"Park Jimin... Duke?"
"Oh, I'm late because I had something to do."
Sugunsugun
Everyone was taken aback by Park Jimin's sudden appearance. It's only natural to be flustered by something so unexpected.
"Quiet."
The conference room fell silent at His Majesty the Emperor's words. The nobles' expressions were sour as he declared that the outcome was settled and that the meeting should conclude here.
"Your Majesty, thank you for your hard work."
"... Thank you"
Sea couldn't help but feel good. She had achieved what she wanted to achieve and protected what she wanted to protect, even though she had never been able to do anything.
"Congratulations."
While the nobles of the noble faction congratulated Sea, they left the conference room without saying a word. Sea paid no attention.
Step by step -
"It's been a while."
"...Park Jimin... Duke."
"It's a late congratulations. Even if it's only temporary, it's amazing that you've risen to the position of head of the household."
"···It's awkward."
"...That's right."
It was awkward. In an instant, Sea's position had become even higher, and even though he was Park Jimin, he couldn't approach the Grand Duke, Sarah, as he used to.
These two were once engaged. Of course, they never broke off the engagement, but given that Sera is the Grand Duchess, it's practically a broken engagement. Sera has no intention of marrying.
"It's a shame. I wanted to marry the Grand Duke."
"...sorry."
"It's not something you should feel sorry about, Your Highness. Just as everyone has a partner, if Your Highness and I are partners, we will be together someday."
"Of course, it would be very sad if it wasn't my match."
"...haha."
"Thank you for today. If only the Duke had been a little later..."
"I was really worried that I might be late."
Sea was curious. He hadn't been seen since the war. He hadn't heard from her. It was nice to see him again after so long, but... why had the neutral Duke taken her side? And how had he heard of me and come to her at such a perfect time?
Sea looked at Jimin with an expression that seemed to be filled with curiosity. Jimin noticed this and smiled.
"ㅋㅋㅋㅋ You seem to have a lot of questions."
"I'll tell you, so would you mind giving me some time? I have plenty of time to spare, Your Majesty."
Sea was embarrassed, but she had a lot to say and was curious, so she decided to give her time.
"great."
.
.
.
.
"Shall I prepare tea?"
The maid glanced at Duke Park Jimin and asked Sea what she should prepare.
"I'd like coffee, please."
The maid responded to Jimin's words, and Se-ah asked for what she always ate. The maid left, and the two began their conversation.
"I didn't know you'd be available today."
"I think I only have time today."
"....."
Jimin smiled faintly. Why did that smile seem so bitter?
"Let go of the horse. Just like before..."
"How could I do that..."
"...You know I don't have many people by my side anymore."
Maybe it's greed. If I had even one more person on my side, I'd feel a little better. It's scary not having anyone on my side.
"....."
"....."
"...That's fortunate."
He was smiling differently than before. That delightful smile. Who would believe that smile was Park Jimin? Se-ah is Se-ah, but I think Park Jimin is one of those people who has changed so much.
"···What is it?"
"Because you haven't forgotten me."
How could I forget him? He's sly, but once you fall for his charm, it's hard to escape. Now I understand why the old Se-ah liked Park Jimin. This man's very presence draws people in.
"You are a really good person."
"Well, no one ever talked to me like that."
"I'm here."
Sigh
"That's right."
If I hadn't tried to avoid you and gotten married... would we have had a good relationship?
Maybe... it's because I acted like that that we ended up here?
"You have a lot of questions? Where should I start?"
"I'm currently serving as the guild leader. I have an appointment."
"promise...?"
"Yes, promise. I decided to keep this promise to protect someone."
"ah..."
A precious person. Who could it be? Something felt off. In the novel, the person he was supposed to protect was Kim Yeo-ju. But not anymore. Everything has changed.
Could it be that this person has found a new connection other than Kim Yeo-ju? Should I congratulate him?
"I guess he's a precious... person."
"Yeah, he's so precious that I'm always careful. He's like a glass bead, he may seem strong-hearted, but he's actually very fragile. That person."
"···okay."
"I'm doing everything I can for that person, even if I don't get anything in return.
"I'm glad nothing happened."
“Aren’t you the one who has the most work to do?”
"Ah... well, it's something I have to do."
"Was it something you had to do to almost get murdered?"
Sea looked at Jimin with a surprised expression. She'd clearly told him to keep his mouth shut... How did he know?
"There is no information the guild doesn't know."
There's no better place to seek information than the guild. It's no exaggeration to say there's no information you don't know.
In some ways, it's a scary place. Information is the key to trade, and you never know what might happen as a result of that information. It's a place where, if you have the money, you can even be asked to kill someone.
"That's amazing."
"It's nothing compared to you. You should know better than anyone how high your seat is."
"What good is it if it's high? It's a heavy chair. The higher it is, the greater the anxiety."
"You're doing well. So don't push yourself too hard."
"What have I done..."
"Resting when you can is also a strategy. You don't have the luxury right now. But when you do, you'll know you've truly become a strong person."
That's right. It's my own shortcomings that keep me working without resting. Isn't someone who rests when it's time to rest and works when it's time to work, and moves forward, the perfect person?
I know no one can be perfect, but I will strive for perfection. To protect my family, to protect everything.
"I wonder if I can become that kind of person someday."
"You're already doing well enough. You'll continue to do well."
"···thank you."
"Call me whenever you need me. I'll get to you even if you're on the other side of the world. No matter what."
"...! what..."
"Why do you look like that?"
"yes...?"
"Why did you decide to fall in love again?"
"Why are you talking like that!!"
"Heh heh, no, not that~"
It's just my wish.
_____
🤭