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~Chapter 29~
“We need to have a meeting.”
“…Excuse me?” Apollyon looked confused, as if I’d said something strange.
I pointed at the papers in front of him. They listed the agenda for the upcoming General Assembly.
“You’re reviewing the assembly matters right now, aren’t you?”
“…That’s correct.”
“Well, I’ll be attending too. Which means I’ll need your help.”
“……”
“I don’t know the retainers, after all.”
I winked at him playfully.
Apollyon froze, his face going stiff.
I had hoped for a blush like this morning, but instead he just looked serious. Embarrassed, I quickly covered it up and pressed on.
“Still, this will be my first appearance. I need to look proper, don’t you think?”
Finally, he nodded.
I scooted closer and leaned over his papers, until our shoulders nearly touched. He immediately shifted away, pulling his arm out of reach.
“……”
I stared at the distance he’d created, and he simply pushed the documents toward me instead.
“…But isn’t this too far for you now?” I asked, glancing at the papers set awkwardly in the middle.
“My eyesight is very good,” he replied stiffly.
“…Really?”
“I could spot a flying hawk if I wanted.”
“…How nice for you.” I muttered.
Typical. The Iron Wall strikes again.
I sighed inwardly and decided to wait for another chance—after all, we had the whole day together.
***
I began reviewing the files.
The assembly usually started early morning and ended by noon. This one was mostly about the illegal gambling problem in the territory.
Apollyon brought me another file, flipping through each page carefully. There was a seating chart, records of past assemblies, proposals, approvals, rejections—all neatly organized.
He started explaining everything in detail. Honestly, I didn’t need half of it, but he spoke earnestly, so I listened and scribbled notes.
“…Last winter, the western square’s waterway was blocked. Baron Wedden repaired it and redirected water to the fountain…”
That sort of thing.
He gave me way more information than necessary, but I didn’t interrupt. For once, he was speaking a lot, and his low, calm voice was so pleasant to listen to that I found myself watching his lips instead of his words.
“…Viscount Retois is strict, but not a bad person.”
“Yes.”
“Perhaps it would be better to greet the retainers after the meeting?”
“Sure.”
“…Actually, since this meeting might run long, maybe greeting them before would be smarter?”
“That sounds fine too.”
“…Are you even listening to me?”
“Of course.”
I set down my pen and puffed out my chest. “I’m paying close attention!”
“…Really?” His eyes narrowed with suspicion.
“Yes.”
He clearly didn’t believe me, but I quickly added, “Morning would be best.”
“…You mean before the meeting starts?”
“Yes.”
“Very well. I’ll inform them.”
“Oh, and I’m not going to do this halfheartedly,” I added firmly. “This is my first time showing myself as Grand Duchess. I want to leave a good impression.”
“…A good impression?”
“Yes.”
He hesitated, then suggested, “In that case, we should hold a luncheon after the assembly.”
“Perfect.”
Satisfied, I doodled a heart in the corner of the paper and wrote ‘luncheon’ inside it.
Apollyon flushed bright red, quickly turning to the window and rubbing the back of his neck. His ears betrayed him, glowing crimson.
I stifled a laugh and neatly stacked the papers.
***
When I returned to sit by his side again, he glanced at me warily.
“…Aren’t you leaving?”
“Leaving? Where?”
“…The meeting’s over. You’ve finished your work.” He glanced meaningfully at the door.
But I only smiled. “Oh no, we’re not done yet.”
“…What else is there?”
“I need to practice what I’ll say to the retainers. I can’t stand there stammering like a fool.”
“……”
“So… will you help me?”
“……”
“…It’ll be hard alone…” I put on my best pitiful expression.
His eyes wavered. My new strategy—looking helpless—was working. At last, he gave a reluctant nod.
“Thank you so much!”
I grabbed his large hand with both of mine and beamed.
I expected him to snatch his hand away immediately. But to my surprise, he sat frozen, blushing furiously, and didn’t resist.
‘Oh? This works?’
Excited, I held on tighter. He looked like a huge bird trying to fold itself into the smallest possible ball, but I didn’t care. For once, he wasn’t pulling away.
Progress!
***
The days before the assembly flew by as I prepared the ballroom, memorized the retainers’ names, and studied their backgrounds.
At last, the day arrived.
From my window, I watched the retainers arriving one by one—faces I didn’t recognize, all here to see me.
I dressed in a refined ivory gown and pinned up my golden hair. The mirror showed someone older, more dignified than usual. Perfect.
Before entering the hall, I repeated their names and titles under my breath, though they were all ridiculously long.
Finally, the doors opened.
Dozens of eyes fixed on me. My heart jumped into my throat, but I forced myself to walk to Apollyon’s side.
He looked calm, composed, almost majestic. Completely unlike the awkward man I dealt with daily. He truly was a leader.
Then it was my turn.
I stood tall, recited my carefully prepared introduction, and bowed gracefully. Because I had already announced a luncheon afterward, the retainers didn’t ask extra questions, and everything went smoothly.
Thirty minutes later, it was over. My palms were slick with sweat, but I had survived.
I slipped out, gulped down cold water, and collapsed onto a chair, utterly drained. Even porridge would give me indigestion right now.
Still, I had done it.
