VDBO 38

Chapter 38

“The child you mentioned has been found. They located them just yesterday, and they’re bringing them here now.”

“Ah, so that’s why the information came through just now?”

Nina kept nodding repeatedly. No matter how I looked at it, she didn’t seem like a professional assassin.

“Do you need anything else?”

“Hmm… not for now. I think I’ll have to go out soon.”

I recalled what Mr. Shuwalt had said this morning while having breakfast with me.

It had been a while since we had breakfast together.

“We decided to get rid of the old viper first.”

The “old viper” referred to the Empress’s mother. Mr. Shuwalt sometimes called the Empress a viper.

The Empress that my mother and Mr. Shuwalt talked about was very different from the Empress the citizens knew. To them, she was the embodiment of kindness and the mother of the empire.

“When is it?”

“The day after tomorrow, she’s going to Dentar for a short convalescence.”

“Dentar…”

I mumbled as I poked at my salad, and Mr. Shuwalt added more food to my plate.

“They’re moving at the worst possible time, with the ground all muddy. It rained so much yesterday.”

“Perfect weather for an accident.”

A few years ago, one of the Emperor and Empress’s close aides had already been made to disappear, disguised as accidental deaths. They were busy with all sorts of preparations, and now it seemed like they were going to start cutting from the limbs again. I didn’t understand it as a child.

“I hope you won’t do anything too dangerous.”

I hesitated to speak, but eventually added a word.

Mr. Shuwalt put down his glass and looked at me silently. I instantly regretted speaking.

“Yeah, I’ll be careful. Since Bella says to be careful, I should be careful.”

“I think another doctor will be coming from the royal household today. I don’t think it’s necessary anymore, but they keep sending them.”

“They must be really worried.”

I shrugged at his joke.

“No way.”

“It’s entirely possible. But aren’t you frustrated?”

“I am.”

Without a hint of hesitation, I said it, and Mr. Shuwalt laughed again while holding his glass.

“Yeah, a month was too much.”

“It wasn’t even like this in the North.”

“Still, it was dangerous. Some clean-up was necessary. Sorry about that.”

“Then can I go out today? Or tomorrow?”

Mr. Shuwalt laughed again. I worried for a moment, wondering if he would laugh like that and then refuse.

“Always keep Ian by your side. Still, that guy won’t betray you.”

“You deliberately didn’t tell me, did you?”

Mr. Shuwalt raised an eyebrow.

“Hm? That he’s the one you saved?”

“Yes.”

I grumbled, and he laughed again. Among the three of us, he laughed the most, but today he really seemed in a good mood.

“I wanted to give you the chance to greet him personally. He’s not as impressive as you might expect.”

“Still, I got him a cake.”

“That’s somewhat useful.”

I hadn’t eaten a single bite myself, but had spent breakfast cutting meat and vegetables endlessly onto my plate, finishing two full plates. My stomach felt ready to burst as I saw Mr. Shuwalt off.

“Don’t stay out too late.”

“Am I a child or something?”

Mr. Shuwalt looked at me silently again.

I tilted my head and asked,

“Do you have anything else to say?”

“Just hang in there a little longer.”

“So suddenly?”

It was a remark less meaningful than a polite gesture.

Back at home.

“He said the day after tomorrow, right?”

Since my going-out ban was lifted, there was nothing else to consider. I might as well try to reduce my sentence, right?

Using the excuse of being too frustrated until now was convenient, too.

Fortunately, it didn’t rain today, and the cold weather seemed to be easing as if spring was approaching.

The doctor had visited fairly quickly, too. I wished there were more time, but I would make do.

“I’m going out right away. Lisa, Nina, can you both get ready?”

“Yes, of course, Miss!”

“We’ll get ready immediately.”

I felt uneasy about leaving everything to the new girl, so I called Lisa as usual. Aside from odd jobs or errands that doubled as information gathering, I often summoned Lisa.

Just a few days ago, Lisa seemed wary of Nina, the newcomer. But now, they seemed to have become friendly, whispering to each other and quickly heading out.

Perhaps it was coincidence, but since they were the same age, it was natural they would get along. I was relieved there was one less thing to worry about.

“Let’s go to the dress shop we visited before.”

Once ready, I got into the carriage and immediately decided on the destination—the dress shop I first visited when I came to the capital.

Ian nodded and closed the door. Soon, the carriage started moving.

Returning to the dress shop was partly a ruse, but also because the women’s space of the dress shop allowed many things to be handled efficiently.

I usually only had the clothes I needed made, but today I planned to use it actively. Occasionally, if I paid a small fee for errands, they would do a lot for me.

And the reason I didn’t go to the connection prepared by Iscar, risking danger, but chose the shop under Mr. Shuwalt’s hand, was because of Madam.

She wasn’t only a skilled designer but had been closely connected to Bay’s associates for years.

Specifically, she had previously received help from Mr. Shuwalt and had been trading steadily since.

Moreover, the information heard at the dress shop was valuable enough that selling it to Mr. Shuwalt alone could keep the shop running smoothly. That’s why he recommended it.

The reason for visiting her was because she clearly knew why she was working so hard and saving money desperately.

Lisa and Nina whispered quite often in the carriage, giggling and nodding repeatedly. Seeing them lower their voices so as not to disturb me, I simply turned my face to the window rather than scolding them.

Lisa usually didn’t speak to me unless necessary anyway.

Upon arriving at the shop, Madam personally came out to greet me, guiding me to the sofa and offering tea.

“Thank you for coming again. What kind of design do you need today?”

“I want something light for a change of pace. Spring is coming soon, so I want a dress suitable for that. The date isn’t urgent; just have it finished before spring arrives.”

“Of course. Shall we use the measurements from last time? You seem a little slimmer now, so if you prefer, we could take new measurements.”

I put down the teacup and stood up at her words.

“That would be better. Can we go inside?”

“Yes, please follow me.”

I followed Madam inside, around the corner, into a room. The door clicked shut behind me.

“Last time you chose strong colors. How about pastels this time?”

“Whatever you think, Madam. I’ve seen your taste is excellent.”

“You flatter me. I’ll take your measurements.”

As she brought over the measuring tape and approached me with arms outstretched, a child suddenly jumped out from behind the inner curtain with a cheer. It was the space where fabrics were stacked.

“Roar! A ghost!”

“Oh my!”

Madam, who was about to measure elegantly, was startled and dropped the tape. Her eyes widened, and she quickly grabbed the child, her face pale.

I had also stepped back in surprise, lowering my hands as I asked,

“A child?”

“I’m sorry! I shouldn’t have let you come here! Apologize right away!”

The child, smiling widely, now looked bewildered.

“…I’m sorry…”

With hands folded near the navel and bowing deeply, the child seemed to have been hiding to play ghost.

I hadn’t realized there was a child here.

“Is this Madam’s child?”

Madam hurriedly led the child out and locked the door again. Looking pale, she bowed.

“No, it’s a child we’re taking care of. One of the staff is a single mother. I apologize again. Truly, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. It’s a child, after all. Hiding so well is impressive.”

Madam’s expression relaxed considerably. Just moments ago, she had looked as pale as if she had seen a ghost.

“Thank you for understanding. I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

Her words seemed meant to reassure me. I didn’t even notice she had been watching me until I raised my arm for measurements. I thought she was impressive. Even adults can’t hide that well.

“It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”

“Thank you. I’ll take your measurements now.”

I raised my arm as if nothing had happened.