Chapter 12: She Is a Genius?

“Sister! I’d like to fly again!”

“That’s not fair, Leo-kun; I want to fly too! Please, Oneesama!” 

“Okay. But only inside because it’s dangerous outside. His Majesty advised me not to do it outside. Is that all right?”

“”Yes!””

Their cheerful voices rang out throughout the room.

Since then, we have become good friends, and they visit me in my room every day. 

Apparently, I don’t mind a bit of noise.

There is never a dull moment thanks to the two of them.

It also allows me to put my grantmaking skills to the test.

Knock, knock, knock――

A knock on the door is followed by His Highness’s voice.

“It’s me. May I enter?”

“Yes.”

The door swings open.

As soon as they see His Highness, they run toward him. 

Or, to be more precise, suspended in midair.

“Brother!”

“Oniisama!”

“I knew you guys were together. Haven’t you been coming here every day recently?”

His Majesty shakes his head.

He gives me a look.

“I’m sorry, Phyllis.”

“No, I’m having fun, too.”

“I’m glad to hear that—You’re helping me get my work done by keeping them both company.” 

that kind of thing.

His Highness would have kept them company if I hadn’t been there.

Having so much work must have been exhausting.

I have learned in the last few days that His Highness is kind to everyone, but especially to his own family.

“Did you complete your work for today?”

“No, there is more work to be done.”

“I see. So you just want to see how they are doing?”

“That’s one thing, but I came here to see Phyllis.”

“To me?”

His highness utters a single word, “Yes,” and walks over to me, lightly avoiding his twin siblings, who are flying innocently around him.

“Do you recall the previous task I assigned to you?”

“Yes—The granting of equipment for the expedition.”

Come to think of it, more than ten days have passed since then. 

Is it safe to assume that the equipment I gave them has already been used?

I’m confident that the grant was a complete success because I’ve been doing it for years, but I’m curious if they were pleased.

“The expedition just got back. They spoke highly of you. Your grant.”

“Really?”

“Yes. They claim they’ve never had such an easy return from an expedition, and they’d like to request another… What are your thoughts?”

“Yes, of course. I’d be happy to help.” 

I am relieved that they are happy. 

Now that I’ve heard those encouraging words, I’m going to put my all into my next job.

I am well rested and light. 

I believe I can now do my job more quickly and accurately than I ever could in court.

“When will the next one be?”

“It’s early. Not for a while yet. But first, the minister who assigned you to this position wishes to meet with you. We’ll discuss business there.

“That’s fine.”

“Okay. I’ll discuss the specifics with you later.”

His Highness then exits the room.

And the rest of the day was spent with the twins.

***

The next day’s afternoon.

His Highness makes arrangements for me to meet with the minister.

The designated place is the Order’s barracks.

His Highness and I sat across the long desk from each other, with the minister and another strong-looking man opposite us.

“I’m delighted to meet you. I am Minister Morgen, the country’s defense minister. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you.” 

“It’s also a pleasure to meet you.”

I take a look at the person beside him.

I assumed the minister was standing next to him.

When he notices my gaze, he opens his mouth.

“Please allow me to introduce myself. I am the Supreme Commander of the Royal Order of Knights. My name is Knight Albert.”

He is the leader of this country’s Knights.

I thought he looked strong by the looks of him, but apparently he’s the Knight Commander.

“My name is Phyllis Ree——Istonia.”

Out of habit, I almost said the name of my old house.

We’ve only been married a short time.

So it takes some getting used to.

“I know for a fact that the knights who took part in the expedition returned safely thanks to Phyllis-sama’s assistance. I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you on behalf of the Order.”

He made a deep bow.

A man who is at least twice my age.

I’m truly sorry; I’m at a loss for words.

“N-No, I was simply doing my job.”

“Phyllis, all you have to do is keep your head up. Don’t I say that all the time?”

“I-I’m sorry.” 

“Hahaha, Phyllis-sama seems like a humble person.” 

Morgen-san lets out a gentle laugh.

He appears to be a good man.

I’ve always found ministers to be pompous, and I’ve never had a good impression of them.

I’m curious if different countries have different personalities in various positions.

“Today, I asked His Highness for permission to speak with Phyllis-sama before asking her for her next job. If you don’t mind, I have a few questions for you.”

“Yes, of course.”

“Thank you kindly. Now, then――.”

Minister Morgen’s question was just a casual conversation.

When did you first learn about grantmaking?

What kind of education did you receive?

What specific responsibilities did you have in court?

I had nothing to hide anymore, so I answered honestly and without hesitation.

“It’s incredible! I mean, you learned all of these skills on your own, without the help of a teacher.”

“Phyllis-sama’s talent must have enabled her to overcome the harsh environment.”

“She is, indeed, a genius. Isn’t this kind of talent uncommon in our country? Your Highness.”

“I suppose so.”

Genius…

I don’t recall ever being referred to as one.

I’d never given it much thought.

I never considered whether or not I had talent.

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