Guarded heart

Irisviel barely slept last night.

She has been so anxious over the interview, and the fact that she flirted with her potential future boss, but she tried not to think about that too much.

No one could blame her! Artoria Pendragon was handsome and easy on the eyes.

Irisviel pushed all these thoughts and locked them very deep in her mind, at least until the interview was done with.

She started her day as usual, waking up early, preparing herself for job interviews, and making breakfast. She wasn’t a great cook, but at least she was a faster learner, she knew that eventually she would stop burning pancakes…

She peeked into her daughter’s bedroom, and smiled.

Illya was the light of her life, her reason for living.

She approached the bed slowly, and suddenly, Illya threw away the covers, and jumped towards her.

Irisviel chuckled, and caught her in her arms.

“Illya! That’s dangerous!” She scolded, though she couldn’t keep her laughter.

Seeing Illya every morning, gave her all the happiness in the world.

“Mommy will always catch me!”

“Of course!” Irisviel gently poked her nose, before putting her down. “Illya is growing bigger though, mommy may not be able to pick her up anymore!”

“Mommy is stronger than anyone in the world!”

Irisviel grinned.

“You think so?”

“Yes!”

“Then, to grow strong like mommy, you should eat your breakfast!”

-Guarded heart-

Irisviel helped her daughter prepare for the day.

Illyasviel was only 9, and she already lost her father, and now she had to adjust to a new country.

Fortunately, this country was the birthplace of her late husband, so Illya learned the language easily, while Irisviel had to put in more effort.

“Don’t forget your bag, Illya!” She waited for her to come downstairs, and that was when the doorbell rang.

She opened it, and smiled at the familiar face.

"Good morning! Fuyuki's best teacher is her to take Illya to school!" Taiga posed at the door, and Irisviel couldn't help, but giggle at the sight.

Taiga was the landlord’s daughter, and their neighbor. She quickly became her friend, and someone she could confide in.

"Good morning Taiga! I am so grateful for your help."

"Aw don't mention it! Illya is my student and I'm more than happy to look after her!" There was a concerning twinkle in Taiga's eyes. She eyed Irisviel from head to toe, before sighting. "That won't do."

"What? You told me to wear this."

"Yes but the skirt isn't short enough, how do you plan on seducing your boss like that?"

Irisviel blinked.

"But I-"

"I believe you! But with your lack of experience, your interview will be harsh, so you must fight with all you have!"

Ah, there it is, the tiger. She was all fired up.

"If you seduce your boss you will get the job AND a once in a lifetime romance!"

Irisviel tried her best to conceal her laughter.

"What does seduce mean?"

They both turned to see Illya staring at them suspicious.

"Oh, look at the time! I must go!"

That was not a conversation she would have today.

So, she made her way to her destination.

It took her a while, but luckily, she left early.

The building was as big as she expected, but what she did not expect, was some kid crashing into a long haired man.

Was this okay? The man seemed intact, and they were acting as if this was not unusual. Was this normal?

Perhaps she shouldn’t intervene.

But she was curious too.

“Um, are you two okay?” She asked.

Curiosity killed the Iri.

“Everything is okay! But I don’t think you should approach this man!” Mordred pointed at Lancelot, whose face paled. “He steals people’s WIVES! Mothers in LAW! And I will punish him for the rest of his life!”

“I see.” Irisviel gave them an awkward smile. “Good luck then!”

She left them to their devices, something told her that she shouldn’t meddle.

Once she was outside, confusion started to sink in. She did not know who to go to, as there were many people, and the place was large.

“Do you need help?” A handsome tall man approached her. Her eyes noticed the braids in his hair right away. They were cute.

“Yes!” She smiled. “I am here for a job interview!”

“Welcome. The boss will be here in a moment, so I will show you the wa-”

Bedivere stopped, and sighed when he heard a whistle.

“Oh, who is this beauty you got there, Bedi?” It was none other than Kay. The man did not wait for an answer, and instead took Irisviel’s hand, placing a kiss on it. “Hello, my name is Kay, may I have the honor of knowing yours?”

This was not how she expected her day to start.

“Irisviel Emiya.” She smiled politely, and slowly pulled her hand away. “It is nice to meet you!”

Kay’s eyes widened.

“Say, are you free this friday?” Bedivere sighed.

“Picking up women at a place of work? How unprofessional of you.”

Bedivere was now sweating bullets.

Kay turned to whoever interrupted him, and he flinched at the sight of Morgan in a… very revealing and short dress.

His eyebrow twitched.

“Morgan.”

“Brother.”

Somehow, the temperature in the room dropped.

