Chapter 45
Translator: Missme
Editor: Aru
Caleb did not react immediately.
In response, I said it again in case Caleb didn’t hear it, adding an additional explanation.
“As you can see from their state, I kicked them between their legs. That’s why they are crunching like that.”
I was embarrassed before I spoke out, but after speaking, that wasn’t as embarrassing as I thought.
Rather, I was calm.
‘Maybe it’s because I said it too bluntly.’
If there was anything I was worried about is Caleb’s perception of me.
Since he is the same gender as them, he might find me too cruel.
“Good job.”
“Yes?”
“If they can’t control it with reason, it’s better if they lose it.”
Even then, I doubted what Caleb said.
Good job? Does he really think so?
I couldn’t believe it and tried to ask back but couldn’t.
Because, soon, I heard so many footsteps that I could tell there were several people just by hearing them, and the guards appeared.
“I got a report… Oh my god!”
After coming leisurely, they froze close to Caleb’s face. The person in charge asked, shaking his lips.
“A-are you Lord Egon?”
“Yes.”
With Caleb’s approval, the same thing happened as before.
“Salute, I’m Dave, the commander of the 1st guards of the 2nd Division of the Capital Guards!”
“It’s my first time seeing you. Did you just get appointed?”
“Yeah! I got appointed a month ago!”
The man who identified himself as the commander replied Caleb with a tense face.
‘At the time, I thought it was just because the guards were well organized.’
Looking at the sight now, I thought maybe because the guard’s commander and the guards at that time also recognized Caleb.
Well, it would be weird not to recognize him.
Silver hair and black eyes are not common, and there aren’t many people who even carry swords.
Well, for me… it’s the only possibility because I’m not part of this related job.
“It’s an honour to meet you! I’ve always respected you, Lord. How envious I was when my other colleagues said they met you, Lord Egon.”
“Thank you, but can I tell you how the incident went first and listen to your respect?”
“Oh, yeah! I’m sorry. Pardon me because I was too excited.”
The guard’s commander, who had been talking enthusiastically for a long time, lost his facial expression and posture.
And when he was ready to listen, he asked us to tell him, and Caleb explained the situation to him, as he had planned in advance with me.
“So…”
Upon hearing the conversation, the commander glanced toward the bullies.
“They lured this lady on purpose, and when Lord Egon came, they threatened her with a dagger and overpowered her?”
“That’s right. They have a history, so I hope you pay special attention to them.”
“Of course! I will take full responsibility and hold them accountable!”
“I hope for your cooperation.”
“Yes!”
The guard’s commander shouted vigorously.
He immediately made a torch to his subordinates to bring the bullies immediately, and the guards quickly moved the bullies.
But soon they seemed to have noticed that the bullies’ posture was strange.
“I-I’m sorry, but can I ask you one more question?”
“You may ask.”
“Do you know why they’re lying down like that?”
“It’s because I kick them around that part when I subdue them.”
“…are you serious?”
Caleb nodded.
The guard’s commander looked at Caleb once with trembling eyes and alternately at the bullies covering their legs.
There was no word out of his mouth, but his shaking pupils seemed to be talking, ‘How can you do such a cruel thing as the same man?’
Caleb didn’t seem to mind, but an awkward smile didn’t leave my lips.
Because I was the one who made those bullies like that.
* * * * *
We left the alley after being promised strong punishment for the bullies by the guard’s commander.
It was clear that his self-interest toward Caleb played a major role in his words that he would never let those bullies see the sun rays as normal people.
As soon as I left the alley, Caleb asked me.
“Now you’re going to the store to buy a cage.”
“Oh? How did you know?”
“You explained it to me earlier. That you met an old woman while looking for a cage store.”
“Oh? Oh, I see. That’s right? I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
Come to think of it, I indeed told him everything when I talked about how I met bullies earlier.
Well, this is my memory’s fault.
“More than that, can you find the way to the cage store from here?”
