Before she realized it, the conversation had turned into an interview format, with Penelope asking questions and Lucas answering. Despite that, Penelope gleaned quite a bit.
Lucas revealed that he hailed from Caferun, a southern port city, and had entered the Imperial Academy at the age of 15, graduating at 22—a remarkable achievement.
"So, Lucas, did you come to the Halo territory alone? Didn’t your family object?"
"Finding a job was my priority. My wife and daughter are still in the capital. Once I settle here, they’ll move to join me."
"You have a daughter? How old is she?"
Penelope’s eyes sparkled with interest.
At that moment, Ahwin glanced briefly at Lucas before turning his head away.
Lucas answered earnestly, "She’s six this year."
"Oh my, she’s still just a baby. Didn’t she cry a lot when you told her you had to leave for work?"
"Fortunately, she understood. Or perhaps she thought I’d be back after just one night. We’ve never been apart for this long before."
Lucas’s expression brightened noticeably as he spoke, likely buoyed by thoughts of his daughter.
"I hope I’ll get to meet your daughter someday," Penelope said warmly.
"It would be an honor to introduce her to you, Lady Penelope."
Penelope smiled at his response. Meanwhile, Ahwin was now openly staring at Lucas, his gaze noticeably softer than before.
Lucas seemed to notice the change as well and looked a bit awkward.
Looks like I’ll have to step in before this gets uncomfortable.
Penelope spoke up promptly.
"You haven’t introduced yourself to Ahwin yet, have you? Ahwin is a wizard and alchemist under contract with me. And Ahwin, this is Lucas, my secretary starting today."
"Ah, my name is Lucas Rui. I look forward to working with you."
Ahwin didn’t immediately respond. He turned his head slightly toward Penelope, his brow furrowing as she stared at him with wide, insistent eyes.
Just say hello already.
With a sigh of irritation, Ahwin rubbed the back of his head and finally spoke.
"Did you study under Professor Orlan at the Imperial Academy?"
"Oh, you know Professor Orlan? Unfortunately, I didn’t take his classes. I lack any talent for magic."
"Why? Even the basics of magic studies would’ve been worth learning."
"Well... even the basics of magic were too difficult for me. Since I was on a scholarship, I couldn’t afford to risk my grades. But I did audit a few of his lectures."
"Is that so?"
Ahwin seemed to lose interest and abruptly turned away. He looked at Penelope, silently signaling that he’d exhausted his reserves of social interaction.
Penelope decided that was enough productive conversation for now and gave him a nod of approval.
"By the way, could I learn magic too?" she asked suddenly.
"You? Magic? Why?"
Ahwin’s tone made it clear how unexpected he found the question. Penelope replied, "I’m curious, of course."
How could she not be curious about things like flying through the air or opening portals?
If there was one clear difference between this world and her previous one, it was magic and swordsmanship. Penelope had always wanted to experience at least one of the two.
With the Mage Tower Master right next to me, surely I can get some help.
Ahwin looked skeptical.
"Magic requires a high level of mana affinity. You don’t have any."
"Not even 0.001%?"
"You probably have that much. People need at least that to stay alive."
Ahwin chuckled as he spoke, though the laugh sounded more like a scoff. Penelope pouted and took a sip of her coffee.
Noticing her sulky expression, Ahwin hesitated before offering, "Would you like me to get you a beginner’s book on magic? You could at least read about it."
"Hmm, I’d like that. I’m curious to see what it’s about."
"That’s a good attitude," Ahwin said with an approving smile, evidently pleased by her interest as a wizard.
Lucas, who had been quietly observing the two, suddenly cleared his throat, as if trying to remind them of his presence.
***
Lucas was guided around the castle by the steward, who showed him various parts of the estate.
For a northern countryside castle, the Halo Lord’s Castle was relatively large, though many areas were noticeably aged. However, places like the grand dining hall, main hall, and reception rooms were clean and well-maintained. The knights’ quarters, too, were kept in pristine condition.
The steward stopped in front of a small room and addressed Lucas.
“This will be your office as the secretary. If the weather becomes too cold, there’s an extra desk in the lord’s office. You may work there.”
