Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 89
Dane pointed at himself, looking expectant.
“Yes, you were especially close to the gypsies, weren’t you?”
From a young age, Dane, who was good at joking around, was popular among the gypsy women.
‘Many gypsies would perform tricks for free and give him snacks, saying he was like a cute younger brother.’
A memory flashed through Cecilia’s mind of Dane sticking out his tongue and refusing when she asked for just one, making a mischievous face. Even now he was lively, but as a child, he was really a cheeky rascal.
‘Eventually, when I cried, he would share his sweets, though…’
He was mischievous but a kind boy.
Cecilia snapped out of her reverie and asked Dane,
“Do you remember all the gypsies that were here at that time?”
“The names are a bit fuzzy, but… well, I remember their faces.”
Not knowing the names was okay. Since the name Louise Cléon could likely be an alias, asking might not mean much.
Cecilia described Louise’s appearance in detail. It was challenging to pinpoint features because of her ordinary looks. Dane also frowned, listening to the description.
“Hmm… no one really comes to mind with that description. Of course, it’s also possible I just don’t remember. You know, all the gypsies here were driven out, right?”
Adam had expelled all the gypsies living in his territory as soon as he brought Lilith into the mansion. He didn’t hesitate to use force against those stubbornly remaining.
Out of guilt, perhaps, he wanted to erase what he saw as Lilith’s disgrace from his sight.
Cecilia sighed while listening to Dane’s explanation.
“I guess it’s a stretch with just this much to go on…”
Maybe Gilbert Holt would know. At the time, Dane was just a child like her, but Gilbert was a robust man in the early stages of old age. His memory might differ from Dane’s.
“Okay, thanks for answering anyway. You said Grandpa Gil is inside, right?”
“Wait! You said you came to see me today…!”
Dane asked, to which Cecilia simply nodded, looking bewildered.
“Of course, I came to see you. You and your grandfather.”
“…Wasn’t it just me?”
“Did I say that? I don’t think so.”
“….”
Leaving Dane looking betrayed like a lost puppy, Cecilia opened the apothecary door.
“Are you there, Grandfather?”
A quiet voice came in response.
“Grandfather Gilbert, there’s a visitor. You should get up….”
A woman who was tenderly calling for Gilbert stiffened her expression upon seeing Cecilia.
Cecilia smiled nonchalantly and greeted,
“Hello? Long time no see, Diana.”
Diana looked uncomfortably at Cecilia. Her lips twitched slightly before reluctantly opening.
“…It’s been a long time, Miss.”
“There’s no need to call me that now.”
“But.”
“You used to call me informally before you came here. Are you trying to butter me up just because I gave you a place to stay?”
“…Couldn’t you just take it nicely when someone is showing you respect?”
Diana scowled.
Yes, this bitter and sharp attitude suits her. Being a meek maid was never right for her in the first place.
Cecilia smiled, feeling refreshed.
“I really can’t stand seeing people change their attitude. People who change overnight usually have a reason.”
“In my eyes, you’re no different…”
With a shrug, Cecilia ignored Diana’s sharp comment and woke up the dozing Gil.
“Grandfather! Grandpa Gil!”
“Uh, just leave the money there… take whatever you need.”
Does he even realize who she was? Was he still willing to do business?
‘He wasn’t this relaxed when I first met him.’
Cecilia glanced at Diana. Perhaps Gil had softened because a pretty and helpful girl had joined the house after raising only a sullen grandson.
Whether Gil had turned into an old tiger in the back room or a toothless dagger, it was none of her concern.
Seeing that Gil Holt wouldn’t wake up, Cecilia urged Diana to intervene.
“It’s no use. Once Grandpa Gil goes to sleep, he doesn’t wake up easily.”
