Unfortunately, the gods gifted me with a silver tongue but ordinary athletic ability. I prefer not to struggle among the knights for team-building purposes.”
“Fair enough. Anyone from our department participating?”
“Secretary Lucius, the new clerk… and a few energetic assistant secretaries.”
Wait… that Tom?
I frowned, picturing the greasy-haired man with a protruding belly, completely unfit for exercise. Lucan handed out lunch boxes.
“Eat while you wait. I was surprised too. Whether Tom is participating to impress Finance Director Laira, who knows? If so, he clearly has no subtlety.”
“I thought his gaze was unusual, but given the people I’ve seen, it’s hard to rule it out.”
The boxed lunch from the central ministry kitchen was a culinary delight, and I enjoyed it while chatting leisurely, waiting for those who had gone hunting.
“Here they come!”
As the appointed time neared, hunters returned one by one, carrying their catches: wild boars, rabbits, foxes. If large or plentiful, they brought carts. Observing bureaucrats gasped in awe at the knights’ overwhelming skill.
“Tom, the clerk!”
Following Lucan’s gesture, I saw a man dripping with sweat, looking as though he had fought a life-or-death battle with a wild beast. At his feet, however, was only a small rabbit.
Well, he did catch something.
Lucan’s commentary mirrored my thoughts. The judge tallied the catches. Tom, apparently uninterested in winning, walked toward us holding the rabbit. More accurately, he walked straight to Finance Director Laira.
“Uh…”
I unconsciously opened my mouth, mesmerized. But exhausted, he stumbled at the critical moment in front of his crush.
“Gasp!”
I covered my mouth, but couldn’t look away. Then came the best part—Laira bent down to speak to him.
“Are you alright?”
Startled by her proximity, he scrambled upright and carefully offered the rabbit.
“I… I caught this rabbit for the first time ever. I wish to dedicate it to the beautiful Finance Director Laira. Please accept it!”
Normally, there would have been cheers and whistles, but rumors about him had been so bad that no one reacted—they simply watched, stunned.
“What’s your name?”
“Finance Ministry Clerk Tom Hank!”
A slow smile curved Laira’s lips.
“Thank you, brave clerk. I will gladly accept the rabbit you have given me.”
She instructed a servant to send the rabbit home, then shot him a captivating smile and slowly walked away.
Incredible… Finance Director Laira…
It was a perfect response. Who wouldn’t be charmed? Unsurprisingly, he stared blankly after her departing figure.
While everyone was still reeling from the spectacle, the judge announced the hunting results.
“First place… goes to Deputy Captain Girion of the Royal Knights! He caught a bear nearly unscathed!”
“Wow!”
I quickly applauded. To my surprise, the victor was the knight who had just taught me horseback riding. A Deputy Captain teaching beginners? Still, he looked warm, kind, and seemingly very family-oriented. Even the Duke had perfect qualities, but I could easily imagine women liking the deputy captain too.
Any knight is more impressive than a desk-bound office clerk.
I applauded my riding instructor even more enthusiastically. He directed the men beside the bear-laden cart and repositioned it, giving me an even better view. Lucan tilted his head beside me.
“Seems like he’s coming our way, don’t you think?”
Indeed. The cart with the bear was approaching.
Why toward me…?
The Royal Knight Girion knelt on one knee in front of me.
“May I have the honor of dedicating my first-place glory to a lady?”
My mental gears froze.
“Uh?”
Seeing my stunned expression, Girion smiled gently.
“I wish to dedicate my first-place glory to Miss Cornelia.”
I didn’t understand. We had only just met today—why would he dedicate his victory to me? Even though this was our first encounter, I knew. This act was almost a confession: either I like you or I’m interested in you—would you go on a date with me?
Frozen, I felt Elicia nudge me at my side.
“Just accept it for now.”
He had worked hard hunting and mustered the courage—it wouldn’t do to reject him. Any further questions could be asked later.
“I gladly accept. It’s an honor.”
Shouts and whistles erupted around us. Lucan’s face, strangely pale, barely registered as I had no time to notice. Girion respectfully kissed the back of my hand and beamed.
“No need to feel burdened. Still, since you worked so hard hunting, may I request a meal together?”
A perfectly polite date request. I nodded without hesitation. His face lit up.
“I’ll contact you soon, Lady.”
With a courteous bow, he slowly returned to his position.
It was an odd feeling. I had only encountered fools here, yet now someone was showing genuine interest. And he was genuinely kind. My heart fluttered.
A palace servant explained that the bear would be sent home in leather, but I was still dazed when I turned—and ran into someone unexpectedly.
“Ah!”
I nearly fell backward, but someone caught me. Opening my tightly shut eyes, I realized the Duke was standing there.
“Are you alright?”
“Ah, sorry.”
But unlike during horseback riding, his expression was stern—almost frighteningly so.
What happened…?
