IWBNAM Chapter 10 (Part 2)

“I think it was a good decision. Making that day his birthday would have been too cruel for the young emperor.”

Valois said. Thinking of the baby emperor, orphaned and confined to an incubator, made his chest ache. He too was a father of a young son. The thought of his child being left alone in this harsh world was terrifying. Yet the young emperor had lost his parents on the very day he was born. They said the empress, unable to take her eyes off her child, died with her eyes open. He understood that grief all too well, he would have been the same.

“Now that we know the birthday, we’ll have to keep the day open. We need to celebrate properly.”

Senior General Renaut said lightly, lifting the mood. The room warmed again. People agreed and joked about preparing gifts in advance.

“Yes, that’s right. Our regent chancellor Azani will surely handle childcare well. He raised even a small animal with such dedication, if the one he must care for is the young emperor, he will love and protect him all the more.”

It was a positive, optimistic comment. It would have been pleasant to hear, if the speaker hadn’t been Admiral Kranaha. Because it was him, the listeners’ expressions stiffened in subtle discomfort. “Our Azani” the regent chancellor? More like “my Azani.”

He couldn’t possibly be unaware that people were cursing him with their eyes, yet Kranaha calmly added a few more words praising the regent and then stood up, saying he should be going. Those who remained simply exchanged bitter smiles.

* * *

The evening dinner was prepared on a modest scale in consideration of the state funeral period. At a rectangular table that seated fourteen people, the attendees took their assigned places. The two ends of the table were reserved for Azani and Valois, with six seats on each side. From the seating arrangement alone, people once again became aware of the recent shift in the relationship between a certain marshal and a certain admiral.

In protocol, seating arrangements were something that required careful and deliberate attention. First, divide by rank, then adjust according to personal affinities, either separating individuals who clashed or mixing those who got along. Only then could they avoid uncomfortable situations later.

For that reason, Azani and Kranaha had never once been seated close together, but today, for the first time, they were placed side by side. On the table, to Azani’s right was Kranaha’s nameplate, and to his left was Graim’s.

Who arranged the seating?

It must have been the regent chancellor’s secretariat.

Subtle looks passed between the generals. None dared to say aloud that the two were seated unusually close. Meanwhile, that certain admiral sat there with an air of pride, as if this placement were nothing less than his natural right. Only Graim, seated across from him, stared in silence for a moment before turning his gaze elsewhere.

The meal proceeded calmly. There were no extravagant floral decorations or musical performances, but each course was excellent. Mild, pleasant conversation continued without room for awkward silence.

The regent chancellor was not the type to talk excessively, but today he responded politely, occasionally initiated conversation, kept a faint smile, and even joked lightly. The most amusing topic was how the New Market’s post-crisis thanksgiving sale had ended successfully, prices had returned to normal, and latecomers who missed the discounted stocks were now wailing in regret.

As they continued exchanging brief updates about their lives, the meal reached its final stage. The regent chancellor expressed that he was pleased to strengthen their camaraderie, then rose first. He likely had late-night work waiting.

“How about we go for a second round? Don’t worry, Bertuccio will cover the bill.”

Chief of Staff Werner said. Bertuccio, seated beside him, lifted his shoulders in disbelief, but his smiling face made it clear it was only a joke.

“With the officers’ club closed, that’s a shame. Among the places that are open nearby…”

Mikhail Baum was stroking his chin while considering options when the door opened and Azani’s personal secretary, Garcia, entered.

“His Grace the Regent has prepared a small café for you. He asked that you relax and enjoy yourselves there. Please go to the café ‘Winter’s Dream’ located a block from the Lorelei Club.”

All the generals turned their eyes toward Garcia.

“He’s very thorough.”

“He certainly pays close attention.”

Since he had sent his personal secretary, they immediately realized he was paying out of his own pocket. If he wasn’t joining the gathering but was supplying the funds generously, one could only be grateful. After a brief debate, the generals accepted the offer. There was no reason to refuse when the richest man among them was treating everyone.

“Please convey our gratitude for his generosity.”

Bertuccio offered a simple word of thanks. In situations like this, exchanging things plainly was the least awkward for both sides.

“Yes, I will relay it. And congratulations on your appointment as Capital Defense Commander, Senior General Bertuccio.”

