Chapter 6 – What Do You Mean, I Like It

The south-facing annex was bathed in the full heat of the afternoon sun. Hailey sighed quietly as she looked at the man standing with his back to the terrace.

She’d thought he’d look even better without glasses, and she was right. Now she understood why Arcitina had frowned at his black hair at the harbor that day.

The face was the same, but the atmosphere was completely different. Platinum hair brushing his nape blended with deep green eyes, making him look like a perfect painting. Wearing a white silk shirt and flowing black trousers, he exuded a languid aura.

Latrian didn’t even glance at Hailey, pouring water into a glass and chuckling.

“Denny. There are plenty of family navigators, so why introduce a newbie to me?”

“Lord Latrian.”

“Once I leave for the sea, I won’t remember her anyway, so what’s the point?”

“You’re still curt, Rick.”

Hailey’s voice was unusually clear, making Latrian slowly turn his head to look her straight in the eye.

“So, are you happy to see me again? Want to thank me or something?”

“No. Since you welcomed me so enthusiastically, I’ll skip the thanks. It seems cleaner to keep things this way.”

Hailey stood with her hands behind her back and her chest out. Her hair and clothes were still stained with wine, but her attitude remained confident.

“Let me introduce myself properly. Lord Latrian, I’m Hailey Perlo. As of today, by order of the Head of the family, I’ve been appointed as your direct aide.”

Latrian tilted his head at an angle, arms crossed, his expression one of utter disbelief.

“Direct aide? Why are you my aide?”

“I just told you. I was appointed today.”

“I never said I needed an aide. And why would I trust someone who stabbed me in the back after I did her a favor? My trust is already gone.”

“That’s none of my concern.”

Hailey straightened up even more and declared her resolve.

“I only follow the Head’s orders. I was ordered to assist you, Lord Latrian, the soon-to-be Head, closely.”

No sooner had she finished speaking than Latrian’s face twisted.

“Denny. Go to Aris.”

He pointed to the door, adding coldly,

“You—get out.”

At his firm order to leave, Hailey pursed her lips.

“Excuse me. I know you don’t like me, but isn’t it rude to kick someone out so arbitrarily?”

“…Ha.”

Latrian let out a hollow laugh and nodded.

“Fine. Do as you please.”

She thought she’d won. But she couldn’t be so confident about what happened next.

“Kyaa! What are you doing?!”

Latrian calmly unbuttoned his shirt. His smooth body, hidden under the silk, was revealed.

Broad shoulders, firm chest, tightly packed abs right before her eyes…! Unlike Hailey, whose face flushed red, Latrian’s expression didn’t change at all.

“Changing clothes.”

He slipped his arms into the shirt Denny handed him and started buttoning it from his solar plexus. His voice was indifferent.

“That’s why I told you to leave.”

“Then you should give a reason…!”

“Claiming to be my aide but lacking basic manners. Does a superior have to explain every action? Even changing clothes?”

After buttoning his cuffs and straightening his collar, Latrian openly frowned at Denny.

“Even you think this is wrong, right?”

“She’s only just become a retainer, so she’ll need time to adjust.”

“It makes no sense to appoint someone who needs adjustment as the heir’s aide.”

Just as Hailey was about to retort, Latrian’s clear green eyes turned to her again.

“Are you going to keep watching?”

“Excuse me?”

Only then did Hailey notice where Latrian’s hand was placed. He was openly running his hand over his hip.

Hailey let out a near scream.

“No! I’ll leave, so don’t undress now!”

She dashed out and slammed the door behind her. Leaning against it, she took a deep breath.

Her heart pounded at the thought she’d almost seen something indecent. But soon, anger at the man on the other side of the door surged.

Undressing so carelessly in front of a woman? Was he an exhibitionist? Is that why the family kept him hidden and he never showed himself?

As her suspicions grew, a maid appeared at the end of Hailey’s gaze. Carrying towels, the maid looked around the corridor and, spotting Hailey, hurried over.

“You’ll need clothes and towels, right?”

“Excuse me?”

“I’ve prepared water for you to wash as well. Please, this way.”

As Hailey stood still, confused, the door behind her opened. Now dressed in a black shirt, straight gray trousers, and a finely tailored jacket, Latrian finally looked like a noble heir.

He glanced at the maid, then nodded at Hailey.

“Go with her.”

“…You arranged this?”

“‘You’? If you call me that, won’t it be a hassle once we get closer and you have to switch to?”

Latrian picked up a towel from the maid and dropped it on Hailey’s head.

