If You're Going to Sell Yourself, Sell It to Me - Chapter 104

“Raymond, thank you for coming.”

A tiara sparkled atop her thick, dark brown hair braided into a heavy plait, making it clear at a glance that she was the star of the evening.

She had only caught a glimpse of her at the restaurant before, so Georgiana hadn’t noticed, but under the lights, the woman was nearly as beautiful as Isabella.

Her rosy-cheeked face made her look about Georgiana’s age, or perhaps a year or two younger—clearly not long into adulthood.

Though she had apparently visited the estate a few times to see Angela, their schedules hadn’t aligned, so this was Georgiana’s first time properly seeing her.

The youthful face, still holding a trace of girlishness, looked admiringly at Raymond before shifting to Georgiana. In that brief moment, Georgiana keenly caught the jealousy in the young woman’s eyes.

“Clara, happy birthday. I gave your gift to the butler.”

At Raymond’s words, Clara’s face lit up.

“A gift? Your presence alone is more than enough—I’m so grateful you attended. I hope I didn’t trouble you.”

Smiling shyly, she fluttered her long eyelashes several times.

Anyone could see she was clearly interested in Raymond.

“It’s nothing.”

In contrast, Raymond’s voice held not a hint of emotion.

It was true, as the household staff said, that since his wife’s passing, he had shown no interest in any other woman. Georgiana, too, had never once seen him come and go from the estate with a woman in over a year.

“But… did you two come together?”

“Yes. I recall you mentioned it was a partner event, so I asked her to join me. This is Lady Leona Owen.”

“I see… That’s not quite what I meant. I meant that you could’ve come alone…”

Clara’s voice trailed off, her brows furrowing.

So the partner event had just been an excuse. Georgiana immediately saw through Clara’s desire to have Raymond as her escort. He, however, seemed completely unaware.

“Well then, I hope you enjoy the evening.”

With a clean farewell, he turned away, and while it may have seemed cold, Georgiana, having learned not to interfere in matters between men and women from her time on the ship, followed him to another table.

She could feel Clara’s gaze burning into the back of her head—it lingered for quite some time.

There were around fifty guests.

Most were noble plantation owners or their family members.

There were some people around her age, but they were all gathered in tight-knit groups. Georgiana didn’t want to intrude, so she quietly stayed by Raymond’s side.

His conversation partners were mostly older gentlemen.

So the birthday wishes were brief, and soon, their discussion turned to the topic of slave emancipation.

“Shouldn’t we also start entering politics? While we’ve been tending to our farms, the East and North have been claiming seats one by one.”

The white-haired gentleman speaking was a large-scale cotton grower in the textile business.

Because it was labor-intensive, his plantation had many female slaves. Recently, however, many had escaped, causing him great difficulty.

Naturally, he was among those most strongly opposed to the abolition of slavery.

“Indeed. It’s because we’re powerless that all this talk about freeing the slaves is happening up North.”

“What do you think Commander Rossmann’s opinion might be? Mr. Rivern, you must know, given your family connection to a retired colonel. I heard he’s staying at your estate now.”

Even though plantations were far apart, rumors spread quickly.

Everyone already seemed to know that Locke was here.

But Rossmann…

Lately, the newspapers had been filled with stories about him. As the commander-in-chief of the independence forces, he was widely considered the leading figure to become the new continent’s first leader.

He had originally held a duke’s title in the Empire.

Rumor had it that the former emperor, fearing Rossmann might usurp the throne as head of the Imperial military, had exiled his cousin to the new continent.

It was also said that Rossmann’s only family—his daughter and son-in-law—had died in an accident while traveling with their child to visit him.

If true, it was only natural that he would turn against the Empire and begin the independence movement after enduring so much in the new land.

Now, the independence army he once led as Minister of War held legislative power in the new continent, making Rossmann second only to an emperor.

However, after the death of his daughter and her husband, he was said to have abandoned all ambition for power, planning to relinquish his role as commander once peace was secured and retire to a quiet region.

With no successor, everyone was watching closely to see who might take his place.

“I heard he’s not very supportive of slavery. There’s growing pressure from the legislature as well.”

At Raymond’s reply, relaying what he had heard from Evan, sighs echoed from various corners.

“Sigh… What are we supposed to do, then?”

“Your estate may not have a problem since you pay your workers, but at this rate, even money won’t be enough to win them over.”

“Exactly. The moment slavery is abolished, they’ll ruin our estates and leave.”

“We’ll have to hire more overseers.”

Georgiana frowned subtly and cursed them inwardly.

They didn’t treat people like human beings. They treated them like objects and abused them—of course they lived in fear.

She wished Commander Rossmann would approve the abolition of slavery as soon as possible and put these people in their place.

Tired of the ongoing discussion about slavery, she asked Raymond for permission and stepped out for a while.

“Is there somewhere I can get some fresh air?”

A servant kindly opened the terrace door leading to the garden, and Georgiana stepped out into the brightly lit grounds.

It was a bit late to be walking around alone, but since this was a gathering of familiar families, she figured nothing would happen.

Some men around her age did send glances her way, but unlike the lechers of her past, no one made inappropriate approaches or stared openly.

She had assumed it was safe enough…

But about halfway through the maze-like garden, she heard footsteps behind her.

Crunch, crunch.

Fallen leaves muffled the sound slightly, but there was no mistaking it—it was a single person’s steps.

Even after walking a more complicated route on purpose, the sound continued. It was clear someone was following her.

Her face tense with unease, she quickened her pace. Then, with a strange sense of familiarity, she tilted her head.

‘This sound…’

Just as she began to slow and turned around, a familiar figure appeared through the bushes. Thanks to the garden’s ample lighting, she could see the person’s face clearly despite the darkness.

Relieved, she let out a sigh the moment she recognized Locke.

“You startled me. What are you doing here?”

“I came to greet the neighbors,” he answered nonchalantly.

“Then why are you here instead of the ballroom?”

“I was about to go in, but then I saw you heading this way, so I followed. What are you doing walking alone at this hour? What’s Raymond doing, leaving you by yourself?”

“Excuse me, Count Locke Rivern. What exactly is dangerous about this place? You startled me more than anything.”

“I made sure to walk loudly, but if I surprised you, I’m sorry.”

At her scolding, he bowed his head sheepishly.

“It’s fine.”

Realizing she’d only scared herself, Georgiana quickly shook her head, unable to blame him further.

Locke, gazing down at her, gradually narrowed his eyes, his face growing more displeased.

“But… who exactly were you dressing up so beautifully for?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Even without dressing up, you are already lovely and always stand out, Georgiana. But the clothes I chose suit you much better.”

“W-what kind of nonsense—”

Her face turned bright red at the unexpected compliment.

“Am I wrong?”

“You are. Enough with the strange talk—go back.”

She could still hear music in the distance, meaning they weren’t far from the house. Being alone with him here was less than ideal.

Blushing, Georgiana hurriedly turned away.

As she stepped beside him, a scent stronger than usual reached her nose.

Finally taking a proper look at him, she had to press her lips together to hide her reaction.

Locke was wearing the teal tailcoat she had picked out at the shop. He looked more radiant than ever. From the ornate white cravat at his throat to his perfectly combed-back hair—he was clearly dressed to impress.

Compared to everyone else at the party, he was in a league of his own.

Raymond had looked handsome in his white suit, but the moment she saw Locke, it was obvious—he was the apex predator of this place.

‘Everyone will be staring at this man, won’t they?’

Already irritated by his appearance, the thought of that made her expression stiffen even further.