“I hate paperwork!” [Ryner]

Ryner yelled as he threw a bunch of documents into the air, but quickly caught them before they hit the ground and neatly stacked them on his desk.

“You don’t need to help us if you don’t want to. I’ve told you many times, but you’ve saved our country from the brink of destruction twice already. Please, rest.” [Clara]

The queen, sitting at her own desk, raised her eyes from her work and told him apologetically.

“If I rest, you’ll be swamped with work and you won’t be able to deal with everything properly! The country’s in a mess because half of your nobility betrayed you and Citrus was too lazy to do his job!” [Ryner]

“Yes… I can’t deny that.” [Clara]

She sighed. The management of the country was in chaos. The work that was assigned to the nobles in charge of managing their territory was left to her. After Ryner and her army went around capturing the traitors, there was practically no one left to do their job. Clara tried to fix that by dividing it among those that stayed loyal to her, but it still wasn’t enough. That was why Ryner was currently helping them to keep the kingdom afloat.

“But, really, Ryner, you don’t need to go this far for us.” [Clara]

“I saved you guys. I need to see this to the end. It’s my responsibility.” [Ryner]

“… You have quite the queer sense of duty.” [Clara]

Ryner only grunted in reply and stared at the documents in his hands while scratching his head.

“We’re relying on you for too many things. It’s making me feel worthless as the king.” [Adrian]

“Come now, dear, don’t say that and keep working.” [Clara]

“Right, right.” [Adrian]

The king, Adrian, was also present in the room and helping his wife with her own work. He carried over a stack of papers that he finished going through and only needed to get her stamp of approval. Like his wife, he looked quite tired. It had only been a few days since they were locked up in a cell. They barely had any time to rest and threw themselves in their work.

“Say, can’t I lower the amount you guys are gonna donate to the west?” [Ryner]

“No, you cannot. That donation is important.” [Clara]

“But, food, clothes, weapons, money, lots of money…” [Ryner]

“It’s for the men and women fighting against the demons. We must support them with that donation. It is required from every country. You could say that it is their pay, the fee for our protection. Lowering the amount would also affect our image and political ties.” [Clara]

“Alright then. Your call.” [Ryner]

Twice, Garroth nearly fell. They needed to deal with every major problem as quickly as possible, or the neighboring countries might make a move to take advantage of the situation. Even with the threat of demons, greed was still rampant. So long as the nations in the west fought them off, humanity wasn’t fully united.

“There, I’m done. Now, for the last batch of the day…” [Ryner]

“Even with all your complaining, you still work much faster than us.” [Clara]

Clara and Adrian stared at the sleepy-looking, grumbling man who finished tackling his mountain of papers and proceeded to process the next mountain. Their domestic affairs that were in complete disarray since Sirius took control were being set straight at a rapid rate mostly thanks to him and his companion. Despite his complaining, his hands never stopped moving and swiftly, perfectly rectified every document he was in charge of. It was obvious to the two rulers that he had ample experience in this field.

“I’d really like to hire you.” [Clara]

Clara said, astonished by his unexpected abilities.

“No. I hate paperwork!” [Ryner]

He bluntly rejected her with a rather dubious reason. Still, she didn’t say anything and quietly kept working. It wasn’t the first time she asked him. She could try again later on.

“Oh yeah, how’s Sinus doing in his cell?” [Ryner]

A few minutes after working in silence, Ryner suddenly asked about the prince that was locked up in a cell.

“From the report, he keeps yelling like a madman and demands us to worship him as our ruler. I swear, marrying my daughter to him was a grave mistake.” [Clara]

“That’s true. Just thinking about it makes me want to go down there and punch him a few times.” [Adrian]

“Yeah, but he’s still the one that nearly killed you, twice at that. How could you let it happen?” [Ryner]

Clara placed her pen on the table.

“We didn’t expect it at all. Somehow, he convinced half of the nobility to side with him. They pooled their money and resources together to fund his forces. Thugs, mercenaries and even bandits made up their ranks. He had an army and most of our key individuals on their side. Our knight commander and many of our soldiers with large mana pools were neutralized with magic shackles. The others were killed with poison or surprise attacks. We were cornered before we knew it. He must have spent a long time to plan his coup d’état.” [Clara]

“Moreover, our citizens suffered under them. They walked around the streets and treated them like slaves.” [Adrian]

Adrian added as he shook his head.

“Well, I’m still surprised that about half of your country’s higher ups joined the rebels’ side.” [Ryner]

“It’s probably because of our matriarchal system that left many men unsatisfied. It was implemented three generations ago by the first queen who ruled alone after her husband died, Annabelle Welston. My ancestor had the skills and wits to retain her power despite the disapproval of those around her.” [Clara]

“Oh, she’s pretty good.” [Ryner]

“Thank you. She is a source of inspiration for many women. Still, her legacy caused us to fall into this mess. It is a shame.” [Clara]

“Yes, but the worst has passed now, mother. Thanks to Ryner, everyone can breathe easy again.” [Tiffany]

The door to the room opened and Tiffany walked in with Leila. In her hands was a tray with a teapot and teacups.