Garcia bowed politely. After leaving a few words of thanks, the generals departed the banquet hall.

The café Winter’s Dream was not large, but spacious enough for several dozen people to sit comfortably and enjoy food and drink. During the evening hours, the entire café had been rented out and was filled with generals and their attendants. Grateful for the rare opportunity to legally empty the regent chancellor’s well-stocked purse, they ordered drinks and snacks freely.

“He didn’t install listening devices here, did he?”

Among the thirteen generals gathered, the handsome Admiral Lopez joked. People only laughed awkwardly. Not a single one voiced disagreement. Not even the one who was supposedly the lover.

“Let’s skip that and just drink.”

In the relaxed atmosphere, they exchanged various stories. Sensitive topics were avoided. Not everyone gathered there was united in heart.

But after the alcohol from dinner was joined by more drinks, their restraint weakened. Some eventually couldn’t hold back and stared at Kranaha with faces full of things they wanted to say. Kranaha calmly met their gazes, confident that he had nothing to be ashamed of.

“Homosexual relations are prohibited in the military, Marshal Kranaha. You are aware that you’ve committed a violation, correct? If someone decided to make an issue of it, you could be brought before a military tribunal.”

Provost Marshal Zimmerman said sternly, reading out the charge.

“Is that not a practically dead regulation? And do you think I don’t know the law was originally meant to prevent coercive abuse of lower-ranking soldiers? Even in my fleet, I don’t discipline consensual relationships. Besides, I am an imperial marshal. Unless it’s treason, I am beyond punishment.”

The listeners were struck speechless. Absurd. How could he say such things so proudly? Where would one even begin correcting him? They certainly didn’t want to call his near-blackmailing path to obtaining the lover’s position anything close to “consent.”

“Is that something to brag about?”

Unable to endure it any longer, Graim cut in.

“Of course it is.”

Kranaha answered without a single trace of regret. His colleagues hurled curses with their eyes, some mild, some harsh, some extremely harsh, but he simply ignored them.

“You said you go on dates every weekend now, didn’t you? Are you meeting again this coming weekend?”

Valois, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. The mood shifted. It felt improper to meddle in something the regent had accepted, but he thought it best to avoid provoking gossip during the funeral period.

“This time, I will visit his home. But only for Sunday lunch. My dear regent promised to personally prepare an Eastern home-style meal for me. I consider it an immense honor, and I look forward to that day with great excitement.”

Expressions of surprise spread across the faces in the room. Several points were fascinating. It seemed he understood the timing was inappropriate and limited the meeting to a meal, but still, Azani had invited him to his private residence and would even cook for him? Rumor had long held that Azani was quite good at cooking. Were they now truly acting like lovers?

“Eastern home-style cooking, what kind of food is that? Rice noodles? Sushi? Stir-fried Chinese noodles?”

Sergeyev asked, stroking his beard. He had tried noodle dishes and sushi a few times before.

“I told him to make whatever he wishes. I have no idea what it will be. But if he makes it, it will surely be delicious.”

Kranaha answered with a haughty air.

“I see. Is that so.”

Graim recalled that his classmate had mentioned bulgogi and galbijjim to him. Somehow he began to suspect that his ill-tempered classmate would serve something strange to his younger lover, but he kept his mouth shut. That bastard deserved whatever he got.

“Just… try not to give too much trouble to someone who is already incredibly busy.”

Valois said gently. Kranaha declared confidently that there was no need to worry. It was, perhaps, the least trustworthy statement in the world.

* * *

Azani was not a sociable man, yet he did put effort into maintaining social relationships. If he spent money properly when he needed to, that alone covered the basics. He treated people fairly in official duties, did not act harshly toward subordinates, and was generous when generosity was due. Thanks to that, despite his twisted personality, he had gotten by well in life.

Arranging the second round after the dinner had been just another part of that consideration. People were always delighted when he set up a drinking place, paid the bill himself, and then stepped away.

By Friday, after Thursday night had passed, he received individual messages thanking him for giving everyone a good time. Nael replied modestly that it was nothing. When he received the final bill from Garcia, however, he felt a little sad.

After finishing work that evening, he began thinking about the Sunday lunch he had scheduled with Antigonos. A dinner meeting could easily lead to misunderstandings, so they had agreed that Antigonos would visit at midday, eat, and then leave.