“Yes?”
“I asked because I thought you might not know the way.”
I turned around and looked around.
It’s definitely a place I don’t know.
“If you don’t mind, I’ll take you to the largest cage store in the shopping district.”
“Really? If you do that, then I’m grate…”
Hang on. Why am I talking so casually? And, why am I being like this again?
I was embarrassed by the meaningless natural conversation since I’ve been trying really hard to avoid him for weeks.
But it would be weird if I suddenly refused when I already acted as if I would allow him.
“…grateful.”
I barely continued to talk.
Caleb may ask if he notices something strange, but I didn’t want to be perceived as unusual to him.
We’re only together until we get to the cage store and he would leave as soon as we arrived at the store.
Every time I walked in step with Caleb, I made up my mind again and again.
* * * * *
‘I definitely made up my mind…’
I resented my indecisiveness as I saw Caleb following me all the way into the cage store.
I thought he would leave immediately when I stopped in front of the store and said my thanks to him.
However, Caleb said he was worried about my way back and expressed his opinion that he wanted to accompany me until I returned home.
I said that the guard’s commander took good care of the two bullies who were arrested earlier, but he replied that he would take me home because they might have colleagues.
For that reason, I couldn’t refuse his favour and nodded.
As a result, I regretted my decision.
Honestly, I could have refused firmly, saying that he doesn’t have to worry, and I believe in the security of the capital, or whatever.
But I finally couldn’t refuse and allowed him to accompany me.
‘Why am I always backing down only to Lord Egon?’
As soon as I finished thinking, self-thought came.
‘Why!?’
In fact, I know the reason better than anyone else.
I touched the cage that was closest to me, and the store owner approached me and asked.
“Is there a cage you’re looking for? If you tell me, I’ll find it for you.”
“Oh, I’m just going to look around and choose what I like.”
“Oh, my. Dear customer, birds are sensitive animals, so it’s difficult if you simply want to match your taste.”
“Really?”
“Of course. It’s been 17 years since I’ve been doing a cage business.”
The owner of the store said with confidence.
“Trust me. It’s perfect if you tell me the breed! I will choose the right one.”
“The breed is letterbirds, and there are two. So I hope it’s a big cage.”
“Letter bird! There’s a separate cage for them. Come here.”
I followed where the owner led.
He eagerly showed me the cages and explained the pros and cons of them.
And after a while, I held a cage in my hand that the store owner strongly recommended.
‘Oh, I’m tired.’
I didn’t know there’s someone in the world who talks so much.
The time I spent looking around the cage itself was short, but it was enough time to get my mind tattered.
It was time for me to go to the checkout counter and write down the address where I could request delivery and pay for the cage.
The papers piled up in the corner drew my attention.
[Song About Love, confirmed for reenactment!]
When I came to my senses, I had already picked up the paper without realizing it.
The play was reenacted at the Chloe Theater Company about a month and a half later, according to the paper.
‘About a month and a half later?’
It was a time that seemed distant but not too distant.
I can’t believe only this much time remains.
The store owner poured a word on me as I was carefully reading the paper.
“You must be interested in the play.”
“Oh, yes.”
“I left it there because the theatre company asked me to promote it, but this time it’s a reenactment.” According to what customers are saying, it appears to be quite good.”
“I see…”
I cast a sidelong glance at Caleb, who was standing next to me, for no apparent reason.
Caleb and Vivian went to see that play in the original story.
“It’s especially enjoyable to watch with your lover, so the two of you should go.”
The store owner suggested it in hushed tones as if he were whispering.
I shivered as I belatedly understood the context after listening to it without thinking.
‘Did he think Lord Egon and I were in a relationship?’
In embarrassment, my body stiffened briefly.
The heat quickly warmed up my neck and face.
It was time to deny it, despite my inability to open my mouth fully.
“Thank you for your advice.”
There was a voice that intervened before I could deny it.
