5. Linan Flich’s diary

For those who need talented people like us, the news that Linan planning to quit his job as an aide at Duke Ludwig was a great newa for us. Killian and I managed to win him over, promising him the best treatment we could give and emphasizing the possibility of Ryzen. After finishing all his work at the duke residence, we were finally able to greet Linan, who came down to Ryzen after a long time, and all the anxiety we felt was relieved.

"It's a good thing for us, Linan. but wouldn't it be too easy for Linan to quit the job as duke Ludwig's assistant? I mean, other than the imperial place, there is no other place that pays that much."

"I don't know. Maybe it's because I've already saved up quite a bit, but money wasn't a big deal."

Linan was still stingy in expressing his emotions, but he seemed somewhat exhausted when he said those words.

"Why, is there something happening at the Duke residence?"

When Killian asked worriedly, he slient for a moment and took out his diary from his bag, and handed it to Killian.

"If I explain it one by one, it would be long, so it would be faster if you check the contents of my diary."

Killian and I were surprised by Linan's behavior, who took out his diary, headed it towards us as if it were like a report, and he didn't seem to care if we read it. We started looking through the diaries written from the day we left Duke Ludwig's mansion.

* * *

[September 15, 1825].

As soon as Master Cliff's wedding was over, Master Killian and his wife, Edith, left to Ryzen territory. Since they bought Miss Anna with them together , it feels like all the traces about the two of them have disappeared from this mansion. At first, I didn't think about it too much, The atmosphere at Duke Ludwig mansion changed a lot after the two left. The relationship between His Excellency the Duke and his wife, who had always been cordial before, have become bleak. The Duchess no longer looking for Miss Lizzy often, and His Excellency the duke has been complained and drank himself all the time. Master Cliff has begun the succession process in earnest.

[November 10, 1825]

Miss Lizzy, who had always been quiet in her room, had been revealing herself a lot lately. She started attending parties more, and her clothes became more extravagant as the days went by, and this time, she announced that she would prepare for the year-end party in December. There seems to be a bit of a fight between Master Cliff and her over the issue, but in any case, Mrs. Lizzy still decides to prepare the December party anyway. The Duchess is still trying to fix it, but there are many rumors that her daughter-in-law is already trying to be the hostess of the family. The Duchess seemed ashamed about it, so she began to say nothing after that. I also feel that my heart now is not the same as before. Is it time to get ready to leave this place.

[December 31, 1825]

The Duke's year-end party was held yesterday and today. it was the most extravagant and lavish feast since I've worked here. Miss Lizzy says that we must show the dignity of Duke Ludwig family, since he was a close aide of the royal family, but. . . . Even without showing this dignity, Duke Ludwig's family was still the best family in the empire. The Duke and Duchess looked as relaxed and calm as ever, but judging from the fact that the butler who escorted them to their room late at night was sighing deeply, it seemed that they might not be in a very good mood. But on the contrary, Miss Lizzy looked very happy.

Her Highness the princess,Catherine also attended the party and received a lot of attention as she was introduced as the host of the party. Miss Lizzy danced with several men beside Master Cliff. As each dance progressed, Master Cliff's expression became worse, so I was worried. In the end, I left my seat early and came back too.

Am i the only one who misses the gentle and dignified Duke Ludwig of the past?

[January 15, 1826]

It's been 15 days since the new year. At the beginning of the month, after sending an official letter to each territory to submit the tax collection details for the second half of the of last year, i have some free time for a while. So I read a letter from Mrs. Edith, that came yesterday while drinking tea. Mrs. Edith sent New Year's greetings not only to the Duke's and the Duchess but also to her close friends.

Mrs. Edith and Master Killian said they were getting along very well. It seems like they're thinking about various development plans while inspecting the territory , and I'm very curious about what future Ryzen they'll be developing. I also received a greeting letter from Anna, and i was able to learn more about the hardships Mrs. Edith hasn't told me about it. In that evening, it's been a long time since i took out a letter paper and wrote a reaply, secretly saying that i wanted to change my jobs. I hope Mrs. Edith will notice how i feel.

[February 5, 1826]

I'm tired. I think it's the first time I've felt so exhausted. All the years I've been working as the duke's aides. It would be better if the work piled up, but recently, Mrs. Lizzy made fun of me by making strange accusations. I'm sure it started the day I went to the post office. That day on my way out, i ran into Mrs. Lizzy, and she asked me where I was going, I simply answered, 'I'm going to post a letter'. Then, Mrs. Lizzy's eyes became sharper. I think she noticed that the letter I wanted to send was addressed to Ryzen. I didn't know that Mrs. Lizzy still had a grudge against Mrs. Edith. No, it's not her fault. I don't understand why Mrs. Lizzy hates the Mrs. Edith when she is quite generous person.

