ITIWAFRBIAHS Chapter 11

As soon as lunch ended, the working staff recommended a walk again.

But on such a blazing day, a walk at this time would be too hot, so I subtly postponed it again. Instead, I decided to go find my stepbrother.

Let's go to mother's study where we met last time first. This time, to prevent the same kind of unexpected incident as last time, I knocked and waited plenty of time.

"......Excuse me?"

No answer. Maybe he's just not inside. I tried to open the door slightly, but it was completely locked.

"Hmm."

Maybe it's usually locked since it's stepmother's workspace.

That time my stepbrother was using the study, so it was unlocked. Just in case, I should ask for a key too. Things like this can unexpectedly become decisive items later on.

If he's not in the study, he's most likely in his own room.

"Miss Jeril is out briefly. If it's urgent, shall I send a message there?"

"No...... it's fine."

The meeting event failed. I looked out the window with distant eyes.

R-right...... Last time too, I met him when trying to go out in the morning?

Even though this body is sickly and doesn't go out much, it's normal for people to go outside and such.

That time my stepbrother was wrapped up in something like a robe, so I thought he was sneaking out, but hearing the staff's answer, at least this outing seems to be a schedule everyone knows about. I'm getting curious.

"But do you know why he went out?"

"I was told he was stopping by a dressmaker's."

I-I see. Maybe he has a favorite... favorite dressmaker.

I nodded while trying to erase the prejudice rising in my head. I wondered if he might be cross-dressing for some reason, but he's even going to visit the dressmaker himself instead of calling the staff.

He must be very passionate - it's probably fan activities. Right, living wearing what you want.

Come to think of it, I'm curious about this area too. Should I go out?

"Ah, then I want to go out too."

"Pardon? ......Miss. Madam Sawyer recommended recuperation as much as possible......"

"No, it's not like I'm going far, I just want to look around nearby briefly."

I tried my best to persuade the working staff for a smooth progression. If this body had been in a position of being mistreated in this household, I would have used the 'I'm the employer, you're the servant' cliché here, but having been treated so well up until now, doing that would be a bit...

Eventually, the staff member nodded at my elderly folk remedy persuasion of 'getting some fresh air outside is actually better for your health.'

"Then I'll have a car and driver on standby. Where would you like to visit?"

I answered solemnly:

"The most expensive restaurant within 30 minutes of this area."

"Pardon?"

What I just heard was my fiancé's reaction to my "I'm going out to buy expensive food. Wink."

I'm fully dressed up in the outing clothes the working staff prepared for me. My fiancé looked me over, dressed up like young parents from the 80s going to a family restaurant for their first family outing, then made a subtle expression.

"......Was my cooking not to your taste?"

Right now his expression seems to be saying 'But you ate it really well though.'

"No, I just suddenly wanted to go out. I've been home too much lately."

"Yes..."

My fiancé was silent for a moment as if lost in thought, but soon smiled and answered.

"Then would you allow me time to change clothes? I think it would be nice if I joined you for dinner out."

My fiancé was dressed in neat formal wear. Even now it seemed fine for going out, but looking closely, there was a slight difference in fanciness compared to my outing clothes. His face is so flashy I didn't notice until now.

I readily nodded while looking at that pleasant face again today.

So we ended up going outside the mansion in the late afternoon, taking the car waiting at the front gate after passing through the garden.

The elongated navy sedan looked classical like something I'd glimpsed in black and white movies. It looked very expensive but the ride wasn't tremendously comfortable.

Still, it was spacious and comfortable to the extent of overcoming the era's limitations with money, so I gave an internal toast.

Money is the best after all. Always thrilling.

"After dinner, is there anywhere you'd like to stop by or see?"

"Do you have any recommendations?"

My fiancé glanced at me. He had voluntarily sent back the driver, insisting on driving himself, and was indeed driving willingly.

Having driven for quite a while, his hands skillfully maneuvered the steering wheel even while conversing with me.

"Of course. It'll be fun."

My fiancé's eyes sparkled with a playfulness I'd never seen before. Moreover, even though he was dressed more formally than usual, there was a subtle charm in the gap created by his continued wearing of those simple gloves.

