PDHTFV 31

~Chapter 31~

“I’ll escort Miss Montrose back.”

“…Go ahead.”

Yushen gave his permission to Aydin’s report, though he looked like he was thinking, ‘Is that really necessary?’ I felt the same, but I didn’t say anything.

‘And… why is he even asking permission? Couldn’t he just take me?’

Anyway, thanks to my testimony, the situation was resolved without a big fight. That was a relief.

Aydin grabbed my wrist and led me out of the office.

It hadn’t actually been that long, but it felt like I’d spent a whole day in there.

As soon as the office door closed behind me, I let out a short sigh of relief.

At the same time, Aydin, who was walking ahead, suddenly stopped.

‘Oh no, I didn’t mean for him to hear that sigh…’

Just as I was about to wave my hands and explain, he spoke.

“I’m sorry.”

“Huh?”

Why is Aydin apologizing to me? I tried to remember if there was something he should apologize for, but all I could think of was things I’d done wrong to him.

‘Wait… Is this sarcasm?’

No, Aydin isn’t that type. If he has something to say, he just says it.

So maybe he really is sorry.

“Uh… sorry for what?”

“I didn’t know you were dealing with such silly rumors. I should’ve noticed and handled it sooner so you wouldn’t be affected.”

“Oh, it’s fine!”

‘Why is he apologizing for something Yushen caused?’

I waved both hands quickly, but Aydin was stubborn.

“No, this really was my mistake.”

“You didn’t help spread the rumors.”

“That’s true, but… I’m the one who brought you into Luche. So I should take responsibility.”

‘Yes, he brought me here, but didn’t I say I wanted to come?’

‘Turns out Yushen isn’t the only fool in Luche.’

I told him it was fine several more times, but Aydin kept repeating the same answer.

‘He keeps apologizing, so I guess there’s nothing more I can do but nod.’

It felt strange being apologized to by someone who should be mad at me, but I had no choice, so I just nodded.

I thought the conversation was over, but it looked like Aydin still had something to say.

He kept biting his lips, as if deciding whether or not to speak.

I was too curious to interrupt, so I just waited quietly.

Soon, he made up his mind.

“Miss Montrose.”

“Yes?”

“From now on, I want you to stay with me.”

“What?”

My voice came out so squeaky I covered my mouth right away, but it was already too late.

I slowly lowered my hand, confused.

“…Why?”

“Because you’re the person I brought here.”

“…”

“And because I’d feel uneasy otherwise.”

“What are you uneasy about? I’m doing my job fine…”

Well, my job is easy enough that it’s impossible to mess up.

But Aydin’s reasons were hard for me to accept.

Plus, after the rumors with Yushen, if I started hanging around Aydin too, everyone would stare at us.

I really didn’t want any more attention.

Aydin explained.

“I don’t want things that aren’t true to spread around like this latest rumor.”

“I said I’d take responsibility, didn’t I?”

‘I didn’t expect he’d take responsibility like this!’

“Everyone already knows I brought you to Luche… Let’s just stick together until the rumors calm down.”

“…”

“Just until then. When things settle down, I’ll help you go back to your regular spot.”

At first, I was shocked, but when I thought about it, his offer wasn’t so bad.

It was actually better than my current situation.

He was looking out for me more than the person who was supposed to.

It’s not like my current team was bad, either—they left me alone just the way I liked.

That’s why I hadn’t gotten close to anyone.

‘Still, it’s better to get paid for doing nothing! It’s not like Luche will be my job forever.’

Plus, like Aydin said, everyone already knows he helped me get in.

So instead of worrying about what people think, I might as well make it obvious.

I made up my mind and smiled, holding out my hand for a handshake.

“Then, I’ll be in your care, Sir Aydin.”

“Likewise.”

Aydin shook my hand. His hand was about the same size as Yushen’s, but warmer and softer.

I thought his hands would be rough from using a sword, but I guess he takes care of them.

Once our handshake ended, we started walking again.

“Work with your old team for today, then start with me tomorrow.”

“Will the director allow the transfer? I only just joined…”

After what happened between me and Yushen, and with Aydin pushing him earlier, I doubted it.

‘If I were Yushen, I wouldn’t allow it.’

But maybe Yushen would keep work and personal matters separate.

“Of course.”

Aydin’s confident answer convinced me.

I nodded and didn’t ask anymore.

After that, we went downstairs without talking. It was clear Aydin was deep in thought, so I didn’t want to disturb him.

We’re not close, so this level of distance felt just right.

‘But didn’t Aydin come to the office because he needed something from Yushen?’

If so, I probably made him miss what he came for.

I tapped Aydin on the shoulder.

He stopped and turned, meeting my eyes.

He was two steps below me but still taller than I was. Only now did I realize how tall he was.

I shook my head to clear my thoughts.

“I can get to my team from here by myself.”

“…Am I making you uncomfortable?”

“No!”

Honestly, I felt more pressure than discomfort, but I didn’t want to hurt his feelings.

“It’s not that… I just thought you didn’t get to do what you came here for.”

“Something I came for?”

Aydin looked puzzled.

“…Weren’t you here to talk to the director?”

“Ah.”

Aydin blinked, then suddenly laughed.

‘Did I guess wrong?’

Aydin smiled gently.

“The deputy director told me you were here.”

“Deputy director?”

“Why did he tell you?”

“Hmm… Who knows?”

Aydin seemed to notice something odd, too.

‘I really don’t get why Winter did that.’

“Maybe he was worried about you.”

When I looked like I didn’t buy it, Aydin quickly defended Winter.

Worried? That guy? No way.

“He was definitely worried. He’s the one who told me about the rumor I didn’t know about.”

‘I really don’t understand Winter at all.’

Why go all the way to Aydin’s work to talk about me and Yushen and even mention we were alone together?

‘Smells suspicious…’

Maybe Winter was planning something involving all three of us.

‘Winter Hartwick, I’ll be keeping a close eye on you for a while!’

“I’ll have to work harder so the deputy director won’t worry.”

“If you work with me, you’ll see him often, so that should be easy.”

Oh? That actually solves my problem. If I need to watch Winter, I’ll see him more often now.

Aydin really is good luck for me!

With a happy smile, I walked past Aydin and went down the stairs.

Soon, I reached the front of the medical team’s office.

I could’ve gotten here alone, but Aydin took time out of his day to walk with me, so I should thank him.

“Thank you for walking me here.”

“No need to thank me. Work hard.”

Just as I was about to go inside, Aydin called out.

“I almost forgot—how’s your family?”

“Huh?”

“I sent some medicine home. Did they get it yet?”

When he mentioned my family, my mind went blank. Then I remembered the lie I’d told Aydin.

“Oh, that…”

I trailed off, laughing awkwardly.

“Haha, I’ve just been busy lately, so I haven’t had time to send the package.”

“I see. Then send it tomorrow morning. As your supervisor, I’ll let you come in late.”

“Okay, thank you…”

Aydin left without looking back.

When he disappeared from sight, I leaned against the wall and sighed. My heart felt heavy.

It felt like the lie I told to win Aydin over was now strangling me.

I’d tried to justify it at the time, but the nicer Aydin was to me, the more guilty I felt.

That was partly because I knew ‘family’ was one reason he was being so kind.

‘I can’t keep feeling guilty forever. I need to find a way.’

Maybe… if I ever have to tell the truth, the first person I’ll tell will be Aydin.