Golden Melody (Editing)

Chapter 78

Chapter 78

The late afternoon sun filtered through the stained-glass windows of the Dom Mansion.

Zatariel stood before the massive presidential desk, doing his best not to fidget.

Across from him, President Ashel Dom reclined in his leather chair, calmly reviewing a thick dossier.

"Zatariel Wov," the President began, his voice smooth and composed,
"I've reviewed your performance reports."

Zatariel straightened instantly, every muscle alert.

"The staff feedback is overwhelmingly positive," Ashel continued, flipping through the pages.
"Miss Elaine from housekeeping says you always greet her respectfully. The head of security praised your punctuality and discretion. Even Sphere... approved your professionalism."

He looked up, eyes glinting slightly.

"And my wife gave you five stars and a handwritten compliment."

Zatariel blinked. "The First Lady did?"

"She said you carry yourself like a teacher," Ashel replied calmly, "even though you're obviously trying to impress a girl."

A faint smile tugged at the President's lips.

Before Zatariel could defend himself, Ashel turned to another page and lifted a slightly crumpled sheet with mild distaste.

"This one," he said dryly, "was submitted by your father."

Zatariel groaned.

"Why was he even here? This isn't his job."

The President raised an eyebrow.

"He wrote—and I quote—'My son spends more time combing his hair than tutoring. He's too handsome for his own good. Fire him before the girl falls in love.'"

Zatariel threw his hands in the air.

"Unbelievable!"

"Mm." The President turned to the final sheet.

This one was different.

Cream-colored paper, faintly scented with rosewater. Glittery star stickers decorated the margins, and the handwriting danced unevenly across the page.

It was Miexha's report.

Zatariel immediately turned red as Ashel read it aloud.

"'I like my tutor. He makes studying beautiful. He makes me love math. Five thousand stars for him. Please let him be my tutor forever.'"

"Sir, I can explain—"

"No need," Ashel said gently, setting the note down. "She smiles more now. That alone is worth gold."

He opened a drawer and pulled out a white envelope.

"And speaking of gold... your first salary."

Zatariel hesitated before stepping forward. He accepted the envelope with both hands.

For a moment, he simply stared at it.

The weight wasn't just the money inside. It was what it meant.

"My first..." His voice cracked slightly. "My first real pay."

He bowed deeply. Sincerely.

"Thank you, Mr. President."

Then he added, one after another:

"Salamat. Efharistó. Merci. Danke. Kamsahamnida. Arigatou gozaimasu. Shukran. Gracias. Xièxiè. Terima kasih."

From the side of the room, a familiar voice scoffed.