“Tiffany, are you sure you should be here instead of resting?” [Adrian]

“For once, I agree with your worrywart of a father’s worries. You came really close to dying.” [Clara]

The moment he saw her, Adrian started fretting over her health. His wife also shared his sentiments and wanted her daughter to recuperate in her room.

“It’s okay, mother, father. I’ve been sleeping for days. Ryner also said that I’m fine now. Isn’t that so?” [Tiffany]

“Yeah. I’m the one that healed her up. She’s good and healthy.” [Ryner]

“See? It’s not right if I’m the only one taking it easy. Let me at least do this to help a bit. I’ve made tea.” [Tiffany]

Their oldest daughter lightly laughed, told them that she was alright and approached Ryner’s desk followed by her little sister who acted like her guard.

“Ryner, would you like some?” [Tiffany]

“Hm, sure. That’d help.” [Ryner]

Ryner answered her question while scratching his head and glaring at the document in front of him. The First Princess seemed happy as she poured him a cup of tea.

“Here. Careful, it’s hot.” [Tiffany]

“Thanks.” [Ryner]

She stared at him lovingly while he drank the tea she made. Her family was watching them with warm gazes, except for Leila who was frowning.

“Ryner, it’s tea my sister made. Be more grateful.” [Leila]

“You’re right.” [Ryner]

Ryner cleared his throat and stared at Tiffany with a serious expression.

“I am truly grateful that you’re the one who made this and not your siste-ouch! Why’d you hit me!?” [Ryner]

Ryner yelled at the blonde-haired princess that punched his shoulder.

“Shut up, you fool! What do you mean by that!? You don’t want me to make you tea!?” [Leila]

“…” [Ryner]

“W-why are you looking away!?” [Leila]

“Weelll… *Cough* You probably suck at cooking.” [Ryner]

Although he rapidly muttered his thoughts in a low voice, Leila clearly heard him.

“What?! I know how to brew tea too! Just you wait, you big idiot! I’ll give you a delicious cup and make you apologize!” [Leila]

“… Why are you so childish?” [Ryner]

“I don’t want to hear that from yooouuu!!” [Leila]

The warm gazes changed into amused ones as Ryner and Leila began bickering again. Tiffany was happily laughing beside them, enjoying their usual interactions. However, once more, the door opened and someone else entered, gathering the gazes of everyone present.

“Greetings, your majesty, your highness. Oh? The princesses are here too? As always, it is an honor to be in your presence?” [Evelyn]

It was Evelyn, the other person who could work with the same ridiculous pace as Ryner. She was introduced as his distant cousin and kept on impressing the royal family since they saw her. Beautiful, talented, dignified and elegant, she was practically perfect. Moreover, with her looks and demeanor, they would have believed her if she said that she was from nobility. Already, she had charmed the hearts of many, whether they’d be servants, soldiers or even nobles. If not for his extraordinary abilities, it was impossible to see how she was related to Ryner.

“Your highness, here are the reports on Marchioness Dulado and Earl Anorn. Please meet with them when you can.” [Evelyn]

She said as she placed a stack of papers on Clara’s desk, acting like a competent secretary. While Ryner was busy dealing with documents, Evelyn went around as the queen’s proxy and met the nobles still loyal to her in her stead. When she was done, she also worked at a desk and erased mountains of paperwork at inhuman speed.

“Oh? Is that tea?” [Evelyn]

She said when she saw the teacup Ryner was holding.

“Yeah. Tiffany made it.” [Ryner]

“I see. Remember how I used to always brew tea for you, Ryner?” [Evelyn]

The vampire, for some reason, smiled at Tiffany. The Princess returned her smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

“Really? I didn’t know that.” [Tiffany]

“Well, he and I knew each other for a long time, ever since I was just a child, in fact.” [Evelyn]

“You two must get along well then.” [Tiffany]

“Yes, princess, we are very close.” [Evelyn]

The two women spoke while wearing amicable expressions on their faces. It looked like a friendly chat on the surface, but to those around, they were giving off a strange pressure. The first one to break eye contact was Evelyn.

“Ryner, I need your help with something. Would you mind coming with me?” [Evelyn]

“Yeah. Just give me a minuuutee… There.” [Ryner]

Ryner finished processing the last document he was in charge of and finally put his pen down.

“Done. You guys can take care of the rest, right?” [Ryner]

“Yes, of course.” [Clara]

Clara hesitated for a moment, but nodded. She wanted him to take a break.

“Ok, Evie, what is it?” [Ryner]

“Please follow me. I’ll tell you on the way.” [Evelyn]

Ryner and Evelyn left the room. When they were gone, everyone was quietly watching the door.

