For Sale: Male Lead, Obsession Included - Chapter 16
In the meantime, Declan returned with the skewers and handed both to me.
Usually, you’d keep one for yourself. He was such a kind boy.
“You can eat both.”
“What?”
Ignoring his wide-eyed surprise, I started walking again.
I didn’t have much time to gather the supplies needed for our escape.
I hurriedly walked, with Declan following closely behind, trying to eat the skewers.
Then, I stopped at the entrance of an alley and called him over.
“Declan.”
“Yes, Master?”
“I have a favor to ask.”
His eyes widened in surprise. Usually, my instructions were limited to ‘play alone’, ‘wash up’, or ‘sleep’. Asking him to do something must have been unexpected.
“I can do it.”
He looked determined.
“Do you see those two knights?”
Nod.
“I need you to distract them for about two minutes.”
Nod.
“I’m going to pretend I’ve lost you and scream. You need to hide or run away for about two minutes. Can you do that?”
Nod, nod!
I subtly distanced myself from Declan while keeping an eye on the knights. As I led them into the crowded alley, I waited for the right moment.
“Oh no!”
I screamed shrilly.
The knights, who had been yawning out of boredom, turned their attention to me, and I quickly approached them.
“Knights! My slave has disappeared! I don’t know if he ran away or was kidnapped! Please help!”
“What?”
The two knights frowned.
Come to think of it, the black-haired slave had been out of sight for a while. If they didn’t ensure his safe return to the castle, the margrave might punish them severely.
“Damn it.”
The knights quickly started running back the way they came.
“I’ll stay here!”
That was a lie.
I immediately turned and started running. I needed to be back before Declan was caught and brought back. Time was running out.
I ran through the market, which I knew like the back of my hand, and burst into a shabby shop.
This magic item shop was always a headache due to unpaid taxes, but it was reputed for its skill.
“A top-grade magic lock-breaking tool! For a high-end safe! I’ll pick it up tomorrow!”
I rattled off my request like a rap while placing 49 gold coins into the short shopkeeper’s hand. This was the remainder of Declan’s year-long support fund, minus the cost of the skewers. The shopkeeper’s eyes widened at the hefty sum, an amount most commoners could hardly dream of amassing in a lifetime.
“I’ll get the change next time!”
I dashed out of the shop, promising to return.
Thud.
The door, which had been open for just ten seconds, closed. Felipe, the shopkeeper, stroked his long beard, wondering if he had just seen a ghost.
***
“Huff, huff.”
It felt like it took less than two minutes.
As I panted heavily, glaring at the town square clock, I spotted Declan being dragged back by the knights.
‘Perfect timing.’
I subtly gave Declan a thumbs up. He responded with a light, proud smile.
I handed him sive silver coins as a reward and told him to buy something he liked.
‘Sorry I only gave you 5 silver after spending 50 gold on you. I just used up all the money meant for you.’
Though guilt washed over me, Declan’s eyes sparkled like stars. It seemed the amount didn’t matter to him. He excitedly resumed exploring the market.
A short while later, I saw Declan leaving a shop, and I rushed over to him, curious about his first purchase.
“What did you get?”
Declan proudly showed me his purchase.
“A… nightgown for me?”
Was he worried about my worn-out nightgown? I was touched.
I took it from him, looking at his small, round fist.
But there was no change left…
‘You got ripped off, didn’t you?’
Well, he wouldn’t have much sense of economics.
It’s fine, I guess.
“Thank you.”
He smiled brightly, just like when he took his first bite of the skewer.
***
After finishing our shopping, we headed to the temporary branch of the Golem Trading Company. Though it seemed like a casual outing, it was actually a business trip.
As we entered the building, an employee greeted me and guided us to the reception room.
“…This is what the Margrave wishes.”
“Thank you for your hard work, Miss Estira.”
The conversation ended. After a deep breath, I finally spoke up.
The reason I had to come here.
“You asked to borrow a communication orb?”
“Yes, please. It’s a matter of life and death… it’s very important.”
Communication orbs aren’t something just anyone can use. They’re expensive, and long-distance ones are even pricier to maintain.
Typically, only the heads of large trading companies like Golem possess such orbs, which is why I volunteered for this external duty.
Ribolto stroked his chin before agreeing to my request.
“And the recipient?”
“…The Ragnar ducal residence.”
Ribolto, usually stoic, raised an eyebrow as he looked at me.
