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Chapter 48:
“…….”
“When you tried the potion before and left without saying a word, that was definitely a compliment… If it had been disappointing, you would’ve cursed immediately.”
“What are you talking about?”
Felix muttered in disbelief. He clicked his tongue and said firmly:
“Don’t believe her.”
“But—”
“Don’t believe her.”
“Yes, sir.”
As I obediently agreed, Felix cleared his throat quietly.
“It wasn’t bad.”
…The potion.
The young duke muttered softly.
My eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected compliment.
“Really?”
Thinking I must have misheard, I asked again. Felix tilted his head and countered.
“Should I tell you it’s a lie?”
“Ah, no. There’s no way the young duke would!”
The fact that my work had pleased my employer made my heart swell for no reason. At this point, Felix seemed to notice that I was unusually pleased and added:
“Why are you so happy?”
“Well… I guess it’s because its effectiveness was acknowledged?”
Although Gilbert had certified it once, I was still worried that its effects might wear off halfway through.
‘Or maybe the quality is inconsistent?’
I couldn’t check each bottle individually, which made me anxious.
Still, the fact that everything I brought at random worked meant that the others should at least be above average.
“…Consider it a benefit, for today.”
When I stared at him silently, Felix asked irritably:
“Why?”
“Ah, no.”
I hurriedly added,
“I just… didn’t expect it, that’s all.”
I had only expected a little money, which honestly would have been enough.
But I never imagined that someone like the young duke would personally go out of his way to take care of me.
Noticing my gaze was perhaps a bit intense, Felix subtly looked away.
“If you go to another guild after I’ve done this—”
“…….”
“That’s when you’ll need to come collect today’s reward.”
“Of course not!”
At least for the next ten years, I’m bound here. Of course, I’d move within that period, but still, establishing a primary source of income is important.
‘I have to think about the time after leaving here, too.’
At the very least, it’s best to make as much money as possible while I can.
“So… can I really take all of this? Without any other conditions or collateral?”
“Should I add some?”
“No!”
Felix laughed at my firm refusal.
“Then pick. Think of it as the kind of benefit you give to a competent employee.”
His words made my heart flutter.
I had only seen bosses boast when charging with a company card, but now meeting an employer who’s so generous made the world feel entirely different.
‘As expected.’
No matter what, a workplace needs good benefits.
“I’ve made up my mind.”
I had only stepped into one salon, yet my heart had already decided on a home.
“What?”
Felix asked, following me. I swallowed hard and turned to face him.
“I’ll serve Proud for life.”
Of course, I’d retreat to somewhere safer physically, but my heart would be dedicated to Proud.
‘I tried to pick only things that didn’t look too expensive.’
But I overlooked one thing: the really expensive items aren’t marked with a logo—they’re like unbranded, bespoke pieces.
I tried to stop myself from buying too much and limited myself to a few ready-made clothes, but when I saw numbers with more than six zeros, I just shut my mouth.
“Loyalty, huh.”
Felix seemed incredulous at my firm decision and chuckled in disbelief.
But I was sincere.
At least while I’m here, I’ll serve Casliden, putting all my talents to use.
“I really mean it.”
“What do you get from showing loyalty?”
“An ample fund that lets me live comfortably forever…”
Ahem!
I quickly cleared my throat.
“Still, we’re under contract. While I’m here, I have to serve loyally and dedicate my talents.”
“You have quite a sense of responsibility.”
Felix smirked as he walked past me.
But he didn’t seem upset. On the contrary, I felt a slight boost in my confidence.
‘Right. Complimenting one’s own company.’
Who wouldn’t like that?
“If you need to go somewhere else, let me know.”
“No, this is enough.”
If I accepted any more, it would feel greedy.
I firmly declined the young duke’s offer, saying it was truly sufficient.
“This is enough. I also have my own money, and asking for more would be too shameless.”
“You seemed pretty excited about picking them out, though.”
Well… that’s true.
Yeah, I had no response.
“Still, how can I pick so seriously when you’re buying them for me?”
“Don’t talk nonsense.”
Felix gestured toward the carriage, signaling me to move.
“Get in.”
“Excuse me?”
“Who else?”
“No…”
The service is insane.
‘Or… does he actually like me?’
Grumbling but doing everything for me.
Things even Gilbert probably wouldn’t do for me.
If this keeps up like in the original story, I might have to give up all loyalty and run away…
“Hey.”
“!”
“What are you thinking again?”
Wow, he’s observant.
“Ah, nothing at all!”
I hurriedly denied it, but Felix, already certain that I was thinking impure thoughts, stepped back slightly to give some space.
“I’m serious!”
Feeling guilty, I raised my voice.
Felix just gestured toward the carriage in front as if to say it’s useless.
“Just get in.”
“Ah, no, I still need to stop somewhere else first. You go ahead.”
Felix narrowed his eyes at my words.
“Where?”
“The bakery.”
I nodded and pointed to a nearby bakery. I often went there after work.
“Just ran out of bread.”
“Really?”
“Really!”
It wasn’t a lie. I had honestly added bread and baguettes to my shopping list today!
Of course, I wasn’t lying.
Felix looked steadily at my sincere expression, let out a small breath, and then walked toward the bakery without hesitation.
‘…He’s really going to follow me to buy bread?’
I followed closely, moving forward without hesitation.
Ding-dong—.
With a cheerful bell sound, the lady came out of the kitchen.
At the same time,
Clatter—!
A silver tray fell to the floor.
“Ma’am!”
Startled, I rushed past the young duke to help.
Seeing me, the lady looked at me like a goldfish, mouth agape.
“Ah, Amelia. I… um—”
“Yes? Ah…”
I turned back to see my employer standing tall behind me. One hand in his pocket, Felix surveyed the small shop carefully.
I carefully helped the trembling lady to her feet, calming her down.
“Don’t worry, ma’am. Just stay still, and we’ll leave quickly.”
