CH 24

“It was really the worst! That person would immediately throw her work at me and get angry if it wasn’t finished by the deadline! What do you think, Freya-san?”

Until the Exiled Duke’s Daughter,...

“I totally understand that feeling… I’ve had similar experiences.”

“Exactly! That person’s irrationality gave me a headache.”

“I agree.”

We sipped our tea in silence.

I had come to the director’s office to say hello about an hour ago.

For some reason, I ended up having tea with the new director, Lidoria-san.

“There are a lot more of those irrational episodes. There aren’t enough fingers on both hands to count them.”

“We both went through a lot, didn’t we?”

“Yes, we did.”

For the past hour, we had a great time venting about the former director.

As victims in similar situations, we had something in common.

Although this was the first time I had talked to Lidoria-san, it was good that we were able to quickly bond.

Of course, the reason for that was a bit sad.

“Ah… I feel a little relieved now. I haven’t had anyone to talk to about this until now.” 

“I also thought that I was the only one receiving harassment.”

“I definitely think that Freya-san had it the worst. She has a high pride (director), so she was trying to crush anyone who seemed like they might take her position.”

“I see…”

I had a vague suspicion, but it turns out that she was bullying me for that reason…

Lidoria-san was also a vice director, so she (the director) must have seen her as someone who could kick her out of her position.

“I wasn’t particularly interested in getting promoted, you know? I only became the vice director because the previous one suddenly resigned.”

“Is that so? That means…”

“Yes, she resigned because of the harassment from that person.”

“I see…”

Lidoria-san was the vice director since I entered the court.

So, that means the harassment started even before that.

If that’s the case, I can only accept that the director had that kind of personality. 

“Since that person became the director, three people have quit. Freya-san is amazing. She persevered and worked hard despite being persistently harassed.”

“No, I… I just didn’t have anything else to do.”

If I quit the court, I would have no place to belong.

Even at home, I am alone, and my family is there but not really there.

To survive, I had no choice but to continue as a court magic tool maker.

It’s not like I had some noble conviction or anything like that.

“Well, the same goes for Lidoria-san, doesn’t it? You became the vice director before I joined, right?”

“Yes, six months before Freya-san joined. So it’s been four and a half years?”

“Longer than me, then.”

“In terms of time, yes. But the amount of harassment Freya-san received was greater, wasn’t it? And, to be honest, I thought about quitting several times.”

“Is that so?”

When I asked, Lidoria-san let out a big sigh.

She continued, saying, “When I told my parents, they yelled at me, ‘We will never allow you to quit! If you do that, we will sever the ties between parent and child!'” 

“I-Is it really necessary to go that far?”

“It’s an honor to work at the court, and it’s unthinkable to give it up. My father wanted to enter the court, but he failed the exam, so that’s one reason…”

Expectations from her parents.

They entrusted their daughter with a dream that they couldn’t achieve themselves.

It seemed that such feelings had been binding her back.

“It’s difficult, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is.”

I don’t know.

I have never received expectations from my parents.

However, after hearing Lidoria-san’s story, I learned that being expected of something does not necessarily mean happiness.

There are cases where it is not the case.

“Sigh… Why am I the director… By the way, is Freya-san currently working under Prince Julius?”

“Yes. I work in the royal castle.

“How is it in reality? Compared to here?”

“It’s very comfortable.”

I answered immediately.

Because I really think so, my mouth moved without hesitation.

“That’s nice. How did you become close to Prince Julius? Was there some kind of opportunity?”

“Uh, well…”

I couldn’t mention the curse incident.

Only I and the people involved know that His Highness was cursed.

It has not been made public.

“Oh, I’m sorry. It was impolite to ask about private matters.”

“No, it’s okay.”

“Don’t apologize. I’m also a little happy. I’m envious, but it’s great to see someone with a similar situation as me achieving recognition…”

“Lidoria-san.”

I feel relieved as I see her kind smile.

To be honest, I didn’t have confidence in getting along well with others.

I am not good at dealing with other people.

Because I have always been facing magic tools, I am not used to interacting with people.

I thought it would be awkward to work with someone else.

But I felt that it would be okay if I worked with this person.

We understand each other’s hardships, so our hearts naturally become closer.

“Lidoria-san! I’ll work hard as your assistant too. Let’s finish our work together and go home on time!”

She is someone who cares about me after His Highness.

So I want to support her. 

“Thank you, Freya-san. It’s reassuring. Let’s work together from now on, okay?”

“Yes. Nice to work with you too.”

Let’s support each other as like-minded people.

So that we can both be happy.

First, let’s face the work in front of us.