Nael calculated that even if he prepared the cooking after he got home Saturday evening, it would be enough time. After all, the basic prep work was done by the house staff. All he needed to do was slip into the large first-floor kitchen and quietly pilfer the ingredients he needed.

Chopping scallions? Peeling onions and garlic? Why would he personally do any of that? As for washing dishes, all he ever did was put the used plates into the dishwasher. The staff always finished the cleanup neatly. Didn’t people understand? This was what the authority of an employer meant.

To Nael, cooking was nothing but easy, fun, healing play. Honestly, if you threw together only fresh and expensive high-quality ingredients, the food would naturally taste good. He could buy olive oil that cost nearly two hundred euros per bottle, free-range eggs that cost five or six times more than regular eggs, and seasonal fruits sold only as department store luxury items. With ingredients like that always available, and staff who handled all the annoying prep work and cleaning afterward, how could cooking not be enjoyable? And the praise for the delicious dishes would go to him.

I should boil the acorn jelly first and set it in the mold to firm, and soak the black beans in water. Everything else can be done Sunday morning when I wake up.

Acorn jelly tasted best when made directly from acorn powder. His carnivore subordinates didn’t think highly of it, calling it some weird squirrel food, but honestly, wasn’t acorn jelly far better than eel jelly? If you used a pretty silicone mold, shaped it well, and mixed it with fresh dressed vegetables, it made an excellent salad. It was a pity the meat-obsessed men couldn’t appreciate its true value.

Anyway, since he needed to make it look like he had put real care into Sunday lunch, the rice should be made in a pot. For soup, he would make beef radish soup, a favorite among most people. For the main side dish, he could grill dried yellow corvina in the wood oven to give it a smoky aroma. Then he would make rolled omelets with chopped vegetables and add seasoned bean sprouts. To finish, there would be acorn jelly, soy-braised black beans, and quail egg jangjorim.

Yes. A perfect home-cooked Korean meal was taking shape. Good. I chose everything myself, and it’s perfect.

Nael was enjoying his self-satisfaction at having created a flawless menu when his device rang. It was a call from Antigonos.

“What is it? I was just working on the menu. It’ll be an excellent lunch, so look forward to it.”

When speaking privately with his younger boyfriend, he tried to sound as gentle as possible.

Nael answered warmly and affectionately. Otherwise, that troublesome man might pick a fight and throw a tantrum.

-Were you? I see, right.

But something was off about him. His expression was troubled, unlike usual. Why was he like this?

“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

-No, it’s just… Mm. I think I have to cancel our lunch plan this weekend. Sorry. You must have already prepared a lot.

“Cancel?”

-If you’ve already made anything, just freeze it and reheat it for me later. I like any food you make.

Antigonos apologized with a somewhat deflated expression.

“Why can’t you come?”

Had something happened in the fleet, or did he suddenly remember an important prior commitment?

-I got a call from my parents. They told me to come home over the weekend.

Antigonos scratched his head and spoke with an annoyed tone. It was an entirely unexpected reason.

“Your parents’ house?”

-Yeah. That’s how it turned out.

A faintly embarrassed expression appeared on Antigonos’s face. His cheeks were slightly flushed, as if he felt shy. The fierce general who made enemies tremble had completely vanished, replaced by a young man grumbling because his parents had called him home. Nael couldn’t help but laugh inwardly. It felt exactly like, “Man, I wanted to hang out, but my mom’s telling me to come home right now! Sorry, I gotta go first.”

“Why so suddenly?”

-They said everyone would be gathering for the first time in a while, so they want me to come too.

Just a simple family gathering? The timing was odd. It didn’t seem like it was for a birthday or a wedding or anything like that. But Antigonos avoided giving more details. Nael didn’t press further.

“I see. Your hometown is pretty far, isn’t it? Since it’s been a while, go and have a good visit. I haven’t started the cooking yet, so there’s nothing to feel sorry about.”

Antigonos’s home was in the southern hemisphere, in the island continent of Lappensberg. It was twelve hours behind the Rosemburg metropolitan region. Because Lappensberg was the farthest of the eight ordinary provinces around the capital system, it was also the least developed and the poorest. Somewhere in that region lived the Kranaha family.

