Chapter 44
“Since it’s something valuable that can be sold at a good price, I thought it would be fine to sell it.”
That actually worked out in my favor. If I had borrowed it for no reason, I wouldn’t have known how to return it—it would’ve been troublesome.
‘Honestly, it’s suspicious that we met like this. And if I show too much goodwill, it might make him suspicious too.’
His smile sparkled. My heart raced.
“Really?”
“Yes, it’s fine to make the exchange right here.”
I nodded. It wasn’t an easy opportunity. The problem was that I didn’t have any money on me.
I quickly thought through my options. I didn’t want Demian to notice. But right now, all the guards were with Fabian and Demian.
‘I could get the money through the head maid, but she’d probably ask why I need it. The counter is on the first floor, after all.’
I tilted my head. What could I possibly use as payment? At that moment, I realized Mikhail’s gaze was lingering on my neck.
“Mrs. Rose, would it be alright if we used a different item for payment?”
Mikhail asked cautiously. Only then did I notice the chain resting on my neck—a delicate, finely made sensation.
A necklace, perhaps? I deliberately pretended not to know and asked.
“What item are you referring to?”
Mikhail brought his hand toward his neck. It seemed as if his touch was brushing against mine.
His long fingers adjusted the Cravat brooch.
“How about exchanging the locket you’re wearing for a book?”
Just as I suspected—it really was that. I bit my lip. If he wanted another accessory, I would have given it, but this necklace was a gift from Demian.
‘I’d love to swap it immediately…’
But if I said I lost the gift I received yesterday, he would definitely become suspicious. I spoke reluctantly.
“This was a gift, so I don’t think I can give it to you. Is there anything else you’d like? These gloves, or a hairpin… oh! I also have earrings.”
Mikhail stared quietly, so I quickly brushed my hair back to show the earrings. I didn’t want him to cancel the exchange out of irritation. Maybe I looked too desperate—Mikhail burst out laughing.
“Ahaha! No, then I’d feel guilty asking for it.”
Then he smiled warmly. He took a book out of his bag—a pristine white book with gold edging along the borders.
“But I really want that necklace. If it’s alright, could you promise to give it to me later and let me look at the locket for now?”
Mikhail was persistent. Seeing his sparkling eyes, I reached out and gently held the locket.
“This necklace?”
“Yes, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen such an intact relic.”
I suddenly remembered how long Demian had stared at the locket. It truly was a delicate piece. Fabian had been right—the best items were in his brother’s shop.
So it made sense that appraiser Mikhail would show interest. Well, the locket wasn’t particularly special; if I waited, I might have moved away from Demian and it could end up in more caring hands.
I nodded obediently and unclasped the necklace, offering it to Mikhail.
“Here you go.”
“Thank you, Madam.”
Mikhail smiled brightly—a refreshing smile that made anyone watching feel cheerful. Then, with a serious expression, he examined the locket in his hands. He carefully unclasped it.
Click. The locket opened with a crisp sound like a seashell. The portrait inside gleamed like a pearl. His gaze lingered on the miniature for a long moment. From his eyes, I could read both awe and longing.
“It’s… been such a long time.”
Mikhail’s voice faltered as he continued speaking. His fingers carefully caressed the locket. His eyelashes trembled. Despite the emotions contained in his eyes, they were sharp and precise.
Eventually, he closed the locket and handed it back to me.
“You’re very lucky to get such a fine necklace.”
Mikhail said this with a smile. I hung the locket back around my neck. My hand fumbled a few times, and he twitched as if he wanted to help, but he didn’t say a word.
“This is the book I mentioned.”
Once I successfully wore the locket, Mikhail handed me the book as promised. I didn’t doubt his word, but somehow receiving the book after showing the locket felt like I got it without giving anything in return.
I glanced at him sideways and spoke.
“Mikhail, would you like me to tell you where I bought this locket? It’s nothing special… but I heard the best items always go to that shop first.”
His eyes lit up.
“Really?”
He seemed about to grab my hand but stopped awkwardly in midair. When our eyes met, he laughed, his gaze gleaming like fresh green leaves in the warm yellow light.
“Yes, since you gave me the book I needed, I wanted to show you where such items are found—not the locket itself, of course.”
I explained the location of the shop to Mikhail. He listened intently, impressed.
“I often passed in front of the inn, but I never knew there was a shop in the back alley. Thank you, Mrs. Rose.”
“It’s nothing, compared to what you gave me.”
I lifted the book. Though thick, the decorative edges made it feel quite heavy.
“This book doesn’t seem old at all.”
“The original cover had to be replaced, but it’s genuine, not a fake. You can rest assured.”
Mikhail misunderstood my remark and began explaining. I shook my head.
“I didn’t mean it that way. Anyway, thank you.”
At that moment, I heard rustling behind me.
‘Ah, the head maid.’
It would be a problem if the head maid called me in front of Mikhail. And there were still others on the first floor. I didn’t know how Demian would react if they met.
I quickly said my goodbyes to Mikhail.
“I’ll be going now. I didn’t come alone—my companions are waiting. I promise I’ll give you the locket someday. …Hmm, a verbal promise isn’t very convincing, is it?”
I removed one earring and forced it into Mikhail’s hand.
“Earrings have to come in a pair, so I’ll come back for the other one someday.”
Mikhail, staring blankly at the earring, burst into a bright smile.
“You’re very trustworthy. Alright. If I need to contact you, I’ll inform Miss Charlotte.”
Charlotte was Countess Lauren. I nodded and turned toward the display cabinet to find the head maid. I also discreetly removed the other earring so no one would notice.
‘With my hair down, it won’t be too obvious.’
I soon spotted the head maid. Before she could call me, I quickly crossed my arms and spoke rapidly.
“I found the book! Demian’s waiting, so let’s go downstairs quickly.”
“Huh? Ah, yes.”
The head maid looked a bit startled, but when I smiled, she seemed to assume I was just excited. Luckily. As we descended the stairs, a man caught everyone’s attention at the counter.
Soft black hair and slightly bored eyes. He stood neatly, looking at the floor, fidgeting with his wrist.
“Dem!”
He looked up at my voice. I handed him the book.
“I got it. Let’s go back now.”
Fabian, standing next to Demian, admired the book.
“There was such a thing?”
I shrugged. A sparkle lit up Demian’s eyes.
“Remarkable. I’m glad you found it. Let’s pay for it at the counter.”
Of course, we didn’t need to actually pay. But taking it without paying would look suspicious. The idea was absurd, but I had no choice. I looked at Demian with bright, eager eyes.
“I want to pay myself. Can you give me the money, Dem? I’ve never done this before, and I really want to do it with my own hands.”
Demian looked slightly troubled but nodded obediently. At his gesture, Fabian handed over the pouch of money. Things were going better than expected. I carefully took it with both hands.
“And… I’m embarrassed, but can everyone wait outside so they don’t watch?”
I deliberately avoided Demian’s gaze, like a shy, inexperienced young noblewoman. A soft voice came from in front of me.
“Understood. If that’s what you want, we’ll do so. We’ll be just outside, so call us immediately if anything happens.”
Demian obediently followed my instructions and went outside with the others. I watched the door close, pretended to walk toward the counter, then slipped behind the stand and made a few meaningless steps before heading out. I also made sure to slip a few coins into my pocket while walking.
