Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 97
“I have something to say before you go.”
Cecilia spoke as she parted from Dane.
“What is it?”
“It’s about your grandfather.”
“Just call him Grandpa. Being too formal’s making me cringe.”
Everything seemed goosebump-inducing, really. Cecilia closed her lips once and smoothly corrected herself.
“Your Grandpa, it would be good for him to see a doctor.”
“Ugh, he’ll never go.”
Dane waved his hand dismissively.
“The pride of a medicine peddler runs deep; he chews herbs even for a cold.”
“That’s a bit…”
Cold medicine made by a poison manufacturer. How refreshing.
“But why are you mentioning a doctor all of a sudden?”
“Just because. He’s getting on in years, and it’s time to take care of his health.”
Dane chuckled.
“Don’t worry. He’s still strong. Got hit in the head with a fist a week ago, and the bump’s still there, you know?”
“…”
Cecilia looked at him with an uneasy expression and then opened her purse to hand him a coin.
“Huh? No, it’s fine. I was just seeing you off because I’m fond of you, ‘ya know?”
“It’s not about that.”
Cecilia sighed deeply and continued.
“It’s for the doctor’s visit. Please make sure he sees one.”
“We have money too.”
“Who said otherwise? It’s clear he won’t go, that’s why I’m doing this.”
“…”
“It’s not just that I’m giving away money. It’s because I’m worried. Do it for me.”
“Well… if you’re insisting this much… I’ll try to convince him.”
Dane reluctantly accepted the money. Cecilia repeatedly urged him not to skimp and to see a proper doctor.
“I get it, I get it!”
“…”
Cecilia exhaled through her nose, watching him leave with a worried look.
‘What does he know.’
You can never predict life.
When Cecilia reached the back alley in her previous life, Dane would have been alone. With just how much he was out of his senses, his grandfather would have surely administered medicine on him already.
Yet, he was alone.
And so, that particular advice became much more resolute and firm than before.
Let go of the past, and survive.
“…”
Cecilia shook her head. She hoped it was an unfounded worry, but if not, she prayed it wasn’t too late.
She wanted to see this grumpy medicine peddler for a bit longer in this life.
***
As soon as Cecilia returned, Mary wore a sorrowful expression.
“Miss! What took you so long…!”
Mary looked around and lowered her voice.
“Who were you meeting that made you so late…?”
Cecilia lightly dismissed her question and yelled as if making sure everyone heard.
“Mary! Were you slacking off here? I disappeared as soon as I stepped out, and I had to look everywhere for you…!”
“U-Umm…?”
Mary’s mouth fell open.
‘Wow, look at that acting. She could be an actress.’
No, that’s not something to admire right now.
“Um, Miss…? What’s this about…?”
She looked utterly wronged. Cecilia whispered.
“Bear with it.”
Cecilia’s lament filled with tears followed. Mary, suddenly finding herself in trouble, had slipped out of the boutique to bask in the sun, becoming a delinquent maid.
After leaving the park, Cecilia gently soothed the visibly upset Mary.
“You can have all my snacks today.”
“…Really? Even the fresh strawberry tart?”
The deal was blandly concluded.
Cecilia, upon returning to the mansion, looked at the tea table. The desserts had been completely wiped out.
‘Worried, you say, yet you ate everything again.’
Diana was sharp and had a clear common purpose, making her suitable to be an ally but difficult to manage.
On the same note, Mary was easier to deal with over the long term. She lacked the ability to notice differences in everyday life even if one let their guard down slightly.
But it’s a bit annoying when she acts all transparent.
“Hiiing… Miss, if you’re late like this one more time, I’ll have no choice but to tell His Lordship…”
For instance, like this.
“Want more?”
“…Is there more?”
Cecilia let out a deflated sigh.
Look at this girl. Such a simple and comforting being. Almost enviable.
“Just ask them to make more.”
Cecilia and the chef were close friends. If there were leftover ingredients, he would make as much as needed.
Shortly after, egg tarts, baked goods, and a teapot of black tea arrived.
