Mav glanced around the office. By now, the lord’s office of Umbriel felt just as comfortable as home.

‘If you eat and sleep here every day, it’s basically home.’

Umbriel was thriving like never before. Ariel’s salt mines were yielding hefty dividends every quarter, and the fortune made from selling Oberon Harbor’s trade rights was staggering.

‘The amount we now send to Crown Prince Robert… If only it were all mine.’

Compared to the past, the current situation was nothing short of a miracle. And all of it was the result of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess’s efforts. No matter how difficult their lives in the capital might be, Mav was certain they would manage.

‘The real problem is me.’

The workload never seemed to lessen. Even after being promoted to senior secretary, nothing had really changed.

Despite the pain of heartbreak and betrayal, Mav remained in the office.

But who was he kidding?

Work wasn’t going to heal his broken heart.

“Like hell it will.”

With that, Mav sprang to his feet.

“Vacation…! Yes, I deserve a vacation!”

Upon hearing that the Empress had headed to the detached palace, Mav instinctively knew his chance had come.

‘Now’s the time. His Highness the Crown Prince should have a bit more leeway now. There’s no other opportunity like this.’

When Mav submitted his vacation request to the capital, both Vian and Crown Prince Robert found themselves conflicted. Sophia, who had stopped by Robert’s office for a visit, glanced at Mav’s vacation request form that Robert handed her.

With a teasing smile, Sophia remarked, “If Mav goes to Netunia, I have a feeling he’ll come back with another spy trailing him.”

Vian, however, couldn’t laugh. The likelihood was alarmingly high.

‘Knowing Mav’s personality…’

It had already been over two years since Mav had taken responsibility for Umbriel’s domain. Robert and Vian were even considering appointing him not as a mere secretary but as Umbriel’s official overseer.

Sophia mused, “Mav may grumble and curse about being the acting lord of Umbriel, but honestly, there’s no one more capable than him.”

Vian nodded. “Which is exactly why we can entrust him with the role. After all, he’s still holding out hope that a successor will eventually take over.”

Crown Prince Robert and Sophia exchanged amused glances and nodded in agreement.

Vian continued, “Mav has no idea how much power he actually holds. Being the closest aide to the Crown Prince and acting as a domain’s overseer is no small feat.”

Robert added, “Apparently, he barely leaves the office and the bedroom upstairs. He hasn’t even stepped outside of Umbriel lately. If someone told him they envied his position, he’d probably be more than happy to hand it over. He definitely needs a vacation, but… Netunia, huh.”

Sophia quipped, “Are you really worried he’ll attract Netunian spies?”

With a smirk, Crown Prince Robert replied, “If anyone latches onto him, it’ll be Saturn’s agents, not Netunia’s. Saturn’s intelligence network probably has a much better grasp of Mav than Netunia does.”

Vian reasoned, “Even so, I think it’s best to approve Mav’s vacation. He’s been stuck in that freezing Umbriel for years—he deserves a reward. Besides, he’s not as naïve as he used to be. If we keep pushing him like this, he might actually threaten to resign.”

Sophia and Robert fell into deep contemplation. They all shared the same concern.

Robert muttered, “He probably wouldn’t even notice if a spy stuck to him… Maybe that’s for the best.”

Sophia teased, “Are you suggesting we let it happen on purpose?”

Robert chuckled and responded, “If he ends up with a spy trailing him, at least he won’t be thinking about leaving Uranus.”

Vian thought to himself, ‘Mav may be clueless, but surely, he wouldn’t fail to notice a spy… Then again, why are we just assuming one will inevitably show up? It’s not like it’s a given.’

However, he remained silent. Deep down, he was just as uneasy.

‘Mav is so oblivious… He’s practically a magnet for trouble.’

***

The moment Mav heard his vacation request had been approved, he made a beeline for Oberon Harbor. Humming to himself, he declared, “Netunia is all about the sea. Traveling by ship is the best way to go. Ahh… I need to enjoy a proper vacation this time.”

Robert and Sophia had joked—half-seriously—about his trip, but they hadn’t expected their concerns to become reality.

The ship Mav had chosen for his journey to Netunia was called the Nereis. Most of the passengers were merchants and students.