-I thought about going Saturday, sleeping there one night, and returning early in the morning, but my parents would be disappointed. My older sisters said they’re all coming to see me too.

“A family gathering… sounds lively.”

Ah, right. His boyfriend was the youngest brother with four older sisters. A piece of family information that horrified anyone who heard it the first time.

Mom always said never date a man who has a line of older sisters…

Nael pulled up one of Lee Juwon’s memories. Lee Juwon had an older sister as well. One day a blind date had been arranged, and when his mother heard the man was from Gyeongbuk and had three older sisters, she panicked and forbid it. Juwon, confused about why older sisters were such a fatal flaw, simply agreed and canceled the date.

Yet here he was, the unfilial child, dating a conservative hometown man who had four older sisters. Please forgive this foolish son. Even if he isn’t exactly kind… he is at least loyal. And he’s good in bed. Yes… yes, that’s something…

While Nael was lost in these old memories, the man with four older sisters continued speaking.

-So I think we should push the plan to next week.

Antigonos muttered with his arms crossed, wearing a sulky expression. He clearly didn’t like it, but he couldn’t go against his parents. Nael smiled. The man was unexpectedly cute.

“All right. Come for lunch next Sunday.”

-…Are you happy? Does this amuse you? Do you think this is good for you?

Suddenly Antigonos picked a fight. Nael blinked, confused.

“What is?”

-You look awfully pleased that our plan got cancelled.

The troublesome customer finally found something to complain about. His personality really was something else.

“I don’t know what misunderstanding you have. I just think it’s nice that you care about your family.”

-Oh? Really?

“You’re a good son who listens to his parents well. It’s sweet.”

He suddenly wondered. On that critical day, if instead of going to the flagship, someone had tried using Antigonos’s family as leverage, how would he have reacted? He would have been enraged, surely.

-…Sweet? Me?

Antigonos’s expression softened instantly. It wasn’t unpleasant to hear, apparently. His face even looked pleased.

“You’re a gentle youngest son who doesn’t match his size.”

If his own parents had been alive, he probably would have been a very different person. Thinking of the Azani parents, Nael answered quietly. Antigonos seemed to feel something and stopped picking a fight. Instead, he asked for something else.

-Put your hair up. Let me see your nape.

That was what he said after Nael praised him for being a filial son? Damn brat. Nael sighed inwardly but lifted his hair with one hand and showed his neck.

“I guess it would be better to cut my hair short. It’ll be easier for you to look, right?”

-No. Don’t. Keep it long. Never cut it.

Antigonos immediately objected in shock. Who gave him the right to forbid it?

“Why? If I cut it off, it’ll be easier for you to look at my neck.”

-No, that’s not it. You’re a man too, don’t you understand the romance? There’s a huge difference between something plainly shown and something you see only when the long hair is lifted slightly.

So he meant: it’s not arousing if it’s exposed openly, but it is arousing if it’s half-hidden and glimpsed? Unreal. Nael didn’t even have the strength to argue.

“…Fine. Whatever.”

He decided to just go along with it. Debating seriously about this was pointless.

-Never. Absolutely never. Don’t cut it. I made myself clear.

“All right. I won’t cut it.”

As if checking just to be safe, Antigonos made him promise several more times before ending the call. Nael tossed the device aside and sprawled across the bed. Sleeping seemed like the best option.

* * *

Sunday’s plans fell through. The whole day suddenly became empty. When the news spread, certain workers in the Chancellor’s Office trembled in fear and despair as they prepared to give up their weekend. With his date canceled, there was no way that some infamous superior would let them avoid working on Sunday.

That had been the one thing they were grateful to Admiral Kranaha for, but that hope was gone. Let it go. The precious Sunday sleep-in and personal plans would all have to be forgotten… Farewell, sweet holiday. You were loved.

“Work on Sunday? Why? I’m planning to rest as well.”

When Chief Aide Gilbert asked about coming in on Sunday, Nael firmly replied that he had no intention of doing so. Gilbert, who had been holding a provisional schedule, deleted the file from his tablet without hesitation and spoke with a refreshed expression.

“You can’t change your mind later. Everyone is anxiously waiting to hear whether it’ll be a holiday.”

“Oh? And you’re not feeling sorry that your superior’s date got canceled?”

