PVMC 19

Chapter 19

―Nasty person.
―You’re in.
―While I wasn’t here.

Someone had broken into the room.
And it happened while I wasn’t there.
But it was only a matter of time before I found out who it was.
That’s because Mathias had seen the intruder’s face.
A man with the same silver hair and green eyes as mine.
And with a malicious look, it was clearly Xavier Persher.

I knew this would happen.

Honestly, I had a bad feeling ever since I agreed to my proposal.
That guy is so greedy. And he’s suspicious of everything, so even though he accepted my offer, I instinctively knew he would try something behind my back.
I didn’t expect him to move so quickly, though.

He must have been after the other things too.

He would’ve been searching excitedly, wondering if there were other valuables. Since I had hidden the necklace, maybe there were other heirlooms as well.
Yeah. Good. This is better than sneaky maneuvers.

It’s easier to deal with him when he acts openly like this.
What’s the point of searching so hard anyway?

The remaining jewels that were meant for auction were all tucked into the gap between the bed frame and the mattress. Any bulges were covered with a pillow, leaving no trace.

So, now what do I do?

By the time he reached the bedroom, it was likely he had already checked the office and other reception rooms.
If he was determined, he wouldn’t give up just because he failed once. He would surely come back to search again soon.

As I thought about a plan, I grinned.
Of course.

This is exactly the time to set a trap.

“Aria?”

Mathias, sitting across from me, tilted his head.

…Yeah. That’s why I came out for now…

“Aria?”
“……”
“Why are you here?”

How did it come to this?

It was late at night.
Rattling, rattling. The carriage bounced along the winding alleys.
Seeing the few lit shops along the way, I let out a deep sigh.

I was planning to come alone.

As soon as I heard Mathias’ words in the morning, I immediately made a plan.
To prank Xavier!
I was going to set a trap for the guy sneaking into my room.

That night, I went out of the mansion to set the trap. Nighttime was perfect for moving without being seen.
Originally, I had thought to bring Sophia along, but like last time, Xavier or his minions might sneak in while she was gone.
I needed at least one shield in case something happened.

But… a variable appeared here!

―How can you go alone, Miss…! Absolutely not!
―B-but-
―It’s too dangerous! Last time, you went to the bank alone and almost got hurt. What if those nasty people threaten you!
―……
―If you insist, you’ll have to bury me in the dirt!
―Ah, no, you don’t have to go that far.

It wasn’t bright daytime. Sophia blocked my way, insisting I couldn’t go out at night.
I understood her concerns.
Renessity was now in debt. The merchant guild had collapsed, so even if not Xavier, there would be traders with grudges against Renessity.
It was dangerous to wander around carelessly.

But I had a backup plan. There was a knight guarding the mansion who was fairly close to me.
I had originally planned to bring him along. I could trust him, at least.
He had been taken in by the count and countess after wandering the streets and had an unusually strong loyalty to the family.

He even offered to sell his skills when he was left in debt…

And he hated Xavier as much as I did. He wouldn’t betray me.

But while I was considering candidates, Mathias suddenly grabbed me.

―…I’ll go.
―Huh?
―I’ll fight, better.

It was useless to say no.
Mathias clung to me, giving 3,920 reasons why he should go.
And to be fair, they were convincing.
His skill was obvious—he had escaped a slave market just fine.
With his overwhelming strength and reflexes, I had no choice but to surrender.

“Mathias.”
“Yeah?”
“Are you really okay with this?”

We were heading to a shopping district slightly away from the main square.
Not near the theater where the slave market might be, but still, dark alleys could trigger bad memories.

But he was more stubborn than I expected.
“Yeah.”

He fiddled with the robe he was wearing and nodded. For some reason, he looked oddly satisfied.

Sigh. Whatever.

As long as he didn’t shrink back, that was fine. I would be wearing a robe too, so no one would recognize us.
Let’s just think of it as fine.

While I was rationalizing that, the carriage reached our destination.
I handed some coins to the driver, taking an external carriage rather than our family’s, just in case.

“Mathias.”
“Yeah?”
“Hand.”

I couldn’t lose him here. Mathias obediently placed his hand in mine.
When I gripped it tightly, his large body flinched.

Did I hold too tightly?

As I tried to ease my grip, our fingers intertwined tightly.
Surprised by the unexpected contact, I looked up. Mathias blinked at me, our hands clasped.

“It’s okay.”
“……”
“Let’s go.”
“Uh, okay.”

Startled, I swallowed nervously. Mathias, gripping my hand, led the way.
Watching his natural movements, I couldn’t resist.

“Ma-Mathias.”

I stopped walking. He turned to look at me.
“Yeah.”
“Do you know where we’re going?”

He hesitated for a moment, then took two steps back.
He clung to my side again and shook his head.
“No…”

His denial was thick with embarrassment.

“Hah. So boring.”

A woman muttered as she inspected her well-manicured nails. Her name was Selina Lepite.
She ran a small jewelry shop in an alley slightly away from the main square.

But she had a concern recently.
“Isn’t there anything interesting going on…”

Life was dull and boring.
She was famous for making exquisite fake jewels, so many customers came, but they were all vain.
After seeing all kinds of people, most humans now bored her.
She had no energy or will to go out, wishing for something exciting to trigger dopamine while sitting still.

Ding-dong.

Before she could continue her thoughts, the bell on the door rang.
Selina straightened her bent back with a groan.
Ouch, my back.

She lightly rubbed her back and looked up.
Two people entered the shop, wearing robes.

Hmm.

A couple wanting matching rings to show off? That happened more often than expected.
Then let’s see what I can do.

Life was boring, but she couldn’t half-heartedly earn money.
Money was the best dopamine!

Selina put on a professional smile.
“What would you like to see, customers?”

“I’d like to see some jewelry. Something with a nice shine.”

“Oh, of course! Just a moment!”

Selina went inside the shop and returned with a display case containing various jewels.

“What carat did you have in mind? Usually couples go big for rings.”

“It’s not for a couple’s ring.”

The woman pulled out a paper from her sleeve.
“I want to make a few necklaces and earrings that would make anyone jealous.”

Selina’s eyes sparkled for a moment as she took it.
The woman smiled.
“Make it dazzling enough to make people’s heads spin.”