CH 16

No, no, no, no, that’s not right, is it?

It may be less expensive than the jewelry stores in the aristocratic district, but jewelry means a certain price. If it were Ryniel-sama, he might be able to buy one or two things, but there is no way he would beg for them if he had no reason to buy them.

Eh, what. Is it normal for the ladies of the world to beg men they are not even dating to buy them jewelry, something that is not cheap? Is that so?　Or perhaps Ryniel-sama, he only associate with such women… I would say that is only seen as a money-maker.

The fact that Ryniel-sama is single is not because he has high ideals, but because he is allegedly blind to women.

「…You look like you’re thinking of something strange, but you’re probably not, because you’re not.」

「No, but…」

「Absolutely not.」

I’ve definitely changed since maybe, and I suspect you have an idea.

「It’s not.」

He denied it as if to remind me, and I nodded, though I was not convinced. My curiosity to hear about Ryniel-sama relationships with women was lost in a smile that didn’t quite make my eyes smile.

「Good. Try not to think of anything strange.」

「…Yes.」

I glanced at Ryniel-sama, but there was nothing I could do.

I can understand how Douglas-sama is feeling right now. The pressure is on to say nothing, “I won’t allow you to talk back,” and he won’t give me any choice but to nod, that one. I can’t win this one, yeah.

「Marsha-dono, over here.」

As I was so convinced, Ryniel-sama pulled my hand away.

「Ryniel-sama?」

「Quiet.」

“Okay,” I replied without saying it aloud. Ryniel-sama stopped to hide me behind his back. He seems to be on the lookout in the direction of the back entrance of the jewelry store we were heading for.

「…Is the back entrance to the store that way?」

A small voice asked me and I nodded.

「There’s a suspicious man.」

「A suspicious man… you say?」

「Yes, a very creepy guy with empty eyes…」

Let’s go back here first, Ryniel-sama said.

Certainly, if there is such a creepy guy around, there is no need to risk going all the way to the back door. There is a need to go see Gaspar, but I guess we can go to the front again after killing some time somewhere until the Count Bower’s carriage is gone. We have time before lunch.

But I was suspicious, however, of the presence of a suspicious man near the back entrance of Gaspar’s store. Gaspar isn’t a man foolish enough to let such a suspicious man hang around his back door. Today, Gaspar is the face of downtown, doing a job that would make the heavens blush, but until a few years ago, he was the reigning boss of the slums. It is hard to believe that he would allow such a suspicious person around his store.

I peeked over Ryniel-sama back at the suspicious man.

「Ah…!」

And the moment I saw the face of the man who came into my eyes, who was giving off a very suspicious vibe, I was deflated with all my might.

「I’m sorry, Ryniel-sama.」

「Marsha-dono?」

Ryniel-sama is surprised at my sudden apology. That’s right. If you find a suspicious man on a back street in a downtown alley, you would be on the lookout for him. And if you’re with a lady, it’s even more so. That is not because Ryniel-sama is a knight, but because any gentleman would do that.

Speaking of myself, I was now filled with a sense of shame. I was even sorry that he was accompanying me on today’s errand, and I was even more sorry that he was accompanying me on today’s errand.

The suspicious man was staring blankly at the empty space with a dead fish’s eyes and an expression on his face that was somewhat dull. The cigarette smoke adds to the eeriness, doubling the creepiness. No matter how one looks at it, it is nothing but suspicious.

「…Why are you twilighting in that place, Gaspar?」

Ryniel-sama must have been stunned to learn that the suspicious man was the same person I wanted to introduce him to. I’m really sorry. Can I be excused for saying that this was not the plan?

Gaspard noticed us and turned his face toward us.

「Why, look who’s flirting with you, missy…」

I learned of Gaspar’s serious condition from his lifeless voice. This isn’t good for a face actor. Miranda’s concern was understandable.

「Aren’t you handsome, brother… Has spring come to you too, missy…?」

I got a hearty “good for you” from him.

「What are you talking about? No, no. This is my colleague, Ryniel-sama. I brought him here to introduce him to you. So behave yourself.」

「Ohh, really…」

Dizzy from the sound of my voice, he turns to Ryniel-sama, but no matter how you look at him, he seems to be a lifeless corpse. I beg you to pull yourself together.

「Gaspar, the owner of Anemone Jewelry. I’m sorry to show you my pathetic side…」

「My name is Ryniel Abrams. I’m sorry to pay you such a sudden visit.」

「No, it’s nothing for you to apologize for. I’ve been a little down in the dumps… just haven’t gotten over it yet.」

「Don’t worry about it. We all have times like that.」

Ryniel-sama greeted him as if he had lied about being wary of him. And what a gentleman to even offer a kind word.

Gaspar’s eyes moisten as he says to Ryniel-sama, “This brother is so kind.” It’s a very protective gesture for a girl to make, but it isn’t at all cute when made by a strong-looking Gaspar. It’s rather creepy, and not only me but also Ryniel-sama is attracted to it.

Was it a mistake to introduce Gaspar to Ryniel-sama? However, he’s usually a very capable man. A scary face is not enough to be the face of a downtown.

「This isn’t a good place to do business. Come on in.」

With that, he opened the back door of the store and let us in. There was a hint of melancholy on his back, and I thought to myself, “I might have made a mistake after all.”