“Judy!”
The usually peaceful and indifferent Sir Sein hurried into the room unlike his usual self, searching for his daughter.
“Oh, Dad!”
“You… You!”
As soon as Sir Sein saw Judy, he kneeled before her and looked her in the eyes, scolding her with a visibly angry expression.
“I told you not to leave the house without permission! I said it was dangerous!”
“But… But!”
“Why don’t you listen to me?”
“But Judy felt sad, like she was some kind of a prisoner!”
Judy defended herself and burst into tears.
“Dad won’t let me go outside and play! That’s how prisoners are held. I read it in the books!”
“…….”
“Why is it like that… I want to go outside and play with the other kids too…”
Sir Sein lowered his head dejectedly, his anger seemed to have dissipated slightly.
I felt embarrassed for eavesdropping on their family matter.
‘Oh my… As someone who was actually kidnapped in my childhood, I can understand Sir Sein’s perspective better…’
Every day must have been frustrating for young Judy, especially since she had few opportunities to play with children her age, making it even more difficult.
Sir Sein wiped Judy’s face with a handkerchief and then picked her up. She continued to cry, burying her face in his shoulder.
“Sorry for the commotion, Captain. I’ll take Judy home first and then come back.”
“Huh? You don’t have to do that. You were going to leave after finishing your work anyway. See you tomorrow.”
“…….”
Sir Sein made a complicated expression for a moment, before slowly speaking,
“… Then I will gratefully accept your favor.”
After that, he left carrying his daughter.
Silence ensued as they left, I leaned back on my chair and let out a long sigh.
‘What a stormy lunch hour…’
I glanced at my watch and realized that lunch was almost over. The others would be arriving soon.
No matter what the circumstances were and what deep-seated issues I had with Sir Sein, there was still work to be done, and I needed to get back to it.
That was the sad reality of being a civil servant.
***
When I got home, I found two letters waiting for me.
One was a notice that Paul Rudelman was planning to sue.
After a quick glance, I saw that the official lawsuit was scheduled to begin in two months. It seemed that the priority for the blood relationship confirmation request had been delayed because the officials were busy.
I wondered if I should be relieved to have the extra time or worried about the impending legal battle.
“Well, I really need to prepare for exile.”
I planned to consult a lawyer, but honestly, since that bastard Gustav was involved, I doubted there would be any legal loopholes.
As long as you have citizenship in the Leuke Empire, you cannot escape the law.
But even so, that doesn’t mean exile is easy….. It’s illegal, and you can never predict what might happen during the process.
Besides, I am originally a knight.
Though the concept differs, I would be treated like a wanted criminal. If the Leuke Empire caught me, I would be disposed of immediately, with no chance to protest.
Wow, I’m being treated worse than a murderer! How thrilling!
I tried my best not to dwell on it, but the conclusion was always the same: engagement or marriage.
‘Why has this suddenly become a romance novel? I don’t even like anyone, so please, can I just do a contract marriage or engagement or something like that?’
But now the problem was that I was in a position where I had to beg someone to “get married to me” instead of simply “getting married”…..
It isn’t like I am a Northern Grand Duke, who is wealthy and powerful, so what merit does the other party have by marrying me?
“Eww!”
I screamed in frustration, then quickly covered my mouth. My house had a poor soundproofing system, and I didn’t want to disturb the neighbors.
I picked up the next letter. It was from Elisa.
The Book Club meeting was scheduled soon, and she asked in beautiful and elegant handwriting if the schedule was convenient. The meeting was planned for the week after the Lunar New Year holidays.
‘This is… I guess I should check Ludger’s schedule first.’
I replied to Elisa, explaining that it might take some time to respond since I had to check my schedule first.
I also sent a letter asking Ludger if he could attend the Book Club meeting that Elisa had invited him to.
After finishing my correspondence, I collapsed onto my bed.
‘… I’m mentally exhausted.’
The original story, the black magic, the main characters; everything was overwhelming.
I knew I shouldn’t stop thinking about it because it was my job, but I felt like I was going around in a maze with no exit.
***
The next morning.
