chapter 1 : part 2
673 Words
Elfriede stands and closes the lid on the last inkwell.
――Afternoon soon.
The break letter wasn't on today's calendar.
All that remained of the afternoon's work were cases that no one wanted to take on.
Skirmishes between local nobles.
The name is territorial boundaries, but in reality it's a matter of face.
One side claims "ancestral rights," while the other uses "official documents from the royal capital" as a shield.
Neither of them is willing to give in.
Both of these things can become frustrating if left unchecked.
Elfriede lines up both letters and thinks quietly.
――It's not about which is correct.
――Where it breaks.
Choose a phrase, make the subject vague, and use it as a "provisional measure" rather than a "royal command."
Don't make wins and losses.
Not even on someone else's account.
Next up is the issue of expired tax exemptions.
"I didn't know"
"The notice was delayed."
"The person in charge has changed."
I have all the excuses.
Elfriede identifies past notices and formulates a text “with responsibilities scattered”.
The exemption will not be extended.
But I'll give you a reprieve.
I will not punish you.
But it gives the impression that there is no next time.
Finally, the overbudget report.
I know why.
The estimate was just sweet.
Still, if you push back, you will face backlash.
Elfriede rearranges the numbers and rearranges them as "unpredictable factors."
No one is lying.
But no one is too honest.
――A landing point that does not explode.
It was her job to make it.
Put the paperwork in order, leave only the byline, and move on.
In the afternoon, it was quietly and surely chipped away.
Evening.
Elfriede's eyes fixed for a moment on her reflection in the windowpane.
――terribleface.
The pale gold hair was too much to hold together, and many of the trailing hairs had fallen off.
Even though it was supposed to be well-groomed, it had lost its luster and was dry.
His cheeks are sunken and a thin shadow hangs under his pale golden eyes.
I can't even remember when I haven't worn makeup or anything like that since.
The dress she was wearing was also too simple for a princess.
Tailoring with trim and freedom of movement as a priority.
The sleeves have been snagged many times, washed many times, and the fabric is worn out.
Still, it was not renewed.
"Because I have other people's tailoring" "Because I can still wear it"
I kept being told this, and before I knew it, it had become the norm.
Look at your fingertips.
The red that bleeds behind the broken nails.
It's still rumbling under the bandages.
――So that's it, Princess.
A self-deprecating thought occurred to Elfriede, and she shook her head.
Now, that's more than it is.
His shoulders were heavy, and just turning his neck caused a dull ache.
The back of my eye hurts like a tight squeeze.
Still, the hand didn't stop.
If I don't finish it by today,
Because I know tomorrow will be more hell.
Today's delay will be tomorrow's chaos.
Tomorrow's chaos will be someone yelling.
You are the one who gets bathed in it.
Elfriede gritted her teeth,
I ran the pen again.
Night.
The palace was silent,
The signs of people had all but disappeared.
Still, only Elfriede's desk has a light left.
Organize your plans for the next day.
Order of the meeting.
Cases that are expected to be referred back.
And a note for the handover.
"Minimum things to check tomorrow"
"List of cases requiring judgment"
"Cannot be left unattended"
Short and concise.
So that anyone can see.
――I know it won't be read.
Still write.
If you don't write,
Because everything stops.
Finally, I looked over at the desk.
A pile of papers in order.
Materials arranged in order.
And a blood-stained cloth was placed next to it.
Elfriede gently folded it,
I put it in a drawer
- Writer