“Whatever, I have some work to do.” He sighed, choosing not to comment on the woman’s outfit. He then handed a card to Irisviel, and winked, before walking away.

His phone number.

This was the second phone number she got in less than 24 hours.

“Hey Bedi, have you seen Agravain?” Gawain joined them, and the moment his eyes landed on his mother, he screeched.

“He stormed off because I told him we’re getting a secretary.” Bedivere answered, ignoring the unpleasant sound his coworker made.

Irisviel found the interactions strange, then again, she was an outsider.

She looked at the woman, and found her beauty remarkable. Long blonde hair with blue tips, and green eyes that reminded her of Artoria…

Oh, that’s right. She did a lot of research, and looked up every connection the company had. One of them was the ‘le fay fashion’.

This woman was none other than her boss’ half sister.

She gulped. She was surrounded by popular figures.

Speak of the devil...

Irisviel turned to see Artoria walking in. Now that she has seen her 'future boss' in daylight, it struck her how dashing she looked

She had a powerful presence that drew all eyes to her.

From her confident stance, to her captivating looks… Irisviel felt intimidated.

Her chances of getting this job were low.

Artoria looked at her and smiled.

"Ah, you've made it." Artoria said, but Irisviel didn't get to reply when the blonde turned to the scandalously dressed woman waiting for her.

"Hello, you certainly kept me waiting." Morgan smirked, and crossed her arms.

Gawain and Bedivere's faces turned sour, leaving Irisviel confused at the exchange.

"Put some clothes on." Artoria said, coldly. Her face was blank, but Iri could've sworn she saw eye twitch.

The blonde walked away, causing Morgan to bite her nail.

"I knew I should've made it shorter!"

"No… no that is not the problem here…" Gawain muttered. "Mother… please wear my jacket." Irisviel could've sworn his face was turning into a shade of blue.

He looked sick.

"Nonsense. How else will I seduce Artoria?"

What was it with people and seducing the boss?

Gawain was going to cry.

"And who are you? I've never seen you here before." Morgan finally turned to Irisviel. She placed a hand on her hip, and stared at her with raised eyebrows.

"Oh, I'm here for the secretary-"

"Then you better go home. You're too beautiful to be her secretary." Morgan scoffed. The white haired woman didn't know how to react to the compliment AND the dismissal. "Artoria is easily swayed by women, she will play with your heart."

"Mother please don't lie…"

"You might be able to seduce her but she can't be tied down."

What is it with people thinking SHE wanted to seduce her boss?

Bedivere stepped in, knowing that conversations with Morgan were pointless.

"Miss Emiya, please follow me."

-Guarded heart-

Artoria was different from last night. She had an intimidating aura to her, and the more she read her resume, the less hopeful Irisviel felt.

After all… She barely had any work experience.

Irisviel looked her up, and she was astounded by the fact she was only two years younger than Artoria, yet the latter was a CEO, and a very capable one at that.

It was nerve wrecking to sit in the same room as someone so successful and powerful.

 “You don’t have any experience, Miss Irisviel?” There it was. The question that she has been dreading.

“Yes.”

Artoria’s stare lingered on her, before looking back at the resume.

Irisviel could not pinpoint any change in the woman’s expression. She had an excellent poker face.

"You're from germany, but you're quite fluent in our language, miss Irisviel. You said you moved in recently."

Irisviel beamed.

"I am a fast learner. I only knew a few words because my husband was japanese, so I spent the last few months studying it."

"Oh. That is impressive." Artoria smiled, before placing the resume on the table. “I value fast learners. In fact, some of my most trusted men came here with no experience, but learned their way through.”

Irisviel was about to sigh in relief, until the CEO began speaking again.

“As my secretary, do you think you can learn fast? And handle anyone that comes your way?” Artoria asked. “Our clients aren’t always polite, and most times, we have to deal with difficult people. That’s why the previous secretaries quit.”

Irisviel thought back of what her life used to be, and she definitely knew what it was to not be listened to.

“I am confident that I can.” She nodded, knowing she could handle what comes her way, as long as it meant being able to take care of Illya.

Right on cue, the door to her office was kicked open, revealing none other than the loud arrogant CEO of baby…. 

Babies.

Something.

Artoria kept forgetting the name.

Irisviel was taken by surprise from the sudden entrance, but her boss was unfazed.

"This is exactly what I meant."

"ARTORIA, MY WIFE!" The man yelled, raising his hands ups, with a wide smirk on his face.

"His wife?!" Irisviel turned to Artoria for an explanation.

Artoria looked dead inside.

