BCHG Chapter 31

Thus, Raphael led me to a jewelry store. As I stepped inside, the interior looked even more luxurious than the tailor shop.

 

Wow, how much do you think all of this costs? I wondered if stealing just one piece would be enough to repay the 150 gold.

 

“Is there a gemstone you like, Mia?”

 

Should I say diamond? My lips twitched.

 

I decided to answer modestly without being too playful. “I don’t know much about gemstones.”

 

“Hmm… then how about pearls? Show me some pearl earrings and necklaces.”

 

The shop owner soon brought out some delicately decorated earrings.

 

Wow, they were really beautiful. While I was mesmerized by them, Raphael glanced at Isaac. He smiled faintly and said, “Isaac, why don’t you put the necklace on her?”

 

“…I’ve never done it before.”

 

“That’s why I’m telling you to try.”

 

Isaac approached me reluctantly and stood behind me. I felt a chill down my spine. As I stood there stiffly, Isaac’s cold hand touched the nape of my neck, making my shoulders twitch involuntarily. He slowly began to put the necklace around my neck. It felt like a rope or perhaps a collar. It seemed like he could tighten the necklace and choke me at any moment.

 

Isaac stood behind me for quite a while, clearly unfamiliar with the task, before finally stepping back. “All done.”

 

I lifted my head and looked at myself in the mirror. The excited me from just a moment ago had disappeared, replaced by a frozen expression.

 

Raphael, seeing my reaction, asked, “Hm? Mia, what’s wrong? Don’t you like the pearl necklace?”

 

“No… I like it.”

 

I did like the necklace itself, but I couldn’t help feeling tense because of Isaac’s presence. It would have been even scarier if I were alone with Isaac without Raphael.

 

Raphael, looking satisfied, extended his hand and said, “Shall we go, Lady?”

 

The term ‘lady’ felt awkward, but I carefully placed my hand on his as we left the jewelry store. After walking a bit, we saw a large carriage. I never imagined I’d actually ride in one of these that I’d only ever seen from afar.

 

As we rode in the carriage, Raphael and I conversed, and I gradually began to relax. By the time the carriage entered the mansion, the uneasy feeling had completely dissipated. However, I was surprised by the view of the garden.

 

The well-manicured garden looked like a work of art. The trees and bushes were pruned like sculptures, and tables were set among the blooming flowers. The people who had arrived earlier were all dressed in expensive and elegant suits and dresses.

 

This is a bit intimidating. Can a mere maid like me really participate?

 

As I hesitated, Raphael lightly whispered in my ear, “Don’t worry, Mia. You’re the most beautiful one here.”

 

This guy, he’s really a Casanova. No wonder the maids can’t resist him.

 

I gave an awkward smile. “Thank you, Lord Raphael.”

 

But honestly, Casanovas aren’t really my type. As I was thinking that, someone approached us with a champagne glass.

 

“Ah, welcome. Isaac, Raphael, how have you been?”

 

“Fine, thanks to you,” Isaac spoke to the man, curt but polite.

 

Then, the man turned his attention to me. “Oh, and who might this young lady be…?”

 

Should I say I’m a maid? As I hesitated, Raphael gave a faint smile and said, “Oh, she’s my ward. A young lady with a promising future.”

 

“Ooh, I see. If Raphael is her guardian, she must be well-educated and exceptional.”

 

No, I’m just an ordinary person who got reincarnated into this world…

 

Thanks to Raphael’s quick thinking, the conversation flowed smoothly. After expressing his hope that I enjoy my time, the man left. I looked at Raphael, who placed a finger on his lips and winked lightly.

 

“Let’s say you’re my ward for the time being. It’ll be less troublesome that way.”

 

“Yes, Lord Raphael.”

 

Yes, that’s more convenient for me too.

 

He chuckled softly and then left when a few people called for him. Now, it was just Isaac and me, and the atmosphere became awkward. I glanced at Isaac, who was casually sipping champagne. He didn’t seem to be particularly fond of this place. Does he not like parties? As I kept stealing glances at him, our eyes met.

 

“Why are you looking at me?”

 

“N-No reason. You were just quiet…”

 

“If you’re bored, try talking to some of the other young ladies. They all seem eager to talk to you.”

 

With that, Isaac left the area. As soon as he did, a group of women swarmed around me.

 

“Hello! You’re someone we haven’t seen before. Where are you from?”

 

“He-Hello. I came with my guardian, Lord Raphael.”

 

“Oh my! So you’re Raphael’s ward. What’s your name?”

 

“It’s Mia.”

 

The women looked at me with great interest, almost as if they’d heard something amusing. It seemed more like their interest was in Raphael, though.

 

“Come to think of it, you seemed to be on good terms with Isaac earlier, is that right?”

 

“Um…”

 

What should I say here? We’re not exactly close, so I wasn’t sure whether to confirm or deny it.

 

Then, one of the women sighed dramatically and said, “Isaac is just as handsome as Raphael.”

 

“But his personality is so cold. I tried talking to him last time, and all he did was greet me without saying anything else.”

 

“That’s true. He even declined all the dance invitations.”

 

“How aloof…”

 

Oh, Isaac, what have you been doing?

 

As the mood among the women became somewhat subdued, I hurriedly spoke up. “B-But, he does have a kind side.”

 

“In what way?”

 

I hesitated, unsure of what to say. He only showed his kind side when I was in my cat form. As a person… hmm… was he ever kind?

 

As I fumbled for words, one of the women, her eyes sparkling, covered her mouth with her fan and asked, “Isaac must be kind only to you, Mia. What’s your relationship with him?”

 

“Huh? Uh…”

 

“Oh my, is it something you can’t easily explain? Please, tell us more.”

 

Their attention shifted to me in an instant. Ah, I shouldn’t have said anything!

 

Feeling uncomfortable with the questioning, I awkwardly excused myself. “Uh, I need to step out for a moment! I need to go to the bathroom…” After saying that, I quickly escaped the situation.

 

Phew… I’d better not bring up Isaac again.

 

I managed to get away, but I didn’t really need to go to the bathroom. So, I wandered around to the back of the garden and found a bench. I decided to sit there for a while before heading back. Closing my eyes, I enjoyed the sound of the breeze.

 

Just then, a shadow fell over my face. What is it? Did a cloud pass by? As I slowly opened my eyes, I let out an involuntary scream.

 

Standing in front of me was Isaac. Unlike my shocked self, I just gaped at him. Isaac looked at me impassively.

 

“Why are you so surprised?”

 

“Of course I’d be surprised if you stood in front of me without saying anything!” Feeling wronged, I unintentionally raised my voice but quickly regretted it. What am I doing, yelling at a killer…!

 

As I started to regret it, I noticed Isaac smiling faintly. He then sat down next to me.

 

Why… why is he sitting next to me? As I sat there, tense, Isaac took a sip of his champagne and spoke.

 

“Do you not like parties?”

 

“…This is my first one, so I’m not sure.”

 

“I see.”

 

He must not like parties much. Given his cold demeanor earlier, and now that he’s sitting here talking to a maid instead of mingling at the party, it makes sense. Still, this seat is really uncomfortable. I’d rather be back with those women. As I was about to get up, Isaac suddenly spoke.

 

“I overheard earlier that you said I have a kind side.”

 

How did he hear that?

 

As I stammered, Isaac turned to me and asked, “In what way am I kind?”

 

Ah, seriously? This is exactly the kind of question a terrible boss would ask, Isaac.

 

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