If You're Going to Sell Yourself, Sell It to Me - Chapter 65

The child had wavy black hair and warm golden eyes, reminiscent of the sunlight on a spring day. The large pink ribbon that took up half her head made her look even more like a doll.

The satin dress, matching the color of the ribbon, looked expensive at first glance. Not only her attire, but also the maid waiting a few steps behind her indicated she was clearly a noble’s daughter. The maid seemed unable to stop the child but watched anxiously as she spoke with a stranger.

The child blinked her large eyes, waiting for Georgiana’s answer. Normally, Georgiana might have given a vague reply, but perhaps because the child seemed like an angel, she wanted to be honest.

“Yes, little angel. I’m lost.”

“Oh? My name is Angela, how did you know?”

“How could I not? It was clear to see.”

The child widened her eyes and smiled brightly. She laughed aloud, saying her name was Angela. She was more innocent and lovely than any noble child Georgiana had ever seen.

Angela didn’t mind the dust on the ground as she climbed onto the stump next to Georgiana. Her feet, which didn’t quite touch the ground, dangled, and the shoes she wore sparkled.

“What’s your name, big sister?”

“Leona.”

Georgiana revealed the alias she had registered at the inn, keeping her real name hidden. When creating a new name, she suddenly recalled something she had heard in a dream and decided to use it. Strangely, it didn’t feel unnatural at all.

“Why did you get lost, Leona?”

“This is my first time here. I ended up coming too far.”

“Angela often gets lost in the maze too, but my uncle always finds me. Should I ask my uncle to help find your way?”

“Yes, I’d appreciate that.”

“My uncle can do anything. He even ties Angela’s hair really well. I’m sure he’ll find the way you lost in no time.”

“I hope so.”

Georgiana nodded, grateful for the child’s adorable suggestion. The child, who had been staring at her, gently grasped Georgiana’s rough clothing.

“I like you, Leona. If you have nowhere to go, would you come to Angela’s house? My father would surely agree.”

“Oh, no, that’s alright.”

“We have plenty of empty rooms, lots of pretty dolls, and there’s even a cat named Becky who looks a bit like you. Becky has green eyes, just like you. I’m sure Becky would like you too.”

“Thank you for the offer, but I—”

Fortunately, the awkward situation was interrupted by a man calling out for the child.

“Angela!”

A tall man, as tall as Locke, was looking around, searching for the child. Beneath his fedora, his jawline was barely visible, but even with that small glimpse, it was clear he was handsome.

After all, Angela’s delicate features suggested that her parents must be quite striking.

Seeing this as her moment, the maid, who had been waiting nearby, quickly ran over to explain to the man, pointing toward them.

The man soon walked over to where Georgiana and Angela were. Georgiana hurriedly stood up, dusted herself off, and pressed her hat firmly onto her head.

He wore breeches tailored tightly to his thighs, showing the shape of his muscles with every stride. Underneath his indigo tailcoat, his gold-buttoned waistcoat and frilled shirt were stretched taut.

From his approaching face alone, he looked like the type who would spend his days handling documents in an office, calm and gentle, but his physique suggested otherwise.

“Daddy!”

The child beamed at the man and reached her arms out. He carefully lifted her, as if handling a precious jewel. Even from his smallest gestures, it was clear how much the man cherished the child.

As Georgiana was about to introduce herself, Angela spoke first, introducing her.

“Daddy, this is Leona. She got lost and ended up here.”

“……”

Georgiana was momentarily at a loss for words, her pupils shaking. The man’s golden eyes, meeting hers, showed a glimmer of curiosity.

He removed his fedora and bowed politely. “Raymond Rivern. Thank you for spending time with my daughter.”

His voice was as gentle as his face. As he moved, his honey-colored hair swayed softly around his ears.

Locking eyes with his golden gaze, Georgiana felt as if she were gazing at a bountiful field.

Unlike the precarious and dangerous feeling she got from Locke, there was no such sense from this man. It was a gentleness of a different kind, distinct even from Anthony’s.

“No, it was Angela who kept me company. I’m Leona Owen.”

Georgiana held her skirt lightly and bent her knees in a courteous gesture, then straightened up.

“Wow, you look like a princess. I think you’re even prettier than Clara, the girl at Uncle Roger’s place. Right, Daddy?”

Angela, in her father’s arms, looked at Georgiana with sparkling eyes.

“It seems so. But Angela, it’s impolite to stare at someone like that.”

The man kissed the child’s forehead and then tilted his head toward Georgiana.

