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Chapter 42
After I Die, the Little Groom
A cold wind blew sharply between Heinrich and Nadia.
Even though it was the North, the Crimson Territory was a prosperous place, and there were plenty of magical stones to heat a small basement.
Yet Allison and the other subordinates worked with cold arms, constantly watching the two masters’ eyes.
Nadia’s plan wasn’t particularly complicated.
She and a few guards would disguise themselves as a small caravan and approach the criminal organization. Since the criminals wouldn’t need extra laborers or suppliers, they would inevitably take Nadia and the guards back to their hideout.
Then Heinrich would follow, fully conquer the hideout, and Nadia would lead the victims out.
Using a bait to locate a base had been an effective method for a long time.
However, for some reason, Heinrich hadn’t given permission so far.
“Why does the Lady insist on going herself? Among my guards, there are many knights superior to you, my Lady.”
“It’s for appearances. Human trafficking is a crime strictly prohibited in the Imperial Palace. Even if Your Highness apprehends them at the scene, the investigation must eventually be handed over to the palace. That could greatly distort the outcome of the case.”
By now, Heinrich should have understood. In fact, it wouldn’t have been strange if he had personally issued these instructions from the beginning.
Nadia felt frustrated that she didn’t know Heinrich’s thoughts.
“My Highness and I are publicly known as lovers. If I say we hastened the investigation to save a lover—or to take revenge for a lover—people will easily empathize.”
“Principally, that cannot happen.”
“How many things in this world actually go according to principle? Would it truly be a crime to save a lover, or even completely dismantle a human trafficking ring? His Majesty the Emperor would have no choice but to forgive generously, if only to win the people’s favor.”
Nadia stared at Heinrich with unwavering eyes.
Meanwhile, Heinrich’s gaze wasn’t on her.
“…The larger the caravan, the more cautious they’ll be and refuse to accept it. But if it’s too small, I cannot protect you.”
“The caravan doesn’t need to be small. They’ll definitely take me with them.”
“How can you be so certain?”
“For some reason, the person they’re looking for seems to match me. They approach me whenever we meet, no matter how many people are around.”
“You’ve already tested this?”
“Yes. Premature operations only heighten their vigilance. Again, this is the most effective method.”
“Your effective plans are always self-destructive, my Lady.”
“And Your Highness does not trust my plans either.”
The tense atmosphere made everyone else silent, heads bowing lower.
It had started as a discussion where multiple people shared opinions, but gradually, whenever Nadia presented a plan, Heinrich would cut it off, leaving the atmosphere desolate.
Heinrich rubbed his temple, clearly troubled, and then stood up.
“Let’s take a short break.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
As everyone rose, they spoke almost in unison.
“Please wait, Your Highness.”
Yet one person remained seated—Nadia, stubborn as if the meeting had not yet ended.
“Please tell me what concerns you. I’m not here to be protected. I’m here to protect.”
Heinrich turned to look at her.
Their eyes met precisely along a straight line, and each time, Heinrich felt a strange sensation.
This tiny woman seemed like a giant towering above him.
“I’ll make a decision in one hour.”
Nadia sighed and stood, intending to wait for Heinrich’s decision for now.
Heinrich left the basement immediately, and the others followed.
Only Nadia, Vivian, and Allison remained.
Vivian, wearing a sulky expression, challenged Allison.
“Why aren’t you leaving, Secretary?”
“…Vivian, call him ‘Viscount.’”
“No, my Lady. Call him whatever you like. I just have some things to think about.”
Nadia honestly didn’t care whether Allison was there or not.
Replaying the meeting in her mind was far more important.
Nadia was glad Heinrich had summoned her to the Crimson Territory. Not only could she receive his help, but she might also assist him once again.
Yet Heinrich did not approve of any of Nadia’s plans.
‘Am I lacking? I haven’t handled politics or economics before, so Heinrich might find me inadequate. But he still…’
She hadn’t realized he thought of her as someone who needed such careful protection.
Nadia tried to calm her frustration and think of another plan.
“Oh, really! Secretary, if you keep sighing, leave! Our Lady is already tired, you know?”
Startled from her thoughts, Nadia looked up.
She had been so focused she hadn’t even noticed Allison sighing.
If Vivian hadn’t shouted but whispered instead, Nadia wouldn’t have noticed her voice either.
Rather than pointing that out, Nadia scolded Vivian’s attitude.
“Vivian, you must show respect to the Viscount. Viscount, I apologize for my maid’s rudeness. She has not been a servant long and knows little, so please forgive her.”
Nadia knew Vivian felt at ease with Allison.
It was hard to understand, but their shared experience of having risked their lives against each other seemed to have created a bond.
Allison also didn’t seem to mind Vivian’s sharp remarks, but here, there were too many eyes and ears.
Vivian seemed to understand Nadia’s intent and said no more, bowing politely in apology.
“I apologize to the Viscount. Please forgive me.”
“Oh, no. I did sigh quite a bit. The maid cares for you, my Lady, so it must have irritated me. I understand.”
Allison waved her hand broadly.
‘Allison hasn’t changed at all…’
The Allison Nadia knew from Rivenale had been like this—innocent, kind, rarely angry, always sighing with worry for her master.
Rivenale had known not to judge by appearances, but first impressions made it hard to believe Allison could handle things well.
Yet Allison’s clumsy side strangely resonated with people and complemented Heinrich’s near-perfection.
She wasn’t exceptionally talented in one area, but she exceeded average in everything, which was exactly what was needed in a secretary.
Nadia spoke gently to Allison.
“It must be hard serving someone so high-ranking.”
Allison, startled, firmly denied it.
“No! Absolutely not. His Highness is excellent and cares for his subordinates.”
“That sounds even more like a lie,” muttered Vivian, earning a glare from Nadia.
“No one will be unaware of how much effort the Viscount puts in for His Highness. Above all, His Highness knows best himself. So, cheer up.”
Allison listened blankly to Nadia’s words of comfort. She didn’t realize how long it had been since she’d received consolation. The words, though obvious, touched her heart, and she nodded, deeply moved.
“Th-thank you…”
“Huh? Secretary, are you crying?”
Vivian’s teasing comment drew Nadia’s gaze to Allison. Even Allison was surprised, touching her eyes. Seeing her dry fingertips, she wore an embarrassed expression.
Nadia shot Vivian a glance. She didn’t know how to handle this playful maid.
Allison, embarrassed, laughed and spoke.
“No, it’s true I felt a rush of emotion, so please don’t scold the maid. Long ago… when the young Lady, that is, the Duchess Baldwin, was alive, I often received such comfort. Perhaps I just felt a little nostalgic.”
Allison thought she had said too much and abruptly stood.
“Then I’ll go check on His Highness.”
“Yes. See you at the upcoming meeting.”
Nadia offered a formal farewell.
As Allison bowed and left the basement, she seemed to remember something and turned back.
“Please don’t think too harshly of His Highness. From what I see, he values you greatly, my Lady. That’s why he treats you strictly.”
“…That’s comforting.”
And she truly meant it.
Thanks to Allison’s words, she wouldn’t spend the remaining time blaming herself.
