~Chapter 16~
I thought I misheard and turned around, but Ricardo’s face was calm.
“If you don’t want the viscount to be punished…”
“……”
“I’m willing to help you.”
I was speechless as Ricardo brought up the past so casually.
…Like before?
All those times Bianca cried and begged him for help. And Ricardo had been fooled by her and willingly reached out his hand.
Now he wanted me to do the same thing again?
It seemed Ricardo thought all the apologies I had sent were fake.
“Why would I?”
I clenched my hands tightly.
“That’s Leon’s problem, not mine.”
“Didn’t you say you had feelings for the viscount? You acted like you’d do anything for love, but I guess that wasn’t true.”
His voice was clearly mocking, yet there was a strange smile on his face.
He even seemed to be enjoying himself.
…What on earth is so amusing to him?
I was speechless with frustration.
More than that—why does he think I like Leon?
Just because I said I liked someone?
But it didn’t matter if Ricardo misunderstood. He said he didn’t care about my feelings anyway, so trying to explain would be pointless.
As if he would even care!
He’d probably just be glad.
I responded calmly,
“Love should be built on trust.”
Ricardo’s smile instantly vanished.
“Who wouldn’t be happy to get out of trouble with their lover’s help?”
I bit my lower lip and walked out of the room.
***
I stuffed my mouth with so much chocolate that my cheeks puffed out, but I was still angry.
What? Ask for help like before?
What does he take me for?
What if I really had asked for help? It’s not like he would’ve gone easy on Leon.
Ugh, I’m so mad I could die.
Just then, something started tapping at the window.
…Was it the wind?
I thought a storm might be coming and went to close it.
But there was a pure white bird tilting its head and staring at me.
“……”
Bathed in moonlight, the bird was bigger than I expected. Judging by its size and shape, it had to be a hawk, though its feathers were whiter than a swan’s.
Just because it had white feathers didn’t make it a dove…
While I just stood there blinking in confusion, the bird tapped the window again with its foot as if telling me to open it.
Should I really open this?
Its sharp blue eyes made it look like it saw me as prey.
I thought about calling a guard, but then I saw a note tied to its leg.
No way.
I hurried to open the window, and the bird immediately stretched its leg toward me.
“…Thanks.”
I reluctantly untied the note, and the bird flapped its wings like it was urging me to hurry.
Who else would pull such a stunt?
It had to be the Tower Master.
Sighing inwardly, I read the note:
[By midnight, March 21st. Go to 591-68 Western Street.]
…Western Street?
That was a dangerous area.
You know, like in romance novels, where the heroine gets kidnapped in a back alley but ends up saving a slave who becomes the second male lead. Or some mysterious man swoops in to rescue her.
If I were the heroine, I’d expect some thrilling and sweet adventure.
But as I am now… I’d probably just end up suffering.
Still, since Peril asked me to go there…
It was probably the location of the Moon’s Shop.
A place where secret deals happen and unspeakable things are said.
…Anyway, what should I wear?
It was a secret market, so maybe I just needed to wear a black mask?
“No dress code or anything?”
…
“Should I just wear feathers all over, like you?”
At that, the bird let out a series of cough-like noises.
Honestly, what was I expecting, asking a bird?
Shaking my head, I tossed the note into the fireplace.
Tsk. Couldn’t he have sent one of those self-burning magical notes if he’s a wizard?
***
Time flew by, and the promised day with Peril quickly arrived.
‘…This is a pain.’
My bed was covered with dresses, a sign of my struggle.
No matter what I wore, it was impossible to hide that I was Bianca.
If anyone found out that a marquis’s daughter was wandering Western Street at night, terrible rumors would surely spread.
Not to mention, I could get caught by some shady person.
‘It’s already time…’
Panicking, I shoved a bunch of random items into a bag.
Then I threw a rope over the terrace railing.
Well, calling it a “rope” was generous—it was just blankets tied together.
If I walked out the front door, the gate guard would definitely question me…
Just thinking about it gave me a headache.
Groaning, I started climbing down the blanket-rope.
Exactly ten seconds later…
I started thinking that getting caught by the guard might’ve been better.
It looked cool in books, but in reality, this felt like rock climbing.
What the hell—do romance novel heroines have insane upper-body strength?
I gritted my teeth.
If I let go now, I’ll really die.
But I was starting to lose my grip.
That’s when I heard someone say,
“…Bianca?”
It was Cedric.
“B-Brother!”
Looking down, I saw Cedric staring up at me like he couldn’t believe his eyes. As he opened his mouth to speak, I quickly cut him off.
“Y-You can scold me after I get down!”
“…”
“Please, just help me first!”
He looked like he had a lot to say, but in the end, he came over and held out his hand.
“…I’ll catch you. Just come down carefully.”
Thank you.
I silently expressed my gratitude and let go of the rope.
The feeling of falling hit me like a wave, and goosebumps rose on my arms.
Thud—!
“…”
Huh? Why did that hurt?
I looked up dazedly at Cedric.
He was standing there awkwardly with his arms wide open in mid-air, then quickly lowered them.
So he didn’t mean he’d catch me—just help me up after I fell?
…Right. What was I expecting from a bookworm?
Cedric asked casually, like nothing had happened.
“Are you hurt?”
“I think I broke a bone…”
Good thing my room is only on the second floor.
Otherwise, I’d be dead already.
“I’ll call the doctor—”
“N-No! I’m totally fine!”
I jumped up in a panic and shouted. Cedric squinted at me.
“…Didn’t you just say you thought something was broken?”
“I was joking. Who breaks a bone from falling off the second floor?”
“People usually break bones falling from the second floor.”
I ignored him and bowed my head politely.
“Well then, I’m just going for a walk.”
At that moment, Cedric grabbed my hood.
“Ugh…”
“Oh, sorry.”
He quickly let go. I rubbed my sore neck and glared at him. Cedric scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, then frowned.
“You expect me to believe you’re going for a walk dressed like that?”
“It’s cold.”
“Then what’s with the bag?”
“Snacks…”
“If it’s nothing suspicious, show me what’s inside.”
He folded his arms, clearly not planning to let me go unless I showed him.
Unable to hide my discomfort, I looked at him with pleading eyes.
But the more I did, the firmer his gaze became.
…Not working. Time for a new plan.
“Can’t you just turn a blind eye this once?”
“Tell me why.”
“Because… I’m always stuck inside the mansion. I just wanted to go for a short walk in town.”
“…”
“I won’t do anything dumb. I swear. It’s just… really stuffy in here.”
Maybe he believed me—Cedric sighed deeply.
“Take Allen with you, at least.”
“He’s asleep.”
“Wake him.”
“I don’t want to be that kind of cruel master.”
Allen, you saw that? I’m even worrying about your sleep right now.
I clutched the bag tightly, then pulled something out.
“…That’s…”
“No one will recognize me with this. I’ll be safe.”
“…”
“I’ll be back before 1 a.m. I promise.”
Cedric’s eyes wavered at my words.