“Miss Leona, you must be from the Empire.”

“Pardon?”

The sudden question made Georgiana tense.

“I asked because your accent differs from the southern dialect, and your manner of greeting as well. There’s no other meaning behind it, so please, don’t be startled.”

“Well, I… I moved here with my parents when I was young. Also, I’m not a noble, so feel free to speak comfortably.”

Though she kept a close watch on him, there seemed to be no hidden intention in his words. Still, just in case he suddenly changed and brought up knights or bounties, she never forgot to consider her escape route.

“That’s surprising. Still, as Angela mentioned, did you really lose your way? I’m quite familiar with the roads here, so if you need help, let me know.”

“Oh, no, it’s fine.”

“It seems you’re not from around here. As you can see, it’s difficult to hail a carriage here, so even knowing the way, it may be hard to reach your destination. If you don’t mind, I can take you.”

At that moment, the man looked like an angel, just like Raphael.

How could a father and daughter be so kind-hearted?

It wasn’t easy to show kindness to a stranger, and on top of that, despite knowing she wasn’t noble, he still spoke formally.

Standing before this harmless man, Georgiana decided to be honest about her situation.

“I ended up saying I was lost because I didn’t know what else to say. I’ve been struggling to find work. I came here thinking there would be many opportunities, but it’s been more difficult than I thought. They wouldn’t even let me work on a plantation.”

“I don’t think plantation work would suit you either. With a recommendation letter, you’d surely find other work.”

“It’s my first time looking for a job, so I don’t have a letter. My parents passed away suddenly, which forced me to look for work. I’d be happy with any kind of job, but even that is hard to find.”

Georgiana explained the story she had prepared. Simultaneously, sympathy flashed in the golden eyes of both father and daughter.

“Daddy, can’t we bring Leona home?”

“What?”

“She said she has nowhere to go. Angela doesn’t have a tutor now, and I’d love to have Leona stay with us.”

“Oh, no, I’m alright.”

Though she found the offer tempting, accepting it outright felt like too much of an imposition, so she shook her head.

The man, who had been observing her, placed his hand on his chin and then spoke, “Since Angela seems to like you, I have no objections. I’m sure there will be some tasks at home you could help with. But, of course, it depends on Miss Leona’s preference.”

At Raymond’s words, Angela, delighted, jumped down from his arms and clung to Georgiana’s skirt.

“Leona, please come to Angela’s house. Let’s play with Becky. Okay?”

“I…”

“Angela isn’t one to beg like this, so it seems she really likes you, Miss Leona.”

Their insistence made Georgiana waver. After all, she had nowhere else to go. However, beyond their approval, there was still another big issue to address.

“But shouldn’t you discuss the hiring of servants with your wife first? If Angela’s mother agrees, I’d be happy to come and work.”

Georgiana thought of his wife. Having seen nobles let go of servants without regard for their wishes before, she felt it was only right to seek the wife’s approval from the beginning.

At that moment, Angela hesitated and hunched her shoulders timidly.

“Mommy isn’t here…”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

Georgiana closed her eyes tightly and hugged the child. Guilt pierced her like a sharp sting. She tried to find the right words to console Angela, remembering what the child had said earlier.

“I’ll come to your house, Angela. Let’s play together. I’d love to play with Becky and play with dolls too.”

Angela’s face lit up again at her words. “Really? Then let’s go right away.”

The child’s tiny, doll-like hand tugged at her clothes.

“Angela, you should give her time to pack.”

At Raymond’s words, Georgiana thought of the few belongings she had bought recently. Still, she needed to pack her clothes and basic items.

“Where I’m staying isn’t far. Could I pack my things and then come?”

“Of course.”

Riding in their carriage, Georgiana arrived at the inn and told the innkeeper at the counter that she was leaving and requested a refund for two days’ rent. Since she had paid a week in advance, she needed to get back the remaining rent for the unused days.

“Where are you going? Did you actually find work?”

The innkeeper stood up abruptly, looking down at her with a surprised expression.

“I found a job as a live-in worker. I’m going to pack my things and move there.”

“T-that can’t be true.”

The innkeeper looked incredulous. Georgiana wasn’t sure why he was so certain, but she didn’t want to argue with him, so she turned away.

“I’ll go pack my things, and you can give me the money then.”

Leaving the innkeeper with his strange reaction, she went upstairs to her room.

Knowing she wouldn’t need to stay there anymore made even the creaky old bed seem endearing.

Since she didn’t have much, it didn’t take long to pack. Just as she was looking around to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything, the door suddenly burst open.