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Chapter 23
“Did she fake it? With her grades?”
Becoming the Tower Master’s secretary meant Frisia was the most successful among their graduating class.
Back in school, she was that classmate — the one everyone used to reassure themselves with: ‘At least I’m doing better than her.’
There was no way anyone could easily accept that Frisia had outdone them all.
Lorena’s eyes widened.
“Frisia became the Duke of Kreutz’s secretary? That makes no sense.”
With those grades, landing such an elite position straight out of the academy was impossible.
Even if she was too embarrassed to admit the truth — that she was just “an unemployed academy graduate” — wasn’t this lie a bit much?
The man opposite Frisia, who had seemed momentarily surprised by her job, quickly went on to flaunt his own credentials.
“You’ve got quite an impressive job, actually… Ahem. As for me, I’m this kind of person. Ahem.”
“Three merchant ships and two emerald mines? Wow, he’s rich.”
“Well, Frisia’s definitely aiming above her station. But honestly, for her, that guy’s like winning the lottery.”
Everyone started rooting for Frisia and the bald man.
“So she’s going to the graduation ball holding that guy’s hand?”
Lorena pictured it — herself beautifully dressed and standing beside Felix, while Frisia stood next to that balding, pot-bellied man.
Just imagining it made Lorena feel strangely sentimental.
“You used to shine so brightly — cheerful, talented in magic… and now look how far apart we’ve grown.”
But that feeling was quickly replaced by smug satisfaction.
“…Ah, perfect.”
A shiver of triumph ran down her spine. She’d finally turned the tables completely.
Even the small swell of her belly seemed to twitch — maybe the baby was sharing in her happiness.
“Huh? Who’s that?”
The monotonous blind date broadcast suddenly turned noisy.
“You can’t come in here!”
Lorena looked up instinctively — and froze.
“…What?”
A man had just walked into the frame.
Long limbs, broad shoulders, and a face so handsome that even the blurry projection crystal couldn’t do it justice.
Compared to every other contestant so far, he looked like he came from another world entirely.
Lorena’s jaw dropped.
Who is that?
Does someone like that even exist in this country?
And it wasn’t just her.
“Who is that guy?”
“Look at those legs…”
“Why is the video quality so bad? It’s torture!”
People leaned so close they were almost pressing their faces against the viewing orb.
“He’s so good-looking he’s breaking through the low resolution. How is he still single?”
“No way. A man like that could fill a hundred wives’ seats just by crooking his finger.”
“But seriously, who is he? Does anyone know his name?”
“No one? Maybe he’s just a commoner?”
“Even if he is — I’d gladly support him myself with that face!”
Dotty’s eyes widened.
“Wait… isn’t that the Duke?”
“What?”
There was only one duke in the country.
The House of Kreutz.
Everyone stared at her — then snorted.
“Don’t be ridiculous. Why would Duke Kreutz show up to something like this?”
“I—I’ve seen him from afar before! I swear that’s him!”
“Are you sure you’re not mistaken?”
“How could anyone mistake that face?”
“Well… true.”
Everyone began to nod, half convinced.
Meanwhile, the man in question strode forward and sat down.
Right in front of Frisia Violet.
“What’s happening?”
“Why would the Duke sit in front of Frisia— oh no! Did she get caught pretending to be his secretary?”
Frisia looked just as shocked, her eyes wide behind her glasses.
Then the two of them started talking.
What? What are they saying?
It doesn’t look hostile…
Everyone strained to listen—
Bzzzzt!
Static crackled through the projection at the worst possible moment.
“What the—!”
“I can’t hear anything!”
The crowd erupted in frustration.
Lorena stared at the flickering image, her face pale.
No way… Why would Duke Kreutz show up at something this low-class?
And of all the women there — why was he talking so long with Frisia?
…It’s probably nothing. Just a coincidence.
There’s no way someone like Frisia could actually get involved with someone that powerful.
Even as she told herself that, Lorena couldn’t tear her eyes from the screen.
Her hand pressed tightly against her stomach.
This guy is hopeless.
Talking to the first man was pure torture.
Like a dead fish, I sat there listening to his endless chatter, my soul long gone.
“So, you’re the Tower Master’s secretary? That’s quite the career.”
“Ah, yes…”
He gave me a long, judging look.
“But tsk, tsk — looks like you’ve focused too much on work. Didn’t take care of your appearance at all, did you?”
“Ah, yes…”
“Well, I’m the type who values inner beauty more than outer looks, so that’s fine. As long as you can teach my kid magic, we’ll save money on tutoring… Hmm. I’ll give you points for that.”
He scribbled something on a notepad — probably scoring me like a contestant.
This man wasn’t here for the prize money; he genuinely wanted a wife.
But with that attitude, he could join a hundred more rounds and still fail.
I sighed inwardly.
Time, please go faster…
[That bald-headed fool! How dare he judge you with those disrespectful eyes! My lady, should I remind him how nasty we can be?]
Calm down, Pippy. Not yet.
I hadn’t given up hope.
It was too soon to throw in the towel — there were still plenty of men left.
Eventually, the round ended and the bald man stood up.
“Ahem, Miss Frisia? You’ve passed my preliminary test. I’ll look around at the other ladies, but don’t lose hope.”
“Ah… yes.”
Phew. Finally, freedom.
The next guy has to be better. He has to be… right?
Surely they couldn’t all be like that.
As I closed my eyes to recharge, someone sat down across from me.
A faint scent — fresh and familiar, like a forest breeze — brushed past my nose.
I froze.
“…Hello, rookie.”
I must be dreaming.
Why was he here?
“D-Duke?”
“Trying to get married?”
The tall man lounged lazily in his chair — his casual, almost cocky posture somehow still elegant.
Kaien Kreutz was sitting right in front of me.
What the hell is going on?
It was shocking enough that my boss had shown up here — but worse, he looked annoyed.
Cold sweat trickled down my back.
Wait, did I forget to submit my leave request? No, I’m sure I filed it!
“Well, y-yes. I came here to find someone to marry…”
His golden eyes stared at me — calm, unreadable, unreal.
“I see. But that’s a problem.”
He smirked faintly.
“My secretary has to stay single forever.”
“…What?”
“Didn’t you read the contract when you signed it? ‘No personal relationships that interfere with work.’”
That was supposed to mean… no marriage?
“I didn’t realize it could be interpreted that strictly…”
“Don’t. Get. Married.”
“…Excuse me?”
“Everyone says marriage ruins people. Less freedom, less focus.”
Kaien’s voice was cool, dismissive — like he was giving life advice to a stranger.
Was he seriously badmouthing marriage at a government matchmaking event?
And more importantly — why was he even here?!
Nothing about this situation made sense.
Not a single thing.
