kscans

Chapter 5 - The Troublesome Daily Life of Court Service

Litt yawned.

"Please compose yourself. We are about to meet with Court Secretary-General Bald."

"I know, I know."

Wiping the tears from the corners of his eyes, Litt walked down the passage.

Soft afternoon light streamed in through the large windows.

Rose-colored columns were adorned with gold. The contrast between the sunlight and the shadows of the pillars was stark. With each step, the three white eagle feathers on Litt's chest flashed.

"Is that not heavy?"

Litt asked, looking back.

"It's fine. It's large, but it's lighter than books."

Touli held up the ebony letter box he was carrying, which was large enough to require both arms.

The lid was tied with a golden ribbon, and the red wax seal holding it in place bore his master's crest.

"A reliable attendant."

Touli puffed out his chest with pride.

A glamorous party appeared from the other end of the passage. Litt looked up to the heavens.

There was only one path.

Magnificent tapestries depicting grasslands adorned the walls. There were no rooms to escape into.

"...We shall yield the path. We will blend peacefully into the background."

At his master's words, Touli quickly moved to stand beneath a decorative tapestry. With a natural gesture, Litt swept aside his rank mantle and yielded the way to the approaching group. He bowed his head slightly.

"Oh my?"

Valona, hiding her mouth with an ostrich fan, stopped. Her three handmaidens followed suit.

"Those three feathers on your chest. And that braided ponytail. You wouldn't be Lord Raoul's favorite, Lord Liton, would you?"

Only Touli heard the soft click of his master's tongue.

"The laurel tree that supports the celestial silver, the great wings that dwell in the sacred pillar. To be addressed by you, the treasured jewel of the Philbard Ducal family, Lady Valona, is a true honor indeed. I am Litt Liton, appointed as a First-Class Court Secretary by His Majesty."

Placing a hand on his chest, Litt performed a nobleman's bow. Valona shamelessly looked him up and down, from head to toe.

"For one without a title, you seem to have some manners."

Flap, flap. Valona fanned herself with the ostrich fan.

"You there. I hear you undertake the writing of love letters as a side business."

Litt smiled with terrifying gentleness.

"It is merely a hobby, my lady."

"A hobby in between writing night party invitations?"

Litt's jade eyes narrowed. A flash of white teeth.

"You knew? It was I, unworthy as I am, who was commanded to do so by His Highness Raoul."

"Is my invitation completed yet?"

Valona pressed closer.

"Now, I wonder about that."

Litt placed a hand over his mouth and turned his body to the side as if in thought, creating distance.

"Don't tease me so. You wicked man."

She hid her face with her fan, peering out with just her eyes. A perfect, coy upward glance.

"Hahaha. You see, the guest list is quite extensive."

At his master's frivolous smile, Touli couldn't help but scowl. It was disrespectful in front of a duchess's daughter, but to Valona, a mere attendant was beneath her notice.

"I simply cannot wait for it to arrive. Do you have it with you?"

"All completed invitations have been delivered to Court Secretary-General Bald. I imagine they are already being prepared for dispatch. Please wait just a little longer."

"The only ones who can make me wait are members of the Royal Family."

"My radiant lady."

Suddenly, Litt moved closer, his voice a whisper in Valona's ear.

"—Haste makes waste, you know."

Stared at from such a close distance by Litt's jade eyes, Valona was at a loss for words. A clear, incomparable color like jade. A mesmerizing abyss, different from any other green eyes.

"My apologies. That was the perfect distance for whispering sweet nothings, wasn't it?"

He offered a transparent apology for his rudeness.

Valona, who had been mesmerized by Litt's eyes, snapped back to her senses. She quickly gathered her pride and lifted her chin haughtily.

"V-very well. You are Lord Raoul's favorite, after all. I shall overlook a minor impoliteness."

"I thank you for your generous heart."

As the charade continued, Touli's face remained grim.

"Ah, by the way,"

Valona asked.

"This grand night party hosted by the Royal Family. How many guests will there be?"

"Let me see. Two or three hundred... no. I believe it will be more than that."

Litt feigned ignorance, but Valona's eyes lit up.

"Oh, how wonderful! To be invited to such a magnificent and prestigious night party."

"Indeed,"

Litt replied with a polite smile.

"But. I am worried."

Suddenly demure, Valona placed a hand on her cheek. Her three handmaidens chirped with concern.

"What is the matter, Lady Valona?"

"What troubles you? Your fiancé, Lord Tagi, will be in attendance."

"That's right. No matter what happens, His Highness will protect you."

Tilting her head, Valona gave a faint smile.

"Thank you, all of you."

She let out a sorrowful sigh.

"The reason my heart is not at ease is—"

She folded her fan and tapped it against her right shoulder, a coquettish gesture.

"I am worried that an ignorant little bird might wander into this glamorous Royal Castle."

"Oh, my,"

the three handmaidens gasped. Litt looked up at the ceiling.

"...Oh, Moon Goddess (Kuna). Please lower the curtain of night this instant,"

he muttered under his breath.

"...You can't hide even at night. The wolves will follow,"

Touli caught his lament.

"...Can't be helped. I'll have to use you as a decoy."

"...I'd rather not."

"...Your turn isn't until later."

Litt deliberately bumped into Touli.

"Oops! Ah, that's right. I'm keeping Court Secretary-General Bald waiting."

You're making a fine decoy out of me right now! Litt brushed aside Touli's piercing gaze with a wave of his hand and gave Valona a bow.

"I shall take my leave now. Good day, my lovely lady."

With his long legs, Litt elegantly strode past them. A magnificent gait. Touli hurried after him in a light jog.

"W-wait!"

Valona called out.

Still facing forward, Litt's mouth formed a grim line. What a pain, was written all over his face.

"Yes?"

Litt turned around with a perfect smile.

"...Scary."

Touli muttered at the sudden transformation.

"Is there an invitation for Viscount Scott?"

"I wonder. You see, the guest list is quite extensive."

"Stop feigning ignorance and answer me!"

"Pardon me, my lady Duke's daughter. The only ones who can make me wait are members of the Royal Family."

"What?!"

Leaving the speechless Valona behind, Litt did not look back again.