If You're Going to Sell Yourself, Sell It to Me - Chapter 126

Three days later, as he could no longer be absent from his duties for personal reasons, Angus Rossmann’s departure for Northwest was confirmed.

In the meantime, the surrounding rioters had mostly been subdued, thanks to the soldiers and constables he had brought.

Since most of them were runaway slaves rather than Western gunslingers, they surrendered quickly at the sight of the troops.

Instead of punishing the slaves, he promised liberation and intervened to ensure fair contracts with the plantation owners.

With Raymond’s plantation as a good example, the plantation owners cooperated without much resistance—especially with the Supreme Commander backing the efforts.

He also left a number of personnel behind to monitor the region, ensuring continued peace.

He promised to do everything in his power so that no one would ever suffer again simply for being a slave.

When he had first arrived in Norfolk, his carriage had raced like wheels set on fire. Now it moved as leisurely as a royal procession on a pleasant outing.

This was because the Supreme Commander had instructed the pace to be slow, as his granddaughter had not yet fully recovered.

From the center carriage, mingled with cheerful affirmations and the voices of a young woman, came the lighthearted conversation of the Supreme Commander himself.

“…and that’s how I ended up pouring the tea leaves in like that.”

Clip-clop, the quiet sound of hooves echoed inside the carriage as Georgiana, trying to ease the awkward mood, shared lighthearted stories from her time on Raymond’s plantation—leaving out her hellish life in the Empire entirely.

“I see. That was a clever idea.”

The more Angus listened to Leona’s stories from the plantation, the more his chest tightened.

He could tell immediately that she was deliberately sharing only pleasant memories, afraid that he might feel saddened by anything painful.

Such a thoughtful child.

The more he looked at her, the more love and admiration he felt.

Anyone who endures hardship for too long can grow weary, calloused, and cynical—but Leona showed none of that.

Rather, her compassion and consideration for others were second nature. Her speech and manners were more graceful and noble than anyone in the palace.

He had heard that the Courtney family gave her only the most basic education, intending to sell her at a high price. Even now, she was this refined—how high might she have risen had she been raised under his daughter’s care?

In moments like this, he couldn’t help but feel a bitter resentment toward his late daughter and son-in-law who had departed the world so easily.

Her skill with firearms surely came from him or his son-in-law.

The Marquis family had long been renowned for their military prowess. Her father, too, excelled at marksmanship and swordsmanship, often placing first in hunts.

That was what had drawn his daughter to him in the first place.

Even after cutting ties with the family, his son-in-law chose to help him and moved to the New World. That determination now lived on in this girl.

He still remembered vividly the day he first saw her, descending the stairs like a goddess of war.

For a child who had endured so much, Angus vowed again and again to give her only happiness from now on.

Angus gently pulled Leona’s pale, slender hand onto his own.

“If there’s anything you want, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“I will.”

Leona answered with a soft smile.

Though she was of marrying age, he had only just met her and hoped to spend more time together.

Still, if she did wish to marry, he intended to grant her a grand wedding with whoever she desired.

Angus suddenly thought of Raymond, the owner of the plantation.

A man of fine appearance and kind temperament.

If he hadn’t been previously married, Angus might have considered him as a potential grandson-in-law.

After all, not only had Raymond saved his granddaughter’s life twice, but if he hadn’t taken her in at the plantation, this reunion might never have happened.

Of course, Colonel Locke also clearly had feelings for his granddaughter, and she seemed to favor him as well—but there were unsettling rumors surrounding Locke, and Angus couldn’t help but worry.

Locke was loyal and manly, but his cold exterior and perfect features made him feel distant—too inhuman.

Yet those doubts faded quickly once the carriage journey began.

Apparently, Locke was supposed to rest for a few weeks at Raymond’s plantation for his arm to heal—but he insisted on joining the carriage, even at the cost of pushing himself.

Claiming there were more capable doctors in Northwest, he quickly packed his bags so he wouldn’t get left behind, and slyly arranged for his seat next to Leona’s in the procession.

Every time the carriage stopped for a break, he’d rush over with such agility it made one forget he was injured, always circling around the Commander’s granddaughter.

What’s more, he behaved like a tame pet in front of Leona.

Having never seen Locke smile, not even in the military, Angus began to wonder if he’d actually been kicked in the head instead of the shoulder.

Henry, his aide, seemed used to it and accompanied his unhinged superior without a fuss.

Neigh—

The carriage gradually came to a stop.

The sun was beginning to set. It seemed they’d arrived at a suitable lodging.

Even before the carriage door could be opened, Locke, faster than any attendant, approached with his uninjured hand to help both her and Leona down.

“Did you have a comfortable ride?”

“Of course. How’s your shoulder? I’m sure there’s a doctor here too. Please get it checked. Promise me.”

“Yes. I’ll do whatever Leona says.”

Leona’s eyes lingered with concern on his bandaged shoulder. Locke winced as she touched it.

“Ah!”

“See? I told you not to push yourself.”

Leona’s voice rose with worry.

Contrary to the sturdy demeanor he usually carried, seeing him act so pitifully startled Angus.

He’d heard stories that Locke hadn’t even groaned when stabbed in the back during battle, that he was as tough as iron.

To think he’d pull such a face over a mere shoulder fracture.

Realizing this transformation was all to impress Leona, Angus shook his head.

Still, he couldn’t let things slide so easily.

Locke had admitted that Leona had been involved in his mission on the Mayfield, boarding in place of Juliana. When Angus learned his granddaughter had gone through something so dangerous, he was furious.

Though the operation had been botched thanks to Kane—or was it Kyle?—who died recklessly in the war, it didn’t lessen his anger.

Yet seeing Locke confess everything with sincerity began to ease his resentment.

“Call a doctor immediately,” Leona repeated firmly as she took Angus’s hand and led him toward the inn.

Compared to the newer hotels in Northwest, it was lacking, but the inn had grown both in size and elegance.

Securing private rooms was tricky. Though he could’ve ordered others out, Angus detested that kind of noble entitlement.

“The fourth floor, the top level, hadn’t been booked, so we reserved the entire floor. There are three rooms with private parlors, and the attendants’ quarters are also on the same floor, so everything should be convenient.”

The inn’s general manager, standing in for the baron owner, nervously explained the facilities.

“If you give us a heads-up, we can prepare your meals to be served in your rooms.”

“Let’s do that. Please make sure the others can rest comfortably too.”

“O-of course.”

The three largest suites were designated for Angus, Leona, and Locke.

As soon as the rooms were assigned, Locke immediately stepped in to inspect them with hawk-like eyes.

“I confirmed that there are no ledges or supports beneath the terrace that could be used to climb up. It’s difficult for intruders to approach from below, but we’ll still assign patrols above, in case someone descends from the rooftop.”

Even Angus’s personal guards could only nod in acceptance. There likely wasn’t anyone in the New World who could outmatch Locke—injury or not.

And since his vigilance was solely for the safety of Angus and his granddaughter, they let him take charge.

Some soldiers who had served alongside him on the battlefield looked on in confusion, surprised to see such a human side to the man.

And among them, Robin, Angus’s aide, watched Locke closely.