Keu, he even overflows with boyish charm. It's a superb view. Magnificent.

"The restaurant you reserved is in the center of the entertainment district. At this time... the traffic might be a bit heavy. Please let me know if you become uncomfortable during the ride."

"It's fine, it's fine."

It'll only be 30 minutes anyway.

After experiencing rush hour traffic from Seoul outskirts to Gyeonggi Province, you become immune to all kinds of traffic jams.

I leaned back comfortably in my seat. My fiancé looked comfortable driving even though this wasn't his car and was a different model than usual.

When the vehicle entered the city, I almost sat up in surprise.

The city was surprisingly splendid.

Even though the sun hadn't properly set yet and the surroundings were still bright, lights were already coming on here and there. Flashy signboards from all sorts of buildings created a garish display, and cars gleaming under those lights packed the roads.

Jazz poured out from every shop that was open for business, and people decked out in fancy attire strolled the streets with cigarettes dangling from their mouths and arms interlinked.

It was completely... a modern downtown area full of vitality.

Of course, I also caught sight of various scenes showing that public morality hadn't properly taken root yet, like teenagers nonchalantly smoking and spitting on the streets.

But more than that, what struck me first was the vitality and hope that's unique to a period of development and rapid growth. You could sense people's sense of ease and prosperity.

And realization struck like lightning.

Wait, then how much is our mansion worth, occupying such a large piece of land 10 minutes from this downtown area? Just how rich is this body?

"Su... Super Bowl."

"Pardon?"

Nothing. I just wanted to say I hit not just a lottery but an American Super Bowl-level jackpot. I was on the verge of trembling. But people here obviously wouldn't know that term, so instead of answering, I just shook my head.

My fiancé didn't ask again. Instead, he leisurely explained about this downtown area.

"This is one of the most bustling streets in Bern. The nickname Roman Town seems more famous."

"Ooh......"

My fiancé smiled, thinking my admiration was about the street. Sorry. Actually my head was full of land price calculations...... I was admiring that.

"Miss Rose, due to your poor health, no. Personal issues, this place probably isn't very familiar to you. When you come to our family home, I'll make sure you can visit even larger and more splendid downtown areas frequently."

"Yes. Sounds good."

Let's see. With this level of wealth, even splitting it with stepmother and stepbrother would be enough to live off for life. Good. Even if I run to my fiancé's family home and problems arise, just receiving that much would make my life successful.

I must do real estate speculation with that capital!

"Ah, I can see the restaurant over there."

My fiancé pointed to a white building sparkling with golden lighting. Unlike this area that was moderately messy and lively, that street was visually more elegant and splendid.

Keu, that side must have a higher-priced commercial district. The difference is obvious.

Come to think of it, some people passing on the street stop with wide eyes when they see the car I'm in.

This car must be a very expensive model. Is this the feeling people who post all kinds of luxury item verification shots on SNS want to experience? I want to open the car door and shout that I'll give rides while giving thumbs up.

Of course, I wasn't enough of an attention-seeker to do that, so the car moved toward the restaurant without problems. And it didn't take long to arrive at that splendid white restaurant.

"The seats are nice."

The seats the working staff reserved were independent window seats with an attached terrace. My fiancé rested his chin and looked outside while muttering, and I attributed this glory to the working staff.

The handsome man is pleased. All thanks to you all.

"This seems like a really charming place. It's lively and nice!"

"Ah, you mean this Roman Town? Right. This place has all the charm that every downtown area possesses."

When I spoke happily while looking at the downtown night view with the sun almost completely set, my fiancé agreed.

"But it's not a particularly unique place. It suddenly rose to prominence thanks to oil."

"Aha."

Awesome. Oil comes out of this area. It won't fail for at least 50 years. Oil is a new energy source here now, right? Wow, is there any oil production land in what I'm inheriting?

While only internally making a fuss, my fiancé continued in a calm and kind tone.

"There are many irreplaceable great cities culturally and socially in other regions. I hope we get to visit them together."

"That would be great!"