Anyway, since that day, she started working on tasks that weren't her job, or she suddenly came into my office and started fighting over trivial things. It's not a problem that I can't solve it, but it's true that I'm a bit worried about what the days ahead.

[March 1, 1826]

Although it was cold, I could feel the spirit of spring from time to time, and the cold mid-winter wind was still blowing in Ludwig Mansion. I somehow feel anxious, but yesterday, the Duke's anger finally exploded.

Not long ago, Mrs. Lizzy meets His Highness the Crown Prince without saying a single word to the duke or Master Cliff. She said she did it for the Duke Ludwig family, but His Majesty the Emperor didn't fix the problem. As if his majesty already considered that she was trying to establish a relationship with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Not only that, His Majesty the Emperor also called His Excellency the Duke and asked him what he gonna do. In the end, it is said that His Excellency Duke scolded Mrs Lizzy, but instead of reflecting on her mistake, Mrs Lizzy got angry at His Excellency and left. Master Cliff seems to be stuck in the middle and hearing unpleasant words from both sides. There's no way Duke Ludwig would fall apart just because of something like this, but I can't help but feel bitter when I remember the past, when he was strong inside and out.

[March 26, 1826]

Mrs. Lizzy received a punishment, so she was placed under probation for slapping a certain Viscountess's daughter in the face. If in the past, they would have said that the angelic Mrs. Lizzy couldn't do such a thing, but now no one doubts it anymore. As I was passing through the hallway to see the Duchess, I heard some noise of master Cliff and Mrs. Lizzy fighting. Mrs Lizzy yelled, 'You're a liar', and master Cliff's said, 'Please do it in moderation'. He seems sick and tired of it. That their secret story. It's none of my business, but if they fight like that in front of everyone, I think their love is already over.

[May 2, 1826]

I decided to quit my job soon. I received a letter from Mrs. Edith, she said that if it were okay with me, she would like to hire me as Ryzen's budget manager. I'm just grateful that she seemed to notice my feelings. When I told my purpose to the Duke and Duchess and asked for their understanding, they expressed regret but were willing to bless me for my future, saying that it would be better for me. But it wasn't Master Cliff and Mrs. Lizzy. Master Cliff quickly caught me and persuaded me again with his honor to be Duke Ludwig's heir and offered me a great salary. But my opinion is different. Even if the salary is reduced, I prefer to do something comfortable, fun, and rewarding. Mrs Lizzy's reaction is getting more annoyed. She must want to get rid of me for helping Mrs. Edith in the past, but she seem has no ideas that I would really going to Ryzen, and she was suspected that I was trying to steal the duke information to Count Ryzen. But the Duke didn't listen to Mrs Lizzy.

Mrs Edith should have seen Mrs Lizzy expression at that time. . . . I no longer think Mrs Lizzy is a beautiful person anymore. It broke my heart when I thought the family that has poured possion and loyalty for many years is ruined because of one person.

* * *

"I can't believe these things happened. . . . ."

Killian, who had finished reading the diary, muttered in a mixed tone.

"I'm was sorry I couldn't deliver good news for you."

"Why is it your fault? It's my family fault."

Killian, who once thought that his parents and brother hadn't moral flaws and thought that Lizzy was just like an angel, smiled helplessly, perhaps because he found it funny. I patted Killian's hand and thanked Linan once more again.

"Still, it must have been difficult to give up life in the capital and your status as a ducal vassal, but thank you for choosing us, Linan. As things have already grown, and we really desperately need a competent budget manager."

"As I wrote in my diary, I've wanted to come to Ryzen for so long. Thank you for calling me, Countess."

"I promise you that you will find more fun working here."

I looked at Linan, who had the same expression as before, and imagined the structure of Ryzen Castle's administrative office in my head. I was very worried because I was pregnant and we lacked of manpower, so I was very fortunate that Linan came at the right time. Since we already had a few recruited talented people, it would be perfect to appoint Linan as the manager.

'By the way, isn't the duke's situation as serious as Linan thought. . . . ?'

It was a pity that Lizzy still hadn't come to her senses yet, and she still thought this was all for Duke Ludwig's benefit, but i was a little worried because the Duke is Killian's family anyway.

'Whatever. . . . It will be fine. He's a duke anyway.'

I thought it lightly and moved on about that matter.