Compared to when Clorinde had just arrived, the changes in this cool, stoic woman were quite remarkable.
She talked more now, her tone had softened, and her sharp edge wasn't as intimidating as before.
Of course, that only applied inside the office. Once she stepped out or strangers were around, she was still that same cold, untouchable beauty, the "Ice Queen" of Fontaine.
Admittedly, that façade worked well. It scared off many "elite gentlemen" who had once eyed her at banquets.
Speaking of which, an amusing incident happened after one of those parties.
A certain man, clearly either drunk or simply not very bright, had actually followed Clorinde all the way back to the Mormer Palace office, insisting she "grace him" by accompanying him to the Opera Epiclese for a show.
Richard happened to be there, amused, watching the scene unfold.
When Clorinde refused, the man inexplicably turned his anger on Richard instead, threw down his gloves, and challenged him to a duel.
Richard was dumbfounded.
"Wait. She rejected you, and you're mad at me? What's next, blaming the road for being uneven because you can't walk straight?"
Richard wasn't one to tolerate nonsense. So he decided to… let Clorinde handle it.
"You want a duel? Fine. I accept. But I'll be appointing my duel agent, Clorinde."
In Fontaine, duel agents could legally fight on behalf of someone, a common and profitable practice for official duelists.
That poor "gentleman" didn't even last a single move.
Clorinde floored him instantly; he didn't even graze the hem of her uniform before being smacked down by the flat of her sword.
The loser, of course, wasn't satisfied, but before he could protest further, security dragged him off.
Rumor had it that when he got home, his own father broke his leg and sent him off to Sumeru "for recovery" that very night.
After that, Clorinde swore never to wear a dress at banquets again, only her uniform.
But that same incident birthed an odd rumor:
That Clorinde had become the private property of a certain "powerful man."
That, people whispered, was why she'd suddenly gone from a duel agent to Furina's private secretary.
And who else could that "powerful man" be, if not Richard, the unassuming executive secretary general who just so happened to have the authority to make such arrangements?
The gossip actually did her a favor; her admirers disappeared overnight.
And since she was often seen chatting and laughing with Richard, the rumor only grew stronger, convincing everyone it was true.
Even the matchmakers of Fontaine's "marriage market" quietly removed her from their client lists.
And so, in the strangest way possible, Clorinde managed to rid herself of suitors and matchmakers alike, finally enjoying a peaceful life.
The only downside was a slight hit to her reputation, but she didn't really mind.
Not because she was generous… but because she was genuinely interested in Richard.
Or rather, in his body.
See, when people saw them talking so often, it wasn't just about work.
Clorinde was actually demanding her legitimate payment.
After all, Richard still hadn't paid her for that duel she fought on his behalf!
Most duel agents would demand money.
Clorinde, however, wanted something else.
Not that kind of something. She wanted photos.
Specifically, Richard's photos.
Preferably ones where he wore just a thin undershirt… or nothing at all.
Richard flatly refused, of course.
"Come on," he said. "You caused the problem in the first place. You're lucky I didn't bill you for damages, and now you're charging me a fee?"
She was being more capitalist than the capitalists.
Besides, Richard didn't even take photos of himself.
Clorinde, however, was prepared. "I can take them for you! Free of charge! If they turn out bad, you don't have to pay!"
"You're already beautiful," Richard said dryly, "so stop thinking so beautifully too."
As expected, he mercilessly rejected her "payment demand."
But this time, Clorinde came with a plan.
"This time's different. I have leverage."
Richard raised an eyebrow. "No matter what kind of leverage you think you have, the answer's still no."
"It concerns Ningguang and Furina!" Clorinde suddenly dropped two names.
"What do you mean?"
"You'll have to agree to my request first."
Richard stood up immediately. "Then forget it. I'll just go ask them myself."
That caught Clorinde off guard; she hadn't expected him to call her bluff so fast.
"Wait, wait, I'll talk!" she blurted out.
Richard calmly sat back down.
Clorinde stared at him, realizing she'd been completely outplayed, but she had no proof.
She then explained that she had, in fact, been helping Furina strengthen her friendship with Ningguang, and that their relationship had grown much closer thanks to her guidance.
In other words, she had made a great contribution to Richard's future "harem ambitions," and therefore deserved a reward.
However, what surprised her was that Richard didn't even look surprised, he acted like he already knew.
"You… already heard?" she asked.
Richard nodded. "Lynette mentioned a little."
"How much is 'a little'?"
"The part you didn't mention."
Clorinde froze. "…So basically, all of it?"
Just when she thought all hope was lost, Richard added, "Even though I know you had ulterior motives… you did contribute this time. So, I suppose… I could give you a reward."
He hadn't refused her earlier because he couldn't accept her request, but because he refused to be manipulated.
After all, it was just a few photos; it wouldn't kill him.
But as the saying goes: It's only yours when I give it to you. If you try to take it, it's theft.
And besides, it helped him establish his value, showing Clorinde that he wasn't a man to be easily swayed.
Though something about that line felt… strangely off.
Meanwhile, Clorinde, blissfully unaware she'd been completely baited, perked up at the word "reward."
'Wait. Did that mean… he was actually agreeing?'
.....
If you enjoy the story, my p@treon is 30 chapters ahead.
[email protected]/DaoistJinzu