SDD 12

Chapter 12.

1.Becoming the Villain’s Secretary (12)

“My secretary, who also happens to be my ideal type.”

“…Your Majesty, isn’t that title a little too long?”

“But isn’t it accurate?”

It had been a week since Helwid gave me the second-largest diamond mine in the Empire as an incentive.

And for that entire week, I had been called ‘my secretary, who is my ideal type.’

Although the diamond mine belonged to the Empire, with the Emperor and the Imperial Prince’s signatures, it would soon become my family’s actual property.

So yes—I’d endured that ridiculous nickname for a week.

“It’s already been a week.”

“A diamond mine—the second-best in the Empire—was exchanged for only a week? My secretary, who is my ideal type, is far too expensive.”

Ah. Yes. Go ahead and call me whatever you want. Knock yourself out. Call me until you’re sick of it.

“I intended to.”

Stop reading my thoughts.

“I’m not reading. I’m simply observing.”

…Sure. Let’s stop talking.

I shook my head and sorted the documents I had already finished that morning.

“To think you finished this much already. My secretary—my ideal type—is not only impressive but also highly capable. Since you work so well, I’d like you to review the article that will go on the front page of today’s evening paper. Public sentiment has been unstable lately, so I’d like to calm things down a bit.”

When I handed him the folder, Helwid smiled warmly.

“If you’re complimenting me just to make me do more work, at least put some soul into it.”

“It overflowed.”

“So you’re saying there’s no upper limit.”

“Let’s not dwell on petty things. So? Will you review the article?”

He smiled shamelessly. I sighed loudly.

“I already reviewed it because I knew you’d ask. But there’s nothing decent to publish.”

“That’s troublesome. By the way—do you like ice?”

“Ice? What?”

He nodded toward the coffee brewing area with a grin.

“It’s hot today. Let’s have an iced coffee together.”

…Iced. Americano?

I was already satisfied this world had coffee, but iced coffee?

“I would LOVE that!”

Energy returned to me instantly. And no—it’s not excessive. Iced Americano is sacred.

“Then let me finish reviewing this, and let’s head outside.”

What matters is that I’m skipping work legally.

As I sat back down, someone knocked at the office door.

Ah. Time already? That would be Indellis.

Helwid usually took a walk around this time. Of course Indellis would come.

“You’re having tea outside?”

“Yes. We’re going to drink coffee with ice.”

“Coffee is supposed to be hot.”

“Tea can be cold-brewed, can’t it?”

“…Fair point.”

Indellis rubbed his chin like he’d been checkmated.

Your brother will have to worry about smile lines, and you’ll have to worry about frown lines.

“You worry about my wrinkles? You must plan to stay by my side for a long time.”

“I was facing the other way. How did you know?”

“It’s written on the back of your head.”

Ah. Wonderful.

Helwid spoke casually.

“If you’re free, come with us, Prince.”

Oh? Since when is he generous?

Helwid, who had been smiling, mouthed silently: ‘Petty?’

“You kept nagging that I should get along with my brother.”

Translation: You wanted this. I’m just complying.

For days now—no, even longer—Indellis would appear whenever Helwid left to walk.

Indellis wanted to lure me away as his personal tutor, but I was also trying to help the brothers bond.

Indellis glanced nervously at Helwid and then spoke as if doing us a favor.

“If it is His Majesty’s command, how could I refuse.”

“You’re not cute at all.”

“A Crown Prince must not be ‘cute.’”

Helwid leaned on his hand and smiled lazily. Indellis puffed his cheeks in annoyance, his face flushing.

Good. The brotherly relationship route is progressing smoothly. At this rate, the death flag might really break.

“My secretary—my ideal type—it’s time to go.”

“Your Majesty, are you seriously still calling her that vulgar nickname?”

“Vulgar? It is the perfect description.”

“The Lady’s ideal type is not Your Majesty.”

“And what does the Prince think her ideal type is?”

Why are you fighting again—!? You two were getting along JUST FINE.

“In my humble opinion…” Indellis glanced at me. “The Lady’s ideal type is wealth. Therefore, Your Majesty did not win her favor—you merely bought it with a diamond mine.”

Indellis looked genuinely convinced.

Helwid turned to me. ‘Is that true?’

Oh, please. You already know the answer.

I narrowed my eyes, and Helwid picked up the mine ownership transfer document—holding it like he might tear it.

WAIT—STOP—

“A-any woman raised in the Empire would surely, at least once, harbor admiration for the great Emperor who carries the will of the sun…!”

“So she says, Prince.”

Helwid smiled victoriously. Indellis glared at me as if I were the embodiment of the word SPOILED.

Sorry. Sorry for being materialistic.
But it is the second-largest diamond mine in the empire…

Helwid approached and spoke.

“It seems the Prince has taken a liking to my secretary—my ideal type?”

“W-what? No! Even if the Lady is brilliant, my interest lies in her mind, not her appearance!”

“I never mentioned appearance.”

Helwid reached for my waist—then paused and stepped back.

What? Why aren’t you doing your usual harassment?

“I am merely giving the Prince a chance to look at my secretary—my ideal type—from eye level. He always sees her from below.”

“What—Your Majesty!”

And just like that—Helwid lifted Indellis up like a sack of potatoes.

“Careful. If you squirm too much, you’ll fall.”

He tilted him back like he was about to drop him.

“Ah!”

“Your Majesty!”

I lunged and grabbed Indellis. Indellis clung to Helwid’s shoulders.

Which meant—

I was hugging Indellis.
Indellis was clinging to Helwid.
Helwid was holding both of us.

It looked… like a family photo.

And then—

Flash!

A camera shutter.

A photographer stood there, beaming, thumbs up.

“Magnificent! A heartwarming, harmonious imperial family portrait! I will place it on the front page of the evening paper!”

“We leave it to you.”

Helwid smiled serenely.

As soon as the photographer left, I jumped back.

“What. Was. THAT?! When did he get here?”

“When did what begin?”

“Put him down, Your Majesty!”

Indellis kicked his legs helplessly.

I snatched Indellis away from Helwid.

“When did you notice that man was there? You planned this, didn’t you?!”

“When my secretary—my ideal type—said there was no article worthy of the front page.”

He smiled like ‘Didn’t I do great?’

My stomach hurt.

“L-Lady.”

The prince whispered shyly.

Right. I was still holding him.

“S-sorry, I’ll put you down.”

“N-no. Actually—my leg is asleep from being held so uncomfortably earlier. So if you don’t mind, could you… keep holding me…?”

He wrapped his arms around my neck and buried his face in my shoulder.

A soft smell—like milk.

Ah. He may be brilliant, but he’s still just a kid.

I sighed and patted his back.

“Your legs hurt because His Majesty held you awkwardly, huh~ Don’t worry, I’ll carry you.”

“You honor me.”

Honor? You’re adorable.

I almost kissed his chubby cheek.

Helwid watched us, then wrapped his arm around my waist.

“My secretary—who loves me—would make a wonderful mother.”

“Please stop with the archaic comments. You’re killing the mood.”

“Impossible. My secretary’s ideal type is me.”

He said it with absolute confidence. And damn it—he was too handsome for me to argue.

I huffed and turned away, and Helwid draped his coat over my shoulders.

“Shall we go?”

“Yes.”

Holding Indellis securely, I let Helwid guide me out to the garden.

Indellis clung to my neck.
Helwid’s arm held my waist.

Both warm. Both close.