Chapter 34

"......Is that so?"

At night, in the study.

When Logan recounted the events of the day, Oscar lowered his eyes in sympathy.

"So, it was true after all."

"Yes. Amelia admitted everything."

Logan, sitting in his usual chair, was tapping his fingers on the desk, a gesture he made when feeling frustrated.

"Perhaps the contents of the report are just the tip of the iceberg. She probably endured things we can't even imagine."

He recalled.

The sobs, as if all the pent-up pain, sorrow, and suffering had finally burst forth.

Amelia had always shown a bright and positive side since she came to the Hernberg family, so the sight of her crying like a child gave Logan a strong shock.

Logan clenched his fists tightly.

"Where is Lady Amelia now?"

"She is resting in her room. She must be exhausted from crying."

"I see. At any rate, it's good that she was able to let it out at this time."

"Yes. She must have been holding it in for a long time."

Logan thought that the smile that usually dominated her expression might have been a defense mechanism to prevent her from breaking down.

By forcing a smile, she could get through the moment, but if she continued to do so, the emotional pain would build up in places he didn't know, eventually bursting.

When that happens, the heart breaks, just like his did once.

Thinking that Amelia might have broken down eventually, Logan was glad he noticed early.

"Oscar"

"Yes?"

"How many of the tasks scheduled for tomorrow and beyond can be canceled or postponed?"

"Hmm... I'd say about a fifth can be."

"There are more than I thought."

"You take on too much, Logan. There are tasks that can be handled by others, yet you seem to be rushing through life."

"Recently, that's been my only pleasure."

Being recognized and thanked for using his abilities was the most fulfilling thing for Logan.

"So, can we cancel what can be canceled and postpone what can be postponed?"

"Of course. In fact, the other parties have been so overwhelmed by your constant activity that no one will blame you for this."

"Good... then it's fine. Please take care of the adjustments."

"Understood. But why the sudden change?"

After a pause, Logan answered Oscar's question.

"...I thought I'd try to spend some time with Amelia."

"Hmm."

Oscar stroked his chin with interest.

"It seems you have a new source of enjoyment."

"That's not exactly it..."

Oscar dramatically placed a handkerchief to his eyes.

"Logan, who has always been a workaholic with no interest in romance, has finally..."

"No, that's not it... maybe partly, but it's not like I'm losing my mind. Besides, this engagement is more of a contract."

"You're speaking rather quickly."

"...Anyway, it's just a change in priorities."

"Is that so... I'll take it that way."

With a cheerful smile, Oscar made Logan scratch his head and sigh. However, he quickly changed his expression.

"I have one more request."

"Anything."

His expression was serious, and Oscar's also became serious.

When Logan stated his request, Oscar's eyes widened. But, understanding the intent, he lowered his head with a somewhat combative smile.

"Understood. However, it may take some time to gather the information."

"Don't worry about the time. Just make sure it's reliable."

"Of course, I will."

With Oscar's strong assurance, Logan nodded in agreement.