Chapter 14

After seeing Emma off, Viela went to work at the technical department in the afternoon.

And just before the end of the workday, she was called to a separate room by her supervisor, Director Dreschel—

"Director Dreschel... You look worn out?"

"Yeah, well, yeah. We need to talk about your retirement date, you know? I've also received a message from the Ambrosch family, wishing you well. Let's have some tea, shall we?"

Director Dreschel, with his unsteady hands, began to brew the tea.

He was supposed to be a skilled and knowledgeable person in magic imbuing, having been appointed as the department head. The fact that he was this weak indicated that he was extremely tired.

"Here you go, Viela."

"Thank you."

She took a sip while it was still warm, careful not to be impolite. Just as she took a breath, Director Dreschel spoke solemnly.

"The letter from Duke Ambrosch mentioned that you plan to resign due to marriage. Is there any way you can continue working here?"

"Well, my father has fallen ill, and I need to return as the successor."

"Is that so?"

"Wait, didn't I tell you that?"

They tried to recall the conversation, but she remembered that Director Dreschel had left before she could explain the details. She had informed him about her father's sudden illness and her decision to return home and take Lucash as a son-in-law.

Dreschel's face darkened, and he pressed his forehead.

"I have a lot of questions, but I understand your desire to return to your territory and take a viscount's position by adopting a son-in-law."

"Due to the urgency, I would like to resign in a month, as per the regulations."

"Is there any way you can stay in the technical department? We could send a doctor from the capital to your viscount's estate or bring your father here to provide a proper medical environment. We will support you fully."

"I cannot leave my territory without a responsible person in charge for a long time. Why are you trying so hard to keep me here?"

Viela had been working overtime due to Clement's requests, but her workplace was supposed to be one of the most reasonable compared to other departments. Even last month, a senior colleague had completed the handover in a month, even though it wasn't an emergency.

She couldn't understand why only she was being treated differently. While she appreciated the offer of support, it wouldn't solve the problem. She stared intently at Dreschel, who rubbed his forehead.

"If you resign, the technical department will suffer a 20% loss. There is no one who can cover this loss."

"Twenty percent? There are about thirty people in the technical department. Are you sure there's no mistake?"

She was aware that she did more work than others due to the overtime, but 20% seemed exaggerated. She thought that the thirty people could share the workload and complete the tasks. However, Dreschel shook his head.

"Most of the failed magic imbuing removals are handled by you, right? To be honest, there are only a few employees who can remove magic as easily as you. Failed materials have to be discarded."

Magic is written using mana as ink and imbued into tools. If a mistake is made, the material is usually discarded like a letter.

However, the frugal Viela thought, "It's a waste to throw it away!" and would remove the magic formula from expensive materials to reuse them.

To remove magic, one needs to flow mana into the brain in the same way as the original imbuing, take control of the imbued mana, and break it down. There are few people in the technical department who can do this. The best magic users are often recruited by the barrier and development departments.

"Also, there are some magic imbuing tasks that only you can do."

"Huh?"

"The boots for the second team of the barrier department. The formula is ordinary, but the material is special. Other employees find it difficult to make the magic stick. Even if they can, it's hard to meet the current delivery schedule."

Dreschel smiled wryly and looked up, saying, "You're our hidden ace."

"Can't we transfer someone from another department? The barrier department has early retirements due to the physical demands of their expeditions. Maybe we can bring someone from there?"

"Well, we can try to negotiate. It would be great if a magic user from a more glamorous department would be willing to take on a less glamorous job."

"I'm counting on your negotiation skills. Will you approve my resignation, then?"

"Since it involves a change in the head of the household, it can't be helped. I'll discuss it at the next upper management meeting of the magic bureau and let you know the retirement date."

"Thank you!"

As she was about to leave, Dreschel stopped her.

"By the way, how did you manage to win the heart of the notoriously unapproachable young noble, Lucash?"

"Well, he felt a connection with me."

"Did you feel the same? There was also Clement, who was a great catch, wasn't he? When I heard about your engagement, I was sure you would become a marchioness and stay in the capital... That's a bit disappointing."

Just like her sister Emma, Dreschel had mentioned Clement as a potential suitor.

While they had known each other since their student days and had a long relationship, it was impossible. Clement only saw Viela as a convenient person to ask for favors. His arrogant attitude yesterday made that clear.

"Director, what are you saying? If Clement hears that we are rumored to be in a relationship, he'll be angry. Besides, he is the heir to the prestigious Bartel Marchioness family. The current marchioness would never accept me as the next marchioness, especially as a poor match."

"Hmm, well, I see now that people can have different perceptions. Anyway, I understand your situation. It's a bit early, but it's almost time to go home, so you can leave now."

"Thank you, I'll take my leave."

Viela bowed deeply and left the room. She had asked Lucash to come as a son-in-law, but if the timing was delayed due to her side's mistake, it would be problematic. She felt relieved that she might be able to resign.

"By the way, when will he be back?"

She wanted to tell Lucash about her resignation, but he was on a one-day expedition and wasn't in the palace today. She should have asked for the expected return time from the expedition to come back together as a fiancé and a housemate, and she sighed.

"Viela-sempai."

Hearing a familiar voice, she raised her gaze. Seeing the person at the end of the corridor, Viela stiffened.

"Clement-sama... Why are you here?"

"I came to discuss equipment replenishment orders with the director after the expedition. But, Viela-sempai, are you heading home now?"

"Um, yeah..."

"Then, could you spare me some time?"

Clement looked at Viela with a determined expression.