C9
Did you know?
The fact that if a person suddenly wants to invent words, they must process them properly from real facts.
—In fact, I asked my husband for a divorce, but he won't let me go. I'm afraid even after leaving the house. I wonder if he'll come to visit me.
Now that I think about it, I don't think it's really a lie, is it?
—... I see.
It's difficult to ask questions about this kind of family life.
But Terence didn't give up easily.
—Looking at your attire, you seem like a noble. If it's a request like that, would you prefer to ask a private body of knights?
—It's embarrassing, but my circumstances are not that relaxed.
Naturally, mercenaries cost less than ordered knights.
—......
—......
After an awkward moment passed, Terence eventually stepped back.
—I'm sorry. I didn't know such a thing existed.
—No. I was the one who suddenly appeared during your training and distracted you.
I need to flee quickly before he has more questions.
—Well, you must have amazing skills to bring down such a large tree. Then I'll be going.
Until the end, I was about to leave, thinking that I couldn't even imagine that this was the scene of a murder.
—That's right. I may not say it myself, but I'm quite good with a sword.
—Really? Oh, that's great.
—If you hire me, you won't regret it in the least.
—What do you mean?
The man's smile was seductive.
—You can do it with me. I'll be your escort.
What did I just hear?
I clearly felt the corner of my mouth trembling.
—Take you as my escort...?
If there were a scent, a smile that looks like a rose would be in full bloom.
—Yes. I'm a wandering mercenary, and I was looking for someone to hire me.
Don't be ridiculous! You're a Marquess!
But I couldn't reveal that I knew his identity.
—I can't offer you much...
—Just give me the basic salary.
—I'm so sorry. You have such good skills.
—As you can see, I'm free, so it's enough.
—Well, I suppose I'd feel more comfortable with a woman...
—What if we don't stay in the same room? In fact, there are many noble ladies who have male escorts.
—That's true.
As I desperately looked for another excuse, a thought crossed my mind.
"Wait a moment, isn't this an opportunity?"
The reason Terence is doing this is that he hasn't completely set aside his suspicions about me.
This means that leaving him here will only deepen his suspicion.
On the other hand, what if I accept the offer to make him my escort?
By acting together, we can naturally dispel his doubts, and our relationship will become close enough to conduct transactions based on that "information"!
"That's it!"
As for the doubts, I just need to be careful. All the hastily given excuses are true.
—Then, it's embarrassing, but...
I pretended to hesitate for a moment and then slightly lowered my head.
—Please take care of me in the future.
—You too.
So, unintentionally, I hired the villain as my escort.
Was it a good decision, I wonder...?
----------------------------
We left the Wandering Forest, exchanging simple introductions.
—My name is Ethel. My husband's last name is different, but since we will be divorced soon, I think you can just call me Ethel Wallace.
If I suddenly use the Cassius last name and he becomes cautious, it will be difficult.
The man lived a very secluded life before he seriously began to emerge in the world. It would be difficult for him to know my maiden name.
—I'm Tay. I don't have a last name because of my humble background.
You're very good at lying.
"Still, he's incredibly handsome!"
Thanks to my composure, I took the time to peacefully enjoy Terence's face.
Facial features that exude a delicate yet masculine charm.
Abundant eyelashes. A jaw that looks somewhat stubborn. A tenderness that can't be hidden even in simple clothing.
What about his body? I felt it myself when he accidentally held me in his arms.
He was a beauty that made me want to reflect on my past self who didn't want to get involved even if it was possible.
"No, author. You didn't say he was this handsome!"
Perhaps because the novel is from Liena's point of view, the appearance of the male protagonist and the Cassius family members was consistently described.
In the case of Terence, the description mainly referred to the dangerous atmosphere rather than external beauty.
But to be honest, I like this one more. Maybe because it was before he turned dark, his personality doesn't seem so bad.
"Is it enough to add a little tension?"
If there were only illustrations in the novel, I would have liked Terence more than Leandro.
—Is there something on my face?
—No, not at all!
Terence and I discussed this and that with a truth that we didn't reveal to each other.
—You said you left home. Where are you going to stay?
—I'm in an inn now. I plan to find a house as soon as possible.
—Until then, I guess I'll have to stay there too. Is the room next door empty?
—Yes. Maybe.
After calculating, I think I can afford that amount.
I also found the emergency fund I had secretly stored in the bank some time ago.