Chapter 30
“…How could we possibly be the same as His Grace the Duke.”
Another attendant cautiously interjected. At his words, Sia snapped her head around with an audible sound and boldly approached him. This time, too, she stopped at a reasonable distance and began persuading them logically. Or so she thought…
“What’s different? If you’re both werebeasts, you can both get sick and tired the same way.”
“But…”
“Honestly, if anything, Lord Nox would be even more exhausted than you—never less. Maybe you don’t realize it, but being in charge of approvals isn’t as easy as you think. It’s not just about stamping documents.”
Honestly, she didn’t really know herself. You’d have to be the boss to understand.
But recalling all the stories she’d been forced to listen to from her company president at every work dinner, she continued,
“It means he reviews everything you’ve already checked, and only then does he give his approval. Can you imagine how busy his mind must be? Don’t you think so?”
“…We didn’t realize.”
“How could you not realize that?”
“……”
The attendants could say nothing more. In truth, they liked working here… if only it weren’t for the ominous reputation of their master.
They had never once considered they might be fired from this job, but now, a faint anxiety crept in. What if someone else was hired because they weren’t good enough?
“So, have some cold tea and try to pick up the pace. I’ll say it again—at your current speed, it’s just not enough. Got it? Quick and accurate!”
Preaching the Korean ppalli-ppalli (hurry, hurry) spirit, Sia left the office with a refreshed expression.
Nox, who had simply watched in silence, burst out laughing as soon as she was gone.
“Ha, haha!”
At his clear laughter, the attendants’ eyes widened as they all turned to look at him.
“Pfft, haha…”
It was the first time they had ever seen Nox laugh. And to see him laugh so heartily, clutching his stomach—it actually looked natural, just like anyone else.
They’d always regarded him as an ill omen and had never truly looked at him. The attendants felt an uncomfortable stirring inside.
They didn’t have to say it. They all knew it was guilt.
***
Having finished his work, Nox was enjoying the evening air before sunset. Ever since Sia had scolded the attendants, their work pace had changed. Nox, having finished all his tasks for the day, sent them home early and enjoyed the empty office in peace.
“Why is it so simple now?”
She was just as black-haired as he was, yet she was so confident. Even though she’d been so scared when he first brought her here.
“……”
He realized that lately, he was always thinking about Sia. How could he not?
“My only companion.”
She had become a steadfast ally, something even Cedric could not provide. She defended his place today, even if it meant giving the others a piece of her mind.
Sitting in his desk chair, he stood and walked to the window. When he opened it, a faintly warm breeze drifted in.
He saw the roses in bloom in the garden—and Sia, busy among them.
She’d probably pick a good rose to put in a vase and bring it to him. She’d been doing that every day lately.
He scratched the window frame with his fingertips. For some reason, his throat burned unbearably.
A feeling he couldn’t yet define seemed like it might tear out of his chest at any moment, and he was afraid.
In the distance, he heard the sound of light footsteps. With hearing keener than most werebeasts, he knew right away that it was Sia.
Unable to let her see him as he was, Nox ran a hand over his face, then slipped into the secret room of the office and transformed into his animal form.
When he reemerged at a leisurely pace, Sia had already arrived.
“Huh? Where did Lord Nox go?”
Finding no one there, Sia tilted her head and approached Nox’s desk. As he’d expected, she set down a vase filled with a freshly picked rose and quietly walked over—then noticed the black cat rubbing against her legs.
“Oh, my baby!”
Thanks to the black cat who visited her every day lately, Sia’s smile was full of happiness. By then, the sun had set, and cool air filled the office. Sia sat for a moment on the office sofa, stroking the handsome black cat.
Nox let out a small sigh and relaxed into her warm touch. He couldn’t think about anything else anymore.
And even more so, he could no longer imagine life without her.
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