Chapter 260: Am I Liked by Eccentrics?
Chapter 260: Am I Liked by Eccentrics?
[A/N: I added Milestones Chapter. There you can see the milestones for bonus Chapters!]The audience itself ended without incident, yet something lingered—an aftertaste, or perhaps residual tension. It must have shown on my face.
"Ambassador Marie, are you all right?"
The Duke asked in a tone that was more amused than genuinely concerned.
"I’m just... so tired..."
I had done nothing at all, yet the tension had been so intense that the moment it ended, exhaustion crashed over me. I trudged along behind the Duke like a wilted plant. Today I only wanted to return to the embassy and sleep. Rudolf, thoughtfully, had left the entire day free of appointments. The last time I had been this nervous was probably the executive interview for my first job back in the old world.
As I walked with heavy steps, a voice called from behind.
"Ambassador Marie, wait."
It was a voice I recognized—arrogant and high-handed. I had a bad feeling, but since I had been stopped I turned around. There stood Hütter, the head of the Royal Magic Division. Beside me the Duke clicked his tongue. He actually clicked his tongue! Was a duke allowed to do that in public? His face was painted with open displeasure.
"Is there something you need, Lord Hütter?"
This division head’s face was unpleasant. First of all, those eyes—please stop glaring at people like that. Even children know it’s rude to stare so openly. At least he didn’t have the stereotypical unshaven stubble...
"Ambassador Marie, come to my room."
Just like that—come. No explanation, only an order. Not even an honorific. Why did he radiate such a small-fry aura? If someone called me a brat I couldn’t really argue, but still.
"I see. Then I shall return. Ambassador Marie, feel free to stop by Division Head Hütter’s room on your way."
The Duke’s voice was ice-cold. Why? When I reached for his arm he brushed it away!
"Ask Division Head Hütter to arrange a carriage for your return. I myself am busy, so I will take my leave. Ambassador Marie, good day."
The Duke performed a crisp about-face and walked off without another word. Left behind were only Hütter and me. What am I supposed to do now?
"Follow me."
Hütter turned his back and started walking. I had no choice but to trail after him.
I trotted along like a puppy following its master on a walk.
"U-um..."
I tried calling out, but he did not turn.
"What?"
"What business do you have with me? You once called me smelly. Won’t inviting me into your room make your room smell?"
"Hoh. I didn’t expect you to care about that."
He snorted through his nose.
"Well... normally one would care. If someone tells you that you smell, you feel you should do something about it."