“Let’s just say I’m so heartbroken that I can’t focus on work.”

“How movingly grateful.”

Nael grumbled aloud, but he stuck to his initial decision. He didn’t want to crush the only hope of the subordinates who worked late six days a week.

People needed rest when it was time to rest. Driving them harshly all the time didn’t actually increase efficiency.

“In that case, I’ll officially announce that it’s a holiday.”

“Good. Tell everyone to get plenty of rest. I won’t be leaving the house all day either. And I should finally send Hessler home for once.”

“I’m fine, sir.”

The head of security, who had been listening nearby, interjected. Nael waved his hand.

“No more excuses. Go home. Hasn’t it been a while since you saw your parents?”

Chief of Security Hessler was unmarried, but he supported his retired elderly parents, his sister who had returned home with her two children after losing her husband, his younger sister who had given up on marriage after her fiancé died in battle, and his younger brother who had suffered a major injury in the war and become disabled.

He once said that although working was work, he had too many mouths to feed, so marriage seemed impossible. He said he was satisfied living a life serving the superior he respected.

“I….”

“Go straight home after work on Saturday. That is an order.”

Nael issued the command firmly.

“Understood, sir.”

Only then did the head of security accept it. Nael’s gaze shifted to Gilbert.

“I’ll rest well on my own during the holiday.”

“I figured you would.”

“Time spent with you is rest enough for me….”

“Stop talking nonsense and go.”

After shooing out both the easygoing chief aide and the head of security, Nael was left alone and let out a long breath. If he could just get through today and tomorrow, it would finally be Sunday. Just a little more strength! He decided to forget the fact that he’d been stood up by that damn younger boyfriend. He needed time to recharge too.

It felt like his fresh college days had been just yesterday, but in reality he was an overworked, top-class state servant. Still, it was better than being a low-level bureaucrat drowning in petitions. Or was it? In terms of workload and responsibility, maybe the low-levels had it better. All they had to do was finish simple assigned tasks during work hours. Though in times like these, no government worker managed to finish anything within work hours alone.

On his way home Saturday evening, Nael looked out the window, lost in thought. With the imperial couple’s funeral approaching, civil servants and soldiers near the imperial palace were working late into the night. Managing the condolence lines at the grand plaza’s memorial hall, checking safety… those with high ranks had their own hardships, and those with low ranks had theirs as well.

“Rest well. I’ll step out for a moment.”

“And what if you said you were just stopping by home? Spend some good time with your family and come on Monday morning.”

“I’ll return tomorrow evening.”

“Honestly….”

With a bitter smile, Nael sent the head of security off and stepped inside the house. Behind him followed Garcia, his personal secretary. Unlike Gilbert and Hessler, Garcia had no home to return to. His family lived on a provincial planet a half-month’s journey away from the capital fortress. Without long leave, he couldn’t go back.

He could have found a place somewhere in Rosenburg City, but being unmarried and a personal secretary, he simply continued living in his superior’s residence. It had already been nearly three years. He didn’t seem to have any desire to change that.

“Will you eat dinner with me?”

Nael, on his way up to the second-floor bedroom, turned around and asked his twenty-seven-year-old subordinate.

“Yes, sir.”

Garcia replied with a delighted expression.

“Let me know when dinner is ready.”

“Understood.”

Dinner was prepared by the housekeeper. Nael had previously asked for something simple, French home-style cooking instead of anything too greasy, so light but delicious dishes were set on the table.

“French food is a hundred times better than German food.”

He didn’t add that, to his Korean palate, Italian food was better than French, and Korean was better than Italian.

“Spanish cuisine is about ninety-nine times better than German as well.”

The two laughed at the same time. Even though the world’s majority was Germanic, he thought some truths had to be acknowledged. Food from other nations was simply better. Well, except for Britain.

“Don’t you plan to go out tomorrow? You should get some fresh air once in a while.”

“I often go out running errands for you, sir, so I don’t feel any particular need for fresh air.”

“Is running around for work the same as going out to relax?”

Nael wondered if Garcia avoided going out on holidays because he was worried about Nael’s mood, so he spoke in a reassuring tone.

“I’ll do that next time. Tomorrow I’ll rest well at home.”

“All right. Do as you wish.”

Nael didn’t push further. Their casual conversation continued. He tried to stick to small topics, but ended up mentioning something about the June schedule.