Since the conflict between Netunia and Cressida’s domain was small in scale, there was no real tension with Netunia, which put Mav even more at ease.

‘The Sarah incident was just an accident. Something like that won’t happen again. Besides, I’m a senior secretary now—I’m much more competent. As long as I stay wary of beautiful people, I’ll be fine.’

Mav boarded the ship in high spirits. After greeting the captain and being led to his cabin, he could barely contain his excitement. It wasn’t his first time on a ship, but the thought of finally visiting the long-dreamed-of Netunia thrilled him.

Thus, he failed to notice the odd tension lingering in the air.

The ship he had boarded appeared to be a regular passenger vessel traveling between Oberon and Netunia, but in truth, it was carrying a covert delegation and intelligence operatives from Saturn. Every single crew member was one of them.

Mav was the only outsider aboard.

Watching him depart, Gunther couldn’t help but chuckle. Mav had clung to him desperately, pleading,

“Gunther! I need to leave immediately! If I hesitate or wait for another ship, someone from Umbriel or the capital will come rushing in, saying something happened! You know how it is—once they get a hold of me, there’s no escape. This is the only ship leaving for Netunia today. Please!”

Faced with his desperation, Gunther had reluctantly let him go. But in reality, he had received a direct order from Crown Prince Robert.

At first, when Robert sent a special request for Gunther to closely monitor Mav’s movements, he assumed it was to protect him. But the confidential note he later received said otherwise.

“Do not interfere. Just observe who approaches Mav and how the situation unfolds.”

The moment Gunther saw the ship Mav had chosen, he had a hunch about what was about to happen.

‘Is Mav on some kind of secret mission for the Crown Prince?’

But he quickly dismissed the thought. If that were the case, he wouldn’t look so blissfully carefree.

For a brief moment, Gunther wondered if he should warn him. But recalling Robert’s explicit instructions, he kept his mouth shut and simply waved as Mav set off.

‘Orders are orders. Best to follow them to the letter.’

Two Weeks Later

Mav returned to the capital after his vacation. Before heading back to Umbriel, he was required to stop by the imperial palace and report to the Crown Prince.

With his face tanned dark, Mav entered the secretary’s office, beaming. Vian greeted him.

Handing Vian a bundle of gifts, Mav said, “I had an amazing time in Netunia. I felt bad for leaving, so I brought back some presents—don’t refuse them.”

Vian casually thanked him, then led Mav toward the Crown Prince’s office. Mav tilted his head in confusion.

“I heard His Highness Prince Robert was busy?”

“He was. Because of someone.”

“Who?”

As Vian and Mav entered together, Crown Prince Robert rose from his desk and walked toward Mav.

“It seems you had a good time in Netunia.”

Mav grinned brightly.

“The climate in Netunia was like paradise. The people were kind, the fruits and food were fragrant, and even the air was sweet.”

Robert remarked, “I’m sure there were plenty of beautiful women, too.”

“What are you saying? After what I’ve been through, I was wary of any pretty woman who approached me.”

“What about men?”

“Not my type. We just had drinks together, or they were simply being friendly… But is that a crime?”

Robert smirked in amusement and took his seat. Mav, sensing something odd about Vian and Robert’s demeanor, hesitated before sitting down, far less cheerful than when he had entered.

Vian let out a sigh and asked, “Among the people you found friendly, did that include those who were on the same ship as you?”

“Yes. Since they knew Netunia well, they took me to great places and introduced me to many people.”

Vian replied, “What if they were using you as a shield to explore places they wanted to see?”

“No way…? You mean Saturn’s people? I’ve met plenty of Saturnians before, and they wouldn’t—wait… They were Saturn’s people, weren’t they?”

Mav finally realized it.

“So that’s why… They were so kind, took me everywhere, and treated me to all those delicious meals.”

Robert spoke, “So, in short, you were well taken care of.”

“But why? If they were using me as cover… Are you saying Saturn operatives disguised themselves as Uranian citizens to roam freely in Netunia?”

Robert nodded.

‘He’s not entirely clueless. But why does he always realize things too late?’

“Then?”

“You were used as a pawn in Saturn’s scheme to sow discord.”