“… She’s formidable.” [Clara]

The queen muttered as she stared at her oldest daughter.

“So? What is it that you didn’t want them to hear?” [Ryner]

Walking through the beautiful hallway, the sleepy-looking man asked the blonde vampire.

“You’ve been getting along with this country’s royalty.” [Evelyn]

“More or less. They’re not hateful.” [Ryner]

“I see.” [Evelyn]

Evelyn nodded and smiled gently before looking ahead of her. The two walked side by side in silence and went to the bedroom given to her in the castle.

“… Why are we here?” [Ryner]

Ryner was quite suspicious as he stared at his surroundings. Understanding why he was so cautious, once she closed the door, the vampire hurriedly reassured him of her intentions.

“Please, I won’t do anything. I just wanted to talk to you in private.” [Evelyn]

Her mask of elegance was gone. Her assured gait disappeared and she was anxiously staring at him.

“We’ve been helping them manage their country. I’m not complaining. You saved them and I understand that you will go all the way to make sure that they have their normal lives back. It’s just…” [Evelyn]

“Just?” [Ryner]

Evelyn looked away for second, hesitating.

“I… Those damn human princesses are getting along with you! I’m busy working for them while they’re stealing you from me! It makes me… Makes me jealous!” [Evelyn]

She declared in a loud voice. She didn’t act like her usual, proud self that came from a noble vampire clan. Her appearance was just like a girl scared that her loved one was going to leave her and was throwing a tantrum.

“Please don’t get too close to them! I haven’t approved of them yet!” [Evelyn]

“You… You do remember we’re not like that? Why are you acting like an obsessive girlfriend? And I’m not flirting with royalty.” [Ryner]

“I-I know. But, what hurts, hurts. And it hurts to see you getting along with other women.” [Evelyn]

She held her arm and looked down while biting her lower lip. She had a sad, anxious expression, one that made her seem fragile.

“I feel like ripping to pieces any insects that aren’t worthy of you. Of course, there’s no one who’s actually worthy to be your lifelong partner, but they should bring you some sort of benefit. A princess can certainly offer something worthwhile, but she hasn’t been deemed trustworthy not to mention that I haven’t prepared myself yet. She needs to have my permission if she wants to so much as get within a meter of you.” [Evelyn]

But, it gradually became a terrifying one as she spun her words. The corner of her red eyes that were drooping became sharp again and her fingers dug into her arms, turning the skin even whiter.

“… Oook. I forgot. You’re way past obsessive already.” [Ryner]

“Anyway!” [Evelyn]

She didn’t hear his remark at all and leaned forward, staring at him with upturned eyes.

“I, I want a reward!” [Evelyn]

“… A reward?” [Ryner]

“I’ve been looking at this kingdom’s finances, the state of its territories and running around as an envoy of the queen to meet nobles.” [Evelyn]

She took out her cellphone and presented it to him.

“I would be very happy if you gave me a reward for all my work.” [Evelyn]

“Why the phone?” [Ryner]

“You deleted the pictures and videos of us together, so I’d like a new one.” [Evelyn]

“That’s because in most of them, we were naked and-.” [Ryner]

“This time, it’s just a normal picture. Just the two of us… Is that ok?” [Evelyn]

She asked meekly and presented her phone to him. Ryner stared at it for a moment, contemplating the consequences of letting a pervert have his photo. However, seeing how she currently resembled a small animal, he sighed and took her phone.

“Just one.” [Ryner]

“Thank you very much!” [Evelyn]

The vampire’s anxious expression turned into a beaming smile.

“If I see you using it for something weird, I’m confiscating your phone.” [Ryner]

“Understood! Then…” [Evelyn]

Evelyn excitedly went next to him and stood still. They were almost close enough for their shoulders to touch.

“Please.” [Evelyn]

She waited while joyfully smiling. Ryner, holding the phone, stretched his hand out and took a picture of them.

“… Huh?” [Ryner]

The device was set with a timer of a few seconds. Until it took the picture, the vampire used that time to tilt her head to the side. She wasn’t touching him without permission, but it looked like she was leaning her head on his shoulder. Her face was red and a lovely, almost embarrassed smile hung on her lips. For anyone who didn’t know them, what was displayed on the phone’s screen was a pair of lovers.

“Wait, Evi-.” [Ryner]

“Thank you very much for the reward.” [Evelyn]

Before he could say anything, Evelyn, who was acting calm again, snatched the cellphone from his hand, tucked it away and went for the door.

“I have some more business to attend to. Please take a rest. I’ll see you soon.” [Evelyn]

She left the room, nearly skipping, and successfully escaped with her prize.

“… Tch, she got me.” [Ryner]

Ryner muttered and scratched his head, frustrated at how easily she tricked him… Again.