If You're Going to Sell Yourself, Sell It to Me - Side Story 4

It was well into midday when Georgiana finally awoke. Her eyelids still felt heavy.

Of course, she’d stirred multiple times in the early morning, feeling Locke thrusting into her, but at the time, she’d been barely conscious.

“You’re awake?”

At the sound of clinking, she turned her head to find him reading the newspaper, coffee cup in hand.

Unlike her body, which felt as if it had been hit by a truck, he looked radiant, his complexion glowing.

Somehow, it felt unfair.

She started to get up to moisten her throat with tea, but a sharp pain shot through her waist, and she groaned, falling back onto the bed.

Setting down his coffee cup, Locke came over to her immediately.

“Are you alright?”

His eyes, as he leaned over to look at her, were filled with concern.

If you’re going to worry, at least hold back a little.

“I’m not alright.”

She couldn’t help rolling her eyes as she voiced her complaint.

At her grumbling, Locke smiled gently, folding his eyes into crescents.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen that face.”

The sight of his smiling face made her anger quietly melt away.

How could anyone stay mad at that?

Georgiana let out a sigh of resignation.

“But where are you off to now?”

Unlike her, who was completely bare beneath the covers, Locke was dressed impeccably in a formal suit.

“There’s an emergency meeting regarding the treatment of former slaves. There was another large protest in the South. His Excellency said I could skip it, but since I’ve been handling the matter, I was conflicted.”

“Of course you should go. Wait, were you seriously waiting for me to wake up?” she asked half in disbelief.

“You were sleeping so soundly, I couldn’t wake you. Leaving after our wedding night without a word wouldn’t be right.”

“That’s not a problem. If something like this happens again, wake me or just leave a quick note. Is there anything else you need?”

The South was still noisy. Remembering how close he’d once come to serious injury, Georgiana urged him on.

“Still, going straight to work after the wedding…”

Locke hesitated, clearly reluctant.

His lingering hand gently stroked her hair.

Georgiana, forcing her body upright, grabbed his shoulder and pulled him close.

As Locke landed in her embrace, startled, she kissed his cheek.

“Finish up quickly and come back. I think I need to rest more anyway. I’ll give you a reward when you return.”

“A reward…?”

Locke’s eyes shook violently.

“As long as it’s not too much, I’ll grant you anything.”

She smiled sweetly at him.

“Couldn’t I just claim it now? I still have about an hour…”

Without warning, Locke threw off his clothes.

Before she could stop him, he was already naked, jumping into bed.

“L-Locke!”

As she tried to scoot back in surprise, he grabbed her waist and smoothly pulled her down.

“I’m sore!”

“Georgiana, just stay still. I’ll take care of everything.”

“No, wait—mmph!”

Her protest was silenced by his mouth.

Through the slight gap in their mouths, his tongue pushed straight in.

Only after using up the entire hour—enough for her to scream out loud—did Locke finally leave the mansion.

***

Two years later.

Under the deep blue sky, a myriad of national flags fluttered like dancers in the wind.

Even from a distance, the vivid banners displayed brilliant splendor.

Beneath the wide white canopy of the stage were the key figures leading the prosperity of the new continent.

People from all walks of life greeted each other with hopeful expressions.

The opening ceremony for the public school that launched last year had been simple, attended only by children per the Vice President’s decision.

Back then, there were still unresolved issues, and no room for a grand event.

But today’s railway inauguration was different.

For the first time in two years, a large-scale event open not only to VIPs but to the public was held.

Faces gathered for the occasion were full of pride and anticipation.

Among the distinguished guests were Henry’s parents, the Markers, who dominated the southeastern commercial world.

Eager to see their son, they craned their necks toward the stage, waiting for Vice President Locke and his aide, Henry, to appear.

“Has it really been two years?”

The Marquis of Marker spoke rather curtly.

“Exactly. No matter how much we pleaded, he said he was too busy and didn’t come even once.”

A long sigh escaped the Marchioness, laced with disappointment.

Shaking her head, she thought of Henry. They were quietly displeased by the fact that their only son, who claimed business was boring, insisted on staying by Locke’s side.

From a young age, Henry had followed Locke for reasons they never quite understood, and now he poured almost all his passion into the Vice President.

Of course, the more power Locke gained, the more elevated Henry’s position became—but that wasn’t what they wanted. It wasn’t status or wealth they wished for, but simply to see their beloved grandchildren.

“If only Henry would find a sweet, well-mannered wife like that…”

The Marchioness murmured wistfully as she looked at Georgiana sitting in the front row. Her graceful face and poised posture made her stand out wherever she was.

Most of the people in the venue had their eyes on her.

Her platinum blonde hair, so reminiscent of the President’s, and her actress-like beauty often graced the newspapers—but the real thing was even more breathtaking.

“What about looking into those ship brides again? Didn’t not only the Count but also Mr. Anthony Tobias, who’s overseeing the railway project, end up marrying one of the ladies from that time last year?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“There he is.”

The Marquis pointed to Anthony, standing in the distance. He wore a blissful expression beside his petite wife, who beamed as she held her round belly.

Despite being a shrewd businessman, Anthony clung lovingly to his wife, clearly smitten.

Even the name of the newly launched train—‘Steam Titan’—was said to have been coined by his wife.

Perhaps because of that, the two looked even more suited to each other.

The Markers hoped Henry would find a match just as wonderful.

“Here they come.”

At the appearance of Locke, the Marchioness stirred.

Her eyes lit up at the sight of Henry walking behind him.

Georgiana, seated just ahead of them, also turned her sparkling eyes toward Locke.

Right after her work with the public school ended, the railway construction had begun, leaving both of them with barely a moment’s rest.

For the past week, they’d only seen each other at night for a few hours of sleep, so seeing him in broad daylight felt unfamiliar.

As Locke stood tall at the podium and began his speech, the murmuring crowd fell silent.

He announced the launch of the transcontinental train—a historic milestone for the New World.

***

The single-story station made of red brick was packed both inside and out.

Beneath the large clock mounted at the center of the building, the name ‘Northwest Central Station’ was boldly inscribed.

On the long platform, a steam locomotive loaded with coal stood waiting for its passengers.

Escorted by station staff, the curious passengers glanced around the station, eyes wide with anticipation.

Among them were Georgiana and Locke, and the Tobias couple.

Having come straight from the ceremony, they were waiting for the train to the West. They planned to promote the new transport system firsthand and also visit the shop Sarah ran.

“It feels strange since it’s my first time on a train.”

Uncharacteristically nervous, Georgiana looked up at the massive train. Though she’d read about their use on the Continent, seeing one up close was far more imposing and rugged than expected.

Just like steamships, it was hard to believe such a long, heavy chunk of metal could actually move.

“What’s there to worry about when I’m right here?”

Locke looked down at her fondly, giving a casual shrug.

“Still…”

Locke firmly grasped Georgiana’s trembling hand and leaned in to whisper, “It’s a long trip, so I heard there are sleeping cars. I can help you forget you’re even on a train the whole way.”

“Locke!”

Georgiana’s face flushed red.