Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 131
Lilith shuddered as she finished her recollection.
“That woman is crazy.”
Cecilia was aware that Lilith’s story was highly centered upon just herself.
Cecilia vaguely remembered those times. Although it was personally difficult for her, Caroline hadn’t been entirely wrong in what she said.
However, Cecilia agreed with Lilith about Louise’s ‘creepiness’, especially considering the circumstances.
‘Louise Cléon influenced Caroline and molded the girl to her liking over a long period.’
She made sure Caroline trusted and followed only her. Lilith’s recollection perfectly matched Louise’s character.
The problem was… that when Louise was rummaging through the Garnet Room that day, she seemed utterly different from her usual self.
‘She was clumsy back then.’
It was like she had become a different person.
‘Does she lose her judgment in unpredictable situations?’
If that were the case, she should have at least recognized her clumsiness later.
‘She should have shown some worry, knowing she gave me a ridiculous excuse.’
Her attitude hadn’t changed much. It was as if she had been given very specific orders to act that way…
“…”
A disturbing thought that had been simmering now reached its peak.
* * *
The next day, Cecilia headed straight for the back alley. Mary was once again relegated to feeding pigeons in the park. It was pitiful, but she made sure to compensate her well enough, so it should be fine.
“Hello, Dane.”
When Cecilia greeted him like a gatekeeper, Dane’s eyes widened. She expected him to say something like, ‘You come here often these days,’ but he surprised her.
“You…”
“What is it?”
“How did you know?”
“…Know what?”
“About Grandfather’s illness.”
“Is Grandpa Gill really sick?”
Dane replied in a slightly somber tone.
“Yeah… His blood pressure is so high that he almost had a stroke. The heaviness and lethargy he felt in his head were because of that… Now he has to take medicine every day and keeps grumbling about it.”
Despite his light words, Dane was genuinely worried about Gill. And he was grateful to Cecilia.
“If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t have known… Thank you so much, Ceci. You’re a lifesaver.”
“Not yours, your grandfather’s.”
“It’s the same. My grandfather and I are the only blood relatives we have.”
Dane thanked her again.
“Really, thank you…!”
“Why are you being so burdensome? All I did was suggest he go to the hospital.”
Though she replied curtly, she felt proud inside. Knowing that someone like her who had returned with a burning desire for revenge had also managed to save someone…
Her heart felt full.
“From now on, you’re a lifelong free customer at our pharmacy. I’ll do anything you ask.”
Dane’s eyes shone with unwavering trust. Cecilia gestured toward the box she was holding.
“I actually wanted to ask Grandpa Gill about something. Let’s go in.”
When they entered the pharmacy, it was no surprise that Diana was by Gill’s side. Both Gill and Diana looked at Cecilia differently than before.
Gill welcomed Cecilia as if she were his granddaughter, and Diana, though still aloof, offered a proud smile and a slightly lifted corner of her mouth.
“What’s going on, Ceci? What do you need? Poison? Sleeping pills? Laxatives? Just tell me!”
Gill’s overly kind question felt almost unfamiliar, causing Cecilia to give an awkward smile.
“I’m not here for medicine… I wanted to see if there’s anything strange in this dress…”
“Strange? Like some kind of drug?”
“Yes. But it’s so old that it might have already evaporated.”
“Usually, that’s the case. It’s hard to identify old drugs unless the main ingredient is the blood of a monster extracted near Gatfolla…”
“Just in case, please take a look.”
“Sure, let me see it.”
Cecilia carefully pulled out the wedding dress. Dane, who had been watching out of the corner of his eye, turned his head fully and exclaimed.
“Wow, what is this?!”
Diana’s eyes also widened a bit. To Gill, the dress seemed almost golden.
“Um…”
“Oh, yes. To identify the substance, it might get contaminated. Is that okay?”
“Of course.”
Gill finally regained his composure and took out his chemical apparatus.