We continued our conversation throughout the meal. The food was delicious, but not so much more delicious than the mansion's cuisine that I could say so. Still, the restaurant's atmosphere was so good that it was worth the expensive price.

"Nice."

Just before dessert arrived, my fiancé went down to the counter briefly for a business-related matter.

I slumped back slightly in my chair, waiting for dessert and the handsome man.

The hall was filled with violin concertos. I was admiring the people performing passionately across the hall, content with my sense of satiation, when it happened.

Someone sat across from me.

"Miss, you look like you're contemplating something."

At first I thought it was my fiancé because the build was similar. But looking again, it was a completely unfamiliar young man.

A well-built young man in a thin coat had an easygoing expression. Between strong facial lines and ash-blonde hair parted and arranged but somewhat free-spirited, bright blue eyes gleamed.

And I realized.

That line, that entrance timing, and decisively, a face handsome in a different type from my fiancé. I can say with certainty that he's the sub-male lead of this romance novel!

Sub-male lead. Truly the flower of the romance genre across all times and places.

One of the rare plot elements that can elevate the narrative and enhance immersion while steering clear of frustration. It raises satisfaction for readers with diverse tastes but simultaneously spawns sub-male lead syndrome, for which there is no remedy.

For reference, I boast a flawless track record with main male leads, having never once had my main male lead stock turn into worthless scraps of paper.

What this means is that this blonde handsome man is a bit distant from my taste.

He looks way too much like a normie popular guy.

"Actually, I have one ability."

"......"

"The ability to solve any problem."

A person who can throw this kind of flirting with a natural tone and expression even when a complete stranger is looking at him sourly. I might break into a cold sweat instead.

That's definitely someone who knows too well that he's handsome. He's probably the type who schedules meetings by the hour.

"First, let me guess what your problem is."

The young man looked at me with bright blue eyes and exaggeratedly placed one hand under his chin. Then he winked.

"You were contemplating whether to call the waiter because dessert is late?"

What kind of guy is this? He knows me too well?

I wasn't thinking that just now, but it's exactly the kind of concern I would have had. Can popular guys do this too? Figure out what kind of person someone is at a glance?

"Right?"

"No."

I said firmly. Anyway, wrong is wrong. Yup, get repelled, popular guy.

"I was contemplating whether to order both dessert courses."

"Ah."

The young man was silent for a moment, then burst into laughter. It was a refreshing laugh without any hint of embarrassment.

"Really? Sorry. I made a wrong move."

And five seconds later, staff set dessert on the table. Coffee and chocolate cake, and vanilla ice cream were beautiful.

As soon as the waiter disappeared, the young man lifted both hands slightly beside his head in a light victory pose.

"Ta-da!"

Then he winked with both eyes.

"Still, I made it come out quickly. Not bad, right?"

Should I applaud? I opened my mouth sourly.

"I think the dessert just came out because it was time."

"No way."

The young man leaned forward on the table. And he spoke in a lowered voice as if telling a secret.

"See that table on the left with two men acting all pretentious? Actually, this plate was supposed to be served there first."

"What?"

"But I pulled some strings... to make it come here first."

What nonsense.

"I have a lot of friends. So I can have a bit more flexibility and fun than other people."

I briefly pondered how to handle this blonde handsome man who seemed to regard flouting public decency as some kind of romantic ideal typical of this era.

And I concluded. Let's get rid of him quickly. I don't need a sub-male lead.

But the young man spoke first.

"If you have any other concerns, give me a call."

And he pulled out a business card from his coat and placed it next to my plate. The business card read:

[Meyer Taylor Detective Agency We solve all your concerns. Roman Town 7-14 / T. 143-451-865]

Crazy. It wasn't flirting but business?

I felt like I briefly understood the business struggles of freelancers. I felt somewhat sympathetic and pocketed the business card.

Right, everyone's trying to make a living. If I had gotten an internship somewhere after graduation, I would have been cursing while doing sales for performance too.

"Investigation, searches, and sometimes when manpower is needed too. Just pay a modest fee."

"Yes, yes."

Hearing the lineup he's reciting, it feels like an information guild in a medieval fantasy setting.