I hardened for a moment, forgetting what I was going to say in the face of the unbelievable response.
“I will go there when I have time.”
“I hope you have a good time. Lady, here’s your change.”
The store owner returned the change to me.
I said my goodbyes to the store owner after receiving the money unexpectedly.
I left the store in this manner, but I was perplexed by what occurred at the cage store.
‘How come he didn’t deny it?’
That’s why we’ve been misinterpreted as lovers… then why didn’t he…?
“Are you returning home now?”
Caleb acted normally, unlike me, who was perplexed.
I’m curious if I’m the only one who was concerned about this.
“Elena?”
“Oh no! I am not. I’m considering going to the shoe store. After what happened earlier, I’m feeling a little agitated wearing these right now.”
“Yes, I see. Could you tell me the name of the store you’re going to?”
“It’s called Queen Blanc. Do you know where the store is?”
“I saw it once while walking by. Allow me to lead the way.”
Caleb then moved naturally, and I followed him.
What the cage owner had said earlier and Caleb’s response lingered in my mind as I walked.
‘Why did he respond in that way?’
I was embarrassed and couldn’t deny it right away, but Caleb could. He didn’t even respond to the owner’s words, let alone deny them.
It was the moment when I glanced at Caleb with a sideways glance.
“Before…”
I was surprised by the sudden sound, but I looked at him as if nothing had happened.
“I’m sorry for responding in that manner. If I denied it, I expected the store owner to confront you with a series of difficult questions. ”
Oh, so that’s why he did it.
He was being considerate to the store owner…
I nod, remembering the store owner, who had been sticking with me and explaining the whole time I was looking for the cage.
“I was rude because I saw you tired the entire time you were looking around for a cage. Please accept my apologies for my behaviour.”
It was a courteous apology.
Normally, his apology would have made me feel better. But right now, I’m in a state of heartbreak.
‘What did I expect, like a fool?’
This was understandable given Caleb’s personality.
Because he was so caring and always put others first.
Chapter 45
Translator: Missme
Editor: Aru
Caleb did not react immediately.
In response, I said it again in case Caleb didn’t hear it, adding an additional explanation.
“As you can see from their state, I kicked them between their legs. That’s why they are crunching like that.”
I was embarrassed before I spoke out, but after speaking, that wasn’t as embarrassing as I thought.
Rather, I was calm.
‘Maybe it’s because I said it too bluntly.’
If there was anything I was worried about is Caleb’s perception of me.
Since he is the same gender as them, he might find me too cruel.
“Good job.”
“Yes?”
“If they can’t control it with reason, it’s better if they lose it.”
Even then, I doubted what Caleb said.
Good job? Does he really think so?
I couldn’t believe it and tried to ask back but couldn’t.
Because, soon, I heard so many footsteps that I could tell there were several people just by hearing them, and the guards appeared.
“I got a report… Oh my god!”
After coming leisurely, they froze close to Caleb’s face. The person in charge asked, shaking his lips.
“A-are you Lord Egon?”
“Yes.”
With Caleb’s approval, the same thing happened as before.
“Salute, I’m Dave, the commander of the 1st guards of the 2nd Division of the Capital Guards!”
“It’s my first time seeing you. Did you just get appointed?”
“Yeah! I got appointed a month ago!”
The man who identified himself as the commander replied Caleb with a tense face.
‘At the time, I thought it was just because the guards were well organized.’
Looking at the sight now, I thought maybe because the guard’s commander and the guards at that time also recognized Caleb.
Well, it would be weird not to recognize him.
Silver hair and black eyes are not common, and there aren’t many people who even carry swords.
Well, for me… it’s the only possibility because I’m not part of this related job.
“It’s an honour to meet you! I’ve always respected you, Lord. How envious I was when my other colleagues said they met you, Lord Egon.”
“Thank you, but can I tell you how the incident went first and listen to your respect?”
“Oh, yeah! I’m sorry. Pardon me because I was too excited.”
