Chapter 23: Encounter with a Mysterious Boy (Part 6)
“. . .You’re Marion?”
The boy opened his mouth wide, as if caught off guard.
Thanks to that, the [devilish smile] that had been directed at her all this time completely disappeared.
Chloe felt a slight relief and raised her chin with a smirk.
(I’m not the only one being played here.)
Of course, she didn’t think he could be deceived by such a lie.
After all, Chloe didn’t know why Marion was being chased, and she ended up asking the boy about the reason.
(If I had known I would have to pretend to be Marion, I wouldn’t have made such a blunder.)
Regretting it now is unfortunately too late.
Perhaps the boy will point out that part for sure.
He’s definitely the observant type.
Just as she thought that――.
As expected, the boy started chuckling as if he had regained his composure.
“Hahaha. You said something quite absurd. I was certainly caught off guard. You’re Marion?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Really, you’re cute. Are you trying to catch my attention even with such a lie? Indeed, as you intended, my interest in you only grows.”
Chloe visibly frowned and snorted.
(Do you think I’ll be swayed by those kinds of words anymore?)
“Do you think I’m trying to catch your attention? Please don’t make me laugh. Besides, I’m not lying.”
“If you really are Marion, it’s unnatural that you don’t know why I’m chasing you.”
The boy stared at her intently, as if probing her inner thoughts.
(Hmph. I won’t be shaken by such petty attacks anymore!)
She’ll get through with a sloppy lie and an impulsive excuse.
Now that she has become defiant, there is nothing to fear.
“What’s unnatural about it? Just so you know, I deliberately pretended not to know at that time. Because I wanted to pretend that I didn’t know about Marion’s existence. See, there’s no contradiction.”
“Hmm, I see. Then, to prove that you are Marion, tell me why you were being chased by me.”
“Why do I have to prove it to you? I already confessed the truth. It feels unpleasant to be forced to prove further evidence that I am Marion.”
“In that case, I can’t believe you.”
“Then don’t believe me. I don’t really care.”
With her arms crossed, Chloe looks at him with a face that says, “Am I saying something wrong?” and directs her gaze in the wrong direction.
If the boy would just get tired and end the conversation. . .
While hoping for that, she continues with her unpleasant attitude.
However, contrary to Chloe’s expectations, the boy starts smiling as if enjoying the endless exchange.
(Oh. . .right. . .this kid was quite mischievous. . .)
Intending to annoy the other person, but ending up being annoyed herself.
Disappointed by this fact, Chloe starts thinking about what her next move should be―― when suddenly, the boy unexpectedly utters surprising words.
“Okay, I believe that you are Marion.”
“Eh. . .”
“Hahaha. Why are you so surprised?”
“Well. . .it’s strange, isn’t it? That you suddenly decided to believe me.”
“Should I have doubted you?”
“It’s not like that.”
“The reason is simple. Arguing persistently with a lady is not a gentlemanly act.”
“That sounds like a total lie.”
“Huh, you’re saying that?”
(He must still think my argument is a lie.)
She can’t understand what the boy is thinking.
But to drive him away, it seems better to go along with the current flow.
“I’m sorry, but I have to leave soon.”
“After finally finding you, are you leaving already today?”
“Yes, that’s right. I’m not free either.”
“Shall I escort you? I can’t bear to be separated from you and I want to know more about you. I’m sure I won’t bore you on the way.”
No way.
She wants to be released as soon as possible.
“That’s fine. I feel like walking alone.”
“In that case, let’s give up for today. It’s already an achievement that we got to know each other like this. But instead, let me invite you for tea tomorrow afternoon. Let’s talk again then. We’ll need that time, won’t we?”
“Hmph.”
Is it okay to make a promise for tomorrow?
Chloe, who has no information about who he is and why he was chasing Marion, cannot make a judgment.
(Well, if I refuse here, it might become troublesome again. . .)
“If I don’t change my mind, I’ll go.”
To keep the option of canceling at the last minute, she gives a deliberately vague answer, and the enemy responds with an audacious reply.
“Then I’ll come to pick you up in the afternoon. Oh, by the way, no running away like today. Your mother promised me that she’ll keep a close watch so that you won’t escape anymore.”
(So Marion’s mother is on this boy’s side?)
As Chloe, perplexed, tries to leave, she remembers that she didn’t ask the boy’s name.
It might be useful for something.
“Hey, what’s your name?”
“Oh, right. I forgot to introduce myself. How careless of me. I apologize, lady. I am Zach Neal. Nice to meet you.”
The boy who introduced himself as Zach Neal bows with polite gestures.
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