Mav’s voice weakened, and he looked as if he were about to collapse.

“Then… what happens to me now?”

“You didn’t betray us, so you’ll be fine.”

Mav glanced at Robert, gauging his reaction.

“I don’t deserve that. So… staying in the capital like this… Wouldn’t it be better to have someone smarter than me in Umbriel? How much is Saturn laughing at me right now?”

“That’s exactly why we need to reinforce our borders. Sir Gareth is planning a mountain training exercise in Ariel and Umbriel.”

Mav’s expression turned worried.

“If Saturn finds out, won’t they lodge a protest?”

“Even if they complain about military training, we have no reason to listen.”

“Still… If I’m left alone, won’t they approach me again? Wouldn’t punishing me be the right thing to do?”

“Are you saying I’m not doing the right thing?”

Mav’s voice trembled as he hastily tried to explain, “I got played by them again, so…”

Robert said, “Do you expect me to reprimand and punish you just as Saturn wants? I have no intention of acting according to their plan.”

Mav suddenly felt like he had walked into a trap—one jointly set by both Saturn and Uranus.

‘Did Crown Prince Robert orchestrate this to keep me tied to Umbriel forever? Or did he just let me fall into the trap?’

Seeing Mav sulk like the most unfortunate man in the world, Robert burst into laughter. Vian patted Mav’s shoulder and said,

“Her Highness Crown Princess Sophia and His Highness Prince Robert had a bet going. They were sure you’d end up entangled with spies from either Saturn or Netunia again.”

“Who won? Was it Prince Robert? Did Crown Princess Sophia believe in me?”

Vian shook his head and said to Mav.

“Crown Princess Sophia thought you’d be caught by a Netunian spy since you can spot Saturnians. On the other hand, Prince Robert believed you’d be caught by a Saturnian spy.”

“So Prince Robert won, then. Congratulations. I really don’t deserve to be on Umbriel…”

Crown Prince Robert interrupted Mav.

“There will be another transfer soon. You will be returning to the crown prince’s office.”

Mav’s eyes sparkled as if he had come back from the dead.

“What?”

“Go to Umbriel and finish the handover properly. A new overseer and lord delegate will be sent.”

As Mav walked out of the office, dazed, Vian followed and said,

“Prince Robert seems to think of you as some sort of magnet or bait for spies. He’s hoping that staying in the prince’s office will attract even bigger fish. So don’t worry and come back to the capital.”

Mav resolved firmly. This time, he would not fall for any spies, nor would he allow anyone like them to come near him.

‘If I fail this test, I’ll be stuck on Umbriel forever. No way! Or… should I actually fall for a spy’s trap to stay in the prince’s office? What’s the right move here?’

***

Sophia lay down on the bed and spoke to Robert.

“Are you really thinking of having Mav work in the prince’s office? I thought you would just leave him on Umbriel.”

“I’ll keep him for a few months and then send him back to Umbriel as the overseer. Before that, I’ll give him some training and use him as bait. He was useful enough on Saturn that it would be a waste to use him just once. If he falls into another trap, living in the capital won’t be enjoyable for him anymore. Sending him to Umbriel after that will make sure he doesn’t long for the capital for a long time.”

“… That’s quite the devious plan. Let’s hope Mav doesn’t catch on to any of this.”

“He already has. He’s perceptive about things like this. And that kind of toughening will make him a better overseer who’s even more wary of Saturn.”

Sophia thought to herself.

‘Like father, like son. Robert might be even more ruthless than the emperor.’

Yet even so, Sophia was already thinking of ways to keep Mav bound to Umbriel.

“Should I ask Helen to set Mav up for marriage? That way, he might settle down and live there permanently.”

Before falling asleep, Sophia laid out plans to ensure Mav and his descendants would guard Umbriel for generations to come.

‘Once you’ve found talent, you can’t ever let it slip away.’

At that moment, Mav shot upright in bed, trembling.

“Someone’s out to get me! This is a conspiracy! I’m definitely going to live in the capital!”

But deep down, Mav had a foreboding feeling that he would inevitably end up back on Umbriel.

“Should I go see that fortune-teller again?”

That night, Mav tossed and turned, vowing over and over to survive and thrive in the capital.

***