The Forest Race Clonne

Chapter 7

The fateful day had arrived. It was the day of the Security Department exam. Since morning, the office was abuzz with speculation about Camille Rouster’s participation. There was always the possibility that he might have changed his mind.

“I bet he took it.”

“I’m betting he didn’t.”

“Me too, he didn’t.”

With a clinking sound, coins poured out in front of me. Roil, who had bet all his silver coins that Camille didn’t take the exam, turned to me.

“Sei, what will you bet on?”

“…”

Shiny eyes were fixed on me, waiting. Unsure where to begin addressing this, I sighed. It was clear they had forgotten I was the one responsible for upholding the regulations.

“Gambling among public officials is prohibited.”

“Come on, lighten up. It’s just a bit of fun.”

“Absolutely not. Everyone, collect your bets and tidy up.”

“Ah, come on…”

“I didn’t realize everyone here was so eager to receive penalty points.”

The employees, shoulders slumped, retrieved the pile of coins with disappointed faces. Roil was the most despondent of all.

“Sei, you don’t know how to enjoy life…”

“I don’t want to learn through gambling.”

“Oh, come on! How can anyone live strictly by the rules all the time? Sometimes, you have to seize blind luck!”

“I think it’s more likely blind misfortune would strike first, don’t you think?”

“Why are you being so cruel? People can find happiness just by holding on to hope!”

“But if you prepare for misfortune, you won’t fall into despair.”

“All right, all right! Do you have to beat me up with words to feel better?”

Ignoring Roil’s outburst, I pulled out the documents I needed to process today. Roil, resigned, began preparing his work while glancing at me.

“So, Sei, do you think Camille Rouster took the exam for the Security Department or not?”

“I told you, I’m not betting.”

“I’m just asking for your opinion. That’s okay, right?”

If it’s not a bet… After a brief pause, I answered.

“I don’t think he did.”

“What? Really? You think he didn’t?”

“As you said, the Imperial Guard is part of the First Imperial Force. Duke Rouster, the Supreme Commander of the Three Imperial Forces, also started in the Imperial Guard. It makes sense for Camille to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and aim for the Imperial Guard. It’s something that’s been set in stone since he attended the academy. I doubt he’d change it impulsively.”

“Ah, I see. Hearing that from someone smart like you puts my mind at ease.”

Roil sighed in relief, clearly bothered by Adol’s recent displays of arrogance. It was understandable since Adol had been openly boasting about how he wouldn’t leave us alone once he got into the Operations Team.

“Don’t worry too much. Even if Camille joins the Security Department, it won’t affect us much. And the same goes if Officer Lucen gets promoted to the Operations Team.”

“Oh, why’s that?”

“Officer Lucen seems to misunderstand something. The workload in the Operations Team is not something that allows for bullying other departments. The moment he gets promoted, he’ll be swamped with work for years.”

“Ah, I see. Yeah, you can slack off a bit here, but you can’t do that there. Everyone there is a noble.”

“Exactly.”

In fact, the higher up you go in the Operations Team, the busier you get. Even Count Rael sacrifices his sleep to work. The investigators all look perpetually exhausted with dark circles under their eyes. Roil finally seemed to have a moment of realization.

“……I get it now. I knew the Operations Team was busier, but I never really understood what that meant. Sei, were you really serious when you said you refused the transfer because it’d be too busy?”

“I told you, didn’t I?”

“Wow, wow. I never thought I’d actually wish for Officer Lucen’s promotion. Sei, you’re really a genius.”

“Now that you understand, stop worrying unnecessarily and get to work.”

“Yes, sir, understood.”

Roil gave a playful salute and a wide grin.

From then on, time passed peacefully. Thankfully, it seemed I was right—Camille Rouster’s name didn’t come up even after the results were announced. In the end, whether he took the exam or not remained a mystery and gradually became just a passing topic of conversation.

Everyone was relieved, except for Adol, who couldn’t hide his disappointment. Roil remarked that Adol was like a kite with a broken string, utterly deflated.

And so, we let our guard down.

That morning felt unusually odd. The Department Head, who was always late, arrived early, and Adol had an unsettling smirk on his face—all signs pointed to something ominous. When Count Rael appeared, my vision darkened. Unless it was an exceptional situation like last time, there was only one reason for him to visit at this time.

