Chapter 63: The Unconventional Introductions

Though it was a clichéd self-introduction, it wasn’t bad. Karlahee nodded twice and listened intently to the self-introduction of the Marquis of Sixteen, sitting next to Clyder. As expected, nothing was out of the ordinary.

“Next, let’s hear the next introduction.”

“Yes.”

The young, handsome man seated third stood up. His tousled golden hair and confident eyes marked him as someone extraordinary. With a dash of audacity, he left his seat and circled the desk where Karlahee sat, taking position beside her.

“Forgive me for the sudden request, but could you stand for a moment?”

There was an inexplicable air of solemn resolve in his tone. When asked politely, Karlahee readily stood up.

The man moved behind Karlahee and bent low. His sharply defined nose halted exactly at the center of her backside. Placing a hand on his stomach as he sniffed her, his behavior was oddly polite yet, undeniably, absurd.

At that, Clyder and the Marquis of Sixteen abruptly stood up.

“You insolent fellow, that’s rude!”

“How dare you mock His Highness…!”

“No, I feel more insulted because of you. Keep your mouth shut.”

Karlahee ordered the two to sit again before turning to the man who had just stood. His handsome face had not betrayed any sign of having been the one who had just been sniffing her. Could it be a deliberately calculated act to showcase his unparalleled talent? If so, there was no doubt he was exceptionally gifted.

“Hello, I am from the Duke Liniat family…”

“The Duke Liniat family?”

“…!”

“…!”

While all the candidates looked on in shock, the blond handsome man scanned the room and slowly began speaking.

“Yes, I’m Creon, the lead charmer from the Duke Liniat family.”

“An expert in charm, huh.”

Adorably amusing. Useless in most ways but somehow the kind of cutie you’d love to have around. Surely having at least one cute talent in the Forbidden Imperial Palace wouldn’t hurt.

While Karlahee rubbed her chin deep in thought, Creon quietly returned to his seat as the next candidate stepped forward.

“My name is Pereus.”

“I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere…”

The long-haired young man with flowing black locks stared silently at me with striking red eyes. An air of decadence and defiance radiated from him. He wore a black lace shirt that split at the chest in a V-shape.

Thinking to herself that of all people, why had everyone applied at the Forbidden Imperial Palace, Karlahee abruptly halted the introductions and skimmed through the resumes. Soon, she was forced to reconsider her preconceptions.

“Mr. Pereus, your credentials are impressive.”

“Thank you.”

Though his appearance suggested otherwise, she had never seen such a promising candidate.

“Your career history is intriguing. I see you worked at the Demon King Castle.”

“Yes, I served there for about a thousand years.”

“A thousand years—sounds like you can handle just about anything. I like it.”

“Thank you.”

“Could you start work tomorrow?”

“Of course. I’m ready!”

“Understood. Then report for duty tomorrow. My closest aide left abruptly due to some personal issues. I’ll personally brief you on the tasks.”

“Thank you! I’m truly grateful for the opportunity!”

Gazing at the upright young man, Karlahee smiled contentedly. Meanwhile, the expressions on the other candidates’ faces darkened. While Clyder and the Marquis of Sixteen frowned in protest, only Creon slumped his shoulders dejectedly.

“Now, I announce an additional hire.”

At these unexpected words, Clyder and the Marquis of Sixteen’s expressions shifted as if they’d seen it coming. Yet, Karlahee’s hand did not extend to them.

“Creon, report for duty starting tomorrow.”

In an instant, Creon lifted his head with an expression as bright as if radiant light were bursting forth.

The sturdy 180cm tall blond man practically lunged into Karlahee’s arms. As he joyfully licked her cheeks, his flashy golden hair swayed, and Karlahee’s satisfied smile said it all.

* * *

“Where should I put these processed documents?”

“Right here. And by the way, you work incredibly fast.”

“Haha, no, it’s thanks to your guidance.”

On only his second day, Pereus had adapted perfectly to his duties. As Karlahee watched his back with a proud gaze, a man approached his desk.

“Where should I place this?”

It was Creon with his striking height and golden hair. He asked in a courteous tone.

“This is the monthly report due by the end of the month, and this is an official document from the southern region. And this one is an important file that needs to be processed by today…”

Karlahee nodded approvingly as he held out a bundle of paper in his broad palms.

“You tore it up again. Absolutely adorable.”