The guard’s commander, who had been talking enthusiastically for a long time, lost his facial expression and posture.
And when he was ready to listen, he asked us to tell him, and Caleb explained the situation to him, as he had planned in advance with me.
“So…”
Upon hearing the conversation, the commander glanced toward the bullies.
“They lured this lady on purpose, and when Lord Egon came, they threatened her with a dagger and overpowered her?”
“That’s right. They have a history, so I hope you pay special attention to them.”
“Of course! I will take full responsibility and hold them accountable!”
“I hope for your cooperation.”
“Yes!”
The guard’s commander shouted vigorously.
He immediately made a torch to his subordinates to bring the bullies immediately, and the guards quickly moved the bullies.
But soon they seemed to have noticed that the bullies’ posture was strange.
“I-I’m sorry, but can I ask you one more question?”
“You may ask.”
“Do you know why they’re lying down like that?”
“It’s because I kick them around that part when I subdue them.”
“…are you serious?”
Caleb nodded.
The guard’s commander looked at Caleb once with trembling eyes and alternately at the bullies covering their legs.
There was no word out of his mouth, but his shaking pupils seemed to be talking, ‘How can you do such a cruel thing as the same man?’
Caleb didn’t seem to mind, but an awkward smile didn’t leave my lips.
Because I was the one who made those bullies like that.
* * * * *
We left the alley after being promised strong punishment for the bullies by the guard’s commander.
It was clear that his self-interest toward Caleb played a major role in his words that he would never let those bullies see the sun rays as normal people.
As soon as I left the alley, Caleb asked me.
“Now you’re going to the store to buy a cage.”
“Oh? How did you know?”
“You explained it to me earlier. That you met an old woman while looking for a cage store.”
“Oh? Oh, I see. That’s right? I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.”
Come to think of it, I indeed told him everything when I talked about how I met bullies earlier.
Well, this is my memory’s fault.
“More than that, can you find the way to the cage store from here?”
“Yes?”
“I asked because I thought you might not know the way.”
I turned around and looked around.
It’s definitely a place I don’t know.
“If you don’t mind, I’ll take you to the largest cage store in the shopping district.”
“Really? If you do that, then I’m grate…”
Hang on. Why am I talking so casually? And, why am I being like this again?
I was embarrassed by the meaningless natural conversation since I’ve been trying really hard to avoid him for weeks.
But it would be weird if I suddenly refused when I already acted as if I would allow him.
“…grateful.”
I barely continued to talk.
Caleb may ask if he notices something strange, but I didn’t want to be perceived as unusual to him.
We’re only together until we get to the cage store and he would leave as soon as we arrived at the store.
Every time I walked in step with Caleb, I made up my mind again and again.
* * * * *
‘I definitely made up my mind…’
I resented my indecisiveness as I saw Caleb following me all the way into the cage store.
I thought he would leave immediately when I stopped in front of the store and said my thanks to him.
However, Caleb said he was worried about my way back and expressed his opinion that he wanted to accompany me until I returned home.
I said that the guard’s commander took good care of the two bullies who were arrested earlier, but he replied that he would take me home because they might have colleagues.
For that reason, I couldn’t refuse his favour and nodded.
As a result, I regretted my decision.
Honestly, I could have refused firmly, saying that he doesn’t have to worry, and I believe in the security of the capital, or whatever.
But I finally couldn’t refuse and allowed him to accompany me.
‘Why am I always backing down only to Lord Egon?’
As soon as I finished thinking, self-thought came.
‘Why!?’
In fact, I know the reason better than anyone else.
I touched the cage that was closest to me, and the store owner approached me and asked.
“Is there a cage you’re looking for? If you tell me, I’ll find it for you.”
“Oh, I’m just going to look around and choose what I like.”
“Oh, my. Dear customer, birds are sensitive animals, so it’s difficult if you simply want to match your taste.”
“Really?”
