Chapter 182: The Bear General
More than once, the commander had tried to trade for Shiao Yi permanently as his aide. But of course, Dominic would never agree to such a request. Instead, the compromise became that Shiao Yi would be sent occasionally as a helper.
Lately, the commander had even begun hinting that he was considering retirement and wanted to leave the position to Dominic. But Dominic always gave vague answers, saying he preferred the freedom of being captain of the Second Division.
It was obvious, however, that part of the commander’s plan in using Shiao Yi was to train him in advance and build a strong support system around Dominic, knowing that paperwork was not his strength.
"I’ll be heading out to assist the commander today," Shiao Yi said.
"...Hmph."
Dominic glanced at him briefly, then returned to his documents with a displeased expression.
He always looked unhappy whenever Shiao Yi went to help the commander.
He’s thinking: You’re supposed to be my aide...’
Even without telepathy, Shiao Yi could practically hear the thought.
He smiled to himself, finding this jealous side of Dominic irresistibly cute and walked out into the hallway.
When he passed by another squad member, he was startled to see them staring in surprise.
He quickly adjusted his expression, realizing he had been grinning too openly.
Spring had been warming the days lately, and Shiao Yi had probably been letting his guard down a little.
But how could he not? Life in the new home with Dominic was wonderful.
There were a few "intruders" in the house from time to time, but they handled meals and household management, which saved a lot of trouble.
And at night, everyone went back to their own homes, leaving Shiao Yi and Dominic alone together.
Their nights activities as just the two of them were full, satisfying and deeply intimate...
"You’re in a good mood, aren’t you, Shiao Yi? You’ve got that sultry look on your face. Bet you were thinking dirty thoughts, huh?"
"Whoa—" Shiao Yi almost jumped.
He had run right into Louis.
What? What kind of face was he making just now? Damn it. He really needed to pull himself together.
If he kept going around with that expression, it was going to cause all sorts of trouble.
"Bul, aren’t you the one going on another date with the young lady tomorrow? She’s a beauty, so good for you," Shiao Yi said, desperately trying to change the subject.
Louis gave him a helpless, troubled look.
"I’m not happy about it at all. The young lady is a real noblewoman, and the difference in our status is way too much. It just wears me out and makes my shoulders stiff. Why me, of all people?"
"Well, hang in there. She’ll get bored eventually," Shiao Yi replied.
Even he couldn’t figure out that young lady’s whims.
If she was serious about a commoner, not even the broad-minded Chancellor would approve.
And the idea of Lady Camilla actually marrying into Louis’s household?
That’s completely impossible.
Walking across the sunlit corridor, Shiao Yi made his way to the western wing of the castle, up to the second floor, where Commander Johan’s office was located.
One of the guards posted at the door knocked to announce his arrival.
A voice from inside answered quickly, and another guard opened the door for him, holding it politely.
Shiao Yi entered, giving the guard a warm smile and a nod of thanks.
"Good work. I’ll be in your care," he said.
By now, after so many visits, he was well acquainted with the guards stationed there.
For the record, it was the royal palace guards belonging to the army who handled security at the castle gates, the key corridors,and the entrances to rooms of important officials.
The First Division, however, was responsible for guarding the royal family, the king’s office and the royal residence.
They also covered the entire palace grounds and surrounding areas as part of their jurisdiction.
On top of that, they were in charge of protecting visiting dignitaries and attending official ceremonies and events.
Because they rarely left the royal capital, the First Division worked in close connection with the palace.
The First Division was the one that appeared most often in front of the people of the royal capital in all its splendor, making it the squad everyone admired like shining stars.
When Shiao Yi entered the office, Commander Johan waved him over eagerly, as if he had been waiting just for him.
The man had gray, unruly hair and a massive body.
Even at his age, that gigantic frame was still made almost entirely of muscle, the build of someone who had never let himself weaken.
Secretly, Shiao Yi called him a grizzly.
He knew that the other knights had nicknames for him along the same lines.
If this man ever got serious, he would be terrifying to friend and foe alike.
Behind him hung both the knight order’s flag and his own personal battle standard: a gray field with a roaring black bear. Clearly, his title, The Rampaging Great Bear General, was not just for show.
But when he smiled, the corners of his pale green eyes wrinkled and it was strangely disarming.
His grin was almost childlike in its innocence, which was baffling on such a fearsome man.
On his desk, however, a mountain of unfinished documents waited.
Shiao Yi frowned inwardly. Hadn’t he cleared all that up just three days ago? Was the commander seriously leaving all of this untouched, planning to dump it all back on him?
Suppressing a sigh, Shiao Yi gathered up the stack of papers and sat down in the aide’s chair. Wait a second... wasn’t there supposed to be an aide assigned here? Where was he?
When Shiao Yi glanced toward Commander Johan, the older man smiled brightly and spoke in a cheerful tone.
"Nina’s out right now, rushing to gather all the documents. I asked for the balance sheets too, since the deadline’s in five days. But now that you’re here, Shiao Yi, we’ll just push as much as possible onto you, all right?"