Hmm, I'm reminded of the cliché where the protagonist visits the largest information guild in the capital, impresses the master with witty conversation, and throws money around for tremendous requests.

Of course, this just seems like a diligent freelancer, but that's actually fine. A small-scale operation means whatever incidents arise probably won't be anything major either. Still, let me ask out of politeness.

"Do you work alone?"

"I'm alone in the office."

The young detective shrugged.

"Well, but I can handle jobs that require multiple people. I have lots of friends, you know."

"Actually, I've always thought it would be nice to have one rich friend too."

The detective winked lightly. What? Ah, is he talking about me? Right. I'm a gold spoon now!

"Are you talking about me?"

"Of course. You're wearing the most expensive necklace in this restaurant, aren't you? The gems look like 5 carats each... How does it feel to wear a mansion around your neck?"

I almost craned my neck down sharply but managed to restrain myself to just a glance. Phew.

Anyway, the young detective's tone had no hint of sarcasm or mockery, just pure admiration and curiosity. So I too could purely admire my necklace.

I thought it was mixed with crystals, but this is all diamonds. If I ever have to flee in the night, just taking this would secure me a place to live. I should remember that.

"It's written on the business card, but hearing it directly has meaning too, right? My name is Meyer Taylor. If it's okay, could I hear the name of the richest young lady I've ever met?"

"I don't think that's necessary."

A cold voice cut off the young man's voice sharply. My fiancé, who had returned at some point, was staring at the young detective.

"Don't you think so?"

My fiancé smiled brightly. The young detective also smiled refreshingly.

"Are you the young lady's companion?"

"Her fiancé."

"Aha."

Is this the battle of wits between male lead candidates with the protagonist between them?

I looked at them both with slight anticipation, but of course it wasn't. Well, they just met, so how could it be?

"Ah, sorry for sitting in your seat. The young lady was so witty that we had a bit of conversation. I should get up now."

The young detective spoke cheerfully and immediately got up from his seat. Then he gave a slight bow, and as soon as my fiancé turned his head toward me, he smiled and made a phone gesture with his hand before disappearing down the stairs.

His business spirit was thoroughly professional.

My fiancé didn't even touch his dessert and pushed it aside while looking down.

"The customer quality of this restaurant seems worse than I thought. Did he say anything unpleasant?"

I took a big spoonful of vanilla ice cream and shrugged.

"No. He seemed to be trying to sell something."

"Pardon?"

"He said he approached me because I looked rich."

My fiancé seemed a bit confused, then sighed softly. And he called staff to clear his dessert and ordered something new. It was cream tart and black coffee.

"Ah, I'll have the same thing please."

"......"

I wanted to try that too anyway, so it worked out well. This place does desserts well. It's a dessert restaurant.

"I hope... you've eaten to your satisfaction."

My fiancé smiled with furrowed brows. From the one-chicken-per-person, he seemed to be getting used to my meal portions. Good adaptation.

After finishing the satisfying meal and leaving the restaurant, it was almost pitch black outside. But the streets were full of lights, and there seemed to be even more people than before.

And my fiancé drove to the most glittering building crowded with people on this street. What is it? An indoor theme park?

But as we got closer, I realized people weren't lining up for entry, but rather looking around the building from the surroundings, taking pictures and such.

I can't guess what kind of place it is.

My fiancé presented something like a card to the staff at the entrance of the building we arrived at. After a polite greeting, the staff let the car pass through.

"Rose, doesn't the logo look familiar?"

"Oh."

Come to think of it, the sign on the main gate looks familiar.

Oh oh, this is the logo that was at the front of the catalogs piled in my room!

"Sometimes there's joy in purchasing things directly."

This is a department store!

"I thought of the catalog Miss Rose often looked at and brought you here. Is this alright?"

"Great!"

Wow, such thoughtful consideration. As expected, this is the main male lead of this romance novel. My stock absolutely never fails!

But did I ever tell my fiancé about the catalog I was looking at? Well, I must have said it before I entered this body. Anyway, I'm excited. I can check the actual camera I ordered too!