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Chapter 6 – “You’ve Got the Wrong Person” (5)
Ireine had been out of her mind since morning. To be precise, since midnight the night before.
She couldn’t focus on anything because of the letter in front of her.
A sealed letter bearing the royal emblem—a rose stamped in sealing wax—had completely ruined all the “happy scenarios” she had been building in her head the night before.
Knock knock.
“Lady, the new guard knight has arrived to greet you.”
After the knock, Chief Butler Owen spoke respectfully from outside the door.
It seemed today was the day Liam, the captain of the knight order, was sending the newly recruited guard knight for introduction.
“…Come in.”
Ireine set the letter aside and greeted Owen and the new knight as they entered the office.
The newcomer was extremely tall and heavily built with thick muscles, making Owen—who had an average build—look small in comparison.
“Greetings, Head of House! I am Cedric Orton, the knight assigned to protect you!”
His voice was as massive as his body.
Cedric was excited to meet Ireine, the future head of the household he would serve.
The founder of the house had been a Sword Master, and this family had long commanded the imperial knights. To serve them felt like a dream.
“Right, Cedric. But I’m in a complicated mood right now, so lower your voice a bit.”
“Ah, yes!”
Ireine closed her eyes briefly at the sudden greeting.
Cedric was clearly too excited, full of excessive enthusiasm.
“You may leave now, Chief Butler.”
“Yes, Lady. Please call if you need anything.”
Owen bowed lightly and left the office.
Ireine took out Cedric’s file and a blank sheet of paper, then stared at him silently.
After a long moment, Cedric began sweating nervously under her gaze.
“You’re 21, right?”
“Huh? Ah—yes!”
It was a simple question, despite the heavy silence.
He had already passed an interview with the captain of the knights, yet this felt like another round of screening.
“You graduated from the Imperial Sword Academy as a scholarship student, despite being a commoner. That place must have been harsh with noble interference.”
Most commoners without titles attended the lower Capital Sword Academy instead.
The Imperial Sword Academy was extremely expensive and full of noble pressure.
Even graduating from there as a commoner required strong resolve.
“There were some troubles, yes. But the teachers were kind, and I learned a lot. I actually enjoyed it.”
Cedric answered with a bright grin.
“That kind of face… you’re probably the type who gets bullied but doesn’t even feel it.”
He didn’t seem like someone easily hurt—more like someone with no “reaction value.”
People needed reactions to enjoy teasing someone, but Cedric looked like all effort would be wasted.
“I’ve been told that a lot.”
“…Well, that’s nice for you.”
‘They must’ve gotten tired of trying,’ she thought, glancing at his sheepish scratching of the head.
“But after graduating from the Imperial Sword Academy, why did you apply to serve House Cheinte instead of the imperial knights?”
Most graduates aimed for the Imperial Knights or Royal Guard—the most prestigious paths with the best pay and benefits.
“I… became fascinated with House Cheinte while studying imperial history. The first head of the house was a Sword Master! His swordsmanship is still considered the standard even centuries later. I couldn’t help but admire him!”
His earlier shyness disappeared as he launched into passionate praise of the family.
Ireine suddenly felt slightly unsettled—like she had met a walking fanatic of her house.
“Oh! And above all, my greatest respect goes to Commander Vanessa of the royal guard.”
“My mother?”
Ireine blinked in surprise.
Vanessa, her mother, had once been the commander when the royal guard and Sharon unit were unified.
“Lady Vanessa is a legend equal to the founder of the house!”
Her mother had played the biggest role in strengthening the empire’s military.
Because of her, the Fleta Empire was still known as the strongest military power on the continent.
Cedric’s shining eyes made Ireine feel oddly proud.
After all, her mother was also the person she respected most.
“…Hmph. You do have decent judgment.”
“Ha ha! Thank you!”
Though his voice was a bit too loud, his personality was honest and refreshing.
Most knights tended to be cold or rigid, but Ireine preferred someone lively for her personal guard.
Liam must have understood that when selecting Cedric.
“Since you graduated from the Imperial Sword Academy, I don’t need to test your skills. We’ll just sign the contract.”
“The contract? I already signed one with the captain…”
“That’s different. You’ll sign one with me as well. This is your final interview.”
Cedric stiffened. So this really was another interview.
Ireine unfolded the document Liam had given her and smiled faintly.
“My contract isn’t just about employment. It concerns your life. And if you refuse, you won’t be hired at all.”
“W-what? Then the contract with the captain…”
“You didn’t read it carefully, did you? There was a clause saying employment could be revoked after a personal interview or agreement with the head of the house.”
Cedric froze.
‘So that’s why my teachers said to always read contracts carefully…’
He was learning the harshness of reality before even starting work.
“Don’t look so hopeless. Everyone in the Cheinte household signs this kind of contract. There are only three rules.”
She began writing on the blank paper.
“First: everything you hear or see within House Cheinte must never be disclosed outside. No exceptions, regardless of rank or situation.”
“Yes, understood.”
Cedric answered seriously.
“Second: even if the task differs from your expectations, do your best. I won’t assign anything unreasonable.”
“Yes! I will give my best no matter what!”
“Good. And lastly—always prioritize House Cheinte above all else. Even above me as the head. No exceptions.”
Cedric hesitated. This rule felt heavier than the others.
“If the head is in danger…”
“No.”
Her voice cut sharply.
“If my life is on the line, you still choose the house. That’s what I’m saying.”
“But—!”
“No more questions. Answer me.”
Silence fell.
Cedric finally nodded, though reluctantly.
“…Yes. I will follow your instructions.”
Satisfied, Ireine signed the contract and handed it to him.
Cedric also signed where required, officially completing the agreement.
He carefully read the final clause: “Violation of any of the above terms will result in the forfeiture of the employee’s life.”
“Welcome to House Cheinte.”
She pinned a sapphire-studded sword-shaped badge onto his chest.
“I will serve you with all my strength!”
Cedric’s voice returned to its earlier booming volume.
“Then report to my office starting tomorrow.”
“Ah, tomorrow…”
Ireine suddenly remembered the imperial letter requesting her presence at the palace.
“Tomorrow, you’re coming with me to the Imperial Palace.”
“Yes, understood!”
“That’s your first mission. You’ll escort me. I’m not feeling well, so support me if needed.”
“Are you unwell, my lady?”
Cedric looked concerned.
“Yes. Very unwell. So remember that tomorrow—I’m sick.”
“Understood!”
It wasn’t entirely convincing, but someone like Cedric might actually be useful.
With his large build, she could appear more fragile and unremarkable.
Ireine intended to stay as unnoticed—and as useless-looking—as possible.
