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Chapter 46
“W-what…?”
That was probably the most stunned thing I’ve ever said since starting this second life.
“What do you mean, ‘what’? Did you really think I’d keep getting beaten by you all the time? Ha! I should have hung that stunned look of yours at the passage entrance just now.”
Of course. As if nothing had happened, Bastian changed his expression again in an instant. For a moment, I even thought I saw a large tail flick behind him.
“Anyway, this place doesn’t suit me. If you need someone to play with, there’s that toy store earlier. Go there instead.”
“Not suiting you, yet you looked around pretty thoroughly, didn’t you?”
At my remark, Bastian reacted sharply, like I had hit a nerve.
“Ugh, well, it doesn’t hurt to know what stores are here! Ugh… maybe you’re right, I could find some work here…”
Honestly, he’s still not honest. Just a moment ago, he was mocking the idea of doing any work here. Seems like that version of Bastian belongs to another world.
“Bastian.”
“What?”
I stopped walking and carefully scanned him from head to toe.
Every time my gaze moved, his prickly, wary, mischievous eyes were observing me in return.
But I knew that those bright red eyes could soften instantly in front of profitable work, just like a dog rolling over on its back.
I also knew how those thin lips, pressed tightly with the corners drooping downward, could draw the cutest curves.
Knowing how remarkable the future Bastian would become, his stick-thin, malnourished limbs were hardly an issue.
I was intrigued.
Respecting Bastian’s opinions and pride was fine, but letting his limitless potential go to waste like this would be a shame.
“Do you want to work here? Really?”
“…Yeah.”
I lowered my voice, asking seriously, and Bastian, sensing something, erased the teasing expression from his face.
“Then use me.”
“Milady.”
Bastian’s eyes went wide, and Monsieur Laurent let out a gasp. Camille also seemed quite surprised, watching the scene unfold.
“What nonsense are you talking about!”
“Monsieur Laurent. Weren’t you my secretary and bodyguard?”
“I’ll inform my father.”
“That works perfectly. I was going to tell my father that Monsieur Laurent trusts Camille’s word more than mine.”
As I pointed out what happened earlier, Monsieur Laurent clenched his teeth in displeasure. Despite his grim expression, he didn’t interfere with me any longer.
“I’m not saying you should beg or cling to me. And definitely not that you should throw away your pride. Quite the opposite. Use me as your ladder.”
“Use someone smaller than you?”
Ha! Bastian let out a laugh so ridiculous it was almost absurd.
I thought, I’m not smaller than you! We’re barely different when standing side by side!
Ah, whatever. I held back my irritation and added:
“Just so you know, I’ll be using you too.”
“…Using me?”
Bastian furrowed his brows.
He had no idea how I, someone who already possesses everything and has plenty of capable people around, could possibly “use” him.
Luckily, he didn’t. If he had realized the value he carries, he would have sought another investor—or an adult—before I even had the chance.
“You’re smart, clever, and quick-witted. That’s rare. From now on, I’ll dress you, feed you, teach you—so that when you grow into an adult, I can squeeze out everything you’ve got, right to the marrow.”
Was it just my imagination, or did Monsieur Laurent flinch at that for a moment?
“Very harsh words… So, what do you plan to do? Bring me home and play with me like a doll?”
“A doll that changes its own clothes sounds tempting, but I already have plenty at home. There’s Antoine too.”
Wait.
“…Come to think of it, where’s Antoine?”
A chill ran down my spine. I looked around, but the missing Antoine hadn’t suddenly appeared.
Since when had Antoine disappeared—or had he even come with me in the first place? That was where the confusion started.
“Calm down. When we met, you were alone.”
Bastian stopped me as I almost ran off to look for Antoine, calming me down.
“Then, Antoine…?”
“How should I know? If he didn’t come with you, he’s probably with his parents.”
Though curt, the answer was logical enough that I could think of something more urgent than searching for Antoine.
“First, let’s return to your parents. You’re coming too.”
“Me? Why?”
“I was planning to recommend you to your parents anyway. Camille, Monsieur Laurent. Let’s go back now.”
Just as I forced my trembling legs to move forward,
“Huh?”
Monsieur Laurent lifted me effortlessly and started running straight ahead.
Through his shoulders, Camille and Bastian’s astonished faces slowly receded.
Thanks, I guess… but next time, a heads-up would be nice.
Ugh… I feel carsick…!
‘I’m bored. Mom is playing with Dad, and where did my sister go?’
Not wanting to disturb a sweet moment between his parents, Antoine, unable to find his beloved sister, decided to go on an adventure alone.
Like the adventurers in the book he had read recently, he stuffed small sandwich pieces and a few cookies, prepared in a handkerchief, into his pocket.
Because he forgot to tie the bundle, the food wasn’t neatly round or cute like in the book—it was messy—but Antoine didn’t notice, caught up in the excitement of the adventure.
Confidently stepping into the crowded streets, Antoine exclaimed in awe.
“Wow…!”
He widened his eyes and mouth into huge circles, scanning the bustling plaza. People were dancing to violin music.
Their dancing had no set form, no ceremony, and not even proper bows. When their eyes met, they exchanged a glance and suddenly linked arms.
The music, unlike the polished performances by his mother or sister, was rough and rhythmically unpredictable.
He couldn’t help moving his shoulders to the push-and-pull melody. His feet moved on their own, spinning and hopping in circles.
“Young gentleman, you dance quite well!”
“Little one, want a bite too?”
Before he knew it, Antoine had joined them in dancing. His movements were clumsy, more like gestures than proper dancing, but the adults adored him and applauded generously.
For Antoine, whose experience of festivals was limited to fireworks at the estate, this was literally the first time he had seen such a scene in his life.
After dancing and hopping for who knows how long, his face flushed bright red from exertion, Antoine stepped out of the circle, panting heavily.
