Found

It was taking longer than expected for the duke to get word on Hina from his ear, Michi, and he was beginning to question the underling's potentials. It had been over a week since the first report and he was still yet to hear back. The duke sighed, if not because he had stacked up official work he needed to sort out, he would have tended to the personal task rather than giving it to someone else.

Looking through the documents piled across his table, he noted that he still had a number of things to do, but he was constantly getting distracted by the thought of her even though she wasn't here. The more he tried to focus on his work, the more she cut through into his mind. Was this how it felt to long for someone?

He heard the sharp rap on the door and it slowly pulled open, Michi coming into view.

"You're late" He said flatly as the ear walked towards his table with a file in his hand.

"Forgive me, my lord" Michi said as he scratched behind his neck.