Civil Servant in a Romance Fantasy - Chapter 996



996 – The New Century – 3

It seems that sooner or later, a strange rumor will begin to haunt the institution like a ghost.

Rumor has it that the Inspector General and the Duke of Majong are walking around the island together? It is noteworthy that they are walking together as big shots, but walking by nobles is a relatively common occurrence in the island.

Rumor has it that not only the couple but also their 5-year-old daughters went for a walk together? This is an element that can show off a harmonious family, and not a story worth telling.

Then, the rumor that Titi, Juni, Mane, and Mine went for a walk together? Surprisingly, the nobility and citizens of the island are very tolerant of animals walking, so this is not even worth discussing. The active work of Titi and the saints was enough to make the island an animal-friendly city.

However, there was only one reason why I was certain that a ghost would appear to shake up the system.

“Trixie. May I come in?”

“…….”

“That, Trixie. Horses and cows are friends of humans, just the same. It’s no different than riding a horse.”

“…….”

The fact that Trixie is riding around the island on a cow thanks to the triplets is so impressive. It’s because the image of an elf riding a cow that hasn’t yet been reborn as an adult is so impressive.

There is nothing wrong with a couple walking, a family walking, or an animal walking. But when all of that is combined into one, and a noble duke rides an ox instead of a horse or carriage, isn’t it a bit too much to look at?

Because of that, Tricky kept her head down throughout the walk. After returning to the mansion, she went into her room and showed no reaction.

‘I’m awake…’

I knocked on the door and ended up smiling bitterly.

First of all, judging by the rather heavy breathing from beyond the door, it seems that Tricky has not fainted or teleported away. She is simply keeping quiet to suppress her shame.

That’s why I’m wondering. Should I try to appease Tricky a little more, or should I give her some time to be alone for now?

‘I wonder if it would be better to leave it alone.’

I thought about it quickly and came to a conclusion.

Yeah, let’s leave her alone for a few hours. Even if I were Tricky, I’d want to be alone right now. No matter how much I love my family, I wouldn’t have the courage to see them, so I’d keep my distance.

“If you need anything, just let me know through the communication port. I’ll get it right away.”

With those words, he carefully left the room.

I don’t know if I should call it a blessing, but Tricky’s seclusion happened very naturally. Thanks to the lie that she was ‘suddenly struck by magical inspiration and was researching,’ no one suspected Tricky’s seclusion.

Even our triplets. I was worried that the triplets would panic or cry at their mother’s presence, but fortunately, no such disaster occurred.

I wonder if it’s really a blessing, but let’s consider it a blessing anyway.

“…knife.”

The moment I thought that, I heard the door opening and Tricky’s sad voice.

“Tomorrow… let’s go to Servet together. Let’s see how much preparation is being done for the retirement ceremony…”

Then the door closed again.

It was a one-sided notice that didn’t even give me time to respond, but it was okay. At least it meant that my stay would end tomorrow. It was a declaration that I would just stay in my room today to collect my thoughts and resume going out.

‘thank you.’

My eyes naturally warmed at the truly great decision.

Even after suffering such humiliation, he tried to overcome it in just one day. As expected, the greatest wizard on the continent is different no matter what.

Today, I must admit that the Inspector Naburang is inferior to the noble wizard. Even I, the best swordsman on the continent, would have cried for three days if I had ridden an ox and roamed the island.

…

‘I can’t help it.’

I walked away after seeing Trixie (who was visiting) make a great decision.

If the wife has made up her mind, as a husband, I cannot remain silent. Isn’t it the husband’s duty and right to share in his wife’s burden even a little?

“Junior.”

– Hmm?

I approached Junie, who was resting while repeating those words,

“Do you want to go for a walk with me later?”

I cautiously suggested a second walk.

The rumor that Ma Jong-gong rode an ox? Cover that up with the rumor that the Inspector General rode an ox. Make it seem like it wasn’t just Tricky who committed the atrocities, but that the couple did it together.

Also, if two people, not just one, commit an outrage, it becomes a surprise and a trend, not just an outrage. If you ride around in a Juni for a few weeks, you’ll think, ‘Oh, the inspector general is into cows these days.’

– Oh my!

At my tearful suggestion, Junie, who had been lying face down, suddenly sat up and waggled her tail.

Looking at his momentum, it looks like he’ll be running around the island dozens of times with me on his back.

‘He’s a great husband.’

He stroked Junie’s head and smiled bitterly.

If someone were to ask me how far I would go for my wife, I would gladly say that I would throw away my pride and become a cow-rider.

From today onwards, the Northern Grand Duke of this world will not be a prince riding a white horse, but a black man riding a calf.

As promised, I moved to the Duchy of Servet with Tricky.

“Welcome, Your Majesty the Duke! Your Majesty the King!”

And as always, the first person to welcome us was the Count of Sicilla, the head of the Duchy of Servette.

At this point, it’s surprising. He must be the busiest person in the Duchy of Servette, but how does he get greeted nine times out of ten? Does he tend to work outdoors rather than in his office?