“Of course. It’s been 17 years since I’ve been doing a cage business.”
The owner of the store said with confidence.
“Trust me. It’s perfect if you tell me the breed! I will choose the right one.”
“The breed is letterbirds, and there are two. So I hope it’s a big cage.”
“Letter bird! There’s a separate cage for them. Come here.”
I followed where the owner led.
He eagerly showed me the cages and explained the pros and cons of them.
And after a while, I held a cage in my hand that the store owner strongly recommended.
‘Oh, I’m tired.’
I didn’t know there’s someone in the world who talks so much.
The time I spent looking around the cage itself was short, but it was enough time to get my mind tattered.
It was time for me to go to the checkout counter and write down the address where I could request delivery and pay for the cage.
The papers piled up in the corner drew my attention.
[Song About Love, confirmed for reenactment!]
When I came to my senses, I had already picked up the paper without realizing it.
The play was reenacted at the Chloe Theater Company about a month and a half later, according to the paper.
‘About a month and a half later?’
It was a time that seemed distant but not too distant.
I can’t believe only this much time remains.
The store owner poured a word on me as I was carefully reading the paper.
“You must be interested in the play.”
“Oh, yes.”
“I left it there because the theatre company asked me to promote it, but this time it’s a reenactment.” According to what customers are saying, it appears to be quite good.”
“I see…”
I cast a sidelong glance at Caleb, who was standing next to me, for no apparent reason.
Caleb and Vivian went to see that play in the original story.
“It’s especially enjoyable to watch with your lover, so the two of you should go.”
The store owner suggested it in hushed tones as if he were whispering.
I shivered as I belatedly understood the context after listening to it without thinking.
‘Did he think Lord Egon and I were in a relationship?’
In embarrassment, my body stiffened briefly.
The heat quickly warmed up my neck and face.
It was time to deny it, despite my inability to open my mouth fully.
“Thank you for your advice.”
There was a voice that intervened before I could deny it.
I hardened for a moment, forgetting what I was going to say in the face of the unbelievable response.
“I will go there when I have time.”
“I hope you have a good time. Lady, here’s your change.”
The store owner returned the change to me.
I said my goodbyes to the store owner after receiving the money unexpectedly.
I left the store in this manner, but I was perplexed by what occurred at the cage store.
‘How come he didn’t deny it?’
That’s why we’ve been misinterpreted as lovers… then why didn’t he…?
“Are you returning home now?”
Caleb acted normally, unlike me, who was perplexed.
I’m curious if I’m the only one who was concerned about this.
“Elena?”
“Oh no! I am not. I’m considering going to the shoe store. After what happened earlier, I’m feeling a little agitated wearing these right now.”
“Yes, I see. Could you tell me the name of the store you’re going to?”
“It’s called Queen Blanc. Do you know where the store is?”
“I saw it once while walking by. Allow me to lead the way.”
Caleb then moved naturally, and I followed him.
What the cage owner had said earlier and Caleb’s response lingered in my mind as I walked.
‘Why did he respond in that way?’
I was embarrassed and couldn’t deny it right away, but Caleb could. He didn’t even respond to the owner’s words, let alone deny them.
It was the moment when I glanced at Caleb with a sideways glance.
“Before…”
I was surprised by the sudden sound, but I looked at him as if nothing had happened.
“I’m sorry for responding in that manner. If I denied it, I expected the store owner to confront you with a series of difficult questions. ”
Oh, so that’s why he did it.
He was being considerate to the store owner…
I nod, remembering the store owner, who had been sticking with me and explaining the whole time I was looking for the cage.
“I was rude because I saw you tired the entire time you were looking around for a cage. Please accept my apologies for my behaviour.”
It was a courteous apology.
Normally, his apology would have made me feel better. But right now, I’m in a state of heartbreak.
‘What did I expect, like a fool?’
This was understandable given Caleb’s personality.
Because he was so caring and always put others first.
