Chapter 157: Freedom in Prison (4)

Chapter 157: Freedom in Prison (4)

Freedom in Prison (4)

One by one, fancy dishes began to arrive at the table. There seemed to be quite a lot. It made me wonder if this was all for the sake of hospitality or if the 1st Manager always preferred luxurious meals.

Well, given that the 1st Manager usually only brought a single piece of bread to work, it was probably the former.

Isnt this a bit much?

No, not at all. If I were to neglect our guests, my father would scold me.

Right, it was the former. It was somewhat surprising that she would be concerned about what others thought.

However, this was a good thing for the Marquis. The fact that the 1st Manager was concerned about displeasing him suggested a deep respect and consideration for him as a superior or family member.

Thats a relief.

Marquis Iones, the 1st Managers father. Aside from seeing him at last years and this years New Years Ball, I hadnt interacted much with him. However, he was one of the people I felt bad for.

To think that the 1st Manager was his daughter he mustve been through a lot of emotional stress. Legend had it that he had vehemently opposed when she joined the Prosecutors Office. The outcome, however, was as you saw.

Shes a bit headstrong and unpredictable, but shes thoughtful and kind-hearted. Please, take good care of her.

Ah, yes, I understand.

Maybe that was why Marquis Iones would grasp my hand with a pleading look every New Years Ball, earnestly asking no, more like begging me to take good care of his daughter.

In the midst of it all, the father saw nothing but beauty in his daughter, uttering incomprehensible words. Thoughtful? Kind-hearted?

The Marquiss eyes were so wistful that I didnt even bother to refute his words with facts.

Thank goodness

Was the 1st Manager aware of her fathers feelings and was hesitant to upset him? Marquis, are you watching? Your love was not misplaced.

Executive Manager, would you like an *aperitif?

Snapping out of my thoughts by the 1st Managers question, I realized I had zoned out at the dining table.

I turned to see her holding a bottle in each hand. One was red wine, while the other was white.

White, please.

Hmm, the white one?

I casually chose, but the 1st Managers smirk made me uneasy. Was there something in the wine?

Actually, just give me the red

Here you go!

Before I could change my mind, the glass filled with white wine was handed to me.

Drink it up and think its me!

I hadnt even taken a sip yet, but why did it sound like she had already gone through several bottles?

I looked at the 1st Managers hair. It was white.

Then, I looked back at the glass. Although it was called white wine, it wasnt exactly white.

Damn.

But after being told to think of it as her, the 1st Managers hair seemed to merge with it.

This brat had learned not only to torture people physically but also to attack mentally

White is pretty, isnt it?

Yes.

She was still smirking, so I just nodded. Reacting too strongly here would only invite more teasing. Itd be best not to take the bait and to just eat and leave as normal.

Youre so lucky to have a pretty white girl by your side, Executive Manager!

Her confidence was so overwhelming that I couldnt bring myself to react in any way.

***

I couldnt help but chuckle. Ever since he became the Prosecutors Offices Executive Manager, Carl had been at the center of disturbances. However, I hadnt expected him to get involved in such incidents even at the academy. Or would it be more correct to say that he caused them?

Chuckling a few times, I operated the communication crystal. Since I had checked on Carls well-being, it was time to attend to other matters.

Father?

Your Highness the Crown Princess.

I bowed my head immediately after Aria answered the call.

I told you to just call me Aria in private.

I couldnt help but laugh again at her pouting face. How had she not changed at all since her childhood?

How could I address the future mother of all our people in such a manner?

Im hanging up.

Sorry. Ive found out what you asked, so please forgive me.

Arias mood brightened. It was surprising how pleased she could be over matters that didnt concern her.

Sir Carl seems to think of her as just a subordinate.

I expected that.

Despite the somewhat unwelcome news, Aria remained calm. Maybe it was because that was within her expectations.

Thats typical of Eli. She probably just hovered around and provoked him. Its actually a relief if he doesnt dislike her.

She made a sharp assessment. Although Aria usually spoke softly, she was straightforward when it came to Lady Elizabeth.

Still, it was Lady Elizabeths request that led her to ask me to check on Carl. Harsh words aside, her feelings for Lady Elizabeth were genuine.

Well, at least he doesnt seem to dislike her. If Carl really disliked someone, hed ignore or avoid them.

For Carl, Lady Elizabeth was more of a subordinate than a romantic interest. However, there seemed to be a fondness due to their time spent together.

Carl would shudder and deny it if he heard, but it was accurate from a third partys perspective. Carl didnt keep people he truly disliked around. If anything, the fact that they often clashed yet remained close was evidence of affection.

Really? Eli would be happy to hear that.

Her words were blunt, but the slight smile on her lips couldnt be hidden.

Perhaps its because theyve been close since their academy days. I hadnt expected her to get involved in her friends love life, though.

Its going to be tough.

Carl was just beginning to open up to Lady Marghetta. Since Lady Marghetta had liked Carl for a long time, it wouldnt be long before they saw positive results.

And thats when Lady Elizabeth would make her move. Carl would likely be quite taken aback.

Its Carls issue to handle.

If Lady Elizabeth aimed for the position of Carls first wife, then I wouldnt have intervened even if Aria requested it. How could I, when I knew just how much the Iron-blooded Duke cherished Lady Marghetta?

But if she was aiming to be next in line, then there wasnt anything to worry about. While I didnt need to actively help, I also couldnt outrightly refuse Arias requests.

Thank you, Father.

The sight of Arias smiling face made me feel satisfied.

FOOTNOTES

* Aperitif

A small drink of alcoholic liquor that acts as an appetizer.

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