The Low-Ranking Civil Servant Wants to Achieve Success-Chapter 50: 4. Kibon Altess’s Situation

That version of the story swept through the palace like wildfire.

“Is it true? His Highness really got dumped?”

Of course, Kiaros—already disguised in Kibon Altess’s form and commuting to work—heard that, too.

As he passed through the gardens, he spotted his aide surrounded by people.

“Is it really true? He shut himself away and stopped eating after getting rejected that hard?”

People bombarded the aide with questions.

“I can’t say anything,” the aide replied firmly, standing tall with a solemn face. “Because I sincerely respect His Highness and swore loyalty to him.”

He continued, dead serious.

“I’ll never speak of how carefully His Highness prepared everything, nor how I deftly handled the aftermath once it failed. Not even if you put a blade to my throat. So don’t ask me again.”

None of this helped Kiaros.

On the contrary, the crowd only grew more shocked and animated.

“...He... prepared something?”

“Oh my god, so that’s why he went into seclusion...”

Though already disguised, Kiaros instinctively ducked behind a tree.

It was his first time experiencing the emotion known as “utter embarrassment.”

Still, he was a rational, mentally sound Dragonblood. So he forced himself to think calmly—and positively.

‘Well, at least this covers up the ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) real reason for my retreat. Honestly, it worked out. It’s fine. Truly, wonderfully fine.’

Once he removed emotion from the equation, it didn’t seem like such a bad situation.

‘Of course, I still don’t know why Namia rejected me in the first place.’

That mystery remained unsolved.

He walked slowly toward the Scroll Department.

‘I mean, I have been unusually busy lately. And now that His Majesty is back, it’s a good time to take a break. Monitoring department staff won’t be too hard...’

And so, when he showed up for his second shift at the Scroll Department—

The few remaining employees looked dazed.

No one paid any attention to the returning intern.

That’s how shocked they all were by the department’s restructuring.

“Welcome.”

Only Namia, now seated in the Minister’s chair, greeted him with a radiant smile.

‘Huh?’

It was the first time he’d seen Namia smile like that. Kiaros felt like he’d been hit over the head.

Had her smile always been this pretty?

Her silver hair, neatly tied up in a bun, her tidy uniform... and above all, those crescent-moon eyes, sparkling with warm light.

“I’m so, so, so, so glad you came back.”

Her face was filled with genuine delight.

“Really... I can’t thank you enough for coming back.”

Something stirred deep in Kiaros’s chest.

And to think, he’d once grumbled about not being able to carry her bags, to the one person who’d cared about him like this...

She continued kindly,

“Kibon, you’ll be working as my secretary for the time being.”

Kiaros stared blankly at her face.

A woman who might be a spy... or might be a loyal ally.

A savior... or a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Being her secretary meant they’d be glued together.

‘If she’s the enemy, it’s the perfect chance to monitor her. If she’s an ally, it’s the perfect chance to protect her.’

All in all, not bad. Kiaros nodded without hesitation.

Seeing that, Namia said with a look of pity,

Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freewebnσvel.cøm.

“I promise. The Scroll Department is going to be so different from before. This time, please stay for a long while.”

She even clasped his hand tightly.

“I was so scared... thinking you might disappear again after just one day...”

She looked terribly fragile.

Had it hurt her that much when he quit before? Even if she hadn’t shown it?

Kiaros, touched despite himself, nodded solemnly.

“No matter what happens, I’ll complete the full term. I swear.”

“Ooh, I like that. A vow.”

Suddenly, Namia’s smile deepened—and somehow turned a little eerie, her eyes flashing unnaturally as she added:

“You must keep that vow. With your life, your honor, and your homeland on the line.”

W-Wait.

...Isn’t that a little extreme?