Chapter 43……………………………..
The Chancellor of the Imperial University held a position equivalent to a minister. In other words, in the Imperial political sphere, there were fewer than twenty people who could outrank her when considering domestic affairs. Of course, there weren’t many who regarded Rosalyn as a noble after she renounced her title, but being the Chancellor alone was formidable.
“Please, sit here.”
Rosalyn led me to the table at the front and personally pulled out a chair. I nodded with a reluctant expression at her kind gesture.
Instead of sitting herself, Rosalyn took a glass from the table, poured some wine, and handed it to me, wearing an apologetic look.
“I have to participate in the presentations and awards, so I won’t be joining immediately. I’ll come down once it starts. Could you wait just a little until then?”
“Yes, of course.”
It didn’t matter—my purpose in attending wasn’t solely to be with Rosalyn. She brightened at my reply, set the wine bottle on the table, and turned her back. I watched her leave and then slowly raised my glass.
Not too much. Don’t get drunk and make a scene again. The rich scent of grapes and strong alcohol filled my senses as I took a sip. Just then, the chair next to me was pulled. I glanced sideways.
“Miss Lydia, right?”
A striking necklace set with passionate red rubies caught my attention. A woman adorned in colors opposite to mine.
“Sagret… CEO.”
“Just call me Sagret. We’re in the same business; no need for formalities.”
She, too, seemed indifferent to family or titles. I wondered why she came, since she didn’t seem connected to academia. I pushed my curiosity aside and nodded while studying her face.
“You can call me Lydia.”
“Thank you.”
She smiled faintly, then turned and waved to a middle-aged man as if to indicate it was okay to approach. I watched her sit down silently. Sagret, sensing my gaze, raised an eyebrow and added,
“That’s my older brother.”
I didn’t care much, but I opened my mouth slightly in admiration.
“He’s handsome.”
“Not at all. I’m a worthless man who flirts with woman after woman. He’s already had three wives because of that. Now that I’m divorced again, a fourth might come along.”
“…….”
I wasn’t sure how to respond to her blunt family criticism. Criticizing family at first meeting… really.
“I’ve always been like this. I’m extremely cold when evaluating people. No exceptions for family or friends.”
Sagret smiled faintly, as if reading my expression, and continued.
“Ah… I see.”
“In that sense, aren’t you curious about my evaluation of Lydia?”
Not particularly.
“Until recently, I considered Lydia just a lucky amateur. Surprised?”
What surprised me more was that she said it openly to my face.
“A nouveau riche with no skill who just happened to be in the right place at the right time… that was my evaluation.”
“Is that so?”
“Sorry if that offended you.”
She said “sorry” after already stating it bluntly. I just nodded reluctantly. She had a talent for leaving people speechless.
Sagret smiled again.
“But after seeing you throw ten thousand platinum coins recently, my evaluation changed.”
She slowly brought her finger to her lower lip, lifting the corner of her mouth.
“You’re a woman who knows how to play.”
A woman who “knows how to play”? Like, she does things decisively when needed?
It wasn’t entirely significant; evaluations are made by others, and I didn’t place much weight on them. But hearing it aloud in front of me was different. Narrowing my eyes, Sagret waved her hand.
“I’m not criticizing you. I just wanted to say that.”
“…Say what?”
Sagret leaned closer with a sly smile and whispered quietly.
“How about that painting?”
“….”
So that was her goal all along.
Elian and this woman—how could they be so similar? I closed my eyes, leaned back in my chair, and let out a sigh.
Ignoring Sagret’s repeated inquiry, I spoke calmly.
“That was lost. Didn’t you hear?”
“What? Lost?”
“Yes. Apparently, a daring criminal ambushed the carriage carrying the painting and stole it. No one expected an attack on a carriage bearing the Imperial crest. There were so many attackers that four knights couldn’t handle them. Amazing, right?”
“…Indeed.”
I rubbed my chin, watching her admiration, and tried to continue, but Sagret spoke again.
“It just proves that a nude portrait of Crown Prince Berthasilin is so remarkable it could make even an Imperial carriage a target.”
“….”
