“What’s that?”
“Huh?”
“Who cut up gloves like this?”
Gloves?
Confused, Albert peered down the hallway. Sure enough, small fabric scraps lay scattered across the floor. The butler swiftly gathered them.
“My Lord, these aren’t gloves with the fingers cut off…”
Albert cleared his throat, his voice crisp:
“They’re socks.”
“……?”
“Likely Lady Ririn’s and Lord Theo’s.”
This?
Kallek stared at the pitiful fabric scrap resting in his large palm. Upon inspection, they were indeed socks – laughably tiny.
Do they really scamper about all day on feet this small? What exactly do they do?
“My, they must’ve enjoyed their bath. Stripping off clothes as they went… The maids probably missed these.”
Albert chuckled, recalling their proximity to the grand baths.
“Never imagined such tiny socks would litter the mansion. But this pattern…” The butler tilted his head at the pink girl’s sock. A small embroidered mark near the ankle defied identification.
“A caterpillar? Unusual for children’s socks.”
“It’s a sprout.”
“Pardon?”
Kallek glowered, enunciating each word:
“A sprout. Pale green. Fresh.”
Is he blind? It’s clearly a sprout.
Under Kallek’s dagger-like stare, the butler bowed deeply.
“Of course. I’ll envision it through wisdom’s eye.”
The response irked him. Someone had clearly labored over that embroidery.
“They’re worn. Order new ones.”
“Inform the maids.”
Kallek tossed the socks back and turned away.
“Will you not purchase them personally?”
“Do I appear idle to you?”
He knew the Empire’s adoption customs – socks and shoes as traditional gifts. While he could delegate this, it puzzled him why they clung to these rags. Hadn’t he ordered replacements previously?
“Perhaps because Alex… ahem! Forgive my presumption.”
“Enough. Bring the documents.”
Kallek strode into his office, icy demeanor intact. Neglected estate matters piled high after days of imperial meetings.
……
Why’s there a sock catalog in my hand?
……
Why am I signing an order form?
……
This total – accurate?
“The Royal Grand Luxury Premium Line uses gem-studded premium fabric, hence the cost. We kept upgrading until… well. Should we revert to standard premium socks?”
“Ruska. Explain yourself.”
“……Briefing you on urgent children’s hosiery procurement.”
Kallek massaged his temples. Auto-pilot again. He nearly crumpled the form when—
……
A familiar presence.
“……What?”
Ririn’s head peeked through the door crack, bath-damp hair steaming.
After dismissing Ruska, Kallek sighed as she barreled in.
“Welcome back! I was washing up earlier!”
Her cheerful greeting clashed with Kallek’s frown at her damp locks. A maid materialized with a towel before vanishing.
Expecting me to dry it myself? Yet before he knew it, she sat on his lap as he toweled her hair.
Tap-tap-tap. His practiced motions contrasted with Ririn’s chatter about her day – unusual for her evening office visits.
“Huh? Socks?”
She spotted the catalog he’d forgotten to hide.
“Are these for me?” Her eyes sparkled.
“Not—”
“But it’s okay! I appreciate the thought!”
Before he could protest, she beamed:
“I’ve loads of new socks in Repi Village! Dad bought me THIS many!” Her short arms stretched wide. “Though he’d never remember!”
As she pretended to examine his desk, her green eyes devoured documents beneath the sock clutter.
The Four Dukes’ Meeting here? Good. Date… attendees… The prince?!
Why’s everything buried under sock paperwork? She shoved catalogs aside.
From behind, Kallek watched incredulously.
Not an ounce of greed. Who raised her so poorly?
Comparing luxury goods to village rags? He yanked the forms back.
Their silent tug-of-war ended when Ririn noticed his tensed hand.
“Why?!”
“Choose. Now.”
“But I have—”
“You never had a choice.”
His frosty smile preceded a slashed signature. Swish. The form hit the “Approved” box.
“Why’s everyone gifting me lately?” She tilted her head, then folded a paper frog. “Look! Grandpa taught me!”
Perfect cover for reading documents.
Meeting’s next month. Time enough.
“Here! I’m your gift too!”
“…….”
“Don’t want it? I’ll toss—”
“Enough noise.”
Thud. The frog vanished into his desk.
“Important documents could’ve been folded.”
“It was blank!”
“Invisible ink.”
“Liar! Your eyes twitched!”
“…….”
This sharp brat.
“Bed. Now.”
“It’s 9! My feet work fine!”
“Sleep grows feet. And…” His blue eyes glinted. “…you’ll need energy for tomorrow’s carriage ride.”
“Huh?”
Her confusion mirrored his earlier preparations – not just for the Four Dukes, but their trip.
“We’re visiting Repi Village. From your vault…” He tapped his earlobe. “…bring this.”
Her eyes became stars. “Really?!”
