Chapter 100: The Art of Delegation (and Deception)
"...W-Was something supposed to happen?" Emory’s hesitant voice cut through the silence, somehow oddly calm.
I blinked, snapping out of my thoughts. "Ah, no, it’s nothing," I said, shaking my head. "I just thought you might be uncomfortable with... well, you know what I mean. But I guess I was worried for nothing."
Emory tilted his head slightly, his hair catching the dim light. His expression was unreadable, but there was no tension in his posture—no sign of distress.
Strange.
My gaze flicked to Nolan, who was now aggressively mopping the same spot on the floor, his crimson eyes narrowed in concentration—or irritation? His earlier arrogance had dimmed, replaced by something almost resembling... obedience?
No way.
What is happening here?
I suppressed a frown, glancing at Emory again.
How did the spoiled prince manage to work just fine beside Emory?
Two possibilities surfaced in my mind:
1. He used his ability on Emory.
Most likely. Nolan had already demonstrated his willingness to manipulate humans for convenience. Emory’s sudden ease around him was suspicious.
2. They actually talked and became acquaintances.
Highly unlikely. Emory was skittish around strangers, and Nolan’s personality wasn’t exactly welcoming.
So, I studied Nolan more closely, noting the way his jaw clenched every time Emory spoke. There was no glazed look in Emory’s eyes, no unnatural compliance—just his usual quiet demeanor.
If Nolan had used his ability, wouldn’t Emory be more... dazed?
Unless Nolan’s control was subtler than I thought. Or he had already cancelled his ability.
Kai, perched on Emory’s shoulder, caught my stare and winked.
?
What did it mean by that? I thought inwardly, but couldn’t understand it this time.
Anyway, since no harm was done, it should be fine now, right?
"Alright," I said, stepping toward Nolan. "Let me help you then, Honorary Custodian."
Nolan spun around so fast the mop nearly flew out of his hands. His crimson eyes widened slightly before he quickly shook his head—almost terrified at the suggestion.
"I—I’ll do it myself," he said, voice uncharacteristically stiff. "...Thanks."
"O-oh, alright. It’s all yours."
I backed away, eyebrows raised. What the hell happened to the prince?
Was he really... enjoying this? Is it because of his cleaning complex? Or was this another layer of his pride, refusing to share menial labor like it was beneath him?
Well, whatever it is, it’s working out for me.
My body ached from the day’s training, my limbs heavy with exhaustion. If not for sheer stubbornness and my strong body and mind, I’d have collapsed the moment I stepped into the shop.
But I couldn’t rest yet—not while Nolan was still here, unsupervised. Emory might seem fine now, but leaving them alone was too risky.
So I leaned against a bookshelf, arms crossed, and watched as Nolan scrubbed the floor with great care. His movements were almost obsessive, like he was erasing invisible stains only he could see.
Then—
"Manager."
Emory’s voice came from beside me, so close I nearly jumped. When had he moved? I didn’t sense it with my Echo of Life either.
I’m that tired, huh?
"I wanted to discuss something with you," he said softly. "Can we go to your room?"
Discuss? My pulse spiked. Did something happen? Is it about Nolan or the shop?
"Alright," I said, keeping my tone neutral. "Follow me."
As I led Emory out, I noticed Kai didn’t follow us. The blue bird fluttered onto Nolan’s shoulder instead, puffing up his feathers.
Noticing my glance, Kai chirped—a sound that was somehow reassuring.
"He wants to stay with our... custodian," Emory translated without turning.
"...Right." I nodded, though unease prickled at the back of my neck. Please don’t let that bird get charmed into a feather duster.
Kai was Emory’s closest companion. If Nolan did anything to him—
No. Stop overthinking.
I exhaled, forcing my shoulders to relax as we reached my office. The moment the door closed, Emory’s posture shifted. The quiet, skittish demeanor melted away, replaced by a weary exhaustion that mirrored my own.
He sank into the chair across from my desk, rubbing his temples.
"...So," I began carefully. "What did you want to discuss?"
Emory’s mercury eyes flicked up to mine.
"It’s about Nolan," he said.
"...Our Honorary Custodian?" I asked, my voice turning serious. So it was really about him?
Hm? Did his lips twitch just now? Or am I imagining things again?
"...Yes." Emory replied after a pause.
"...Sure," I said slowly. "What is it?"
Emory hesitated, his fingers tracing the edge of my desk. "Umm... this Sunday... can you take him with you while you go to the orphanage?"
Silence.
My mind raced. Why is Emory asking me this? And why the orphanage?
Was this Nolan’s idea? Had he somehow manipulated Emory into suggesting this? Or was this purely Emory’s own request?
Urgh... I can’t tell anything without more information.
"I can take him," I said carefully, "but... with his personality, I’m afraid the children will be—"
"Ah, y-you misunderstood me!" Emory cut in quickly, waving his hands. "I just... I just thought... he might help... by cleaning the orphanage too. You said, you would have to help them with it too."
My eyes widened.
That’s... actually a brilliant idea.
Why should I hire for money when I have a free worker in my team?
A slow grin spread across my face as the possibilities unfolded. With the right phrasing—a little strategic flattery, a dash of princely ego-stroking—I could absolutely gaslight Nolan into deep-cleaning the entire orphanage while the rest of us handled the children. But I still would need to hire some workers, I can’t leave everything to him after all.
"Oh, Honorary Custodian, only someone of your impeccable standards could restore this place to its proper glory..."
Though I could already see it—Nolan, sleeves rolled up, scrubbing floors with sniperlike precision while muttering about "human filth."
I looked up at Emory and gave him a thumbs-up. "You’re really a genius, Emory. I’ll do as you said."
"Umm... thank you..." He ducked his head, but not before I caught the faintest hint of relief in his eyes.
Then—
A sudden thud from the next room.
Emory and I exchanged glances.
"...Should we check on them?" I asked.
Emory sighed. "...Probably."
?
...
Nah, I must be really tired...