LIGHTNOVELWORLD After Resignation, I Refuse the Obsession from the Male Leads
Chapter 35
I took out the notebook where I had organized the original storyline and looked through it.
“What should I do from now on?” Let’s look at this year… ‘Of course, I have to stop the black magic artifact smuggling. I need to find out which hospital is involved in the smuggling.’ However, this isn’t something that will blow up immediately, so I’ll gather information a little later. ‘What’s urgent right now is the ‘Imperial Palace banquet.” Every year, once the new officials’ department assignments are completed, the Imperial Palace holds a celebratory party. And they invite all the new employees’ families! ‘This is…like the company’s family day.’ Isn’t it a romance version of an event that instills pride in the family unit, saying, ‘My family works at such a great company!’? “The problem is that a fire breaks out here…” The original story is told strictly from the female lead’s point of view. Therefore, parts that the female lead doesn’t know can’t be uncovered even with Mandrake’s power. So the cause of the fire was completely unknown. The only thing I knew was… ‘Didn’t the Grand Duke get into trouble while trying to save the families of the officials?’ That happened early in the banquet, just before the characters entered the hall. ‘Then where would those families be before they enter?’ It would get too crowded if they entered at the same time as the officials or other nobles. Perhaps they were waiting in the lounge, then? “…Okay.” First, should I take a look at the map of the palace? ‘They will likely have a separate waiting room for the attendees near the hall.’ I can’t delay the party itself, but at least I might be able to save the Grand Duke. ‘That way, there won’t be any issues with the male lead’s forces, and the capture of Ceres will likely speed up.’ …And it wouldn’t be a bad idea as a reward for getting to eat tomato soup as a hangover cure. Because I know that the male lead isn’t really pushing his father away because he’s annoyed. “He lives to avenge his family.” After saying that, I looked up at the ceiling. Family. Family. If there’s a clue, isn’t that a good thing? “But why, me.” Why wasn’t I happy when Priest Lumière said I might be of the Saint’s bloodline? ‘Normally, when you start to figure out who your family is, you should feel at least a little happy, right?’ But when I heard that, the first thought that came to my mind was one thing. ‘I want to run away.’ More than anything, I can’t get caught this time. “Why…?” It was a thought I couldn’t quite understand myself, but I was so exhausted that I just fell asleep. …If I had known that the Grand Duke had requested to visit the next day, I probably wouldn’t have slept so well. * * * My mentor can accompany me until the end of my workday, but he can’t interfere until after work. Especially if there are visitors at that time… So, the next evening, in the guest area of the dormitory, I had to welcome the Grand Duke all by myself! The Grand Duke also seemed somewhat awkward. “You must be tired. I feel ashamed to visit so suddenly. My apologies.” “T, that’s not true.” I, too, was so embarrassed that I didn’t know where to put myself. ‘Why did you come here…!’ I just looked like I was crying from a hangover! Why! “My son hates it so much, how could I possibly come during the day?” “Ah, I see. But why me, instead of Senior Carlyle…?” “Ahem, actually, I came to apologize for what happened this morning.” “…Yes?” “I was too hasty and acted foolishly.” “Ah.” I realized what the Grand Duke was saying. [She’s the one you’re supposed to marry, right? Right?] At that moment, I was flustered, but in reality, I had completely forgotten because of the secret of my birth. The Grand Duke shook his head as if he was ashamed. “After sending you off, I thought about it and realized it was quite disrespectful to an unmarried lady. So, I came to meet you in person.” The Grand Duke bowed his head to me. I was taken aback by that sight. ‘A Grand Duke would be from a family almost as high-ranking as the imperial family, right?’ Even though it’s an era where commoners can become officials, there’s no need to go this far… Well, since the Grand Duke doesn’t know that my bloodline is connected to the Saint, let’s put that aside. “I’m sorry, Miss Lowell. Even if it wasn’t unpleasant, please accept my apology.” “N, no. Thank you very much for your words.” I accepted his apology in a daze. At the same time, the attitude of the Magic Knights’ production team came to mind. [It looks like you overslept, considering you didn’t even put on any makeup.] [The stench is driving me crazy.] At that time, I just picked my ear and left. ‘It didn’t hurt at all.’ Because it was something I was used to while living as ‘Layla Lowell.’ And it happened once or twice at work. ‘So it’s okay.’ But now I don’t know. Was I really okay? ‘Ah… I guess not.’ When I heard the apology from the Grand Duke, I realized that I was hurt. And when I received the apology, I felt… Nice. At the same time, I felt a little sorry for the Grand Duke. ‘I thought that he shouldn’t die in order to resign quickly.’ I quietly reflected on that part. Meanwhile, the Grand Duke rambling after the apology. “Sigh. I got too excited because my son was paying attention to someone other than work.” “I guess it’s been a long time since you last saw each other.” “I haven’t seen him much since he left five years ago.” The Grand Duke shook his head as if he was getting angry. “Phew! I have no idea what he’s been doing. He’s had enough, but he keeps going. Such a stubborn, frustrating guy!” “Uhm, my senior lives a life saving many people. Thanks to him, my younger sibling’s life was saved too.” “….” “Aside from that child, twelve others returned safely to their families.” “Ahem.” “I’m sure he’s helped many people even before I joined.” The Grand Duke crossed his arms and looked up at the sky. He then rubbed the bridge of his nose between his eyes and said nothing for a long time. ‘His eyes are red.’ As if trying not to show it, the Grand Duke shouted heartily. “Ahem! M, more than that guy—! Miss Lowell is truly admirable! A hundred times, a thousand times more!” “Yes? Me?” Me, who’s only shown a drunk, pathetic side? But, whether it was just flattery or not, the Grand Duke laughed heartily. “You’re still young, but didn’t you start your career in such a tough department? And you did it so bravely.” “Ah…” “Truly admirable. Of course, Miss Lowell’s parents must be very proud!” The Grand Duke laughed brightly, just like my dead father. I briefly remembered the memory of my juniors giggling about not going to the funeral. But I tried to smile and answer. “…Yes, thank you.” “This is also fate, so if you ever need help, feel free to call on me. And don’t overwork yourself.” Afterward, the Grand Duke said, “I won’t take up too much of your time this evening,” and left. As I watched him walk away, I made a new resolution to myself. ‘Hmm…Let’s work hard.’ I had always intended to do my best, but this time, at the banquet, I would make sure there were no mistakes. * * * On the way back to the Grand Duke, Cedric, who had been waiting in front of the dormitory, observed his master’s expression as he returned after meeting with Layla Lowell. ‘Somehow, he seems to be in a good mood.’ Was meeting Layla Lowell instead of Great Young Master Carlyle helpful? He’s even letting out heavy sighs every 10 minutes, looking disappointed. “Haa. She really is a lady I like….” “Is that so? Even though she’s a commoner, she’s still an official…” “Tsk! If she likes Carlyle, what’s the problem?” The Grand Duke clicked his tongue as if he had heard all the foolish talk. The Lupesque family had always been stubborn about their partners throughout the generations. It was no exaggeration to say, “If it’s not this person, I’ll really die.” ‘It would be a greater act of filial piety to get them married and live happily ever after!’ Those class differences were nothing that couldn’t be resolved with money and brains. And from the beginning, the Grand Duke had liked Layla Lowell as a match for his son. “Haha. And from the moment I heard Lady Lowell’s name, I felt destined for this!” I would greatly appreciate your continued support by leaving a positive rating on NU so I can continue translating this novel. Thank you.
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