NoveLight ™
I was left alone in the drawing room, deep in thought. I had planned to guide the 4th Division head in the right direction, but how was I supposed to console someone walking down such a twisted path?
The only idea I could come up with was to show him the right kind of affection and try to influence him.
"Master, if you... if you keep doing this... it will be problematic...!"
I never imagined that even showing affection would become a hurdle.
The 4th Division head, when he collapsed into my arms, vibrated like a broken machine, trembling and stuttering as if something had gone wrong.
And yet, he couldn’t push me away or run. He was shaking while holding onto me. If only this could end here, I’d consider it a relief.
"..."
"...Fenelia?"
And then, he fainted. At some point, I thought he had calmed down, but instead of his body shutting down, it was his mind that had fled.
It was, of course, an expected outcome. He had been mentally overwhelmed, and once he started trembling, he couldn’t escape. The only thing left was to wait for him to shut down completely.
Still, fainting to escape... Our 4th Division head... was unexpectedly fragile.
"I... I’ll go out first! I should at least greet Yurise...!"
"Go ahead," I replied, letting him go.
Finally, he regained some sense and quickly fled, using Yurise as an excuse to avoid further contact.
**‘What should I do?’**
This was a complicated issue. A friend, someone I had practically raised myself, was now in a state of madness. Ignoring that was inhuman.
Besides, hadn’t I once been consumed by madness myself? During those moments, my thoughts felt like the ultimate truth, but when the haze cleared, I couldn’t handle the aftermath.
If the 4th Division head regained his composure and realized he had confessed to me, how devastating would that be for him?
**‘He’ll go crazy again.’**
I could already see a tragic future. It was almost certain he wouldn’t come out of this easily.
That’s why I steeled myself. I had to teach the 4th Division head the right kind of affection for his future happiness.
---
Lately, the mere sound of wind made me look toward the door. The recent visitors had been anything but ordinary.
Not long ago, I had made a wedding ring for the second division head of the inspection department. Before that, the head of the department had bought four sets of rings.
**‘It’s about time.’**
It seemed like the head of the inspection department was about to arrive again, so I kept my attention on the door.
When he bought four sets, I wondered what was going on, but after thinking it through, I realized he had probably bought them to broaden his options. Even if they weren’t meant to be wedding rings, they were gifts for someone he cared about. After much deliberation, he must have wanted to get something meaningful.
So, he likely brought my recommendations to choose carefully. That was the only way to explain such an unusual bulk purchase.
**‘Since refunds were possible, too.’**
It was a perfect response, even though I had been amidst confusion. I conveyed all the necessary information.
By now, the head of the inspection department should have chosen what he wanted from the four sets. He had already prepared money for three of them, so a refund could be done without issue.
**‘This is how you create a regular customer.’**
This is what business is about. A small considerate gesture, a smooth purchase and return process—these things can win over customers.
In fact, most shops sell perfect, flawless products. If that’s the case, you need to compete on other factors.
- **Ding!**
The bell on the door rang clearly.
**‘He’s here.’**
I quickly lifted my head, and there, in black formal attire, was the head of the inspection department. Yes, I had felt it was about time. My instincts were still sharp.
"Welcome, Head of the Inspection Department."
He nodded in acknowledgment and walked confidently toward me. Since this wasn’t a purchase but a return, there was no need to browse more items...
"One more ring. Can you recommend one?"
"...Excuse me?"
I made the mistake of questioning a customer who could, under the right circumstances, send large businesses packing.
But I couldn’t help it. I knew others would probably react the same way.
**‘Recommend...?‘**
I couldn’t believe my ears. Recommend? Not a return, but a recommendation?
I stared blankly at the head of the inspection department as he calmly held my gaze.
No, it wasn’t calm. If a merchant doesn’t speak when asked a question, it means the situation isn’t normal.
"The one you recommended last time was fine. Everyone liked it."
"Ah, yes."
When he said everyone liked it, I snapped out of my stupor. It was more of a bigger shock that buried the small one.
But now, my head was spinning. I had expected him to pick just one ring from the four sets.
**‘They were all taken already?’**
And now, he wanted another one?
**‘Crazy.’**
I had thought the second division head was the troublemaker, but I was wrong. He was just a disciple who had learned from the master.
The real troublemaker was someone else.
**‘I’m not going to live like that.’**
Having multiple lovers wasn’t strange, but buying rings for them as if they were products for sale—that was over the line.
That being said, my hands and eyes quickly scanned the rings. If the head of the inspection department bought wedding rings from my shop, and his children also visited, considering their parent’s connection, how beneficial would that be?
His character and deep pockets were another matter. Yes, they were separate issues, but still...
