Chapter 7 – Progress (Part 1)

The dinner table at the Haas household was filled with nagging. As soon as his brother Ronan sat down, Aaron, who had frowned at his attire, couldn’t hold back any longer and spoke up.

“Brother, where on earth do you get clothes like that?”

At Aaron’s words, Ronan stopped eating and stood up to spin around once. Ronan was wearing a loose tunic that resembled a short-sleeved dress, with a deeply plunging neckline that revealed more than half of his chest. He wore only that garment, which came down just above his knees, and had a thin, feminine headband on to keep his hair from falling.

“This is a skirt-style pajama. Our parents sent it, saying the country they are traveling in is quite hot even at night, so they sleep in something cool like this.”

Ronan sat back down.

“What I mean is, why are you wearing that at the dinner table instead of in bed? The maids come and go, and guests might visit.”

“Aaron, Aaron, my dear brother. Even when you’re home, you act as stiff as if you’re in the Duke’s office. What’s the good of being at home? It’s precisely that you can be comfortable and do as you please. Who’s going to say anything if I eat in my pajamas or even without clothes in my own house?”

Aaron became sullen again.

“By the way, do you know anything about Marquis Orga’s movements?”

At Ronan’s sudden question, Aaron became slightly wary of his brother. He remembered that the Duke had recently responded to an invitation to a private aristocratic gathering sent by Earl Kumaran. It was likely that Marquis Orga was the actual host of the meeting. Aaron had to be cautious, wondering if his brother knew even that.

When Aaron didn’t answer, Ronan continued.

“It seems some noble families we deal with have started trading with another trading company. I think it’s likely Marquis Orga’s trading company, and I’m investigating it. You know you need to report to me if it’s related to the trading company, right? You’re a Haas before you’re the Duke’s secretary.”

Aaron straightened his expression at Ronan’s words.

“Of course, I was born and raised in Haas, and I love our parents and you, so my heart may lean towards Haas. But I have no intention of becoming a spy for the Haas company. I’m Aaron, an independent entity before being the Duke’s secretary or a son of Haas.”

“Then what will you do if the Ducal household and the Haas company come into conflict, or if I and Duke Grendel become adversaries?”

“I’ll act differently depending on the situation. I’ll side with what I believe is right.”

Aaron glared at Ronan. Ronan met Aaron’s gaze with a look that was equally intense, then suddenly softened his expression.

“Alright, I understand.”

“No matter what you say, it won’t change my… What? You understand?”

“Yes. Sometimes I wonder if you were adopted because you’re not as fun as a Haas person, but seeing your stubbornness, you’re definitely one of us. Living according to one’s beliefs, no matter what others say, is truly our family’s tradition.”

Aaron felt deflated by how easily Ronan accepted it. Ronan, as if he had never glared, spoke in his usual tone and expression.

“Honestly, I wonder what kind of honey the Duke smeared on you during your time at the academy to make you so devoted to him. To me, the current Duke doesn’t seem much different from the previous one.”

“You don’t know. Just look at how he gave full authority to the Lady to change the interior of the Ducal residence. The previous Duke was a cold person who would even abandon his wife for his own benefit, but the current Duke is not like that.”

“Do you really think that was for the future hostess?”

Aaron looked as if it was obvious. Ronan wagged his finger left and right.

“After the previous Duke’s death, the current Duke inherited the position of Minister of Administration, but rumors are rampant that it wasn’t because of his abilities. It’s generally believed that it’s because he was a childhood study companion of King Clois. In fact, he hasn’t done anything particularly noticeable in the past year.”

Aaron was aware of the public criticism Ronan mentioned. However, hearing such talk from his brother made Aaron’s expression darken further. Despite noticing Aaron’s reaction, Ronan continued to criticize the Duke.

“Everyone says he’s just a rubber stamp for the King’s opinions. Moreover, as the new head of the Grendel family, he hasn’t done much. So by pretending to give full authority to the future hostess, he’s trying to refresh the atmosphere of the residence and show that he’s not a puppet of the previous generation but an independent entity.”

“The decision to change the interior was provoked by you!”

Aaron was upset. Ronan replied without any sign of embarrassment.

“You always said the Duke is someone who remains calm and makes cold judgments and actions strictly for the benefit of the Duke’s family. Would such a person be swayed so easily just because I provoked him? At the time, I thought my move worked, but it seems that’s not all. He must have considered other factors in his decision.”

Aaron responded with displeasure.

“If that’s the case, then the Duke is indeed as remarkable as I thought. No matter what you say, my belief won’t change. Marquis Orga is someone who can harm both the Duke and the company, so if I acquire information related to the company, I’ll let you know. Doing so will also help the Duke, so stop criticizing him.”

Ronan shrugged lightly, signaling he wouldn’t bring up matters related to the Ducal household anymore, and rang the bell on the table to call a maid for dessert.

Soon, the maid brought sweet ice cream, tea to aid sleep, and well-peeled fruit and left. Looking down at the ice cream cup, Aaron was lost in thoughts about the Duke, who, during their academy days, was the only one who saw him as Aaron, not just the son of the Haas family.

Although the Academy admitted students strictly based on ability and merit, there was still an atmosphere where commoners mingled with commoners and nobles with nobles, like oil and water that didn’t mix well.

Since Aaron was the son of Haas, the kingdom’s top trading company, people at the academy naturally assumed he would study management or accounting. However, surprisingly, Aaron focused on politics and administration.

From an early age, Aaron’s dream was to enter the Administrative Palace as an official and rise to the rank of Minister. He wanted to become the Minister of Administration, the highest position for someone not of royal blood, and the position where he could do the most important work for the entire kingdom. But no one at the academy took Aaron’s dream seriously.

Commoner students said he was full because he was the son of Haas, and conversely, nobles criticized him for not knowing his place as a commoner. Although Brunchia had long publicly declared that it hired administrative officials based on ability, regardless of class or background, people’s prejudices were harder to eradicate than outdated systems.

Moreover, when Aaron learned swordsmanship, thinking of the time he would become the secretary and closest aide to an administrative official, people started to criticize the entire Haas family, saying he was now trying to buy a title because he had money and was blinded by power.

At that time, only Cassius took Aaron’s dream seriously and believed that his goal was achievable. This is why, after graduating from the academy, Aaron was given the exceptional opportunity to become Cassius’s attendant, and now he can work as his secretary.

‘There were many ambitious commoners and nobles lined up wanting to become the Duke’s secretary, but the Duke said he didn’t need their flattery. Instead, he valued my ability to offer honest opinions and think for myself.’

Aaron remembered how Cassius, who wasn’t yet a Duke at that time, had chosen him as his attendant and future secretary, saying he didn’t need a puppet. Aaron thought while eating his ice cream.

‘Even if the Duke chose me to use me, that’s fine. It means he is a person who can recognize the value in using someone like me. I, too, am aiming for a high administrative position using the Duke’s power, so it’s mutually beneficial. I’m not anyone’s puppet. I am here, trusting in my strength and for my goals.’

Seeing Aaron lost in thought, Ronan smiled broadly.

‘I can see exactly what he’s thinking. He’s grown into a fine adult without me even realizing it. I’m a bit sad.’

Ronan, knowing Aaron disliked it, playfully ruffled his hair and then began to eat his dessert.