CH 84

Then, Paolo looked at me as if he wanted to say “Poor you,” and said:

“Oh, I see. Anyway, the reason I came today was to ask when you can come to the shop.”

That was the main point, and his expression was a little serious. However, I groaned softly.

“Is it impossible after all?”

“No, it’s not that. You see, there have been a series of explosion incidents recently, and it seems that the upper class is being targeted. That’s why I’ve been told not to go outside.”

Actually, I witnessed it relatively close by, so the fear from that time is still ingrained in me. Fortunately, no one died, but I heard that some people were seriously injured, which made me even more scared.

“I want to go, but I don’t think I can do it right away. It’s still scary.”

“But those incidents are only targeting places where the upper class gathers. So my place is safe. It’s a place where only workers hang out.”

“If it’s such a place, it’s even more dangerous.”

Suddenly, Dennis spoke up. She had been silent last time, so I was surprised when I looked at her and saw her staring at Paolo with eyes that seemed to be looking at a fool. As expected, Dennis’ expression in these situations is quite scary. 

“Anything can happen in the downtown area. It’s also a breeding ground for crime. The most dangerous people are often found among those kinds of people. I won’t allow my master to go to such a place.”

Paolo meets Dennis’ gaze and they stare at each other silently for a while. The tense atmosphere was so thick that I couldn’t say anything.

Eventually, Paolo spoke first, unable to bear the tension in the air any longer.

“…Well, it’s certainly not safe for a girl to be alone. There are also drunks around, so it’s hard to say it’s safe.”

“Then…!”

“That’s why you should come too. Besides, you have a fiancé, right? You should bring that person along too. I’ll make sure we get a seat where we won’t be bothered, so please come. I really want you to come, please.”

Paolo interrupted Dennis, who was about to say something, and pleaded with me.

Honestly, it was hard to refuse after being told that much.

However, I didn’t understand why he was in such a hurry. I could only think that there was some reason, like the store’s survival being in danger.

“Well, I guess I can go.”

“Then…”

“But why can’t we go after this incident is over?”

I asked honestly, feeling skeptical. Paolo fell silent for a moment before scratching his cheek with a slightly embarrassed look. 

“I want to talk. More, more… You will eventually leave here, and then we won’t be able to meet.”

“I won’t be gone long, okay? I always come here during the social season.”

“Isn’t that a long time from now? Are you telling me to wait until then? I was worried that you might have to return to your territory because of the incident,” he said with a slightly rough voice, and Paolo turned to the side.

He seemed a little sulky. I didn’t expect him to show such an attitude, and I felt guilty and my chest tightened.

Perhaps, unlike me, Paolo’s memories of his past life are quite vivid.

I have read stories about people like him who couldn’t bear the difference between their past and present lives and went insane. Of course, it was not a made-up story but something that was recorded as true.

I don’t want Paolo to become like that.

“I don’t care if you bring another guard with you, I…”

“Okay.”

I interrupted Paolo as he tried to offer more conditions and said firmly what I had to say.

“L-Lorraine-sama!”

Dennis groaned in shock as if she was about to approach us. I felt bad seeing her reaction, but it also hurt my heart not to listen to Paolo’s request. 

“I’m sorry. But you have to come with me, and I’ll explain the situation to Jeremiah. Is that okay?”

“But, I…”

Dennis seems unable to accept it. However, ignoring her, Paolo happily comes to me and takes my hand.

“Thank you! I was worried that we might not be able to talk properly and you would leave.”

“Why would you think that? Even though we just met, I wouldn’t forget about it so easily and I would like to keep in touch if possible.”

Paolo’s statement was so out of character that I was a little miffed. Even if I were forcibly returned to the Valcourt territory, there must be a way to contact Paolo.

“Yeah, sorry. But you have a family, a fiancee, and friends, and you have a place in this world. There’s no way I can fit in there.”

“What are you talking about? You’re already my friend.”

At least that’s what I think. We’ve only known each other for a short time, but our connection is not shallow. He is the only person I know in this world who has the same past life as me, in the same era and country. It’s difficult to live without any involvement.

“Oh yeah, you’re right.”

“That’s right.” 

As Paolo nodded his head in agreement, he smiled a little sadly. Why did he have such an expression? Perhaps there was a secret to his earlier words.

He had said, “You have a family, don’t you?” But it sounded as if he didn’t have anyone like that.

It was difficult to speak about such delicate matters.

“Well then, I’ll wait for your good news. Call me when you have something to say. I’ll think more carefully about what to make until then.”

“Okay, I’ll do my best.”

“Then, I’ll get back to work.”

Paolo reluctantly released the hand he had been holding onto and returned to his usual graceful servant persona as he left.

The warmth of his touch remained on my hand strangely, leaving me perplexed.