My Contract Husband Resembles the Male Protagonist - Chapter 42
The next day, I rummaged through the herb garden again but saw no trace of the ring.
Instead, I ended up trampling on the healthy herbs. Footprints imprinted on the lush herbs.
Some leaves were torn, and some looked as if they had been gnawed by mice.
“But this doesn’t seem like a footprint.”
I examined the herbs closely.
This wasn’t torn by being trampled on. It looked like someone had torn it to eat.
“Anne, take a rest!”
“Sophia.”
I put the herbs in a basket and approached her.
Sophia greeted me with a table full of snacks.
Sophia, who often visits me, has now even brought a small tea table next to my garden.
“Sit down, Anne. Did you find the ring?”
“…….”
“…….”
Sophia awkwardly smiled and lifted her teacup.
“It-it’ll be okay! I’ll search again too. Surely, we can find it!”
“Sophia, I think someone entered the herb garden.”
“Really? Who?”
Sophia’s eyes widened in surprise.
“There are signs of intrusion in the herb garden.”
“That seems so… I think so too.”
Seeing the state of the herbs, Sophia cried. She quietly observed and then her eyes widened.
“Then, could the culprit who rummaged through the herb garden have also taken Anne’s ring?!”
“I’m suspecting that too.”
“I live closer than you, Anne, so I’ll come by often to check! I don’t know who it is, but I’ll scold anyone who bothers you!”
She held my hand, fuming like a sparrow.
However, there was one strange thing about this peculiar culprit, unlike the usual herb looters.
If the herbs were the target, it would make sense to dig up everything, including the roots.
What was left here were just traces of leaves nibbled away.
Taking the whole plant would be more profitable than just eating the leaves.
“Or could it be an animal that took it? Like a wild boar from the mountains.”
Wild boar’s doing?
It’s a possible guess. However, there were no animal tracks left behind.
All the footprints remaining in the herb garden were human.
“Um, Anne. Then, might it be too busy for you to spare some time for me now?”
“What’s the matter?”
Sophia hesitated before speaking cautiously.
“Actually, there’s something I want to learn from you.”
“Learn? From me?”
“Yes.”
Sophia’s eyes had already started to sparkle. It was clear she had something she wanted to ask.
“Look at this tea.”
Sophia pointed to our teacups.
“When I pour tea, it clinks against the cup as I stir, you know? But with you, Anne, it’s silent and graceful.”
Sophia said, seemingly envious.
“How do you do that? The tea I brew tastes bitter, and I don’t know how to stir it without making a sound.”
“Sophia can do it too.”
Sophia looked at me quietly.
She seemed to hesitate, debating whether to speak.
“Anne, I think I know your true identity. Can I speak frankly?”
As I nodded, Sophia leaned in to whisper in my ear.
“In fact, you’re a noble lady who has run away for love, aren’t you?”
Sophia whispered with eyes full of anticipation.
“This secluded territory often becomes a refuge for those with stories.”
Sophia smiled excitedly.
“Actually, I think Yurta and grandfather also consider Anne an extraordinary noble lady. I think so too.”
“……”
“But it’s a secret, so I won’t tell anyone. Anne is also my precious friend,”
Sophia said it shyly, twirling her hair.
It wouldn’t be beneficial for this to be known.
Although I’m supposedly from a wealthy family.
Since Sophia is the daughter of the lord I frequently interact with, it’s better to have her on my side.
“Thank you for protecting me.”
“……! So, Anne really is a noble?”
Shocked, Sophia covered her mouth with her hands.
“Ah! I won’t tell anyone. I was just surprised. I’m sorry. That’s so… romantic, to be with Dale… for marriage.”
But it would be troublesome if the fact that I’m a noble leaked out.
Plus, Sophia is a weak-hearted and empathetic person.
I put down my teacup.
“Actually, I’m the daughter of a fallen family, wrongfully accused.”
