Chapter 93

The sight of Section 4 Chief in black clothing was not unfamiliar. During his time in the Inspection Department, he wore a black uniform, and even now that he has moved to the Special Operations Department, the Mokgwang Unit still uses black uniforms. So, I thought that no matter what he wore, as long as it was black, it would suit him.

'It does suit him.'

In fact, the maid's uniform is black, with a touch of white, but it still has black in it. However, I had never imagined, nor did I want to imagine, Section 4 Chief in a maid's uniform.

'Why does it suit him so well?'

That's why I get annoyed by how well it suits him. It's not really something to be angry about, but it feels like my carefully raised child has gone astray. It's a strange feeling that I can't express in words.

I feel like I'm being watched by others, but fortunately, there's no one nearby. I'm glad I let him in the mansion first. We can talk without feeling burdened.

"When did you come?"

"Right after you went out, sir."

"Um..."

I wanted to say, "Can you stop calling me 'sir'?" but the words almost choked me. He's not the type to do strange things without reason. He's one of the few normal people I can trust, even if he looks a bit flustered now.

And as if sensing my thoughts, Section 4 Chief spoke first.

"Many people want to serve you, but with the guests causing a commotion, it would be a burden for you if the staff increased. So, I decided to serve you alone."

"Thanks for your consideration."

"You flatter me."

Section 4 Chief bowed again. After hearing his explanation, the situation made sense.

Even if the Mokgwang Unit is here to support me, it would look like a show of force for the special forces of the empire to stay in a mansion where a foreign dignitary is staying. If Villar found out, he would probably clutch his throat and collapse, feeling betrayed.

So, the other Mokgwang members are probably lying in wait somewhere near the mansion, and only Section 4 Chief, as the representative, has come to meet me in the guise of a maid. Natural, right? Is it natural?

I quickly glanced at Section 4 Chief. Cold expression, sharp eyes, and a tall stature for a woman. Hmm.

"Let's get along for a while."

"Yes, sir."

I know he's Section 4 Chief, not a maid, so it doesn't feel natural, but he must have his reasons for coming this way. Yeah, it's possible to have a tall maid. Thinking that a commoner must be small is a discriminatory mindset.

"Have you met the butler?"

"Yes, I've met all the staff."

It's been a while since Section 4 Chief has seen the staff. If he hasn't seen them in a while, he should have a cup of tea with them inside.

"Then why are you out here?"

"To help you in any way I can..."

"Enough. Let's go in."

I pushed Section 4 Chief towards the mansion. After hesitating a few times, he finally followed me when I went in first.

Some people will grit their teeth and drag their feet if left alone, and some will go out of their way to do unnecessary things. Section 4 Chief is the latter, so he needs to be taken care of.

***

The sudden call from the Special Operations Minister was not pleasant, especially after just returning from the north with the Intelligence Department.

"Go to the Inspection Department Chief's mansion. Follow the Chief's instructions after joining."

If I could see the Chief, I would happily respond to the call even if I had to travel to the end of the continent. I saw the Chief at the academy not long ago, but now I can be with him in the system.

The team members, who were unpacking, quickly repacked and prepared to leave immediately. There's no room for dawdling when going to see the Chief. It's only natural.

"Can we all enter the mansion?"

The warm atmosphere suddenly cooled when the team leader spoke. Thinking about it, that makes sense. The Chief's mansion not only houses the Chief but also important figures, including the Third Prince.

If we all went in, it would be a burden to the Chief. We can't do that. If we can't help the Chief and end up causing trouble, we would bite our tongues and die.

"The team leader should stay to command the team, and I will go with the Chief—"

"I'll go."

"Maybe there are people in the three countries who recognize the team leader—"

"I'll go."

I quickly cut off the team leader's nonsense. Of course, I, the team leader, should be with the Chief, not doing something half-hearted. This is an intolerable act of not knowing one's place.

So, I left the team members with the team leader and went to the Chief's mansion alone.

"Penelia?"

"Really? Sister?"

As I entered the garden, two maids watering the flowers looked at me.

"Yuris, Sophia."

I greeted them by name, and they put down their watering cans and ran to me. No matter how happy they are, they shouldn't neglect their work, so they need to be scolded.

"Sister!"

"Wow, the Chief is here today!"

But seeing the two of them hug me with wide smiles, my heart softened. They're still young, so it's understandable. I can let it slide this once.

"Where is the Chief?"

"He just left."

