Masa timidly followed my older sister and Erilot.

After walking down an alley for a while, we arrived at a shabby café.

Inside, a man wearing a bowler hat was waiting.

He bowed very politely to Erilot.

“It is an honor to meet you, Your Ladyship.”

“Thank you for coming.”

“Not at all. Now, are these the children you wished to introduce?”

“Yes. Mari, Masa, say hello.”

Who on earth are they?

While Masa hesitated, Mari took hold of her skirt and bent her knees.

“I am Mari, and this is my younger sister Masa. We have no family name, so please feel free to call us by our given names.”

“I see. You seem quite versed in etiquette.”

“I'm embarrassed. I can only mimic a few passages I read in books.”

“Haha, that’s impressive enough without formal training.”

“You're too kind.”

The man chuckled warmly and looked at Erilot.

“Truly, these are clever children worthy of your introduction—”

“B-but what introduction are you referring to...!”

Masa suddenly interrupted, and Mari frowned.

The man with the bowler glanced briefly at Masa.

Erilot gauged his expression and quickly changed the subject.

“These children are very humble and kind. I worried they might outright refuse if I mentioned a job offer, so I didn’t explain much.”

“In these times, such kindness is even more trustworthy.”

“I’m glad you think so.”

“May I introduce myself directly?”

“Please do.”

The man looked at the sisters.

“I am Roins Allegre, the chief steward of the Isiron Ducal House in the capital. You may call me Steward.”

“...!”

“T-the Isiron Ducal House?!”

Startled, the sisters stared as the chief steward of the Isiron Ducal House smiled gently.

“I was looking to hire servants at the mansion when the Countess Astra graciously offered to introduce some clever children.”

“...”

“T-that’s...!”

Masa looked at Erilot with a grateful expression.

She’d been upset after getting fired from the restaurant, and now she was being introduced to a job like this.

‘The Ladyship is truly kind!’

Masa bowed deeply to Erilot.

“Thank you very much! I was worried about how to pay for my sister’s medicine...!”

Erilot flinched slightly and cut her off.

“No need for thanks.”

“No! How can I repay such kindness with just thanks? You found us a home, support for living expenses... I’m truly grateful...”

As Masa began to choke up, Mari hastily pulled on her sister’s arm.

“Stop it.”

“This isn’t about pride; you should express thanks—”

“Stop it, I said.”

“Sis! I’m sorry, Your Ladyship. I’ll apologize on her behalf.”

But Erilot’s expression was not good.

‘Her sister, too.’

They’d luckily earned the favor of such a wonderful lady.

They could at least give thanks properly.

Their pride was just too strong.

Showing gratitude isn’t losing.

The steward of the Isiron Ducal House maintained a kindly expression throughout.

‘They must think well of us.’

All thanks to the Ladyship!

Masa lowered her head shyly.

The man said,

“If it’s alright with you, Masa, I would like to employ you as the third-rank hall maid, and Mari as the fourth-rank housemaid.”

Third-rank maid!

Masa was at a loss and covered her mouth with both hands.

Usually orphans cannot work as servants in such great noble houses.

Even if lucky enough to find a place, it would be at the lowest rank, fourth maid.

‘But third rank...!’

Masa grabbed the steward’s hand tightly.

“Of course! Thank you so much, really thank you.”

“How about starting work next week?”

“We’re ready anytime!”

“Very well. Now, let me guide you through a few things.”

Everyone sat and began to talk.

Only the steward and the Mari and Masa spoke, but Erilot listened while drinking tea.

“Is lodging possible? If the salary is high, I prefer that! Right, sister? It’s good that if the servants get sick, the mansion’s doctor can see them! Um, is the consultation free...?”

“Of course.”

“Then we’d rather stay in the servant’s quarters... Ladyship, is that alright...?”

Having found them a home, would she be displeased if they chose to use the servant’s dormitory?

But Erilot answered casually.

“If that’s what you think, then naturally.”

“I’m so happy!”

Masa squealed with joy.

It felt like a dream.

“Thank you, truly thank you.”

“Yes. I hope the work suits you well.”

Masa looked up at Erilot with tears in her eyes.

“She’s truly a kind lady.”

Someday I must repay this kind lady.

