CH 52

Tea Time in the Chancellor’s Office

In front of me is a cup of warm tea.

In contrast, in front of Reynaldo is a sandwich that was easy to be held and eat during work and a large amount of paperwork.

Once again, I realized the busy nature of the position of Chancellor.

“I’m sorry for the mess. I haven’t had the time to tidy up my room yet.”

The Chancellor’s room, which seems to have been used as it is after the punishment and dismissal of the former Chancellor, was quite spacious.

In front of the large desk, there was a sofa set up for holding meetings. Additionally, in the adjacent room, the desks of the chancellor’s secretaries are lined up.

Since it’s still early, there’s no one here, but he soon summons a servant to arrange for a meal. As they brought out the sandwiches with an air of familiarity, I could gather an idea of Reynaldo’s recent eating habits.

“Do you eat properly at night?”

In the past, we used to have dinner together, but recently, we haven’t had the chance, and I haven’t seen Reynaldo finish his dinner either.  I asked out of concern, but he just smiled back in response. It seems his dinner routine is not much different from breakfast.

“I tend to prioritize work.”

“But that might make you sick.”

“Yeah, you’re right. It’s troubling…”

Is he really troubled?

As I was gazing suspiciously at Reynaldo, who was lost in thought, he suddenly turned his face towards me as if he had come up with an idea.

“How about we have dinner together every time we’re here? If we make a promise, I won’t forget to eat either.”

“With me?”

“Yes. With you.”

I always had my dinner at the dining hall. Sometimes I eat with the knights, but I never ate out or made it in my own room. So, I nodded in agreement with his suggestion.

“Thank you. Will you come here after finishing your work?”

“To the Chancellor’s office?”

That’s quite a difficult task.

Although I felt intimidated by the attention from others, Reynaldo assured me, “I’ll handle the situation.” How could he make everyone accept the idea of a mere knights’ attendant having dinner in the Chancellor’s office?

“Lord Reynaldo….”

“Call me Reynaldo when it’s just the two of us.”

“…. Are you getting enough rest, Reynaldo? You seem so busy.”

I glanced concernedly at the stacks of documents piled around us. Reynaldo was likely one of the busiest people within the castle at the moment.

As the mastermind behind the rebellion and now holding the position of Chancellor, his name was known throughout the royal palace. Even in the Knights’ Corps. His workload is unimaginable, rivaling that of King Risel.

After taking a bite of his sandwich, Reynaldo responded to my question.

“I’m only busy for now, and once things settle down, it won’t be as difficult. I also make sure to take enough breaks. Thank you for your concern.”

He smiled at me so happily that I couldn’t say anything, so I sipped my tea.

“To tell the truth, I never had any intention of becoming Chancellor. I used to think that the fate of this country was irrelevant compared to seeking revenge. But when King Risel asked me to consider it, I found it surprisingly intriguing.”

Reynaldo’s expression is bright, as if he has found a sense of purpose in his work. It’s like seeing the gleam in the eyes of a young boy who had just acquired a new toy.

“Also, I thought it might be good to share my sister’s greatness with future generations since I was able to wipe out those who insulted her.”

I almost choked on my tea.

“What do you mean?”

“I’m thinking of building a memorial monument for my sister at the royal palace. I’m also proposing a plan to preserve her story in books. When the memorial is completed, I hope Marie can come and see it.”

“Please stop…”

“I’m sorry, but regarding the memorial monument, the king has already given his approval, and the construction schedule has been set.”

I couldn’t say anything in the face of Reynaldo’s formidable power and action.

No matter how much time passes, Reynaldo’s unwavering respect for Rosemary is truly commendable.

I hesitated about whether or not to talk about the thing that had been bothering me lately.

“Uhm, Reynaldo…”

I decided to gather my courage and inform him of what had been troubling me.

“If you hadn’t known that I was Rosemary’s reincarnation, what would you have thought of me?”

As soon as I said it, I was struck with regret.

After a brief silence, Reynaldo took a sip of his tea before turning his gaze toward me.

“That’s a difficult question. If I didn’t know you were my sister’s reincarnation…”

Reynaldo chuckled with a hint of self-deprecation.

“Perhaps I would have treated you with contempt.”

It was an unexpected answer.

“Me?”

“Yes. Do you remember what I said when we first met? How I threatened you to become Prince Risel’s fiancée?”

I remembered it clearly. He brought up my family and attempted to use me as a pawn. It was as if he had forced me to confess that I was Rosemary’s reincarnation because of his actions, which resembled his father’s, and it triggered my anger.

“You must be aware that I have a reputation for being callous. And it’s true. So, if I didn’t know you were Rosemary’s reincarnation, I would have treated you poorly, been disliked by you, and then regretted my actions.”

“Why?”

Having experienced mistreatment before, I understand what it feels like, but I couldn’t fathom why he would regret it.

Reynaldo smiled sadly.

“Perhaps when I truly came to know and love you, you would have already detested me.”

After conveying his words, Reynaldo stood up and moved to sit right next to me, facing me directly.

He came close enough for our noses to almost touch, and then he lightly kissed my ear.

I felt the gentle warmth on my ear, even though it was like a distant sensation.

I touched the ear he had kissed with my fingers and squeezed my voice to call out to Reynaldo, who was still staring at me closely.

“Why, just now…”

I wanted to ask, “Why did you just kiss my ear?” but couldn’t voice the words.

Reynaldo continued to smile softly.

“Why, I wonder…”

That was all he said.