The room he was shown was adjacent to the lord’s office. It was spacious, with a carpeted floor, a desk, and a chair. The fireplace was already lit, providing enough warmth to make the room comfortable despite the northern chill.
“This is more than sufficient,” Lucas replied.
“We’re planning to hire a large number of servants soon, and when that happens, more furniture will be provided. For lunch, you’ll join the servants in the dining hall next to the kitchen.”
“Understood.”
“Then, you may return to the lord’s office.”
The steward, having completed his task with precision, left promptly. Lucas noticed that everyone in the castle appeared to be quite busy.
To think I managed to land a job in a place like this. How lucky.
Lucas knew he had to impress his employer within the next month. If the workload was as heavy as it seemed, he would surely prove his value.
Still, the lord is quite unique. For a noble, she’s unusually casual and cheerful.
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During his time at the Imperial Academy, Lucas had experienced subtle but consistent disdain from nobles. He had mentally prepared himself for similar treatment here.
However, Penelope defied all his expectations.
Moreover, the people of the castle were kind and always smiling. Despite their busyness, the servants’ friendliness suggested good pay and working conditions. Lucas instinctively realized he had found an excellent workplace.
“Secretary here. May I enter?”
“Come in.”
As soon as Lucas opened the door, he froze. The desk and table in Penelope’s office were piled high with documents.
Penelope, with a serious expression, was reviewing papers and signing them. When she noticed Lucas standing there with a stunned look, she finally looked up.
“Oh, you can’t dive into tasks immediately, so why don’t you start by reviewing some documents? Begin with the ones on the table over there.”
“Yes, understood.”
“There’s quite a bit, so take your time reading through them.”
Lucas obediently moved the stack of documents from the table to an empty desk.
He started with a document titled Green Herb Soap Workshop Report.
Before long, Lucas felt sweat trickling down his back.
Is this even possible?
The document detailed the production, sale, and distribution of Green Herb Soap with meticulous precision.
To think she had devised such an efficient business using green herbs to make soap—it was incredible. Lucas couldn’t help but be amazed.
Next, he read a document titled Ondol Boiler Project Status Report. Again, he broke out in a cold sweat.
“Excuse me, I have a question.”
“Go ahead.”
Penelope answered without looking up as she flipped through her papers. Lucas hesitated before speaking.
“Who came up with the idea to make soap using green herbs?”
“I did.”
“And... what about the Ondol boiler heating plan?”
“That was me too. I suppose you haven’t read the patent-related documents yet. They’re further down in the stack.”
“I see...”
Lucas tried his best to mask his awe as he replied.
He was genuinely impressed. No wonder people had been flocking to this rural territory—its lord was a genius. The businesses she ran had turned the northern region into a sensation.
“You’re truly remarkable.”
“Haha, it’s nothing. Well, if you’re done with questions, let’s—”
The office door suddenly swung open.
Lucas startled again. It was the absurdly handsome wizard from earlier that morning.
Just who is this man?
No matter how he looked at him, the man radiated the presence of a high-ranking wizard. Yet, Lucas couldn’t discern his exact identity.
Ahwin casually scanned the office before pulling a book from his coat and handing it to Penelope.
“What’s this?”
“A beginner’s book on magic. You said you wanted to read one.”
“Wow, you already found it? Thanks! I’ll read it carefully.”
Penelope’s face lit up as she took the book. Stretching, she stood and said, “It’s about time for lunch. Want to join me?”
“Is it that late already?” Ahwin replied.
Lucas, sensing his opportunity, rose quietly from his seat.
“You two enjoy your meal. I’ll eat with the servants. It’s important to get to know them, after all.”
“Suit yourself,” Penelope said, turning to Ahwin.
“You finished the cosmetics research, right? Aren’t you going to show me?”
“Oh, right. I forgot.”
“How could you forget? You’ve been losing sleep over it!”
The two continued their playful bickering as they headed toward the reception room.
Lucas sighed in relief. At least he wouldn’t have to dine with the wizard and endure the tension.
I really ended up in a strange place, he thought to himself.