I should tell my sister to properly thank her too.

With that determination, Masa clasped her hands tightly.

Only Mari sighed.

A week passed.

Having entered the palace, I stretched with a groan in the office.

“There’s not much work, but I feel totally worn out.”

“That’s usual when returning from a break.”

Gorgo, the administrative officer, chuckled and offered me a cup of tea.

I took the cup, narrowing my eyes.

“Did anything happen while I was gone?”

If there had been bribery without oversight, you’d be dead.

Realizing my meaning, Gorgo jumped up.

“I’ve been training tirelessly with utmost loyalty to the Wonhwa... training, training, and more training...!”

“Hmm, then. Anything else I should know?”

“The investigation into the Wonhwa army is finished. Many soldiers were tied to the Chateaubriand duke’s corruption. Quite a few direct troops were involved, too.”

According to Gorgo, it was an enormous number.

‘If we purge them all, we’d have to replace the entire Wonhwa army.’

Better to bury it quietly.

Power is already being restructured.

If those pushed out resort to desperate measures, it’d be dangerous not to use the Wonhwa army.

‘Some high-ranking officials will have to take the blame and be ousted.’

As expected, Gorgo said something similar.

“There’s a power struggle above about who will take responsibility.”

“Who are the contenders?”

“Generals Ezrock, Bicane, and Siobel... Ah, I ranked their influence on the royal army.”

“Good work, huh?”

Gorgo rubbed his hands and chuckled.

“Ranking and gathering intel is my specialty. I also handle some public opinion manipulation.”

If he were born in Korea, he’d be a rising star in stock market manipulation.

‘Anyway, I have plenty to use him for.’

I checked the list Gorgo handed me.

“Anything else?”

“Nothing much on the Western Wonhwa’s affairs you should be concerned about...”

I narrowed my eyes.

Gorgo blinked.

“D-did I make a mistake...?”

“The Western Wonhwa is the most important. How could I not know that?”

People only care about power.

‘Useful, but to be watched.’

Gorgo smiled awkwardly and handed me paperwork.

“This is the Western Wonhwa’s training log. Also, about the person who placed second in the public training...”

That’s Alexis.

I nodded.

“Good.”

“The commanders unanimously voted to include him in this year’s list of appointments.”

Makes sense.

He showed incredible skill in the competition.

“Good.”

“What surname should we use in the registry?”

Other soldiers glanced at us curiously.

They were probably dying to know if the Isiron duke’s son would be officially registered.

‘Normally, a duke’s son wouldn’t enter as a regular soldier.’

I replied casually.

“Alexis Isiron. Record it like that.”

“W-what, will his family name be entered in the registry?!”

Yes.

The Isiron duke added Alexis’s name to the registry the day of the competition.

‘Come to think of it, I haven’t heard from Alexis for a few days.’

He’d been granted leave from the royal army for the Isiron family affairs.

Just then.

“The Wonhwa sent someone from the greenhouse.”

They seemed to be looking for me.

The central Wonhwa position was vacant, and there was no shortage of things to deal with.

‘Ugh, feels like I’m back to normal life.’

I sighed deeply and got up.

When I entered the greenhouse, the Wonhwa gathered around a huge table greeted me.

“Welcome back.”

“Hello, Sister Sebastia.”

“Yes.”

I sat and greeted the Southern and Northern Wonhwa.

“Hello.”

“Hello...”

“...Hello.”

Their voices were faint.

I opened my eyes wide.

“You all look glum. What happened?”

The Northern Wonhwa said with a sullen face.

“I think I will soon have to step down once this matter settles...”

“Huh?”

“I lost the trust of the northern nobles because of this incident...”

“But your father, Count Montague, wields considerable influence in the North, right?”

“The ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) one pushing for my dismissal is my sister...”

The Northern Wonhwa sighed deeply.

“I was just starting to enjoy life at the Torch Palace... Will you still meet me even if I’m no longer a Wonhwa?”

She looked at me with sparkling eyes.

Apparently, she developed huge affection after I helped her get out of the Silin incident.

‘What about the Southern Wonhwa?’

I’d heard the South had more resentment toward the Wonhwa than the North.

Her complexion was sullen.

Sebastia clapped her hands.