"HEY! YOU CAN'T JUST CLAIM PEOPLE!" Morgan came after him, and stepped on his foot.

"WHO SAID YOU CAN TOUCH ME YOU MONGREL!"

"WHO ARE YOU CALLING A MONGREL? YOU MONGREL!"

"WATCH YOUR WORDS, WOMAN!"

Irisviel continued to watch them in concern. It did not seem like they would stop any time soon, and her 'boss' was ignoring them.

She tapped her finger on her lap for a few seconds, before standing up, and walking towards them.

"Excuse me?"

"WHAT?!"

She didn't flinch.

"Could we perhaps come to an agreement?"

"Huh? And who do you think you are?" Gilgamesh crossed his arms, side glaring at Morgan.

"No one worthy of your presence, mr. Gilgamesh. May I ask that you wait outside for a moment? We want to give you the welcome you deserve." She said, careful with her tone. Using the wrong one could make her words come off as sarcastic, but luckily, she was good at hiding her intentions. "We won't take more of your precious time!"

Gilgamesh scoffed.

"I guess I could spare a few minutes. At least I'm getting the respect I deserve."

"And you, Miss Morgan. We won't keep you waiting either." She smiled. "You're so beautiful, that it would be impossible to forget you."

"Oh! Why, thank you." Morgan chuckled. "You have good eyes. You should work for me."

"I am honored by your offer."

The two glared at each other, before walking away.

Irisviel sighed in relief, before realizing she acted out of place.

"I'm sorry! I shouldn't have acted on my own!" She turned, apologizing.

Artoria studied her from her office, before walking towards her.

"You're hired." Artoria smiled, and Irisviel stared in amazement.

Her smile was beautiful, and for the first time, she noticed how green her eyes were.

"Thank you!" She bowed, regaining her senses.

"You will start now." Artoria walked back to her desk, and Irisviel grinned. “Bedivere will show you what needs to be done.”

She stopped herself from yelling out of joy. She had a job to do after all!

Once she left, Morgan slipped in, ignoring Gilgamesh’s protests.

Artoria, who did not even get the chance to reach her seat, sighed. She knew exactly who it was.

“Morgan. If you need something, talk to my new secretary before coming in. Unlike you, I actually do work.”

“I have something important to tell you.” Morgan scoffed. Gilgamesh’s yelling ceased, so perhaps this new secretary was a catch. “Would it hurt you to actually look at me when we’re talking.”

“Your idea of important, is you ruining my day, so leave before I call your secretary and at least she knows how to keep you on a leash.”

The woman paled at the mention of her secretary, but she would not go down without a fight.

"I have some news on Guinevere." Morgan said, and sighed when Artoria finally tuned to meet her. "You're hopeless, you're still hung up on her?"

Artoria frowned, and leaned against her desk.

"Spare me your spite, Morgan."

"Fine." Morgan rolled her eyes. She pulled her phone, and shoved it towards her face. "I caught her at a bar last night."

Artoria stared at the picture.

It was her. She was sitting alone, drinking.

She looked tired.

Her Gwen…

"Apparently she has been a regular for a month now. She would get wasted every time." Morgan scoffed, and pulled away the phone. Artoria tightened her grip on the edge of her desk. "I hear she has been skipping work too. At this rate she might get fired."

She noticed the troubled look on the Ceo's face, and stepped closer.

"Didn't I warn you Artoria? That woman wasn't fit for you." Her hand moved towards Artoria's tie, fingers wrapping around it. "You should have chosen me from the beginning. I would never cheat on you."

She tucked at the tie.

"After all, who knows how many people she has been sleeping with-"

Artoria pushed her hand away, and glared at her.

"Do not speak ill of her." She pushed her away, and walked back to her seat. "Guinevere is the reason I'm still here."

And you're the reason I almost wasn't.

"You're still in love with her." Morgan clenched her fists. "Fine. Here's the address, go see for yourself what kind of woman she is." She tapped on her phone, before stopping in shock. "You still have my number blocked?!"

"Get lost."

"Ugh!"

She finally stormed off, leaving Artoria to her thoughts.

Artoria sighed, and ran a hand through her hair.

Obviously she didn't believe Morgan's words, but she knew Guinevere had a bad habit of drinking too much.

Especially when stressed.

"I'm sorry… I'm so sorry." Guinevere stood at the door, soaked from head to toe. She was shivering, but she made no attempt to warm herself. "I didn't mean to. It's not an excuse but I truly didn't…"

Guinevere clutched her chest.

"I love you more than anything."

Artoria blinked. The memory was too vivid for her liking.

Leave it to Morgan to add salt to the wound.