CH 7

I read the contents of the request written on the paper from right to left.

The Mystic Will (Audiobook)

The more I look, the more I feel a sense of déjà vu.

It was clearly the job that I used to do… or rather, the job that I was supposed to do today.

There were one, two, three… thirteen sheets of paper written in small letters.

It was quite a lot when put into words.

When I think about doing this all alone in one day, I realize that I was really working hard.

“I think you’ve noticed, but the one who sent this is the director of the Court Magic Tool Maker.”

“…Yes, that’s right.”

There couldn’t be anyone else besides her.

Only the director, who knew the details of my work, could have sent this to me.

And when I took up my current position, I told her to always consult with His Highness if she wanted me to do a job.

I never expected her to come and request it from His Highness directly…

And with such a large amount of work, too.

“Your boss is amazing.”

“Hahaha…”

“It’s not a laughing matter. It seems that director hasn’t reflected on anything at all.”

“I don’t think she thinks it’s bad. I’ve heard it many times before.”

This is the job that you should do.

If it’s your job, then you should take responsibility and complete it to the end.

Is it too much work?

The nature and amount of work are determined according to your ability.

You can handle this much, can’t you?

I’ve heard these lines so many times that I can still recall them in my mind.

“How about other magic tool makers? Did they receive similar treatment?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Just you then. That’s even worse.”

I reply with a smile.

The words and actions of the director towards me, I don’t believe they were right.

However, I couldn’t bring myself to speak ill of my former boss.

“You’re not only honest, but also kind.”

“Huh?”

“Well, you could say you’re too kind.”

“Too kind…”

His Highness nods and says to me.

“You’re probably the type of person who worries about what’s wrong with you before thinking about what’s wrong with others, aren’t you?”

“…Yes, I might be.”

I actually think that’s true.

Unreasonable demands and harsh words.

Isn’t it because there’s something wrong with me?

Am I unknowingly doing things that make others angry?

I thought about it every day in bed.

Before sleeping, reflecting on myself that day.

Mostly just regrets.

“Instead of blaming others, it’s good to strive to become perfect on your own. That’s a good thing, and you should continue to do so. But if you feel even slightly that something is off objectively, you should consult with someone.”

“Consult…that’s right.”

“You look like you don’t have anyone to talk to.”

“…Yes.”

There was no one to talk to.

My colleagues were avoiding me, I had no friends, and even my family didn’t support me.

I had no choice but to worry alone.

“Then, from now on, you can talk to me. I am on your side.”

“Your Highness…”

“I was saved by you. No, I’m still being saved.”

On his right arm was a special magic tool that I gave him to alleviate the effects of the curse.

He is still cursed even now.

However, if he wears the bracelet, he can suppress the effects of the curse. 

“Let me help you this time. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be fair, right?”

“….Thank you very much, Your Highness.”

This is the first time I have met someone who said that to me.

My eyes were moist with tears.

I wiped away the tears that were about to spill.

His Highness smiled kindly at my appearance and pointed to the request form placed on the table.

“So, what should we do with this? Do you want to take all of it?”

“No, it’s more than I can handle alone.”

“I see. Then choose what you can do. I’ll let the director know about the rest.”

“Yes. Thank you very much.”

I can choose my own work.

Is it okay to be so extravagant?

The answer to my self-questioning was decided by His Highness’s gentle smile.

If His Highness allows it, that’s good enough for me.

I am already a magic tool maker serving under His Highness.

❂❂❂

“What… what does this mean?”

“These are the documents entrusted to us by His Highness Julius.”

“That’s not what I’m asking.”

The request form was handed from Julius to the knight, and then passed on to the director.

She sweats while looking at the returned request form.

She feels frustrated that three-quarters of the submitted documents have been returned.

“Can’t you submit this again to His Highness?”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible.”

“Why not?”

“It’s His Highness’s order. You are responsible for processing all the requests on this form.”

“…”

For those who work in the court, the orders of the royal family were absolute, no matter how unreasonable they were.

However, in this case, the unjust demand was only being returned to her.

In other words, it was her own fault.

“Well then, I want to talk to His Highness directly. I’ll go to the royal palace too.”

“I’m sorry, but in order to enter the royal palace, you need a recommendation from someone in the royal family. Even if you work in the court, you cannot enter without permission.”

“Ugh…then please relay my message to His Highness. I have something to discuss with him and I would appreciate it if he could come when he has the time.”

“Understood. I will convey your message.”

Saying that, the knight leaves.

She can’t go to him herself, so all she can do is wait, feeling frustrated.

And then, there’s a large amount of work that has come back.

She bites her lips.

However, it has only just begun.

For her, the real hell starts from here.