If You're Going to Sell Yourself, Sell It to Me - Chapter 35

“Secure the sails tighter! And who left this useless drum here? I told you to stow away all the tables and chairs in the storeroom. Why are you still dawdling?”

“I’m sorry!”

“If the typhoon sweeps everything away, your heads will go flying too!”

The shouting of the deckhands drifted in through the slightly open window.

Though it was still daytime, the sky had darkened ominously. The thick clouds seemed ready to release a downpour at any moment.

The captain had informed everyone that they were passing through a typhoon zone, so all passengers had been advised to stay in their cabins. Today, even the ballroom and club were closed.

To ensure the passengers were comfortable while confined, non-perishable food had been delivered to each room in advance. The crew went around securing furniture and belongings, and the passengers watched their work with tense expressions.

Despite all the precautions, the creaking of the ship every time a wave hit made Georgiana anxious. She had joined Lockwood in the living room, and every time the ship swayed, her body jolted with worry. Her eyes trembled as she stared out the window.

“It’s just a passing typhoon. There’s no need to be so afraid,” Lockwood said calmly as he turned the pages of a book under the lamplight. Though he had been distant and cold in the days following that night, it seemed her fear had touched him enough to speak to her again.

“Y-You think so?”

When she was at home, she hadn’t been so afraid of storms, but being in an unfamiliar place made her fear worse. Though she didn’t say it aloud, she could feel cold sweat trickling down the back of her neck.

“If you’re really scared, why not come sit here?” Lockwood gestured to the spot beside him on the long sofa, which could easily seat three people.

Normally, she wouldn’t have dared, but this time, her fear pushed her to leap toward him, her skirt fluttering as she landed beside him.

His eyes widened slightly, surprised by how quickly she had taken up his offer.

Noticing his reaction, Georgiana mumbled in embarrassment, “I’m not usually this scared, you know.”

“I’m well aware that you’re not easily frightened. A person who’s truly afraid wouldn’t be able to shoot someone else.”

He teased her to lighten the mood, causing her to blush.

“I guess it’s because it’s my first time on a ship.”

“That could be it. The force of a storm at sea is far stronger than on land. Even coastal towns fear typhoons, so it’s only natural that being on a ship would feel more dangerous. But don’t worry, it should pass by tomorrow.”

“How do you know so much about the sea?”

Looking up at the stormy sky, Georgiana was curious about how confident he seemed.

“My father was in the navy. I grew up near the sea because of him.”

“Is he retired now?”

“He passed away ten years ago.”

The way he said it so casually made Georgiana freeze in shock. “Oh… I shouldn’t have asked.”

“It’s alright. It was a long time ago.”

“Still…”

“Really, it’s fine. Instead of dwelling on it, why don’t I teach you a card game to pass the time?” he asked, pointing to the deck of cards lying on the table.

The sight of the cards instantly brought back memories of her father and Willow. If it hadn’t been for gambling, they could have lived reasonably well, even on a modest salary as a noble family. Her feelings toward card games were anything but positive.

“No, thank you. I don’t really like games.”

“I understand. Gambling can ruin the fun. But there are plenty of ways to play that don’t involve betting.”

“Even so…”

“Trust me, won’t you? It’s a harmless way to pass the time.”

Georgiana was surprised that he, of all people, who knew better than anyone why she was so averse to gambling, would make such a suggestion. Yet, it felt wrong to refuse outright, so in the end, she nodded her head.

“Alright, I’ll teach you the rules then.”

“Okay.”

The game ended up consuming over three hours.

By the time they finished, Georgiana’s side of the table was piled high with fake betting chips.

“It seems Willow Courtney wasn’t the family’s best gambler after all. Georgiana Courtney should have been the one at the tables,” Lockwood said with a mock surrender, raising both hands in defeat.

Georgiana was just as surprised by her skill. Was it possible that gambling ran in her blood? Despite her focus on the game, she hadn’t even noticed the storm outside or the rocking of the ship.

