If You're Being Held Hostage, Wiggle the Carrot! - Chapter 21
Ivan opened his eyes and stretched with relief. Having slept deeply again today, he was feeling remarkably good. After all, a good night’s sleep is what the living deserve, he thought, as he rose to face the morning refreshed.
Ruby, who had been stirring beside him, also woke up, rubbing her eyes. He felt a sense of gratitude towards her, finding her slightly swollen face oddly cute.
They ate breakfast in silence and then got ready to head to the office. Before they headed out, Liam quietly approached Ruby and presented her with new clothes.
“Starting today, I’d like you to wear these clothes, Miss.”
“Hmm? Aren’t these the same as yesterday’s?”
“The master ordered new clothes to be made. For some reason,he thought these were more appropriate for a noble young lady.”
“Oh my, thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Ruby confidently entered Ivan’s dressing room and changed into the new clothes. The fabric was remarkably softer compared to what she wore yesterday. The airy material felt soft to the touch and seemed to offer better mobility, but it still had the same sizing issues. Forcing herself into the garment again, she tightened the waistband and noticed that it was a different color than yesterday. She felt oddly pleased as she tightened the red waistband.
In truth, she felt embarrassed that they went out of their way so much for her. Aware that she was given far too much, she stood in front of the mirror, unable to wipe off the peculiar expression on her face.
After tidying up her appearance, she stepped out into the parlor, where Ivan was waiting for her, having changed separately in his bedroom.
Noticing her arrival, he rose from the couch and said, “Shall we go, then?”
“…Yes.”
It would be just as boring as yesterday, but somehow she felt excited today. Ruby, pretending to ignore the pouring attention as they made their way to his office, brushed off the spirits attempting to approach and quietly followed Ivan.
She looked ridiculous, sticking to him like a barnacle. The servants chuckled among themselves at the sight of her.
Upon arriving at the office, she pondered while clearing away the last of the lingering spirits. No matter how you look at it, there was something strange about them. Ordinarily, spirits might exist during the day but wouldn’t reveal themselves so openly. It was normal for them to lurk in the shadows. However, the spirits within the Duke’s estate incessantly swarmed around her.
While she understood they might be agitated due to her presence, sacrificing themselves like this wasn’t necessary. Each time they touched her, the spirits seemed to lose strength.
“Don’t just stand idly like yesterday. If you’re bored, you can take out a book from the shelf behind you.”
Hearing Ivan’s word, Ruby turned away from watching the spirits clinging to the balcony window. He gestured towards the bookshelf right behind his desk.
Just looking at the shelves packed with books up to the ceiling made her feel drowsy, but Ruby nodded her head. It was better than just standing here quietly, she supposed.
Ivan, on the other hand, was in excellent spirits and came to work energized. He skimmed through the densely printed papers. Thump, thump-. The hand that stamped the seal moved with a brisk and cheerful rhythm.
His aides looked at him curiously. For over a year, their master seemed exhausted every day. Of course, they were aware that his position was weighty and demanding, but even on days when work finished early, he always appeared equally fatigued.
However, today, he exuded a healthy energy reminiscent of his former days as an apprentice.
“I think we should hold off on this transaction for now.”
“Yes, I don’t think it’s quite right for our northern climate.”
“That’s right. It’s an item unnecessary for colder regions like the North.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
Ivan worked furiously, thinking of Ruby in the back of his mind. With the absence of noise, he had almost forgotten she was beside him. He turned his head, wondering what she was doing, and his mouth dropped open at her bizarre posture.
Although he had suggested reading a book, he didn’t mean for her to crouch down on the floor like that. There were comfortable sofas and chairs scattered around the room, so why was she reading in such an awkward position?
Ivan looked at her woefully. This was a woman who kept testing him at every turn.
