𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟑: 𝐀 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐧
“I’ve heard there aren’t many fairies and spirits in Binemöer, so this might seem incredible, but I have a contract with a spider fairy who informs me if anything happens to my son.”
“I see, that’s good.”
ㅤ
His words seem sincere.
Lord Montyver appeared genuinely concerned for Ren, a boy he doesn’t know.
ㅤ
“So, he’s alone. Have you considered letting him attend school during the day?”
“Not at the moment. Currently, he is doing assignments I have made.”
“Assignments! You can create them. You’re quite knowledgeable.”
“No, I made them while looking at a textbook.”
“Don’t be humble. It’s more challenging to teach someone than to learn.”
ㅤ
But even that will have its limits someday.
ㅤ
“When our life here becomes stable, I plan to hire a maid and a teacher.”
“You’ve thought that far ahead.”
ㅤ
For a while, we can get by with the inheritance left by my father.
Once that runs out, I’ll think about what to do next.
For now, we have to repay the Marchioness who accepted us, mother and child.
What can I do?
Although there are many jobs that a woman can do, like a maid or a private tutor, it’s usually hard to get employed without a reference.
It would be rare to find a job with a condition of bringing a child and living in.
Thinking about the future, my heart beats faster.
I used to depend on my father for living, but from now on, I have to protect Florenci and lead him as a responsible adult.
I can’t afford to be picky.
I’ll think about the last resort for survival――becoming someone’s mistress or selling myself―later.
ㅤ
“I see, so that’s the case. But, aren’t you worried if the child isn’t with you?”
“Well, yes, that’s true.”
“In that case, Marchioness, could you get permission to keep her son in the mansion?”
ㅤ
The Marchioness, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, nodded at Lord Montyver’s proposal.
ㅤ
“Yes, bring him. No matter how much he is protected by a fairy, it’s not absolutely safe.”
“Marchioness. . . . . .Thank you.”
ㅤ
Lord Montyver stands up from his seat. It looks like he is about to leave.
ㅤ
“Well then, Marchioness. I’ll be back.”
“You don’t need to come back.”
“Don’t say that, you’ll miss me if I don’t!”
ㅤ
Marchioness waves her hand at Lord Montyver as if brushing off dust from his clothes.
And with a gentle smile, he gracefully bowed and turned on his heels.
The Marchioness watched Lord Montyver leave, squinting, and then spoke to me.
ㅤ
“Lara, could you see Leon off?”
“Y, Yes, of course!”
ㅤ
It seems that she really is giving me a trial period.
I follow Lord Montyver who is walking ahead and lead him to the entrance.
I was just about to bow and see him off, but Lord Montyver said something unexpected.
ㅤ
“Hey, can I call you Lara?”
“Please address me as Mrs. Dosa.”
“You can call me Leon without any titles.”
“Lord Montyver, that would be troubling.”
ㅤ
As I show a sign of reluctance, his smile deepens.
ㅤ
“Lara sounds cute.”
ㅤ
What on earth is he talking about?
I wish he wouldn’t make remarks that leave me at a loss for words.
ㅤ
“It’s inappropriate to speak like that to a married woman.”
ㅤ
If I show fear, he’ll close the distance in no time.
I glare at Lord Montyver to clearly reject him.
ㅤ
“The way you’re on guard is like a cat.”
ㅤ
A rush of anger and embarrassment mixed into an overly complex emotion surges within me.
If I let my feelings control my response, I’m sure it would only please Lord Montyver even more.
ㅤ
“Did you know, Lara? A mother cat becomes slightly ferocious when rearing kittens.”
ㅤ
Indeed, to Lord Montyver, I must have looked like a discarded cat.
To be viewed like that is an unbearable humiliation.
ㅤ
“I can’t understand the mentality of a man who treats you poorly.”
“Lord Montyver, please take your leave.”
“If you call me Leon, I’ll come home right away.”
ㅤ
I briskly walked past him, opening the front door.
As the cold wind whistled in, I kept my head bowed.
ㅤ
“Alright, I’ll go home.”
ㅤ
Finally, Lord Montyver touched my shoulder, whispering in my ear.
ㅤ
“Sorry for teasing you.”
ㅤ
It was a gracious statement, but it only made things worse since he was aware.
ㅤ
“Well, see you.”
ㅤ
I didn’t reply to his words.
I don’t want to see him again, but he’s a tea-time friend of the Marchioness. We’re bound to meet soon.
ㅤ
Once I confirmed that Lord Montyver had left, I quickly closed and locked the door.
Breathing heavily, I savored the feeling of having chased off a powerful demon.
ㅤ
This was my first encounter with Leon・Von・Montyver.
At that time, I didn’t even dream of being involved in the disputes revolving around him.
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