CWMBR 88

Chapter 88

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"You're not the type to do such a thing."

"Such a thing?"

"The thing everyone's talking about."

Bridget stopped walking and turned to look at Gilum with a strange expression.

"At first, you seemed suspicious of me."

Bridget muttered as if to herself. Gilum responded with an awkward smile.

"It's my job to be suspicious."

Of course, Bridget understood what he meant. Given the circumstances, hadn't he been forced to suspect her? In fact, it would have been harder to approach the investigation without prejudice in that situation. After all, every newspaper in the world had spilled every sordid detail about how brazenly and shamelessly she had toyed with Ain.

Anonymous people claiming to be Bridget's acquaintances testified to how promiscuously she had lived, and journalists used that as fodder to spin a plausible tale of a fallen woman's dramatic reversal of fortune.

In that sense, the attitude Sanne and Gilum showed Bridget could almost be seen as kind.

"But thanks to that, I understand your innocence even more thoroughly. The investigation results will be compiled fairly. Including what you requested at the beginning."

She thought she'd accept whatever outcome came without much emotion, but hearing Gilum's words actually brought her fresh relief.

At least the child's existence wouldn't be denied. Now she could speak proudly of that child's existence.

No one would mock that child.

Noticing the relief that flitted across Bridget's face, Gilum spoke in a noticeably softer voice.

"I shouldn't have mentioned it beforehand, but I wanted you to feel a little more at ease."

It was the first genuine kindness she'd received from another person in a very long time. Bridget, who had been staring at Gilum with a dazed expression, suddenly broke into a bright smile.

"Thank you for your kindness."

"Oh."

Gilum’s eyes widened in surprise, and he faltered. Then, seemingly startled by his own reaction, he stammered, his face flushing with embarrassment.

"Ah, my apologies. That... .................."

Gilum's lips fluttered as he quickly avoided Bridget's gaze.

"I hadn't anticipated you would smile like that."

"Was my smile strange?"

"No, it wasn't strange at all."

Gilum hastily waved his hands, denying Bridget's words, and cleared his throat. He hesitated for a moment, looking somewhat troubled, but quickly composed himself. Returning to a calmer demeanor, Gilum spoke in a serious tone.

"I sincerely apologize for causing you distress during the investigation."

"No, it wasn't particularly troublesome. In fact, I felt relieved that you were going to uncover the truth."

Why would it be troublesome? All Gilum had done was stir up the Grand Theater. While the other staff might have found it bothersome and annoying, Bridget preferred it that way if it meant her grievance would be resolved. Ain hadn't listened to a word she said, nor had he believed her from the start.

"Still, my coming and going must have caused quite a disturbance for those around you."

That remark didn't seem to be solely about the inconvenience to the staff.

After all, he had seen Bridget being ignored by Bertio, and he had seen Ronan running amok. Bridget, who only now realized how often she had been subjected to more than her fair share of unpleasant sights in such a short time, smiled bitterly.

Gilum, who had been staring at Bridget, fell into thought for a moment. Then, in a cautious tone, he spoke.

"Well, after concluding the investigation into your annulment petition, I plan to remain in Glynford for some time. I'd like to offer you a meal then, as a gesture of apology. Would that be acceptable? Of course, with Sanne as well."

Perhaps worried she might feel burdened, Gilum quickly added Sanne’s name.

Bridget's eyes widened in surprise at his unexpected proposal.

A meal as an apology? Gilum had merely performed his duty; there was no need for him to apologize. Yet his cautious manner in asking for her consent was utterly sincere, making it clear he wasn't joking.

……………Did royal investigators typically treat their subjects to a meal after completing an inquiry?

When Bridget didn't respond immediately, Gilum, sensing her hesitation, added an explanation in a dignified voice.

"I feel a certain responsibility for disrupting your daily routine, and also………………."