“The officer academy’s graduation date got pushed back, didn’t it. I wanted to attend if possible, but I don’t think I can make it.”

The original ceremony had been scheduled for Wednesday, June 1st. But due to the terror attack and the state funeral, it was postponed to mid-June. After the date changed, the academy asked whether he could attend, but since it was located in Aachen Province, four hours away by time zone from Rosenburg City, he decided not to go. Considering all the travel time, he would lose almost half a day.

Even if he didn’t attend, Marshal Grime would go. Either Valois or Zerodel would attend as well, and Kranaha… he seemed to be the one with the most free time lately, so they should definitely send him.

“The officer academy graduation, right?”

Garcia murmured with a distant, nostalgic expression. Nael immediately understood why. The academy’s graduation was a special memory for him.

“Are you remembering it again?”

Nael asked gently.

“Again? Sir, I always keep it close to my heart.”

The scene of that day vividly rose before Garcia’s eyes.

* * *

Ahead of the officer academy graduation, the cadets were all excited. They would finally shed the title of cadet and be commissioned as officers. They had suffered so much over the last four years. Now they could stand proudly before their parents and friends as Imperial Army officers. It was a joyful, overwhelming day.

His peers chattered excitedly, who was coming to see them, where they would go to eat afterward, and so on. Garcia only listened with an awkward smile. No one was coming for him. His home planet was a rural world in the provinces, and visiting the capital fortress required both time and money.

Sadly, his family was poor. Even sending him allowance money was difficult for his parents. The cost of a month-long round trip to the capital and the living expenses made it impossible.

The graduation ceremony began. Garcia stood in his assigned position, waiting for the rank-pin ceremony with a heavy heart. During the ceremony, cadets had to remain at attention. Only after a family member or acquaintance approached and touched them could they move.

Everyone else would receive their pins from someone they knew… but who would come for him? If he stood alone long enough, perhaps some sympathetic person would help. But he hoped it wouldn’t be someone connected to his class. That would be too humiliating. He wanted to stand on equal footing, not feel like a charity case.

At last, the rank-pin ceremony began. Garcia clenched his fists and stared straight ahead. Families and friends who had traveled long distances ran up from afar with bouquets, crying or laughing as they pinned on the insignia. There were nearly ten thousand cadets, so it took quite some time, but all the peers standing around him were greeted by someone.

“Why is Garcia still standing like that? Did no one come for him?”

“That cadet is still at attention alone. Should we help?”

“Someone will come soon. Don’t butt in for no reason.”

Whispers drifted around him. The word pitiful floated among them. Garcia gritted his teeth and endured it. Hadn’t he prepared himself for this from the beginning? He told himself to stay calm.

“Sorry. I’m late, aren’t I?”

Someone he didn’t recognize suddenly approached, grabbed him in a warm embrace, and spoke to him as if they were close. Garcia looked up at him in shock. It was an officer with black hair who looked like he was mixed-race, acting as if he knew him.

It was the first time he had seen him. Who was this? Had he mistaken him for someone else? He didn’t know this person at all…

But no words came out. The man congratulated him in a gentle voice as he held him close.

And suddenly, it didn’t matter who he was. Without realizing it, Garcia leaned into him and began to cry. He was relieved.

“Why are you so late?”

He whimpered like he was speaking to someone he had known all along. The onlookers who had debated whether they should step in finally relaxed and turned away.

“Sorry. I was busy with work. Let me pin your rank first. Ensign Garcia.”

The unfamiliar officer pinned the rank insignia onto his shoulder. Garcia saluted a man he didn’t even know. In a small voice, he thanked him and asked his name.

“I am Colonel Nael de Azani.”

The officer he had never met before revealed his name. Garcia stared at him as if dazzled.

* * *

That day had been purely coincidental. Colonel Azani had attended the ceremony for official business and was about to leave. But when he noticed a cadet who had been standing at attention for far too long during the rank-pin ceremony, he decided to help. Later, he said it hadn’t been anything meaningful, he had simply acted out of sympathy.

“I didn’t want sympathy from my peers. That was the one thing I absolutely refused.”

Having no one come to your pinning ceremony could be a weakness. Some might call it a beautiful moment, but others would mock it. So there were even people who paid someone in advance to pose as their acquaintance.

