CWMBR 102

Chapter 102

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Finn, who had been leisurely cutting his steak, froze, halting his action.

"Throw it away?"

He looked at Bridget with wide, startled eyes. Bridget met his gaze and calmly nodded.

"Yes. I burned it all. Wasn't what Donna took just a part of it?"

"……………… Oh. That's unfortunate."

"It's been a long time since I put down my pen. Who knows how many years it'll take to regain my touch. Could you help someone like me?"

"You're asking a difficult question. Are you testing me?"

Finn forced a smile as he asked back. But Bridget easily detected the unease in his voice.

She smiled lightly and replied in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Testing? I wouldn't dare."

Finn set down his fork and drained his wine in one gulp.

"I heard there's a writing room at the Grand Theater. To go to the trouble of creating such a separate office, you must have had a tremendous passion for your work."

"Didn't Donna mention that the door to that study has been locked for years?"

The easy smile that had lingered on Finn's lips vanished completely. He glanced at the glass, now stained, set it down, and asked.

"Have I done something to offend you, Miss Pennington?"

"No."

Bridget shook her head briskly and said in a tone feigning regret.

"But since there's nothing to show you, I'm afraid I can't accept Mr. Emerson's proposal after all. Also, I'd like to get back the drafts Donna took to Mr. Emerson."

"Ah, those."

"Yes. They're mine."

Bridget stared intently at Finn.

"Did you throw them away?"

"Not exactly………………."

"I thought you kept them because you said the talent was too good to waste."

Finn, who had been fingering his empty wine glass, picked up a water glass instead. After rinsing his mouth with lukewarm water, he answered with his characteristic gentle smile.

"It was so long ago I received it, I'll have to look for it."

“Sure."

His appetite seemingly gone, he called the waiter with a somewhat subdued expression and had his glass refilled. Bridget watched him with a quiet gaze, then belatedly picked up her plate and cutlery to clear her own cooling meal.

***

Even though she had barely eaten, her digestion was poor.

She had expected it, but it was still amusing that it actually happened. Getting sick after eating a full course meal at one of Glynford’s top restaurants.

As soon as she left the restaurant and arrived at the coffee house where Gilum was waiting, Bridget swallowed a digestive aid.

It was a liquid digestive aid, easy to take without water. Magnus had packed it just in case, and it proved incredibly useful.

"You must have been quite uncomfortable at that gathering."

Gilum looked pityingly at Bridget, who started taking digestive medicine the moment she sat down across from him. Bridget gave a bitter smile and set down the empty bottle.

"I suppose so."

"I thought you must be quite close if you had a separate meal."

"Not at all."

At Bridget's firm reply, Gilum glanced over with a puzzled look, peering through the glass. Their window seats offered a direct view of the restaurant entrance Bridget had just left.

"If it's not friendship, then why is Mr. Emerson approaching you like that?"

A subtle hint of suspicion colored Gilum’s voice. Throughout her conversation with Finn, Bridget had been self-censoring, wondering if she was being overly sensitive or simply unable to accept people's goodwill at face value. Now, she brightened and looked at Gilum.

"You think so too, don't you, Mr. Gilum? That there must be a reason."

She truly didn't want to become someone like Ain, who immediately distrusted and cold-shouldered people. Of course, she also didn't want to be the foolish type who blindly trusted others and got dragged along. She knew well, especially after everything she'd been through, that she couldn't live that way anymore. She just didn't want to completely abandon her parents' teachings. Specifically, that warm teaching urging her to live loving others.

In that sense, Gilum’s suspicion was a rather welcome reaction to Bridget. It meant her own doubts weren't entirely unfounded.

"Huh? Ah, I don't mean Madame Wise lacks charm. Of course, she's someone men can't take their eyes off."

"There's no need to be so flustered. I'm just glad you share my opinion."

"No, that's not it."

Bridget continued nonchalantly, looking at Gilum, who waved his hands in a flustered manner.

"If someone who was close to a beauty like Donna suddenly turns his attention to me, there must be a reason, of course."

Bridget still believed that any romantic interest Finn might have in her would be meaningless. How could she possibly believe that a man who had been with a dazzling beauty like Donna would now fall for her and offer help without expecting anything in return?

Nor did she entertain the idea Finn suggested—that he was doing this because he wanted to nurture her into a good writer.

She already knew how readers reacted when a work was truly good. She herself had lived as that kind of reader.

He definitely wanted something in return. In fact, she had a vague idea what it might be, but she hesitated to voice it aloud, afraid it might be overly self-conscious.

"Uh, I think you misunderstood me."

Gilum looked flustered. Seeing him try so hard to sugarcoat his words, afraid he might have hurt her feelings, made Bridget smile faintly.

"Mr. Gilum, you seem kinder than your first impression suggested. You appeared quite strict at first."

"Uh, ha, yes."

He ultimately gave up trying to explain to Bridget. She truly didn't mind, and seeing him so hurt made her feel he wasn't a bad person.

So, wouldn't he understand if she asked for just a little more help? It was a bit shameless, but still.

"Then might I take advantage of that kindness and ask a favor?"

"A favor?"

To Gilum, who looked at her with a puzzled expression, Bridget spoke in a cautious tone.

"Yes, Mr. Gilum, you're skilled enough to escort someone, aren't you? I imagine you must have undergone formal training."

It wasn't just street brawling; he'd likely served a proper master and learned the skills. The fact he readily took on guarding Bridget proved it. You couldn't protect someone with just a bit of fistfighting.

"Ah, yes."

Sure enough, Gilum readily agreed. Hearing his answer, Bridget leaned forward slightly and asked.

"Then, could you introduce me to someone capable of personal protection? Of course, highly skilled individuals are likely already professional soldiers or affiliated with other organizations... but... I'm still curious if there might be someone available for private hire. Ideally, someone who could work long-term."

In truth, after the sudden attempt of kidnapping, Bridget hadn't been sitting idle. Jane had suggested hiring private security, so Bridget had tried to find a company within Glynford that offered such services. But there simply wasn't one.

She had even considered placing an ad in the newspaper's job section. But this too couldn't be rushed. It was because of Donna's fanatics. What if they showed up claiming to be bodyguards and ended up harming her instead? She didn't want to hire someone while worrying about this, but the atmosphere on the streets was too unsettling; she had no choice.

Thus, she finally concluded that getting an introduction from someone would be the safest option. And within Bridget's limited circle of acquaintances, the only person she could reasonably ask for such a favor was Gilum.

"I don't really know anyone suitable enough to ask around for such a person."

Bridget lowered her gaze awkwardly and swallowed hard.

"Mr. Gilum, you know my situation. I thought you might be able to recommend someone more suitable, that's why I'm asking."

"Oh, did you feel too uneasy relying solely on me?"

"No, it's not that. But you'll be returning to the capital eventually, Mr. Gilum."

Bridget clasped her hands tightly and murmured as if to herself.

"Having been through so much, I just can't bring myself to let go and simply believe everything will be fine."

"Yes, I see."

Gilum nodded, seeming to understand Bridget's words.

"Hmm, actually, someone did come to mind the moment I heard you say that... but... that person is a woman. Would that be alright?"

At those words, Bridget's face brightened considerably as she nodded.

"Of course it's alright. In fact, a woman would be more comfortable."

"I see. Then I'll contact that friend right away. If she can come immediately, you should be able to meet within a few days."

Bridget let out a sigh of relief. Honestly, it felt too burdensome and awkward to run personal errands with Gilum tagging along. Having a personal bodyguard would give her much more freedom of movement. She smiled brightly and expressed her gratitude.

"Thank you."