**‘...What’s going on?’**
My gaze finally shifted to his left hand. The five rings on his fingers made sense, but...
**‘Why is there a half-ring?’**
The fundamental question arose: Why was one of the rings a half-ring?
But I quickly turned my gaze away.
Sometimes, curiosity can get you killed.
---
I could feel a little pain in my heart at seeing the confused look in the head of the department's eyes, but I overcame it.
I had already crossed the river and thrown the dice. There was no point in caring about how others would view me now. I just needed to do what I felt was right.
That’s how I ended up with the sixth ring.
‘...Did I buy it too quickly?’
But as I held the case, the thought crossed my mind that I had acted too hastily. I hadn’t even helped the 4th division head yet, and now, I was making such a premature decision.
Up until now, I had always bought the rings after receiving confessions. I had them ready when I was in a position of power, buying something beautiful as a response to that affection.
But now, I hadn't even gotten to the starting line. I couldn't even think about it until I dealt with the madness that had consumed the 4th division head.
‘If I give it now, it will only cause trouble.’
The 4th division head, who had twisted affection, would only faint or hide the ring like a treasure if I gave it to him now, whispering love in his ear.
No, it’s not even a maybe—it's 100% guaranteed.
"Such a difficult problem."
"Right?"
Unfortunately, even Marghetta said it was difficult. If it were easy, I wouldn’t have consulted with Marghetta in the first place.
"I’m sorry. I wanted to be of some help."
"It’s fine. I’m the one who should be apologizing for asking for advice."
I quickly shook my head at Marghetta’s gloomy expression. Honestly, I was saying this because I had promised to be open with her, not because I was hoping for a solution.
Asking your lover about another woman’s situation was crazy. Fortunately, Marghetta knew that I wasn’t really asking for advice, but rather just sharing information, so she took it in stride.
"That said, I did expect you to be the one to confess first. This situation is unexpected."
"Cal, don’t say that around anyone, or they’ll misunderstand."
I grumbled in frustration, and Marghetta smiled while replying.
It really did sound narcissistic, even as I said it. "I thought I’d be the one to get confessed to"—how ridiculous!
"Ah, well, following Cal’s example wouldn’t be so bad either."
"Are you saying it like I did?"
I quickly recalled a time when I was consumed by madness, suggesting a joint wedding, that shameful time. The one thing that helped me overcome that despair was Erich's harsh words.
I see now. Directness is the best approach.
"However, it has to be done a little differently. If Cal, the one involved, goes to Fenelia, she’ll get scared."
‘Ah.’
It was a very plausible suggestion, so I nodded along.
Indeed, even with straightforward honesty, one has to consider the other person’s feelings. Right now, if I walked past the 4th division head, he might just hide. He might even apologize, thinking I was angry.
"Let’s involve others around us. If many people speak to him, whispering about the right kind of love, about Cal’s sincerity, wouldn’t he snap out of it?"
"Hmm..."
I felt a little bad for Marghetta, but I’d seen too many narcissistic lunatics who thought they were always right when they disagreed with the world. Their abilities only made things worse.
"Thank you for the advice, Marghetta."
"Hehe, it was nothing."
Marghetta was the type of person who would kindly listen to her lover talk about issues with other women. Anyone who criticized her for that probably had the brain of a beast.
Despite the lack of a perfect solution, it wouldn’t hurt to follow Marghetta’s suggestion.
Let’s hope the 4th division head isn’t someone who will fight the world.
I reached out to the closest person to the 4th division head.
I couldn’t think of anyone better than him. Even though the 4th division head was moving around because of his assignment, he never truly separated from his right-hand man.
I was the head team leader of the 4th division and now the unit leader of Mukgwangdae. It would be strange not to contact the 4th division head, who had been with me through thick and thin.
"Ah, it’s been a while. How’ve you been?"
"Glad to hear it."
I felt a little guilty, knowing he must have just returned from his assignment and here I was, reaching out.
So, I decided to quickly get to the point. It was already an inconvenience to contact him, and dragging it on would only make it worse.
"Unit leader."
"I think the 4th division head is a little unwell."
At those words, the unit leader’s eyes widened.
"Is that so—?"
I quickly explained the situation. Out of respect for the 4th division head’s honor, I didn’t mention the details of his trembling and fainting.
"So, I was hoping you could help."
"Good. I’m counting on you."
I nodded with satisfaction. Even though the name had changed, the 4th division was still the 4th division. Their bond was still strong.
His direction was a little strange, but since it wasn’t a bad one, I didn’t stop him.
But "making him confess"? What did he plan to do?
Was he going to write a petition for the 4th division head?