I woke up early, not being able to sleep well the previous night and went to work at dawn, but someone had already arrived before me.
“Good morning….”
“Good morning, Captain.”
Sir Sein, who was working on some documents at his desk, greeted me first.
What happened yesterday was a personal matter, so I debated whether to mention it or not. Instead, I just greeted him and walked to my seat. Surprisingly, Sir Sein was the first to speak.
“I apologize for what happened yesterday. Judy has troubled you….”
“What trouble? Honestly, I was the one who caused trouble for Judy.”
“Yes?”
“Well, it was a bit embarrassing, so I asked Judy to keep it a secret.”
Sir Sein nodded in understanding, though he showed a bewildered expression. Judging from his reaction, it seemed Judy had kept the secret well. Good.
“I apologize beforehand, Sir Sein.”
“Yes.”
“It’s a personal matter, so actually… I debated whether to bring it up. Um, if the other members are okay with it, how about bringing Judy to the knights’ office sometimes?”
“……Yes?”
It seemed like he was hesitating, unsure of how to respond.
Yesterday, the neighbor’s care had been lax, leading Judy to run away from home(?).
Of course, since this was his workplace, and he couldn’t keep Judy with him wherever he goes.
But if he was in a hurry and had nowhere else to ask for help, wouldn’t it be better to leave Judy with the knights for a while? Judy was very smart and sensible, even for her age.
Sir Sein’s expression turned solemn, and he lowered his head.
“Captain.”
“Yes.”
“I am a very shameless person… and I know I have been a great nuisance to the Captain and the members.”
“What are you saying? How many people are as capable at their jobs as you, Sir?”
“… I mean, skipping work hours on my own. I know that’s generally not allowed.”
“…….”
Of course, I had grumbled inside many times, even lamenting with Lionel about it.
Still, I knew Sir Sein was doing his best at his job. And learning the details made me feel even more sympathetic towards him.
“In fact, I was demoted to the Ruby Knights due to my poor attendance. To be honest, I was prepared to be fired someday if I continued down that path.”
“…….”
“But the Captain… was always lenient.”
Sir Sein’s voice seemed to be trembling with suppressed emotions. His expression remained hidden, as he still had his head down.
“I stretched out my legs as soon as I saw a place I could lie down. I know that I underestimated you, Captain. I’m sorry….”
“…….”
“In that situation, it would be too shameful to bring Judy to the knights’ office and ask them to take care of her.”
“……Do you have any other family members that can look after Judy?”
Since it seemed clear that she had no mother, I asked somewhat vaguely if there was anyone who could act as a guardian.
“None. My parents passed away early… and Judy’s parents….”
‘Parents?’
Sir Sein continued speaking quietly, seemingly puzzled by my expression.
“… Because both of them aren’t in a position to take care of her.”
“Both?”
“Ah. Um… Yes, Judy is not actually my daughter. She is my niece.”
“Ah…….”
No wonder I thought it was strange. It was unusual for someone like Sir Sein to raise a child while being unmarried, especially given his reserved nature.
“Does Judy know?”
“No. I don’t think it would be a good idea for her to know about her biological parents.”
“But if she finds out the truth later… won’t she feel betrayed?”
“…….”
Sir Sein lowered his eyes and sighed deeply.
“… Judy’s mother committed suicide when Judy was only an infant.”
“…….”
“It seems she was deceived by a nobleman whom she trusted but was ultimately betrayed. To leave the child behind? How foolish… .”
“……May she rest in peace.”
“Yes…….”
Now I could understand why Sir Sein was so sensitive to my relationship with Ludger.
This man had truly witnessed the worst of relationships between nobles and commoners.
“I don’t know who the child’s father is… No, even if I did, I would have never taken Judy to him.”
“…….”
“… I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to bring this up.”
He wiped his face. He probably felt very exhausted, as if he wanted to grab someone and vent his frustrations.
“Anyway, it’s all in the past… I really think of Judy as my daughter. I’ve lived my life thinking of her as my top priority.”
“…….”
“… But why does it seem my judgment made Judy unhappy?”
