Charlotte sighed.
Anne pursed her lips and smiled faintly.
Madame Aldegonde was still somewhat old-fashioned, but the authority she had maintained all these years had utterly vanished.
There was no helping it. Madame Aldegonde only maintained her authority before subordinates, like the old Charlotte. But Charlotte Mecklen was no longer her subordinate; he was now an important figure whose rank far exceeded hers.
Charlotte suddenly felt as though all his efforts had been for nothing. He shrugged and said, "Anne and I can handle it ourselves. We won't need Madame Aldegonde's help."
This lady had been his "former superior." She had always looked after him at work, and after he returned to the Central Government Office, he had asked this former superior for help once or twice. Madame Aldegonde had not refused. Whether out of sentiment or propriety, he could not possibly order her around.
Madame Aldegonde gave a slight bow and prepared to leave. She actually had other matters to attend to, though they were not urgent. She could have helped Charlotte with this minor favor while she was at it, but since he did not need her, she would not go out of her way to flatter him.
Madame Aldegonde had spent a full twenty-two years in the Central Government Office and naturally had her own way of dealing with people.
After thinking for a moment, Charlotte called the lady back and said in a low voice, "Anne will be working at the Central Government Office from now on. You're an old hand here, so please take good care of her."
Madame Aldegonde smiled slightly, nodded, and said, "I do have plenty of experience. I can help Anne with a few small matters at work."
"This lady...?"
Charlotte immediately replied, "Anne Brittany! She's joining the Enforcement Department!"
"Mm,