May this promise last a lifetime

Chapter 49 - Not enough trouble yet?

 It leaves me in a less-than-ideal state.

 That's why either Baizhu or Zhongli always come over for a day just in case. I'm pretty sure this time they will both be out of the country though.

 No matter.

 It's not as if I become incapacitated. I can take care of myself.

 It will just be more comfortable to not have to worry about Sigewinne.

 As for Wriothesley...

 My conversation with Zhongli made me realize that I would not mind a closer relationship with him.

 No, I would like that, actually.

 But how do I go about this?

 "So, how was work, Wriothesley." I asked without thinking too much of it.

 Instantly his expression turned incredibly awkward.

 Ah... Right...

 He spent his morning spying on my lunch with Zhongli. My bad.

 I could see him contemplating whether or not he should dodge the underlying question that wasn't actually there, but in the end, he seemed to have just given up.

 "How did you know anyway? That I was... watching TV."

 "It's a secret."

 I couldn't exactly tell him that someone from his side told me, now could I?

 But there is a way to tease...

 "Who knows? Someone might have hacked your cameras."

 "There are no cameras in that room." He retorted.

 Oh, I know that.

 "But there is one on Chief Louis' laptop, is there not?" I asked teasingly.

 His face changed color a few times Before he let out a pained groan.

 "Seriously?"

 "No, I was merely teasing. He covers the camera."

 He let out a sigh of relief but it was quickly followed by another groan.

 Seeing him like this, I couldn't help but point something out teasingly.

 "You tell me that I sabotage your work, but what you do is create more work for me. What you call sabotaging is me having to do research and go to trial for days on end. Your side is not making life easy for me either."

 And to be perfectly honest I let them have a few I could have gotten off their hands.

 "I'm just doing my job." He groaned.

 "And so am I." I retorted.

 We both fell silent, but it wasn't uncomfortable.

 "You are both stupid." Sigewinne spoke up.

 "Winne-"

 "Dad, you are extra stupid. You and your colleagues go around cursing about mister, but actually, he is just doing his job and you're making more work for him."

 "Winne, remember when I said I'm also just doing my job." Wriothesley tried.

 "I don't see mister making murder boards in his office." She retorted.

 I shouldn't, but I had the urge to laugh. She wasn't exactly wrong.

 Still, I should probably help Wriothesley out here.

 "Your father and his colleagues are probably annoyed by the fact that I chose to take their cases of all things." I tried.

 Even though it was because of an agreement rather than choice.

 And Sigewinne...

 "That's exactly why I said that you are both stupid."

 ...

 Her words were brutal.

 "So, why did you come to my office anyway?" I changed the subject.

 Wriothesley looked a bit awkward for a moment but eventually started speaking.

 "We don't have a key to your house and I wasn't sure when you would be getting home."

 The question of 'Why didn't you just call' got stuck in my throat when I remembered that he probably felt way too awkward to do so.

 I reckon Sigewinne had some influence on his decision as well.

 As for the key...

 I should have a spare somewhere.

 "Please give me a moment."

 I quickly looked through my desk drawers only to find nothing. I couldn't help but frown at that.

 Did I give my spare key to someone?

 This is troubling.

 Who could-

 Ah... Right.

 Alhaitham has it. It almost slipped my mind.

 Well, then I suppose I can only...

 I took my own keys and detached the one for the front door and the electrical one for the main gate.

 "Here. You don't have to get out to open the gate just push this button here." I explained.

 I held the keys out to him but Wriothesley didn't take them.

 "Is something-"

 "If you give me your keys, how are you going to get inside yourself?" He asked pointedly.

 "I will just ask Alhaitham to return my spares. Besides, it appears I will be working overtime today so I will only be back very late."

 Thanks to Zhongli and the Tsaritsa.

 Both amazingly talented at creating more work for me.

 One comes to cause trouble in the morning and the other wishes to speak with me in the evening.

 If it wasn't her, I would have just told whoever wanted to plan a meeting so late that they can go-

 "I will gladly take those keys then. Still, if something doesn't work out and you're stuck outside, feel free to call no matter how late it is." Wriothesley grinned.

 "I-"

 A series of beeps suddenly interrupted me.

 "Please excuse me." I changed my words.

 I stepped behind my desk and took a look at the flashing name on the tablet lying on the corner.

 I tapped the name and the call went through.

 "Yes, Chevreuse?" I called out.

 "My apologies for bothering you, Mr. Neuvillette, but we have a bit of trouble at the front desk. I do not think myself capable of putting a stop to it without a fight." Her troubled voice sounded from the other end.

 I couldn't help but frown.

 Just what kind of situation could it be?

 "Give me just a moment, Chevreuse."

 I pushed the call to the side and pulled up the live footage from the main lobby to see-

 ...

 ........

 Oh, for god's sake!