“Oh my, Director! It’s an honor to have you visit our humble office!”

Startled by the Department Head’s voice, everyone quickly rose from their seats. Count Rael was accompanied by someone. With a trembling voice, the department head asked,

“Could this be…?”

“Your guess is correct.”

Nodding, Count Rael addressed everyone.

“I’ve brought a new recruit who will be working in this department starting today. I hope you all make him feel welcome on his first day.”

Before anyone could react to the word “new recruit,” the man standing behind stepped forward. The sound of his footsteps echoed in the now silent room.

He was a strikingly handsome man, exuding an air of nobility. His hair, like moonlight brought to life, and his eyes, reminiscent of fresh spring shoots, made an immediate impression. His tall stature and immaculate posture made even the standard uniform look like a tailored masterpiece.

“Wow, this is insane…”

Roil’s voice was filled with awe beside me. I felt like I might go insane for entirely different reasons. Fortunately, my discomfort didn’t last long.

“Nice to meet you all. I’m Camille Rouster.”

“…”

The moment his deep voice echoed through the room, everything froze. Camille Rouster, the man who had been the center of attention recently, had materialized before us.

Roil looked at me like a broken machine. Sighing, I nodded, and his expression stiffened further. Why is he here? His eyes seemed to ask. I answered with my own eyes. That’s exactly what I want to know…

“I graduated from the academy earlier this year. As you can see, I’m young and have much to learn. I promise to be diligent. I hope to receive your guidance and support.”

His introductory speech was polite and respectful, a stark contrast to the attitudes of the other nobles who had stood in that spot. The tense atmosphere gradually eased, and welcoming applause broke out. The most enthusiastic among us was, of course, Adol.

“Camille! What happened? How come you’re here?”

As soon as Count Rael and the Department Head left to discuss matters, Adol rushed forward. Camille Rouster’s face also showed apparent delight.

“Senior, so you’re in this department too. I haven’t seen you since graduation. How have you been?”

“I’ve been doing well. And you?”

“Yes, very well.”

Judging by their friendly conversation, it seemed they really were close. Roil, who had hoped it was all bluff, sighed quietly.

“I never thought you’d join this department. I was sure you’d go straight to the Operations Team.”

“I requested to be here.”

“What? Why?”

“The foundation of all work is administration. I’m unfamiliar with this area, so I wanted to start from the basics. I’m still young and want to progress step-by-step. That way, I can find more fulfillment in this job.”

“You’re still the same, sticking to principles.”

Adol smiled, looking resigned. Even the way he responded came off as if he were flaunting their friendship.

“Well, you can get promoted anytime you want. There’s no need to rush now. How are your parents doing?”

“They are all well. My mother was particularly curious about how you’ve been.”

“Really? I’m honored that the Countess remembers me. I only visited once or twice during the holidays.”

“I don’t invite many guests to the estate.”

Camille Rouster also displayed a warm demeanor. Their friendly conversation made Adol increasingly smug.

“His smile is practically reaching his ears.”

Roil grumbled, visibly annoyed. He tried to act unaffected, but the frustration in his eyes was clear.

“Jeez, what’s happening? I never expected the young master to come here. This wasn’t in any of my plans.”

“…Indeed.”

“What are we going to do now? This is quite a mess, isn’t it?”

“Yes, well.”

At least for me, it definitely was a mess.

Roil clicked his tongue, then looked at me quizzically.

“But why are you standing so far away? What’s with that awkward pose?”

“…”

He pointed out my stance, half-hidden behind a pillar. Standing here, the people in the front rows couldn’t see me well. Honestly, it was a reflexive action, and I felt embarrassed.

“It’s nothing. I’ll just step out for a moment.”

“What’s up? Feeling unwell? Going to the infirmary?”

“Ah, yes. I think I ate breakfast too quickly. My stomach’s upset.”

“Man, looks like you’re too surprised. Take your time and get some rest. If anyone asks, I’ll cover for you.”

“Thanks.”

I had never been more grateful that my desk was near the back door. Fortunately, no one was watching me closely. I tiptoed to the door and carefully reached for the handle. Just as I was about to turn it,

“Sei?”

‘…Damn.’

I had been caught after all.

With a sigh, I let go of the door handle. I knew it was a futile attempt from the start. He had always had a sharp instinct, and now that he had grown, it must have become even more refined.