If You're Going to Sell Yourself, Sell It to Me - Side Story 5

Poo—

A deep, low train whistle sliced through the air and echoed across the platform.

With that sound, the massive iron body of the steam locomotive began to move slowly.

The pale smoke billowing skyward spread backward along with the train’s motion.

The steam train was completely different from the steamship.

While steamships, despite their faster power, didn’t feel much different from other ships, the steam train was unlike any carriage she had ever ridden.

Not just in speed—but also in how little it shook, incomparable to a carriage.

She didn’t even need the motion sickness pills Lily had prepared in advance. That’s how smooth and stable the ride was.

Georgiana found it endlessly fascinating how such a giant hunk of metal could move so fluidly.

She leaned in close to the window, nearly pressing her face against it.

“Is it really that amazing?”

“Yes.”

Watching the platform drift away, waving hands growing smaller, Georgiana nodded in awe.

Locke, eyes narrowing in amusement, added, “From now on, whether it’s trains or anything else, we should travel together whenever we have time. So I can see that cute face again.”

“W-well, it’s just my first time.”

Realizing she’d gotten too immersed, Georgiana blushed in embarrassment.

“It’s an honor to share that first with you.”

He grinned playfully and placed a short kiss on the back of her hand, then moved to sit beside her.

She nearly got swept up in that smile again but barely managed to compose herself.

If she wasn’t careful, she really might end up staying in the sleeper car the entire trip, just as he’d teased. So she quietly edged away.

“W-we should get going.”

Thankfully, they had planned to meet Sarah after sorting their luggage, so Georgiana used that as an excuse to escape the cabin.

In return, she placed a kiss on Locke’s cheek, seeing his disappointed expression.

“Right this way.”

As they stepped out from the private cabin, a uniformed attendant in black with a red bow tie bowed with perfect courtesy. His movements were as precise as those of a noble household’s butler.

He opened the glass door leading from the cabin cars to the dining car.

“Wow…”

A gasp escaped Georgiana’s lips.

The dining car beyond the door exceeded all expectations. The wallpaper shimmered with a soft mint hue, bordered with delicate gold trim.

The floor, tiled with small floral patterns, gleamed so brightly it felt wrong to step on it.

An elegant chandelier hung from the ceiling, scattering light like gems.

If not for the scenery flashing by outside the windows, she could have mistaken it for a luxurious ballroom.

Eyes wide, Georgiana slowly moved forward, unable to hide her awe.

“You like it that much? I should’ve started a railway company instead of becoming Vice President.”

Locke, standing beside her, murmured with a hint of jealousy.

“If you had, you’d be even busier than now. I’d barely get to see your face.”

Georgiana shook her head firmly—that wouldn’t do.

“Leona, over here.”

Seated by the window at a round table, Sarah spotted her and waved.

The sunset glow across her face made her still look like a young girl.

Though she was due next month, she looked far too youthful to believe it.

“I didn’t keep you waiting, did I?”

Georgiana hurried over, apologetic, but Sarah quickly waved a hand.

“Not at all. I just got here myself. This little one was hungry, so we came early.”

She smiled as she pointed to her round belly. “Judging by the appetite, I bet it’s a boy. I’ve been craving things I never would’ve touched before.”

Anthony, seated beside her, smiled and patted her belly. “What if it’s a girl?”

Sarah gave him a playful glare, but he only chuckled mischievously. “That’d be even better. She’ll be beautiful just like her mother.”

He kissed Sarah’s forehead with a loving look.

Georgiana watched the two with a warm smile and took her seat.

“Can’t let the baby go hungry. We should order quickly.”

She opened the menu.

Looking down the list, her lips parted slightly.

“Is all of this really available?”

The menu didn’t just list simple sandwiches or soups but offered a full-course meal, from appetizers to desserts.

It was hard to believe such cuisine could be prepared on a narrow train.

“Of course. Do you know how hard he worked to bring over skilled chefs from the Empire? That’s part of why the opening got delayed.”

“Everyone balked at the idea of cooking on a moving train, so it was quite the struggle.”

As if recalling the past, Anthony shook his head.

“I think I would’ve done the same.”

The idea of preparing dishes that required delicate work—like careful knife skills and plating—on a jolting train was unimaginable.

Even trains on the continent only served simple drinks and bakery items. Meals were typically loaded separately at station stops.

But Anthony had persuaded the chefs to cook directly on board instead.

Just as he had promised, the dishes were all exquisite.

Georgiana soon forgot the nerves she’d had before boarding and ate enthusiastically with Sarah.

Perhaps because the scenery changed with each course, the food tasted even better.

And recently, her appetite had been steadily increasing.

Locke watched her tenderly throughout the meal, checking frequently to make sure she lacked nothing.

When the meal ended, Georgiana slowly set down her half-finished tea with a contented smile.

Across from her, Anthony emptied the last sip from his cup, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and asked casually, “So, how are you enjoying the train ride?”

Georgiana paused to think before answering, “It shakes less than I expected, and the food’s wonderful. I really like it.”

Anthony’s face lit up at her response, and he leaned forward. “I’m relieved to hear that from Lady Leona. What would you say to becoming an advisor to our railway company?”

Startled by the unexpected offer, she looked up with wide eyes. “Pardon? Me?”

Anthony nodded with a composed smile. “I heard the public school initiative you led last year was a great success. I understand you handled much of the planning yourself. For this railway project to succeed long-term, we’ll need input from people like Lady Leona who represent the public. If you’d join us, it would be a great honor.”

Sarah chimed in support, “I think it’s a great idea too.”

Flustered by the proposal, Georgiana waved her hands. “Oh, no. I don’t know anything about trains. I’m not the right person for that sort of role.”

“Even if she did, I wouldn’t allow it. She’s already too busy,” Locke interjected firmly from beside her.

He was already dissatisfied with how much time she spent at the school during the day.

Though proud of her dedication, he quietly hoped she’d reduce her outside activities—especially since she’d been sleeping more lately.

She’d often fall asleep the moment she got home, so he had his reasons.

Anthony raised an eyebrow and replied deliberately, “I wasn’t speaking to you, Vice President—I was asking Lady Leona.”

But Locke didn’t back down. “I merely answered on behalf of my wife, who was placed in an awkward position.”

Stuck between the two men, Georgiana bowed her head in embarrassment.

Outside the window, the sunset blushed as deeply as her ears.

***

“You’re not seriously thinking of becoming an advisor, are you?”

Back in their cabin, Locke dismissed the maid and approached her.

“Of course not. I’m not qualified for that kind of role.” Georgiana shook her head firmly.

“You’re more than qualified. I’m saying no because of your health.”

He gazed at her complexion with concern.

“My health is fine. I’ve just been a little short on sleep lately. You know why.”

She cast a pointed glance at him, cheeks flushed, clearly indicating he was the reason.

But Locke, as if oblivious, smiled even more smugly and said, “I’m not sure I understand. Could you explain in more detail?”

As he spoke, he pulled her by the waist.

The mischief in his eyes quickly gave way to heat.