<98>
Ned, who had been following me from the Duchy of Dehart, became the next head secretary.
He was chosen simply because he had worked by my side the longest among the remaining secretaries, but he seemed to welcome the promotion too, although his eyes were becoming more hollow day by day.
‘Unlike his predecessor, I didn’t make him overwork, but what’s wrong with his face?’
“Ned, do you work at home too?” I asked.
“Pardon? No, Your Majesty. If I have to work at home as well, I would resign from my position as head secretary.”
Ned conveyed his stance firmly. And I liked his cheekiness.
“But what's with your face?” I inquired, pointing at the dark circles under his eyes.
Ned stroked down his dehydrated, sallow face and responded gloomily, “Since returning to Philander, I have not been sleeping well. Perhaps that is the reason, Your Majesty.”
“Why can’t you sleep?”
“Well...”