“I understand. But you still seem moved for far too long, it’s starting to make me embarrassed. Can’t you forget it a little?”

Nael shook his head with a bitter smile.

“No.”

“Come on, now. If you promise to forget it, I’ll make you rice and meat soup for dinner tomorrow.”

“I’ll forget it while I’m eating.”

“You’ve been spending too much time with Gilbert. You’re starting to sound like him.”

That sly kind of comeback was Briand Gilbert’s signature. Nael chided him lightly, silently lamenting how many people Gilbert had corrupted.

“I also respect the chief aide, sir.”

“All right. Learn as much as you can.”

I give up. Nael looked at his loyal personal secretary with a warm gaze.

After the graduation ceremony, Azani had taken him out to eat and told him to contact him if he ever needed help. The fresh new ensign had saluted briskly and gone off to his assignment.

Later, when Azani was promoted to colonel, he brought Garcia to serve by his side. Colonels could have a personal secretary in addition to an adjutant, and Azani had decided Garcia would be a good fit. Even with a past connection, he wouldn’t have allowed someone incompetent into such a close position, but Garcia was fundamentally capable and very loyal. He was the perfect candidate for the role.

“So tomorrow, you’ll really make rice and meat soup for me, sir?”

“Just don’t pick up too many of Gilbert’s habits.”

Nael let out a short laugh as he answered. One way or another, it seemed he was destined to cook for someone tomorrow. Well, why not. He might as well show off his skills again for a diligent subordinate.

* * *

His firm determination to sleep in allowed him to wake up at seven. Only an hour and a half more than usual. Was that even considered sleeping in?

Nael lay still with his eyes open, rolling around lazily. It was a precious holiday morning.

Feeling refreshed in both body and mind, he finally got up close to nine. He was starting to feel hungry. He tied up his hair loosely, threw on a light cardigan, and stepped outside the bedroom in a slow, lazy shuffle. Garcia, who had been wandering nearby, greeted him brightly as if genuinely happy to see him.

“Did you sleep well, sir?”

“Mm, yes.”

“How would you like your breakfast? I ate early.”

“You seem full of energy for a holiday morning. If you’re not planning to rest in your room, go out and buy me an English muffin set.”

He knew there was bread and ingredients somewhere in the kitchen, but today he wanted franchise food. Sometimes he craved the mass-produced, factory-style bread used in those chain snacks.

“Yes! I’ll go right away.”

Garcia saluted and dashed out immediately. Such a good subordinate. Many personal secretaries of powerful people grew arrogant, mistaking their boss’s status for their own. Garcia wasn’t like that. Azani was blessed with good subordinates.

“We have all the ingredients at home, so why send him out on an errand? The nearest MacDonald’s is at least fifteen minutes away by car. It’ll be cold and dried out by the time he brings it back.”

Passing by, the housekeeper Adel joked with a smile.

“I can heat it up.”

Nael shrugged.

“Oh dear, what’s even tasty about that….”

Adel grumbled a few words before heading elsewhere. Nael took a glass of water from the mini-kitchen and went to the study. He turned on the TV news and opened his laptop to check last night’s updates. There were no unusual incidents that required special attention. Most of the news concerned the emperor and empress’s funeral scheduled for Wednesday.

He also opened the administrative program for the chancellor’s office and skimmed through the titles of recently updated reports. There didn’t seem to be anything requiring urgent review. With the broadcast news serving as background noise, Nael began reading the reports one by one. Calling it a holiday was meaningless, it was practically just a work-from-home day.

He had just opened the fourth report when Garcia returned. Nael closed the laptop for the moment and moved to the sofa. The delicious smell drifting in made it impossible to resist.

“Didn’t you buy too much?”

All he needed was one basic Egg McMuffin set, yet Garcia had brought a Bacon Egg McMuffin, a Chicken Cheese Muffin, a Deluxe Breakfast, and pancakes as well. Did he buy multiple kinds because he wasn’t sure which one Nael liked?

“I’ll be eating too, sir.”

“You said you already had breakfast.”

“It’s already fully digested.”

“All right. Do as you please.”

He seemed extra cheerful today. Perhaps yesterday’s talk about the graduation ceremony had rekindled his sense of loyalty.