Who Handles the Work When the Emperor Is in Love?

Chapter 33

After taking a moment to compose herself, Sabrina spoke in a calmer tone.

“Fine. I understand the situation.”

“…”

“I know that part of this is your responsibility. And while the Marquis may have been the one to propose it first, it’s clear that my father’s side has been the one driving things forward so aggressively.”

She picked up her teacup and moistened her dry lips before continuing.

“What I want to know most right now is this: how do you plan to resolve this situation? Since you bear significant responsibility, can I expect you to take an active role in resolving it?”

Clayton, who had been listening quietly, slowly opened his mouth.

“I actually have a suggestion for that.”

“A suggestion?”

“Yes.”

Sabrina felt an inexplicable sense of unease but nodded for now.

“I’ll hear you out.”

Clayton nodded. After hesitating for a moment, he seemed to make up his mind and spoke.

“For now, how about not resolving it at all?”

Clayton’s pale gray eyes fixed directly on Sabrina.

“What I mean is, why don’t we just continue meeting like this for a while?”

What?

Sabrina’s expression froze in shock at the unexpected proposal.

‘Is he suggesting we date?’

Her mind began to race.

Was the always-distant look he gave me actually love? Were the sharp, piercing glares he shot me in the office, the hallway, and the Imperial Palace courtyard actually filled with affection?

The fact that it was Clayton Hatchet made it even more confusing.

‘I’ve never once thought of him as a romantic interest.’

The man who seemed as solid as a boulder somehow gave the impression that even his heart was tougher than most. But maybe…

Sabrina’s expression subtly shifted by the second.

Noticing her changing expressions, Clayton frowned.

“Don’t misunderstand. I have no feelings for you.”

Ah.

Sabrina shrugged nonchalantly, setting aside her mistaken assumptions.

“You said it in a way that could easily be misunderstood.”

“I did say ‘for now.’ Just for a while.”

“You should have emphasized that part more.”

After a brief exchange of quips, Clayton let out a short, deep sigh and got to the point.

“What I mean is, let’s pretend for a while. Just enough to fool the elders in our families.”

So, he was suggesting a contract relationship.

Sabrina, deep in thought, fiddled with the handle of her teacup. She could understand why Clayton made such a suggestion, but the idea of working with someone she saw every day at the office made her hesitate.

‘It might be uncomfortable.’

As she pondered, Clayton watched her face quietly and asked,

“May I explain my position for a moment?”

Sabrina nodded silently.

“While I can’t go into detail, I currently have another mission that requires my full focus. I never intended to marry in the first place, but I especially don’t have time to waste on pointless arguments with my father. Nor do I have any desire to meet someone else.”

“So, you’re asking me to help you for a while?”

“To put it bluntly, yes.”

Sabrina crossed her arms and asked,

“Do you have a specific plan? How do you intend to maintain this arrangement, and how exactly do you plan to end it?”

“My father is already satisfied with the fact that I’ve shown any kind of reaction. He holds you in very high regard.”

“…”

“As long as we appear to be dating, I’m confident he won’t push for a wedding too quickly.”

Clayton tilted his head slightly.

“As for timing… well, ideally, I’d like to keep this up until I’ve completed my mission. But if you prefer, we can end it sooner. I’d prefer to stretch it out as long as possible, though.”

He glanced at Sabrina, gauging her reaction.

“Although the Viscount of Wintlet is pushing things forward quite aggressively, I think I can manage to hold him off.”

Hmm.

Sabrina pressed her temples, feeling a headache coming on.

‘If I think about it, this isn’t a bad proposal for me either.’

At this point, the only person who could stop the Viscount was the Marquis of Hatchet.

Given that the marriage was overwhelmingly advantageous for the Wintlet family, the Hatchet family held all the power in these discussions. The Wintlets, having much more to lose, would have no choice but to yield.

‘If Clayton plays his role well as a mediator…’

This absurd situation might actually have a clean resolution.

Feeling slightly more open to the idea, Sabrina leaned forward and asked,

“Have you thought about how to end it?”

“I’ll take full responsibility for everything. I promise to ensure that nothing will reflect poorly on you.”

Clayton’s gaze was serious.

Although he didn’t elaborate, Sabrina wasn’t overly concerned. She already knew what kind of person Clayton Hatchet was.

A man who always kept his word. Someone who flawlessly carried out even the most impossible orders. A man who valued loyalty as much as his own life.

‘Things might not go as planned. Unexpected events could arise, but…’

Resolute, Sabrina nodded firmly.

“All right. Let’s do it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure. What you want and what I want aren’t all that different. I’m a little worried about how awkward it might be since we’ve always been distant, but…”

Sabrina smiled brightly and extended her hand.

“I completely trust you as a partner.”

“…”

“Let’s do this properly, now that we’ve decided.”

Clayton stared at the small hand extended toward him. After hesitating briefly, he awkwardly reached out.

“…I always do things properly.”

Despite his cold expression, the warmth of his hand enveloped hers.

“Let’s work well together.”

***

Meanwhile, Chase’s contract relationship was taking a different turn.

After spending several sleepless nights worrying about Sabrina’s low spirits, Chase finally made a decision. He would tell Sabrina about his relationship with Elena.

Of course, he needed Elena’s permission first.

“…So, I’d like to tell Sabrina.”

“Ah…”

“I can vouch for Sabrina’s identity. She’s sharp and wise in many ways, and I’m sure she’ll be helpful in this matter.”

“Alright. If it’s her, I think I can trust her too. I’ve also wanted to get closer to her personally.”

Elena accepted Chase’s request much more easily than he had anticipated. It seemed her good impression of Sabrina had influenced her decision.

‘I should’ve brought this up sooner.’

Chase felt buoyant, imagining how he’d clear up Sabrina’s misunderstanding.

“Your Majesty, is it alright if I report this now?”

“Yes, of course.”

Every time Chase caught brief glimpses of Sabrina’s face, words he wanted to say rose to his throat, tickling his mouth.

When should I tell her? Now didn’t seem like the right time.

How should I start? What expression would make it seem natural?

Perhaps his thoughts were written all over his face because Sabrina asked with a puzzled expression,

“…Is there something you want to say?”

“Huh?”

“You’ve been looking at me quite often since earlier.”

Had I really been doing that?

Chase awkwardly averted his gaze and forced a laugh.

“Is something wrong?”

“No, not exactly.”

Chase glanced at Sabrina’s white hand resting on the report before lifting his gaze to meet hers.

“There is something I want to say.”

Her glassy, transparent blue eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“Go ahead. I’ll listen.”

“But not right now.”

Chase hesitated, searching his mind for a private time when they could continue the conversation. Since it was a personal topic, he preferred discussing it in a private setting, but he wasn’t sure if Sabrina would be open to such a suggestion.

‘She probably just wants to relax during her free time, right?’

As Chase hesitated, Sabrina smiled brightly and asked,

“Then, how about after today’s schedule ends?”

‘She’s amazing…’

Chase felt his heart flutter once again at her straightforwardness. Trying to suppress his giddy grin, he confirmed in a calm voice,

“Are you sure?”

Sabrina nodded without hesitation.

“Aaron told me. After work, the two of you sometimes share drinks and have deep conversations.”

“Yeah, we’ve done that.”

“But you’ve never had such a moment with me. Hearing that made me feel a little jealous.”

Sabrina’s playful remark caused Chase’s cheeks to flush red.

“Jealous?”