"...Janitor?" Nolan’s sculpted brows drew together, irritation cracking his princely composure like thin ice over a lake. The temperature in the room dropped several degrees.
Shoot, now I’ve done it. I kept my face carefully blank even as my pulse quickened. Honestly, though, who told him to be so infuriating?
He got what he deserved.
Yet the creeping energy in the room reminded me of something - princely tantrums tended to be lethal. So...
What should I do now?
The silence stretched between us, thick enough to choke on.
"Did you just suggest," Nolan’s voice dropped to a velvet-wrapped blade, "that I, a—" He caught himself just in time, his jaw tightening. "That someone of my standing would—"
"No, esteemed guest, I can explain!" I blurted, scrambling for a foothold in the conversation.
Urgh... brain, do something!
What if he likes being insulted? Should I try—
...Nah, not a chance.
I immediately dismissed the thought.
That’s a speed run to an early grave.
Unlike some blue-haired girl, I wasn’t a beautiful female lead who could get away with slapping princes, meaning I didn’t have her "heroine immunity".
As a background character, I’d just get labeled "disposable obstacle" in his personal narrative.
"...Speak." He took a step closer, the air shimmering with barely-contained aura.
Alright, time for Plan B.
I straightened my posture and clasped my hands in what I hoped looked like awestruck admiration rather than calculated flattery. "Esteemed guest, please forgive my clumsy words!" I let my shoulders slump in a show of defeat. "It’s just... we’ve struggled so desperately with some matters."
"But your arrival might just be the solution to these problems."
"And someone of your... elevated refinement shouldn’t be burdened with tasks like mine. Honestly, your very presence seems to purify the air. Dust dares not exist near you."
Nolan’s eyelashes flickered. A barely-there twitch at the corner of his mouth.
Good, you really like being buttered up, huh?
Encouraged, I continued in my most obsequious tone.
"Your esteemed presence made me realize something important," I watched his microexpressions like a hawk tracking prey. The way his fingers relaxed told me I was on the right path. "A noble guest of your refined tastes must naturally despise uncleanliness and disorder."
Nolan’s chin lifted in unconscious agreement.
"And the truth is..." I leaned in slightly, lowering my voice as if sharing a grave secret. "We’re utterly inadequate when it comes to maintaining proper standards. No matter how hard we try—" I gestured helplessly at the spotless office. "—it’s never enough."
"But you, Honored One—" I let genuine awe color my voice. "You’re the perfect person to oversee this matter. I daresay this position was created for you."
A faint flush colored Nolan’s pale cheeks.
"The way darkness flees before your radiance..." I shook my head in mock wonder. "It’s like watching moonlight cleanse shadows."
His fingers, which had been curled into fists, relaxed slightly.
"I realized then," I said, pressing a hand to my chest, "we haven’t been searching for just any..."
"...any custodian." Thankfully, I managed to change the word to a less insulting one. "We’ve been searching for you."
The prince’s breath hitched almost imperceptibly.
Meanwhile, I could only continue to express my ’honest feelings’.
"You must have seen today’s disgraceful state downstairs," I continued, layering just the right amount of shame in my voice. "We couldn’t begin to fix it. But you - with your impeccable standards and commanding presence - you could restore order with but a word and that sharp, commanding gaze."
His posture straightened unconsciously, his shoulders squaring.
"That is why," I concluded with a deep, flattering bow, "I can think of no one more suited for this vital role. It must be destiny that brought you to us."
The prince exhaled sharply through his nose.
For a long moment, he simply stared at me, his crimson eyes narrowed in suspicion.
I waited, hoping my sincere feelings would reach him so that his ego would override his intellect.
"I suppose," he drawled at last, examining his perfectly manicured nails, "if your establishment is truly in such... dire need of oversight..." His lips curved into a smirk that didn’t quite hide his pleasure. "It would be beneath me to refuse."
Hehe, it worked! This guy is really a greenhorn.
Just as I was about to exhale in relief, Nolan’s crimson eyes sharpened. "But," he purred, tapping one elegant finger against his chin, "what are the... benefits?"
My lips nearly twitched.
Of course, it wouldn’t be this easy.
I schooled my expression into earnest enthusiasm. "Dear Honorary Custodian!" I spread my hands wide. "First, you’ll enjoy complimentary breakfast and lunch from our finest menu—"
"Breakfast?" Nolan sniffed. "You expect me to rise at dawn like some common laborer?"
"Ah! No, no—" I backpedaled smoothly. "Your inspection hours would naturally be... flexible. Whenever your discerning eye deems fit to grace us with its wisdom. No, I have another idea! You can work at night, no one will disturb you then. In the moonlight, spreading purity across the room, what a noble thing to do."
His nostrils flared in approval.
"And of course," I continued, "a generous salary befitting your station—"
"Salary?" He looked genuinely offended. "You think I—"
"—which will be d in your name to the local orphanage!" I interjected brightly. "To spread your magnanimous influence throughout the community."
The prince’s protest died in his throat. His fingers twitched—likely imagining the fawning praise from children. Or more precisely, he didn’t expect this and now couldn’t take back his words.
I pressed my advantage, lowering my voice conspiratorially: "Think of the advantages. As our custodian, you could... reorganize the shelves, the books, the furniture, the inventory to your exacting standards."
"No one would question your presence anywhere in the shop."
Nolan’s pupils dilated slightly.
"And the honor!" I clasped my hands in mock reverence. "Future generations will say this was the moment the Knowledge Emporium became truly pure—all thanks to your visionary leadership."
The prince preened, his aura shimmering with self-satisfaction. "I suppose... such an important legacy does require personal attention."
"Exactly!" I beamed. "Only you can elevate this humble establishment to greatness."
Hehe. Now the finale-