I Don't Know the Original, I'm Too Busy Trying to Make a Living-Chapter 174

Yvette as a secretary?

The position required reviewing documents for the lord, managing schedules, and handling various administrative and miscellaneous tasks. In short, it meant loyally supporting Penelope in her duties.

The most important qualities for the role were efficiency and intuition. Without keen awareness, a secretary risked earning the ire of their employer and everyone else around them.

Could a complete novice like Yvette handle it?

More concerning was the fact that Yvette was a count’s daughter. Even if her family’s circumstances had diminished, the role of a secretary was not a suitable job for someone of her noble status.

The position wasn’t glamorous—secretaries often needed to perform mundane tasks akin to waiting on the lord.

Penelope decided to reject her gently.

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“To assist me, you need a wide array of knowledge and fluency in multiple languages,” she began.

“I speak three languages and have studied history, mathematics, geography, and economics,” Yvette replied earnestly.

Penelope’s eyes widened in surprise.

“How did you learn all that? Did you attend an academy?”

“No, I studied on my own,” Yvette admitted.

Penelope let out a low hum. The sheer determination Yvette showed in trying to secure the position was impressive.

If she’s capable of such specialized and varied self-study, wouldn’t she be better off pursuing a higher-level job?

Penelope briefly considered suggesting that Yvette apply to an academy to further her education.

At that moment, Ahwin interjected.

“She seems like a good fit to me.”

“What?” Penelope asked, taken aback.

“If you’re going to hire a secretary, wouldn’t it be better to choose someone you know and trust?”

He had a point.

The secretary’s role was critical, requiring someone trustworthy to assist with the inner workings of the territory. In that sense, Yvette was not a bad candidate.

If the author paired her with Lianel in the original story, it’s safe to assume her character is reliable.

“You wouldn’t have to go through the trouble of reviewing applications and conducting interviews,” Ahwin added, clearly pleased with the idea of Yvette taking the role.

“Hmm, even so, I think an interview would still be necessary,” Penelope replied.

Before she could elaborate, Yvette spoke up.

“Then how about letting me work for a week as a trial? You don’t have to pay me, and if I’m not satisfactory, you can let me go.”

Penelope hesitated.

“That sounds reasonable. You could observe her work for a week, and if it doesn’t meet your standards, you’ll still have time to find someone else,” Ahwin chimed in, fanning the flames of persuasion.

Penelope’s resolve wavered.

It might not be a bad idea.

After a moment of deliberation, she made her decision.

“Alright, let’s try it for a week. I’ll still pay you half the standard salary during this period. Speak with the treasurer to arrange your payment.”

“There’s no need to pay me—”

“I insist. I don’t believe in unpaid labor. Please don’t argue about this,” Penelope said firmly.

“...Understood. I’ll do my best!” Yvette exclaimed, her face brightening ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) with excitement. Her sparkling eyes reflected her gratitude for the opportunity.

The original storyline seems thoroughly derailed at this point. But it’s just a side story, so who cares?

Penelope decided to let it go and see where this twist would lead.

***

A week later.

"You're hired!"

"Thank you so much!"

At Penelope’s declaration, Yvette broke into a radiant smile. In just a week, Yvette had officially become Penelope's secretary.

Yvette had adapted to life at the estate with surprising speed, showing a transformation that astonished even Penelope. No longer did she flinch nervously during meals or glance around awkwardly. Instead, she actively sought out tasks and executed them with enthusiasm.

Her competence shone brightly, especially when Penelope needed advice or assistance with documents. Yvette’s linguistic skills, in particular, proved to be an extraordinary asset.

“This is a document requesting the import of green herbal soap from the Heisa Trading Company. Could you translate it?”

“Of course. Would it be alright if I delivered it by this afternoon?”

“Today? Are you sure you can finish it by then?”

“Absolutely. With this amount, I can finish the first draft in about 15 minutes. I’ll double-check it and have it ready by 3 PM.”

“...Alright, then. Thank you.”

Yvette picked up the document from Penelope’s desk, smiling as though she genuinely enjoyed the work. Penelope couldn’t quite fathom why anyone would find such joy in paperwork but decided to let it slide.

People come in all kinds, I suppose. Some must genuinely enjoy working... maybe?

Though baffled for a moment, Penelope dismissed the thought. Yvette’s exceptional performance left no room for complaints.

If Lianel shows up demanding her as his betrothed, I’ll just have to refuse outright.

Now that she had seen Yvette’s skills, there was no way Penelope could let her go. Even Lucas couldn’t match Yvette’s efficiency. Losing her was simply out of the question.

Penelope stretched her arms with a contented sigh, enjoying the rare free time she now had thanks to Yvette’s help.

From the nearby sofa, Ahwin, lounging with a book, spoke up.

"See? Aren't you glad you listened to me?"

“It was an excellent recommendation,” Penelope replied, her praise bringing a pleased smirk to Ahwin’s face.

With Yvette taking over some of Penelope’s workload, she’ll have more free time for us to spend together, Ahwin thought with satisfaction.

Of course, when he had recommended Yvette, Ahwin had his reasons.

What if the new secretary had turned out to be some handsome young man?

He couldn’t risk it. Penelope had a well-documented weakness for good looks—evident whenever she stared dreamily at Ahwin’s face, whether during a conversation or a kiss.

Her delayed rejection of Lianel’s proposal likely stemmed from the same weakness.

The idea of her and some charming secretary chatting amiably over paperwork? Absolutely not.

The thought alone was infuriating. Ahwin had been determined to prevent such a scenario. When Yvette volunteered for the role, it felt like a stroke of fate. Not only was she skilled and knowledgeable, but she also possessed a rare sensitivity to the nuances of her position.

Currently, Yvette was hard at work in her office, leaving Penelope and Ahwin with uninterrupted time together. Ahwin, feeling smug about the success of his plan, set his book down and smiled.

It was then that a commotion outside the window caught his attention.

“What’s going on?” Penelope asked, moving toward the window with curiosity. Her eyes widened as she scanned the scene below.

“...Sain?”

Ahwin sighed and rose to his feet. Without needing to look, he already knew what Penelope had seen.

Sain stood in the courtyard, drenched from head to toe. He had been playing near the washing area with the maids and, in his enthusiasm, ended up completely soaked.

Penelope muttered under her breath, “That little troublemaker.”

She quickly crossed the room, only to turn and look expectantly at Ahwin.

“You can fly us there, right?”

“Why the sudden request?” Ahwin asked, raising a brow.

It wasn’t like Penelope to voluntarily suggest flying. Her usual disdain for airborne magic made her current eagerness all the more surprising.

“It’s faster this way. Please,” she said, her tone serious.

Ahwin barely managed to suppress a laugh. She’s taking this so seriously over such a trivial thing. How utterly adorable.

Without another word, he reached out his hand, ready to take her wherever she needed.