So it was the painting that was remarkable? The thought that just a face could blind women with infatuation was frightening. Wouldn’t jealousy flare if he ever married?
“…Anyway, that’s what happened. I didn’t get to see the painting either.”
“That’s unfortunate. You paid a lot.”
“The Imperial household said they’d return it… but I said it’s fine.”
Sagret glanced at me. I met her gaze without speaking. Why was she looking like that?
Tilting my head slightly, I saw her eyes soften and her lips slowly part. Her voice flowed, as if she understood.
“You’re no ordinary person.”
“What do you mean?”
“You paid without asking for a refund despite not obtaining what you invested in… ten thousand platinum coins. Even most nobles couldn’t spend that carelessly.”
She continued cheerfully.
“You’re a gambler.”
“A gambler?”
“The point isn’t the painting itself, but making the Imperial family indebted to you.”
“….”
Not really. I hadn’t intended that; I just didn’t explain why I didn’t need it. Sagret’s ability to deduce and judge was impressive. Her eyes sparkled.
“I underestimated you. Your rapid growth isn’t luck. It’s all thanks to your exceptional judgment.”
Sagret extended her hand. I awkwardly shook it as she bowed seriously.
“Sagret Harnon. Few people know my full name. Only those I acknowledge may know it. You are worthy of it.”
“You flatter me…”
“I look forward to your growth. If Lydia ever needs help, think of me. Wherever my hands and feet can reach, I will help you.”
“….”
Not really necessary… it’s just a misunderstanding.
Explaining it in detail would be silly, and denying her seriousness would feel awkward. I simply nodded, signaling I understood.
Sagret stretched with a satisfied expression as I glanced toward the stage. The ceremony had begun.
Applause filled the hall as Rosalyn appeared, gracefully greeting everyone, her practiced smile sweeping over the crowd. Our eyes met briefly; her lips and eyes twitched slightly.
She looked at me kindly, then addressed the audience.
“Thank you all for attending the Imperial University Chancellor’s presentations and awards. All of you are outstanding, so rather than explaining in detail, it’s better to show you directly.”
Rosalyn clapped twice and turned. A table with a large orb was brought forward. Placing her hand on it, the ring on her finger lit up, shooting a beam into the air to create a projection.
Oh, fascinating. Like a projector?
The light from her ring displayed a brief introduction to the ceremony. Rosalyn summarized the schedule instead of pointing out every detail.
“…Finally, we will award those with the most outstanding achievements in each field over the past year, then conclude. Afterward, there will be a party, and your presence will be appreciated.”
She removed her hand, and the light disappeared. Rosalyn bowed to the audience.
“Then, let’s begin.”
“How was that? Pretty impressive, right?”
Rosalyn, smiling brightly as she sat beside me, seemed completely different from the authoritative figure on stage. This woman… is she really dangerous?
Having seen her in perfect sync with Teferi, it felt odd. How to describe it… like having a tamed wild animal by my side?
Without Teferi’s introduction, if we’d met purely through my request, we probably wouldn’t have had this intimacy. Perhaps it would have been purely professional, or even less than that.
Thinking this way, Rosalyn’s kindness didn’t feel simple. And Sagret, wearing a sly smile behind me, caught my attention.
While I was responding to Rosalyn, a well-mannered man approached and whispered to her. Her expression seemed to stiffen slightly. After he left, Rosalyn gave me an apologetic look.
“I’ll be right back. Something came up.”
“Go ahead.”
I watched her leave, feeling a strange sense about her. I rubbed my chin and narrowed my eyes.
Sagret, seeing an opportunity, brightened her eyes like a wolf.
“I was surprised you came in together earlier… could it be that you’ve tamed the notoriously fierce Chancellor Rosalyn?”
“…?”
Notorious? Tamed? I frowned at her phrasing, which seemed to define my relationship with Rosalyn like a trainer.
Sagret noticed my expression and shook her head.
“Oh, I’m not criticizing. It’s just the first time I’ve seen a cold, indifferent witch smile so warmly. Most people would agree, I think.”
She cast her gaze around, as if seeking agreement. Several people at the table nodded as if waiting for her words.
