Chapter 90: A Joke

Chapter 90: A Joke

TL: Etude

After bidding farewell to Queller and his party, Paul returned to his office, summoning not only his Chief Secretary Bernard but also his new advisor, Ladi.

Welcome, Miss Ladi. May I ask you a personal question? Paul inquired.

Please ask, Lord Grayman.

Why did you switch careers? Uh I mean, why did you abandon your profession as an adventurer to become an advisor here?

Ladi answered, Lord Grayman, as a naturalist, I joined the adventure group to travel and broaden my horizons. Now, I feel its time to settle and thoroughly organize what Ive learned from my recent travels. So, I needed a quiet place to focus on this task.

She had anticipated this question and prepared her answer, hence there was no hint of panic in her response.

Paul smirked, thinking Alda wouldnt be quiet anymore with a few more years of industrial and commercial development. However, he certainly wouldnt say this out loud and risk driving her away.

He reminded her, Dont neglect your primary duties while organizing your knowledge!Read latest chapters at nov(e)lbin.com Only

The scholar nodded, Of course, Lord Grayman. In fact, I had planned to teach at Weiss Academy, but the Steward arranged an advisory position for me. But as a scholar, please dont doubt my sense of responsibility.

Paul didnt really doubt Ladi; anyone brave enough to risk their life to save others likely wouldnt lack moral integrity.

He then asked another question, Where are you staying now?

The Administration Council has arranged accommodations for me in a dormitory next to the Lords Manor. Im quite satisfied with the environment there.

Thats good to hear. By the way, Miss Ladi, Miss Dias, whom you saved, is also an advisor here. Now youre colleagues. Maybe you could interact more when you have time?

Really? Ladi was surprised but pleased to find another scholar here. Perhaps she could gain new insights from her.

Lord Grayman, if theres nothing else, I must take my leave. Steward Ford is waiting for my report.

But Paul stopped her, Ah, dont rush, Miss Ladi.

Do you need something else, Lord Grayman?

Paul clasped his hands on the desk and asked seriously, Miss Ladi, you must have visited many countries with the Lichman Adventure Team over the years?

The scholar nodded.

Ha! Bernards snicker broke the silence, as he quickly covered his mouth.

Lady Grayman!

Ladis eyes flashed with deep embarrassment and anger, her face reddening like a ripe apple. Although she knew it was a joke, it was too much.

Its not fitting for a noble to make such jokes about women in broad daylight!

Since their moonlit conversation, she had held a good impression of him. How could he say such a thing?

Growing more irritated, Ladi said, her face still red, Please transfer me to Weiss Academy to teach. Its more suitable for me.

Ha ha ha! It was just a joke, dont take it so seriously.

Paul found Ladis earnest reaction amusing.

That joke was in poor taste. Please dont do that again.

Ladi didnt insist on the idea of teaching at the academy, letting the matter pass as it was just a joke after all.

She requested, If theres nothing else, Ill take my leave now.

Of course, but I do need your help with legal matters. Next time Ill consult you on actual business.

Paul had intended to continue joking, but seeing Ladis reaction, he decided not to push further, not wanting to lose a valuable talent.

After Ladi left, Bernard, still in the office, said, Lord Grayman, today Ive seen a side of you quite different from usual.

Paul shrugged, What, am I usually that stiff? Anyway, lets talk about something else. I see you with your notebook; is there something you need?

Bernard, flipping through his notebook, replied, Yes, there is. Count Kent of Emden arrived at Lakeheart Town last evening and requests a meeting with you.

Paul, surprised, said, Count Kent of Emden? I dont have much to do with him.

In fact, there had been some interactions. During the pirate invasion, Steward Ford had written to Kent for assistance, but the latter demanded Aldas fealty in return, which led nowhere.

Later, intelligence chief Hansel caught spies trying to steal paper-making secrets, who turned out to be Kents men.

Paul had no good impression of him.

He instructed Bernard, Arrange a meeting time for me. Lets see what this envoy has to say.