CH 10

“…Don’t get me wrong: I recommended Sir Damon because of his abilities, not because of a change of heart.”

“You don’t like him, do you?”

Why are you suddenly being so persistent?

The middle of the brow drew together. “I don’t dislike him.”

“Then what the hell is the point? You’re saying you like him!”

“I just think it’s a good partner to run the family business together.”

She had been responding to him because she didn’t want him to be too loud, but she was speechless. ‘I thought you might have misunderstood.’ Nonetheless, since when has he been interested in her? He also seems to be losing his mind.

Even the Cartal, who had caused the situation to be this way, seemed relieved. “For now, I understand what you think. I’ll have to try putting on the Marquis of Spendar soon.” Cartal, who packed the papers, got up first.

Serdel also tried to go out, but Redan stopped her.

“Never with that jerk again.”

“Yes, it’s best to avoid meeting that jerk!”

And Addis also said, sympathize with her. 

‘Did they use drugs to make the cake I bought in Monranche?’

She’s tired. “Will you let me go? I need to rest.”

“—Yeah. But, once again, he’s too handsome to do it.”

“You must live up to your character if you have one. Please keep this in mind.”

“……”

Serdel clicked her tongue inside as she stared at the two of them, their eyes flashing like hyenas.

How strange, really. 

*******

The following day, Cartal sent out a man to the Marquis of Spendar to set up an appointment. After two days. He visited the family in person.

“Young Lady, it’s been a few days.”

He took Serdel’s hand in his and kissed her hand as naturally as a flowing wave. Siri, who was standing behind her, was in incredible pain. Perhaps another fork is hidden in the apron pocket.

Her muttering that she had to hit with the big fork was a little concerning.

Other than that, “Nice to see you here.” The halo was no joke, with a bright smile and even sunlight pouring down on his head. At some point, the butler’s and maid’s vision became hazy as well.

They don’t have forks or aprons on their arms, do they?

“It’s nice to see you again. I’ll take you to see my father.”

There were too many eyes to properly respond. She was cautious for some reason, believing that if she said anything, the servants would misinterpret everything.

Whether he realizes it or not.

“Today the Young Lady is not the same as she was a few days ago. Did you know it was cold at first glance—?”

“…..?”

“That’s why I can’t take my eyes off you.”

Did he eat the entire block of butter? Serdel turned around casually because it wasn’t worth answering. The butler and maid, including Siri, clenched their fists and said, ‘Well done,’ as the flame from their eyes faded due to the lukewarm response.

“It’s interesting.” Damon’s eyes brightened with a smile. “What a great place.”

Serdel escorted Damon to Cartal’s private office rather than the drawing room. Damon greeted him as he stood up from his desk.

“It’s been a long time, Count.”

“It’s been a long time.”

Cartal took turns looking at Serdel and Damon as he received greetings. Serdel looked particularly innocent today, dressed in a yellow dress with half-tied hair. Damon, on the other hand, was dressed in a dark brown robe with a sword-like neatness.

They looked great standing next to each other.

Cartal’s eyes, which had become complicated for no reason, calmed down.

“Please take a seat.”

He sat in the top seat after moving to the tea table. Scared of Damon and Serdel sitting side by side, he hands over the papers out of the blue. “Read it.”

Damon’s smile vanished as well. He nodded his head as he read the sheets one by one with his eyes. Serdel squinted as he looked at him. Several additional contents were added to the existing document.

“Hand it over to the Marquis.”

Damon’s hand came to a halt while turning over the papers. He smiled right away. “Yes. I understand.”

“As you know, the scale of the work is huge. We don’t know how big it will get. You may want to be recognized by your family for your work alone, but we need someone in charge who can accept responsibility for the loss of our partner once due to a series of unfortunate events.”

“Yes, I know. Count.”

“This is Serdel’s recommendation, and I understand Sir’s situation. I’ll tell Marquis not to involve your brothers in this for nothing.”

Things could have gotten out of hand if Damon’s half-brothers had intervened. Although he is being generous in terms of what he can do while in need, it was a clear sign that he was in it. That means he must be cautious not to involve his brothers in this.

Don’t let the dirty succession fight interfere with business. It was some sort of a drawing line. 

“Thank you very much for your support. I look forward to working with you.”

Damon was unconcerned, despite the fact that he understood what he was saying. On the contrary, despite knowing the Marquis’s situation, he expressed his gratitude for his support. By doing so, he was able to quickly place Count Robbesta on his back.

Even small words and actions could have multiple meanings depending on the context. What was unfolding in front of him was a small political board, and Damon was neither pushed nor arrogant.

It was a good way to move the situation around without completely stopping it.

“You may now depart.”

The conversation has come to an end. Serdel quietly left the place with Damon, who bowed slightly with a smile that remained until the end.

“I’m very nervous, and I’m glad the Count thought well of me.”

Serdel swallowed a smile as she walked down the corridor.

‘Which part of you look nervous?’

“But even so, you seemed quite relaxed?”

“I’m just pretending.”

Serdel’s ear was softly whispered in by the man who built a wall with the papers in his hand. Then she felt a ferocious energy behind her. It must have come from Siri, the butler, or the maid.

Serdel took a step back to relieve herself of the pressure.

Kk, Damon smiled.

She almost put it in there because it looked like a painting. The wind blew in through the open window just in time. Damon, who had suddenly turned his eyes, opened his mouth to the peaceful atmosphere outside.

“As expected, I believe I was lucky that Young Lady took the wrong carriage that day.”

‘I was lucky as well.’

It’s hard to believe she got in his carriage at that time. On second thought, she couldn’t believe it.

“I believe I’ll be very lucky in the future.”

“It’s the same.” Serdel smiled. “I believe I’ll be very lucky.”

It’s a really good start this time.

With a voice that seemed to melt away and the expression on her face without her knowing, Damon let go of the space.

The pouring sunlight scattered around Serdel.  Thin fingers that gather fluttering hair on one shoulder. Light seemed to flow out of each of her movements.

It was a strange thing.

Although she has a strikingly pretty appearance, she was not normally aware of it. There were so many beautiful people in this place. By comparison, Serdel was a bit modest.

But at this moment. As he jokingly told her as he entered the Count’s mansion, he couldn’t take his gaze away from it. For a brief moment, the tight wall vanished, and the naturalness revealed was as beautiful as anything else.

An exclamation that he couldn’t exhale rolled out of his mouth.

*******

After Damon went back. Serdel returned to Cartal’s office with the documents she had prepared. “Father, I have something to tell you.”

“Say it.”

“I want to be part of the Elbash Forest expedition in two months.”