CH 123

As soon as he took me to the resting room, Rave asked me with a serious look on his face. I nodded.

“Well, they’re just calling me because I’ve done something good.”

Even with my answer, Rave looked at me anxiously, then spoke with a kind voice, “Can you give me your hand?”

I reached out my hand without any thought, and he immediately kissed the top of my hand.

“What? What are you doing?!” I protested and tried to take my hand away, but Rave held on to it so tightly that I couldn’t take it off. Then I saw him looking at me with a serious expression, which frightened me. There is this side of him that gives me chills. He seems so different.

“Rave, I don’t like th-”

That’s when Rave let go of my hand with a teasing look on his face, pretending nothing had happened. “Hahaha! Are you startled? I thought you were too nervous, so I did it to make you relax.”

“Rave!” I shouted.

His voice then turned serious again as he stated, “Anyway, tell me if my father gives you a hard time. He listens to my request, whatever it is. He will understand if I persuade him.”

Bah. This might look like a scene from a cheesy theatrical play. He’s like a husband who’s listening to his wife’s concerns about her in-laws.

“No, thank you. I’ll mind my own business, so you don’t need to care.”

“No,” Rave responded.

I frowned at his answer, and Rave patted my head and added, “You’re so cute.”

“I’m not cute!”

“Yes, you are. It’s my dream to marry my pretty assistant, you know!”

I sighed at him for starting his nonsense. There must be a hundred women that fit his dream… but Genorium only allows one husband and one wife, so say goodbye to your dream, Rave.

***

Not long after that, a message came from those who called me. As the Vice Director directed, I entered the societal club hall that only members could enter, and a waiter walked up to me.

“You must be Secretary Marina von Harrant, correct?”

“Yes,” I answered.

“Please come this way. They are waiting.”

As I was guided to a special room, the Minister of External Affairs and a well-built middle-aged man were looking at me.

“Hello, sir. I am Marina von Harrant.”

I bowed and greeted them. Then the man with quite aggressive-looking eyes, Duke of Harsen, pointed his chin at me and said, “I heard the finest officer of Internal Affairs was coming… and we see a very beautiful lady here.”

At the Minister of Defense, Duke Harsen’s words, Marquis Schuteiner, the Minister of External Affairs answered. “Not only that, she has an amazing feat. She’s from a fallen noble family from the countryside and became an officer at central.”

“You’re quite right. An amazing lady who works hard to bring her family up all by herself.”

It might sound like they were complimenting, but the problem was that they were talking about my family as fallen nobles or about me trying to bring up my family. It felt sickening. They were getting on my pride. But I couldn’t fall for their attempts to taunt me. My reason here was to have at least one less enemy.

“I am so honored to be praised by such world-famous figures. But I heard you have different matters for summoning me,” I replied.

“Hahaha! You sure are bold! I see why the Chancellor took a liking to you!” Duke Harsen laughed hard for a while, then caressed his chin as he continued, “But you are different from ones like us, who were born noble. Your reputation is dwindling too.”