Henry, who had been preparing dinner nearby, glanced at the table full of chips and gave her a thumbs-up.

“You’re amazing! It’s not easy to beat the master. I was hoping to join the game after dinner, but it looks like I’d be completely defeated by you, miss.”

“It wouldn’t be just a defeat; it would be a complete loss,” Locke affirmed confidently, adding, “You’re so good that I feel like I might have taught you too well.”

“I’m not that skilled. You probably went easy on me, Locke.”

“There’s no way. I’ve served the master for years, and he’s not the type to go easy on anyone,” Henry chimed in.

“Here he goes again,” Locke muttered.

“If not now, when else would I get a chance to say these things?” Henry’s retreating figure was so comically exaggerated that it brought a smile to their faces.

“We couldn’t light a fire for cooking because of the storm, so the food’s all cold, but it should still taste good. Please enjoy your dinner.”

On the table, Henry had set out a salad with fresh ham, sandwiches loaded with cheese, and fruit preserved in sugar.

After washing her hands, Georgiana naturally took her seat across from Lockwood and thanked Henry.

“Thank you so much. This looks delicious.”

“It’s only because you’re here that I get any thanks at all,” Henry said with a smile.

“Perhaps I’ll have to have a word with you later,” Lockwood said, his tone half-threatening.

Henry’s eyes widened. “But what if I’m needed during the storm? What if something goes wrong?”

“Nothing will go wrong. Even if it does, I’ll handle it.”

“But still…”

“Don’t worry. Just go to your room and rest. Take care of your own belongings.”

Watching the two of them interact was always amusing to Georgiana.

Though Henry was Lockwood’s servant, he spoke his mind freely, and Lockwood, though he scolded him, clearly looked out for him. Their bond was apparent, even if they didn’t openly express it.

After dinner, Henry lingered for a while before finally being sent back to his room.

“Are the two of you close or not?” Georgiana asked, laughing as Henry turned to glance back at them one last time before the door closed behind him.

“We’re not.”

Lockwood’s blunt response only made her laugh harder.

“In other noble houses, the distance between the servants and their masters feels like a wall. But here, it feels so different, and I like it.”

Having been treated worse than a servant in her own family, Georgiana felt a special appreciation for the relationship between Lockwood and Henry.

“Well, if you say so.”

He turned his gaze elsewhere, embarrassed by her praise. She noticed the tips of his ears turning red.

It seemed she had found a way to fluster him—excessive compliments.

“I’ll make some tea. Unfortunately, we don’t have hot water for coffee.”

Just as Georgiana reached for the teapot, which she had filled with hot water earlier that morning, the ship tilted sharply.

“Oh!”

The glass pot slid off the table and crashed to the floor.

A series of clattering noises followed as cups and saucers fell from the shelves.

A sharp pain suddenly shot through her head, and she clutched her forehead, sinking to the floor. Lockwood rushed over, wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and guided her to the securely fastened sofa.

“Are you alright?”

She wasn’t. Every time the ship swayed, the pain in her head intensified. It was worse than any pain she had ever felt—even worse than when Willow had grabbed her by the hair.

But she didn’t want to burden him with her fears, so she forced a nod, trying to seem okay.

“The teapot’s broken. What should we do?”

“Forget about the teapot. You should see what your face looks like right now.”

“I’m really fine—”

Before she could finish her sentence, another huge wave rocked the ship, sending it lurching violently.

“Ah!”

She let out a terrified scream, curling up on the sofa. Cold sweat poured from her forehead and neck, as thick as the rain that was now lashing against the windows.

“Georgiana!”

Lockwood, alarmed by how pale she had turned, tried to pull her upright, but seeing the sweat streaming down her face, he quickly reconsidered.

“There should be some sedatives in one of the drawers. I’ll get them. You need it now.”

He stood to leave, but Georgiana grabbed his arm in panic.

“Don’t go!”

At that moment, as she saw his retreating figure, she was reminded of someone else.

‘Leona, my baby. Stay here for just a little while.’

Someone had once left her in a swaying cabin, and they never came back.