Though he’d have to redo the paperwork, a few sheets were a small price to pay to witness such cuteness. Like a mischievous child—if left alone he’d turn the office upside down, so it was best to keep him under close watch until the end of the day.

“There are no more documents for now. Return to your seat and keep tearing those tissues.”

“Yes, understood.”

Obediently, Creon smiled brightly and returned to his seat. As he munched on a tissue with playful gusto, the day slowly slipped away.

“You did well today.”

At the cue for closing time, Creon sprang up and dashed out the door.

“So lively.”

Karlahee, admiring his energetic subordinate, finished sorting the documents and rose from her seat.

Just then, as Pereus handed her the last file, a knock sounded at the door. Recognizing the visitor, Karlahee quickly hid under her desk. By the narrowest margin of two seconds, the door swung open. Pereus greeted the retainer who had entered.

“Where is His Highness?”

“He just left a moment ago.”

“Oh… a bit too late. Understood.”

Once the retainer departed and the door closed, Karlahee reappeared on the desk. With a long sigh, he swept his deep, dark reddish hair away from his forehead.

“Thank you.”

“Not at all. But… forgive my forwardness, may I ask why you’re avoiding him?”

“Either way, you’ve already complained about chasing after someone who isn’t even your daughter.”

“…Your daughter, you mean?”

“Not my daughter.”

Karlahee cut him off decisively. Pereus couldn’t help but admire him sincerely.

“So many women have dalliances with you that it’s hard to tell which one might be your daughter… As expected, Male Lead is different.”

“I’m a purist.”

“Truly, among tyrants you are the worst. To think you have a daughter and still insist on the Female Lead’s purity! I’m impressed.”

“No, I mean I’ve always been pure. I haven’t even kissed a woman, so—my daughter…”

Mid-sentence, a brief image flashed through Karlahee’s mind and he trailed off, his hand now covering his lips as his face flushed even redder.

“Well, I did accidentally share one kiss… just once. But anyway, it’s compassion.”

“Compassion? A tyrant showing compassion? Such a wicked tyrant…”

Pereus mumbled in disbelief. Though he eventually recalled to mind his superior Karlahee and bit his tongue, the image of the Male Lead as a flawed tyrant just wouldn’t vanish.

“Why the long face?”

“I’m sorry if it offended you! It might be a bit unexpected, but of course the Male Lead doesn’t have to be a playboy. Hahaha. Life rarely goes as planned.”

“He chose purity for himself.”

“Oh dear, I’m sorry. I’m just a rookie—only a thousand years into my career. Please forgive my obliviousness.”

Before he could further display his discomfort, Karlahee’s feigned irritation softened at the sight of his earnest apology.

“You may leave now.”

“Yes! Thank you for your hard work today. I’ll be on my way.”

Pereus cheerfully bid farewell and left. Upon leaving, he immediately channeled his magical energy; a creeping darkness snaked up from his toes, eventually engulfing his massive form before vanishing without a trace.

As the dark mist dispersed before his eyes, Pereus slowly opened them. The desolate corridor of the Forbidden Imperial Palace gave way to a room adorned with soft carpeting.

Spotting a cradle with a mobile hanging from the ceiling at the center of the room, he quickly made his way over. His blood-red eyes lowered in quiet appraisal.

“I heard that even if one denies having a daughter at first, eventually a doting tyrant emerges.”

In a tone reminiscent of reciting a language lesson, Pereus peered into the cradle.

“This little one… is the Princess of this nation?”

The princess, her gaze slightly askew, remained utterly still. For an infant, her expression was remarkably impassive. Slightly surprised, Pereus reached out towards her, as if drawn by an eerie emptiness.

‘Can you not feel even a trace of vitality? Could it be that my powerful magic has caused her sudden demise…! How terrifying that this potent force is mine to command.’

With a dramatic sniffle, Pereus clutched his brow before channeling his magical energy through his right hand.

“Allow me to bestow upon you new life, Princess.”

True to his reputation for exemplary work, Pereus moved with astonishing speed. Before securing a permanent position at the Demon King Castle, he had once worked a short-term job in production, creating monsters in a two-shift operation. Rekindling those memories, he infused his magic into an empty doll, giving birth to a living creature.

Unbeknownst to him, the Nurse eventually found her way to the room.

“Princess, you lie there as motionless as a doll… Ugh!”