“There’s no need to come out here to greet me. What Servette needs right now is you, not me.”

“Your Majesty, how can you say such a thing? This Servet can prosper only because of your presence, and the honor and authority I enjoy are by your permission! If I, who am so obliged to your Majesty, who will devote myself to Servet?”

“I see.”

Trixie seemed to have the same thoughts as me, and opened her mouth softly, but was immediately met with a passionate response.

In fact, it must be because of such passion that one can lead a duchy. If one lacked even one of ability, passion, and sense of responsibility, how could one lead one of the five pillars of the empire?

‘May that heart remain forever.’

I looked at Count Sicilla with pleased eyes without realizing it.

Considering the age of the Count of Sicilla, it would be cruel to ask him to serve as the butler until Maria becomes the duke. However, I will perform my duties as the butler well while I serve as the duke’s deputy.

I certainly believe so. I have faith in the health and abilities of the Count of Sicilla.

“I am doing it, Your Majesty.”

“Why is that?”

“I’ve heard some rather unusual rumors from the system.”

Tricky’s ears twitched at those words.

I know what you’re worried about, but don’t worry. The rumors Count Sicilla heard were probably different from the ones Tricky was worried about.

“That’s, uh… Your Majesty.”

Count Sicilla, who had been silent for a moment, turned his gaze to me. Although he had opened his mouth, it seemed as if he was debating whether he should continue talking.

“You can speak comfortably. If you have something to say, it’s better to hear it from the head butler.”

At my words, Count Sicilla closed his eyes quietly,

“It is said that His Majesty the King rode an ox and galloped through the city of Jedo.”

“Uh, huh?”

I have proven my desperate love for my wife.

“There’s also a story that he cleaned the cow’s hooves at the square fountain, but this has not been confirmed─”

“That’s true. There was a lot of dirt on it, so I cleaned it up a bit. It really liked it.”

I spoke as calmly as I could, but both Trixie and Count Sicilla looked at me with their mouths shut.

‘Okay.’

I did it. Judging from the fact that Count Sicilla only mentioned me in rumors, I succeeded in monopolizing Trixie’s shame beyond sharing it.

A spectacle of riding a cow and personally cleaning the cow’s hooves. If such a wondrous sight were to unfold, the rumors about Tricky would quickly die down. Even if someone were to mention Tricky, the response would be, “I heard that the Minister was galloping through the city. Did you mistake the Minister for His Excellency, not His Excellency Majonggong?”

That’s fine. If you saved Tricky’s face at the cost of my reputation, I’d be happier.

…

‘pup.’

Of course, the fact that rumors about me and not about Tricky spread only because of someone’s intervention is possible. No matter how much I run wild, it’s impossible to draw the aggro of all the citizens of the island.

And there is only one person in the empire who can control and guide the information of the system. It is none other than the Sun Warrior.

‘I bet it was controlled very well.’

As soon as I heard the news of Trixie’s victory, I rode the ox and galloped away. I can only imagine how much the Emperor must have laughed and ordered information control.

It’s a ruined but grateful baby.

“I plan to ride Junie often in the future. There is a sense of stability that cows provide that horses don’t.”

I suppressed my bitterness and ended the conversation appropriately.

Now that we’ve established that Tricky’s honor has been preserved, there’s no need to dwell on this subject.

***

There was a small uproar, but I was able to report to His Majesty the Duke and His Royal Highness the progress of the retirement ceremony preparations.

Fortunately, thanks to the Katoban vassals coming together as one and working together, the retirement ceremony was prepared perfectly. It was so perfect that anyone would nod their head, not just because I was the head of the household.

This is a matter that requires all your effort for the sake of Catoban and Servet. It is the day when His Majesty, who has reigned for over a hundred years, literally a century, steps down and a new century begins. If we were to decorate such a monumental day in vain, we would not have the face to face our ancestors when we die.

“I heard that each of the dukes, who are aware of Your Majesty’s retirement, are writing congratulatory speeches. Considering Your Majesty’s dignity, it has been decided that the congratulatory speeches will be read by the four dukes themselves, rather than by representatives.”

“That is truly a blessing.”

“It must all be thanks to the favors Your Majesty has shown to your dukedom.”

After bowing my head to His Majesty the Duke, who smiled gently, I then reported to His Majesty the King.

“Furthermore, after the congratulatory address, His Majesty the Duke will ascend the podium to receive the Duke of Servette’s seal from His Majesty the Duke. A flag bearing His Majesty’s personal coat of arms will also be presented to him during the process.”

“Well, I’ll remember that.”

The corners of my mouth went up at the sight of His Majesty nodding his head indifferently.

Now, I really felt that it was right in front of me. I really felt that the owner of Katoban would change while I was alive, and that a new duke would reign, even if it was only a proxy.

From noble mtl dot com

‘It’s a glorious thing.’

I have lived to see the Duke’s wedding and the birth of his daughters, and now I have seen his retirement, which has been a heavy burden.

I’m worried that when I die and go to heaven, my father will be jealous.