[Leif's POV—Raventon Forest Edge —Morning]
"…Eh? An assistant?" Cedric blinked like I had just asked him to marry me.
I nodded. Seriously. "Yes. You're good with finance. Good with documents. Good with panicking. All useful skills. So—leave the knight job and be my assistant."
Cedric's mouth opened.
Closed.
Opened again.
He stared at me like a merchant evaluating a rare artifact… then after three long, dramatic seconds—
"I will only agree," he said gravely, "if you raise my salary."
I stared.
"...Cedric. I already pay you enough for a normal knight."
"Then I will remain," he declared proudly, "a knight."
I gaped. "You're blackmailing me."
He smirked—actually smirked—"You opened the negotiation, my lord."
I rubbed my temples. Of course. Of course my life would be held hostage by a man who does math for fun.
Cedric folded his arms. "Besides, I am a man with high standards. I refuse to be underpaid for my brilliance."