"I'm sorry, but it doesn't seem like you have anything to take responsibility for." (Ain)

Bridget and Gilum turned their heads simultaneously. Ain, with an arrogant expression, was approaching them—no one knew when or where he had appeared.

Gilum gave Ain a slight bow.

"Lord Wise."

"You merely performed your duties as an investigator. There's no need to feel responsible. Isn't that right, Gilum?"

Ain stopped at a respectful distance, his tone laced with half-hearted sarcasm. After briefly shifting his gaze between Bridget and Gilum, he raised an eyebrow and asked.

"Surely you didn't volunteer to be the one protecting Bridget?"

"That is correct."

Ain's face flashed with blatant disapproval.

"Huh. It's the final stage of the job, but isn't that a bit reckless?"

Bridget narrowed her eyes, staring straight at Ain, who had appeared out of nowhere and started picking a fight. She couldn't fathom why he was acting like this.

Hadn't Ain been the one to inform the royal investigators about Bridget's situation in the first place? There was absolutely no reason for Ain to pick a fight with Gilum, who had been assigned unnecessary work. If anything, she should be apologetic.

"It's more rational for me to be deployed immediately than to wait for someone dispatched by the royal court. Didn't Lord Wise want us to respond immediately?"

Bridget agreed. They didn't have much time left before facing their fate. Requesting a new person for just those few days seemed like a waste of manpower. If Gilum had the ability to provide security, it was efficient in many ways for him to step in temporarily. Though she felt sorry for Gilum having to take on more work than necessary.

Yet Ain seemed unable to agree with that opinion, his gaze intensely displeased.

"Seems Sanne doesn't have many capable people around either."

"Isn't it fine as long as I'm okay with it?"

Bridget, unable to listen any longer, interjected in a cold tone.

"Having someone familiar escort me is more comfortable for my peace of mind than a stranger. I can trust them too."

When she openly defended Gilum, Ain suddenly scowled.

"The familiar one isn't Gilum."

Ain stopped mid-sentence. As if forcing himself to swallow the words he'd been about to say, he fell into an unnatural silence before turning to Gilum.

"From now on, I'll be the one guarding her. You should head home now. I have business to discuss with Bridget."

Bridget looked utterly bewildered at him dismissing Gilum so arbitrarily.

"You?"

"You said you'd repay me."

Repay? What repayment?

Bridget froze, momentarily unable to comprehend what he was saying. Only a little later did she recall the 'repayment' he mentioned.

“I'll repay you for today's help.”

She remembered saying that after the chaos at dawn. Yes, that definitely was something she owed him.

Not just thanks, but actual compensation.

Confirming from Bridget's expression that she understood, Ain added in an indifferent tone.

"I have something to discuss anyway. Let's go get something to eat."

Ain showed no intention of backing down. Since she had no desire to argue with him on the street, Bridget nodded with a resigned look. If she had to take the blow anyway, better to get it over with sooner. Since she'd promised to repay him herself, it was best to settle this quickly and avoid facing him again.

***

Ain stepped down from the carriage first. Bridget glared at him with a sour expression, then ignored his offered hand and strode down from the carriage herself.

She’d assumed they were going to eat and hadn’t even asked where they were headed. But nowhere around where they’d stopped had a restaurant they could enter.

“You said we were going to eat.”

“It’s not mealtime yet.”

Bridget looked at Ain with an expression of utter bewilderment. Regardless, Ain started walking ahead. Bridget, seeing where his steps were headed, stiffened her expression.

Passing a warning sign stating "Private Property, No Trespassing," Ain pushed open a rusted iron gate and turned to look at Bridget. His gaze demanded, Why aren't you coming? Bridget, who had been standing motionless, reluctantly started walking when she met that look. As she approached Ain, he slowly parted his lips.

"I recently purchased this mansion."

Thump, thump.

Passing the entrance to the mansion, clearly marked by the comings and goings of workers, Ain stopped before the garden, where thickets of overgrown plants tangled together. He glanced at Bridget.

"I'd like your help when we landscape the garden."