𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝟏
The scent of coffee fills the quiet room. The refreshing morning wind carries the aroma of fresh leaves, mingling with the coffee.
Sipping the coffee, a mouth opens to speak.
ㅤ
“I’ve come to trust Edgardo Valka and Rolf Ouldra. They always seemed to have some hidden agenda, but after spending time with Miss Norchev, they have broken out of their shells and have become more positive. They’re training harder than before and growing stronger. They still have room to grow. What’s your opinion?”
ㅤ
Turning to Shiro, who is kneeling on the floor, his leaf-green hair stirs and his ever-moving eyes look up directly. The usual friendly smile is absent, his eyes slightly narrowed.
ㅤ
“I agree. Both of them have lost their previous tension and now have the capacity to see those around them. Especially in Edgardo Valka, the air of being completely absorbed in himself has vanished. He is fundamentally honest, so once he has chosen a master, he will not betray them. The burden on Rolf Ouldra, who was supporting Edgardo Valka, has lessened, resulting in better communication and mediation with others, allowing Rolf Ouldra’s true qualities to shine. He appears flamboyant but is genuinely compassionate, and will support his master unwaveringly.”
“I see.”
ㅤ
Suddenly, the atmosphere shifts, and Shiro’s eyes dance like those of a young boy.
ㅤ
“What do Roa-sama think?”
“. . .Don’t call me that, even if it’s just you, Shiro.”
“I apologize. That name was exclusive to Miss Norchev.”
“If you know, then don’t tease.”
“But she’s the first woman Prince Linus has ever asked on a date! You must be curious!”
ㅤ
Watching Shiro clench his fists in excitement, a gaze follows him.
ㅤ
“Miss Norchev didn’t think it was a date, you know.”
“Unexpected! I’ve never thought of Miss Norchev as normal or predictable. She really blended well among normal young ladies.”
“I agree.”
ㅤ
Surely, she must have been sipping tea with that calm face at tea parties.
Or perhaps, the friends of Miss Norchev are also odd in some way. It’s more likely that they helped her hide her eccentricity than her hiding it herself.
ㅤ
“Then let’s call for Edgardo Valka and Rolf Ouldra. I’ll ask Arthur to clear the room.”
“Alright, do that.”
ㅤ
They often visit Miss Norchev’s home on their days off. It’s still early morning, so they should make it in time.
ㅤ
As one sits on the sofa sipping coffee, there’s a knock on the door. It seems Arthur has successfully cleared the area, as there’s no sign of anyone else.
When Edgardo and Rolf enter the room, Shiro quickly closes the door and activates a magical device for soundproofing. A brief tension crosses Rolf’s face.
ㅤ
Rising, the magic device for transformation is deactivated.
Edgardo and Rolf’s eyes widen, and a second later they kneel quickly. Shiro nods in satisfaction at their quick thinking.
The image they see in me now must be completely different from the usual.
The body has grown larger with added muscle. Hair color has changed from brown to silver, and even the length has changed to a tapered cut at the back.
The longer bangs that were smoothed down are now flicked back rebelliously. Underneath, the eyes are a turquoise blue, a color only permitted for the royal family.
ㅤ
“You know about my true identity? State everything.”
ㅤ
Both keep their heads bowed as Edgardo begins to speak.
ㅤ
“Please allow me to speak.”
“Granted.”
“Linus Royalcrow. He is the younger brother of the king, inheriting the esteemed royal bloodline. Currently, he is third in line for the throne and has a good relationship with his older brother, the king.”
“I’m not interested in hearing such commonplace things.”
ㅤ
He shakes his head slightly. At first, he wanted to show dignity, but with this atmosphere, the other person might not speak at all.
ㅤ
“First, please take a seat on the sofa. You don’t have to be as casual as you’ve been with the ‘temporary me,’ but you can be somewhat informal.”
“Prince Linus!”
“Shiro, it’s not for you to say.”
“But, at least at first━━”
“I don’t want to hear later that I’m not what you imagined. My personality won’t change, no matter how much I try to put on airs. So it’s better to be genuine from the start.”
ㅤ
Upon urging him to sit on the sofa, Rolf sits down as if he’s made up his mind. His piercing gaze, straightforward like his swordsmanship, thrusts directly forward.
ㅤ
“Don’t be so guarded; I won’t punish you just for sitting down. After all, it was my suggestion.”
ㅤ
It seems that Edgardo was prepared to take the blame alone if necessary. Realizing this, he looks at Rolf sharply. Swallowing the various emotions he’s grappling with, Edgardo also sits on the sofa without objection.
ㅤ
“To be frank, I want you to become my close aide.”
ㅤ
Both of them hold their breath in astonishment.
ㅤ
“For that, I want to know how much you both understand about my situation. If you don’t know, I’ll fill you in. Then, I want you to decide.”
“. . .You’re not going to order us?”
“What I want is someone who will climb up the rugged, narrow path and the raging currents with me, gritting their teeth. If you refuse, you’ll just sign a confidentiality agreement, and that’s it.”
ㅤ
While Rolf still seems hesitant, Edgardo makes a decision. Parting his well-shaped lips slightly, Edgardo starts to speak.
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