“Shall we take care of urgent matters first? The central Wonhwa position is vacant. Orders came to quickly select someone from among the Wonhwa.”

The Northern Wonhwa nodded.

“Hmm, we can’t leave the central army empty.”

Then Sebastia said.

“I’m thinking of promoting a Western Wonhwa.”

I nearly choked on my sugar cube in the tea.

‘What?’

Absolutely not!

Becoming central Wonhwa means a lot of work!

I couldn’t just pass it off to others like Silin.

‘I’ve already achieved my purpose as a Wonhwa.’

My father entered the central tower.

Besides, a new Western Wonhwa would come then.

The precious Western Wonhwa I had nurtured would be handed over completely to the newcomer.

I urgently said,

“I want to recommend an Eastern Wonhwa!”

“...Me?”

“Yes. I’m still new and have much to learn.”

“But by ability and achievements, you...”

Please, let me stay in a position where I can use my central Wonhwa connections.

Sebastia smiled.

Crossing her arms, she said,

“Well, since you’ve helped a lot, I guess I’ll have you take on the annoying position.”

The Northern Wonhwa chuckled.

“I’d be fine with either of you. What about the Southern Wonhwa?”

“I’ll follow the decision.”

I took this opportunity to wrap up the discussion.

“Then let’s decide to promote the Eastern Wonhwa.”

“Don’t rush to say that.”

Sebastia giggled.

After deciding a few things, light chatter followed.

The Southern Wonhwa’s expression did not lighten even then.

Sebastia and the Northern Wonhwa were the first to leave when the meeting ended.

“I’ll report the decisions to the Grand General.”

“Oh, I need to submit my retirement application. Shall I go with you?”

“Sure.”

After they left, the greenhouse became quiet.

The Southern Wonhwa didn’t even think about leaving, staring blankly at the table.

I set my teacup down with a clink.

“Rika.”

“...Yes? Did you just call me by my name?”

“It seems we’ve grown closer by now. Was it uncomfortable?”

“No, not really...”

“The Earl of Ihad’s influence is strong in the South, yes?”

“...Yes.”

“Your expression suggests the Earl is pushing for your retirement as well.”

“...”

“Go to the Earl’s eldest son.”

“What...?”

“And say, ‘Why have you been buying so much white jade? Does the Earl know about this?’”

“...!”

White jade is usually needed when secretly raising troops.

You’re supposed to threaten his son and turn the Earl’s heart.

‘My father is the chief manager of white jade distribution, so I know such info easily.’

If the Earl sides with us, the southern nobles will quiet down.

Rika’s eyes narrowed and trembled.

“W-why are you giving me that advice?”

“Because if we’re close, I want to keep the relationship, and if not, I want to get close.”

“Why...?”

I rested my chin on my clasped hands.

“I thought having a pet might be nice.”

I dropped all pretense and smiled warmly.

“What...!”

“You haven’t forgotten what you did to me. But I appreciated your fearless loyalty to Silin.”

“...”

“How about becoming my dog this time?”

No matter the emperor’s orders, what reason would the stubborn pro-emperor nobles have for accepting my father so easily?

‘Because my grandfather stands behind Dad.’

My grandfather held all the pro-emperor faction’s secrets passed down from the Duke of Delpre.

Since the Duke of Delpre became my grandfather’s dog, I need a southern Wonhwa who will hand me the duke’s information.

Rika swallowed dryly.

Her conflict was obvious.

Watching her silently for a while, I stood.

“If you refuse—”

Immediately, Rika scrambled to her feet and rushed to me.

Bowing her head, she said,

“Please forgive my previous arrogance. I want to belong to Your Ladyship.”

I curled my lips into a smile.

Then I gently caressed Rika’s chin and whispered,

“I dote on my children dearly.”

“Y-yes... Ladyship...”

Rika looked up at me dazedly.

I know what you want.

You’ll get drunk on power again.

And you’ll never leave me by your own feet.

“Now, first order. Bring me the head of Wolfgang Dumanse.”

I haven’t forgotten that you interfered with me during the match against Silin, even though you were the referee.

I have a very long memory.

Rika Delpre’s eyes turned icy cold.

“Yes, Your Ladyship.”