Chapter 70

Scarlett's education, first, let her learn the paperwork.

Next, teach her the hierarchy.

Then what? Hmm, perhaps getting her to make tea with Sebastian's help?

While planning various things in my head, I oversee Scarlett's paperwork training and also go through the garden party documents.

Her job is to write according to a template. I let her start with the less important documents among today's tasks, and she's surprisingly serious and diligent.

She writes quite fast, and even though she complains about being tired after writing a few pages, her hands don't stop. Maybe I don't need to worry too much about the paperwork? She has asked a few questions since the initial explanation, but from a quick look, there are no mistakes...

She said she mainly did cleaning and miscellaneous tasks as the assistant to the head of the inner palace. As expected.

Probably because the head of the inner palace wanted her within sight. But I wish someone had noticed her talent!

"Oh, come on! Why do I have to write in such detail?!"

"The document you are holding is an application for tools used in cleaning at the princess's palace. We record why they are needed, how much is required, and how to handle waste to keep track of the approval process. If we have records of when applications were made and when they were approved, we can provide proof if any issues arise."

"...What kind of proof?"

"Your language."

"...What?!"

"Yes, that's fine. For example, what if a drug was mixed into a cleaning agent? Or if something other than what was ordered was included? Or if the delivery was insufficient, we should consider the possibility of theft."

"Uh..."

This is just a hypothetical scenario.

Of course, it's unimaginable in the current era, but in the past, there were cases where poisons were mixed into food and even cleaning agents, causing major problems. Of course, cleaning agents are not made within the castle, so investigations were conducted to find out where the contamination occurred. There are records of investigations that resembled criminal dramas. Similarly, there were times when poisons and contraband were smuggled in through such deliveries, and there was a time when high-quality items from the castle were diverted for personal use.

That's why it's now standard practice to keep detailed records of who applied for what, where it was purchased, and who received it.

However, this has been the case for several generations. There have been no such dangerous incidents in over a hundred years, but we can't be complacent. It's better to prevent what can be prevented through proper management and organization.

This is important not only for the safety of the royal family and the dignitaries but also for our own safety!

"...I never thought about that."

"Complaining among the nobles is one thing, but you should also consider these dangers, even if it's just in the back of your mind."

Well, those verbal sparring matches can be quite scary because they seem like casual conversations among intelligent people!

I'm just a maid, so it's a relief that I only have to observe. If I were asked to join, I'd cry.

The same goes for the ladies' tea parties. They're a different kind of deception... It's scary.

"The paperwork is mostly done. I'm sure Scarlett is tired, but how was it?"

"If you make me do this much, I'll remember...!"

"Is that so? Thank you, I appreciate it."

"Huh?"

"Huh?"

I thought she'd complain a lot and not make much progress, but she worked diligently and understood enough to write without the template. I didn't have to struggle much.

Oh, Scarlett is more capable than I thought! I said thank you sincerely, but she was surprised. No, do people think I can't even say thank you...? I guess it's because we've only had confrontational conversations.

Oh no, I don't want to be seen as a mean boss! I want to be a boss who is strict but also appreciates hard work.

While Scarlett, who was surprised by my thanks, stood there, I checked and signed the documents she had written. Yes... Yes, her handwriting is really neat. I can't trust her with important documents yet, but it's a relief that she works diligently!

I asked her to submit the documents to the clerks and thought about what to have her do next.

She complained while carrying the stack of documents and left in a huff... Hmm, well, it's her first day, so it's understandable, but her language and attitude are not acceptable!

How can I correct this? I guess I'll have to keep reminding her. But for now, it's good that she follows orders even while complaining. I was bracing myself for something worse. No, I shouldn't let my guard down.

While I was thinking about this, there was a knock on the door.

I turned around, just as I was about to get up to make more tea, and saw someone standing there, looking awkward.

"...Aldar Saul...?"

"Yuria, ...I'm sorry, is now a good time?"

Eh, wait, hold on.

I thought there was still time since I said after the garden party, but I didn't think we'd actually meet. Why didn't I think of that!

No, that's not it.

Am I overreacting? It's a bit different from before, but Aldar Saul said he would wait, so why am I so flustered... No, my heart is racing.

"Ah, Aldar Saul, why are you here?"

"Well, actually... I've been assigned to the princess's palace for security during the garden party... The prince asked me to come and greet you."

"R-Really?"

I sensed that the prince was probably overthinking things.

But, I don't know how to describe it. It's a bit awkward.

Both Aldar Saul and I feel awkward. It's... embarrassing, I guess... This sweet and sour feeling!

I can't look up because I'm embarrassed, and I'm sure Aldar Saul thinks I'm acting suspiciously. I'm aware that my eyes are darting around, and I'm sure my face is red because my heart is pounding so much.

Hmm, I guess a lack of dating experience isn't good.

I don't know if it's love or possessiveness towards a friend... but the fact that I was 'confessed to' is what's bothering me.

"...Yuria"

"Huh?"

"I'm sorry. I know you're on duty, but... your reaction makes me hopeful."

"Hopeful?"

His feet are moving closer, step by step.

I don't know what to do, so I slowly look up.

"Yes, your face is red... It's more like you're blushing rather than being annoyed. I'm the kind of man who interprets such things favorably."

"Aldar Saul..."

He's right in front of me, looking down at me with a smile, and my face turns red again. This is unfair. He's being so kind, a little red in the face, and looking so happy... It's unfair!

Then he takes my hand—when did he take it?!

Wait, this pattern...

"If you're not annoyed, I can't let you go. Remember that."

The warm sensation on my fingertips is a kiss.

Ah, he kissed me. That information finally reaches my brain.

"What, just now, during work...?"

"If it wasn't during work, would it have been okay? Of course, I won't do anything more now."

"No, I mean, anything more...!"

"Then, ...did you dislike it?"

"Huh?"

Why are you so calm, it's frustrating!

I want to say it's during work, but I stuttered, and it's not like it would be okay if it wasn't during work!

I think about his question.

Hmm... Hmm, I didn't dislike it. I knew I didn't want to be kissed, but I didn't dislike it.

Actually, I was so embarrassed and my heart was pounding so hard I thought it might burst?

"...I didn't dislike it."

"...Yuria, I hate to say it, but you're too vulnerable! It's worrying!"

"Eh?!"

Wait, I object to this!

I'm not at fault. Why is Aldar Saul frowning and scolding me?

I can't accept that.

Just as I was about to protest, I saw Scarlett return behind Aldar Saul.

She came in without knocking, which is impolite, and I was about to scold her when she suddenly widened her eyes and shouted in her loud voice.

"What, what! Showing off that you're not alone in this...?!"

"Wait, hold on—"

"It's fine, it's fine! Hans is back, so I'll create a fait accompli right now! Then no one will be able to call me an idiot!"

"Wait, Scarlett! ...Scarlett!!"

I reached out to her as she turned and ran, but I couldn't move.

Oh no, this is a huge misunderstanding!!

"...She's gone."

"She's gone, but that's not the point, Aldar Saul!"

Don't be so calm!

It's your fault!!

I unified Scarlett's first-person pronoun to "Watashi."

Still, Aldar Saul, you're surprisingly forward.