Sophia's answer, with a smile, made me feel a bit disappointed. If I had come a little earlier, I could have greeted the Chief.

But it's okay. Since I'll be staying at the Chief's mansion for a while, there will be plenty of opportunities. I shouldn't dwell on small things when there's happiness waiting to overcome my disappointment.

"Ah, I should tell the butler."

"Everyone will be happy to know you're here!"

The two girls, chattering away, each grabbed one of my hands and led me to the mansion.

"Don't you have work to do?"

"The Chief said it's okay to take it easy!"

If that's the case, I can't do anything about it.

As Yuris and Sophia led me to the butler, I felt like I had met all the staff in the mansion. They all welcomed me warmly, which I appreciated. It had been a while since I had properly greeted them, except through letters.

"Oh, isn't that Lady Penelia?"

"You can call me Penelia."

"Your reaction to my joke confirms it's you."

The butler personally greeted me and offered me tea. He then shooed Yuris and Sophia away, but they refused to leave my side.

I need to explain why I'm here to the butler, so it's inconvenient for them to stay.

"I'll be staying for a while. You can play with me, so go back to your work."

"Really?"

"Really."

Finally, I was left alone with the butler.

"So, how is everyone doing?"

"Yes, they are all doing well."

The butler, who asked about the Mokgwang Unit, nodded in relief at my answer. It's a miracle that the special forces, who do dangerous work, are still doing well. It's all thanks to the Chief's thorough training.

"I was worried. We are like a family."

"We think so too."

"That's a comforting thought."

I smiled slightly, following the butler's laughter. The Mokgwang Unit, working under the Chief in the Inspection Department's 4th Section, and the staff guarding the Chief's mansion, are all like a family.

We are comrades who have experienced the bottom of life, losing everything in a terrible war. We are beings who were given a new life thanks to one person amidst that bottom of life. Therefore, we are a family, each serving one master in our own way.

"By the way, the Chief is also at the mansion. It doesn't seem to be a coincidence."

"I came on orders."

"I see. I understand. Make yourself comfortable."

"...Aren't you going to ask more?"

The butler's casual attitude made me feel awkward. But he smiled calmly at my reaction.

"Is there anything more important than a family member returning home?"

I was speechless. Indeed, the Chief entrusted the mansion to someone he fully trusted.

Still, I mentioned that I entered the mansion to prevent a conflict with the three countries, and the others are waiting nearby. He nodded a few times and said he would be back after a moment.

"Here, this is?"

Then he brought a maid's uniform.

"It's not strange for a mansion to have maids. To avoid suspicion, this is the best option, isn't it?"

His convincing words made me nod, but I couldn't bring myself to take it. After swearing to dedicate my life to the Chief, I had only wielded a sword. Now, to wear such a frilly dress?

Moreover, would the Chief be disappointed to see me in such a state? Would he think it's not fitting?

"Now, Penelia can call the Chief 'sir.'"

Those words made me reach out as if in a trance.

I changed into the uniform the butler gave me and wandered the garden until the Chief, or rather, the Master, came.

"When did you come?"

"Right after you went out, sir."

Although he seemed surprised, he didn't seem to mind, which relieved me. I was worried that he might prefer another unit.

But his gaze, scanning me from head to toe, made my heart ache. Indeed, it must look strange to him. Still, I was grateful for his consideration in not saying it outright.

"Why are you outside? You should be inside."

"To help you in any way I can..."

"Enough. Let's go in."

I silently followed the Master as he turned to go into the mansion. I'll change back into my usual clothes as soon as I get to my room. One should do what is appropriate for their position; doing otherwise only invites trouble.

"Your usual clothes look different and seem uncomfortable."

And the words I had been trying to avoid finally came out. I had planned to change immediately, but the Master, unable to hold back, finally pointed it out.

"Still, it suits you, so I can't tell you to change."

"Excuse me?"

I blurted out a question, surprised by the unexpected response. I realized my mistake too late, but the Master turned back and said it was okay.

"It suits you."

The Master's words instantly calmed my anxious heart.

***

I could feel Section 4 Chief's hesitation even from behind. I wonder how he managed to put on such an awkward outfit.

It's a relief that he seems a bit more relaxed after I complimented him. Putting myself in his shoes, if I had to wear a butler's uniform for work and wander around my superior's house, I would go crazy.

"Hey, look at this guy!"

Suddenly, the Minister's mocking voice played automatically in my head. It's really terrifying.

'He's amazing.'

Section 4 Chief must have had incredible courage to stand before me like this...