If You're Being Held Hostage, Wiggle the Carrot! - Chapter 32
Liam took Ruby on a tour of the mansion. It felt like a whole new experience for her, having only been in the Duke’s private chambers or the study throughout her stay.
“It’s incredibly spacious, isn’t it?”
“Hoo-hoo, our Duke’s estate is the second largest in the Empire after the imperial palace. The territory that the former emperor granted to our ancestors is also remarkably vast.”
“Oh, I see.”
“The world says that the first emperor was not gracious in giving us the land in the cold north, but I beg to differ.”
“I certainly do.”
“…Do you have a guess as to why, Miss?”
Liam often went to the capital to attend to Ivan’s paperwork. During noble assemblies in the palace, the hired help that accompanied their master waited in one place. Liam remembered how angry he had become listening to the inconsistent stories of the other hired help of different species. While the northern regions were somewhat rugged, it wasn’t to the point of famine. Yet those fellows from the south…
“It wouldn’t have been good for the wolves if they’d been given the warm provinces instead of the cold ones.”
Recalling his anger from the past for a moment, Liam was brought back to the present by Ruby’s words.
“Yes?”
“The former emperor probably knew more about the harmony between yin and yang than anyone else. Having the wolf clan in the north would have enriched the realm. Harmony is the most important thing, after all.”
“Exactly!”
“Harmony may not be so appealing to humans, but we’re animal people, right? Being able to blend in with nature is the most important thing.”
“You’re right!”
“My grandmother told me that there are races with a strong yang energy, and from what I’ve noticed from following the Duke around lately, the yang energy of the wolves can even affect nature.”
“That’s right.”
“It seems the former emperor granted this place with profound meaning. It’s an ancient history unique to the empire’s only noble estate.”
Liam unintentionally bit his tongue, almost crying out in agreement. How could she always speak such fitting words? Initially, he didn’t believe in her abilities, even after witnessing her skills for a week of accompanying the noble. He simply followed his master’s orders. However, the stories he heard this morning were truly extraordinary. He realized how essential she was to his master. Just that realization alone was enough to earn his respect. Her profound vision and insight made him admire her even more.
His loyalty was evident as he toured her around the entire mansion, diligently explaining the history of the House of Negro to Ruby. Ruby nodded, her eyes darting from place to place. Every once in a while, her gaze would wander to the wrong place, and Liam would get the creeps. But he didn’t show it at all.
“I see it’s this time of day already, young lady, would you like to join the master for a meal?”
“Shall I?”
Having walked and moved around for a while, Ruby felt a bit hungry and nodded her head. The two in the courtyard made their way towards the main building.
As they headed towards the stairs through the back entrance, someone suddenly approached.
“Mr. Butler!”
The clear voice carried a hint of laughter. Liam turned his head at the sound, and Ruby did the same.
Finally, Leslie thought, she had her chance. She figured that if she at least greeted them properly now, it might be easier to find another opportunity later.
“…Why did you call me, Miss Leslie?”
She responded with an innocent smile, seemingly oblivious to Liam’s suspicious gaze.”I’m sorry, Mr. Butler. I actually just wanted to say hello to our guest, so I spoke up even though I knew it was rude.”
Liam gave her a scowl, but he couldn’t stop the greeting. He politely addressed Ruby.
“This is Leslie. From the Weaver household.”
“Oh, hello?”
“…Nice to meet you. I’m Leslie de Weaver.”
