Chapter 41 (1/2)

Chapter 41

His searching gaze stopped at my hand. When I looked at it, I could see the badge sticking out of the pocket I was fiddling with.

I was a little embarrassed, so I quickly hid it behind my back.

“Do you think you’re going to graduate?”

“I don’t know. I did my best, but…”

“They’ll be satisfied if it’s your best. It’s done, then. Let’s go on a journey together. It’s a fun trip, so it won’t be boring.”

“…What?”

“You said you’re done with your studies, right?”

That was true…

My heart pounded. I didn’t think he’d take me on for the job so soon. Was it okay to carry out such a long schedule as an acting secretary? I didn’t even have a proper diploma yet.

When the emperor saw my face, he uncrossed his arms and patted my head. I was surprised at the unexpected gesture, but it didn’t offend me.

“I’ll hand in my assignment tomorrow morning and join you right away.

“Would that be all right?”

“Yeah.”

“Wow, you agreed so quickly, I’m not used to you acting like a loyal and obedient hound.”

“What are you talking about? You keep comparing me to a dog.”

“And when we get back, we have to go straight to the party, so I think it’s better to pack the clothes for then and bring them with us.”

Clothes?

Feeling ominous at the words, I glanced outside the door. I didn’t forget the embarrassment when a box the size of my body was delivered to the front of the room.

“If you say clothes… I’m fine with what you gave me last time.”

“No.”

“What?”

“Don’t you know that the clothes of my subordinates represent me?”

Easy for him to say. The emperor was the owner of a sculpted body like no other, one that could wear any outfit beautifully. Besides, he had a handsome face thanks to his excellent genes, perfect for attracting beautiful women.

But before I could say no, I heard someone knocking on the door.

This time, it wasn’t just one box. There was a hanger full of clothes. And on either side of it, men and women with tape measures and lace samples hanging on their arms were smiling broadly, followed by a jeweler who had all sorts of boxes in his arms.

I glanced at Serena in front of them, then looked at all the attendants in turn. Although Golddina and this empire’s items had some differences according to regional characteristics, I could tell easily that the material I had in front of me was shockingly expensive.

They were exquisite things.

‘So, instead of me fine-tuning my homework, you’re telling me to measure this tired body, choose a fabric, and choose accessories?’

That wasn’t easy.

I wanted to look at the emperor with resentful eyes, but I found that I couldn’t make myself annoyed. He then let the seamstresses in himself and helped them bring the fabrics into the room.

He always decided everything himself and only gave notice afterward. Of course, I couldn’t complain too much to a man of his position, but would it be so hard for him to tell me in advance? Probably. He might as well have given me a little bit of decision-making power.

I bit back my pout. I had to get used to serving the emperor without complaint.

Serena, the one who led them in, stopped looking at my room and looked at me with stern eyes.

“Haha, hello, Serena.”

“In the lady’s room… I’ve told you so many times that anyone who works in the palace should lead a clean and quiet life, so what is all this?”

“Haha… I know.”

I wish I’d had time to sort things out.

The emperor listened to Serena’s nagging and looked at me with laughter in his eyes, then disappeared.

After a long scolding, I managed to get myself measured. It was a very hard task.

They had so many questions about the lining, the exterior, the seams, and the fabric and decorations and ribbons on each part. However, I couldn’t hear it properly because I didn’t sleep well for a few days because of my homework. Having found it difficult to answer the repeated question of “Which is better between the two?” they decided to take matters into their own hands.

I raised my arms as they told me to, like a broken doll. I put my hair down, then up, and then I started to doze off. Before I fell asleep, I heard a faint clicking sound.

Fortunately, I was in bed when I managed to open my eyes in the morning. I didn’t remember how, but I must’ve found my way onto the bed by instinct.

The books and papers in the room were still a mess. It must have been difficult for Serena to leave it as it was, but since I was so exhausted and fell asleep, she had no choice but to endure it.

I had been indebted to her since I first arrived at this palace. I didn’t want to be branded as a lousy person who didn’t even know how to value the privilege of working at the palace.

Besides, I had been a slave, and yet I was enjoying all the benefits of attending the academy.