“Well. Not that I expect you’ll have the chance to call me anything again.”

The dry towel smelled faintly of flowers. Through the gap in the towel, Hailey met Latrian’s smiling eyes. For some reason, her heart fluttered a little… that kind of feeling.

“If you go home like that, the gulls near the canal might tear your hair out. They really like the smell of wine.”

“What?”

“I don’t want to be blamed for your hair getting pulled out because of me.”

“Hey!”

Hailey threw the towel with a twisted face.

‘Fluttering heart, my foot.’

She was just startled by his earlier perverted behavior.

Before she knew it, Latrian was already crossing the corridor. Denny, who had come out behind, whispered to Hailey,

“Just follow the maid, wash up, and rest.”

Shaking with anger, Hailey stepped into the corridor.

* * *

Latrian’s face grew serious as he headed to the central mansion. The current family dispute was a top secret known only to the head, the heir, and three closest aides. Yet Hailey had told him directly, “Become the Head.” It was unthinkable for the rational and cautious Arcitina.

Arriving at the Head’s office, Latrian sighed briefly and knocked.

Without asking why he’d come, the door opened. Latrian strode past Milo and stopped in front of the desk. Arcitina kept her eyes on the document she was reading, murmuring quietly,

“Did you come to talk about Hailey?”

“What are you up to? That woman as my direct aide? And she knows about this business?”

“It’s only natural for the heir to have a direct aide. In fact, it’s a bit late.”

“Aris.”

“My wish is the same as half a year ago. I want you to accept the Headship. I’ll step down.”

“Why, exactly?!”

“I told you. For our family, for the Republic, and for the peace of all the nations of Wibad Sea.”

Latrian ran his hand through his hair in frustration.

“Again, that talk…”

She finished signing the document and handed it to her aides. Thanks to this, Denny and Milo, who had been caught between them, naturally left the office. Once the two were outside, Arcitina rested her chin on her hand and met Latrian’s gaze.

“Lat, have I ever done anything wrong?”

“Not once. That’s why you should stay as the Head.”

“Yes. Right now, I am the Head. So as long as you belong to the family, you have to follow my ‘orders.’ Do I really have to force you?”

Latrian clenched his fists even tighter. That was why he had to stay away from Mart. Unless he was expelled from the family, the Head’s influence was absolute.

Until he knew Arcitina’s true intentions, he stood no chance if he acted rashly. So Latrian took a step back.

“…Let’s discuss this further. I’m sure we can find a compromise that satisfies us both. For now, I have one other request.”

“What is it?”

“Please reconsider making Hailey my aide.”

“Why?”

“We don’t get along. Isn’t compatibility the most important thing for a direct aide? I’d rather pick Denny or Milo.”

“Really? Too bad. No.”

“Why not!!”

“Milo and Denny are too soft on you. A direct aide should speak honestly and even challenge their superior.”

“Isn’t that the same for you?”

“No. Milo challenges me a lot.”

Latrian let out a hollow laugh. If Arcitina ordered Milo to carry a sailing ship on his back, he’d say ‘Yes!’ and run straight to the harbor. Denny would be next to him, nagging him to listen carefully.

“That’s the funniest joke I’ve ever heard.”

“Then let me give you a more logical reason: because she’s a ‘Perlo’, that won’t do.”

Only then did Latrian repeat her surname. Perlo. Certainly on the Mart noble register. Arcitina continued nonchalantly,

“Even if she doesn’t claim her noble status, Hailey is the heir of the Perlo family. No matter how much she insists she’s a retainer, giving her a vague position would hurt Akrender’s prestige.”

“…Do you really have to go that far to bring her into our family as a retainer?”

“Of course. She’s the talent you recommended, and you’ve never recommended anyone before.”

Latrian started to speak, then clamped his mouth shut. At the time, he’d genuinely thought well of her. In fact, his dislike for Hailey was really just personal resentment for ruining his plans.

Now, it was awkward to argue to Arcitina that what was true then wasn’t true now. Just as the Head took recommendations seriously, those in the family should be careful when recommending someone.

Arcitina snapped her fingers cheerfully at Latrian, who looked utterly crushed.

“Lat. If you want to get Hailey away from you, there’s one way.”

Her brother’s immediate reaction made Arcitina break into a wide smile as she continued.

“The authority to dismiss lies with the Head. If you want, you can become the Head right now and fire people as you please.”

Latrian raised his hand to cover his eyes. He had cherished his sister all his life, but at this moment, he was genuinely annoyed.