"That will be all."
I blurted out, startled. Then, almost in shock, I added, "That's it."
The hotel staff turned to stare; their expressions caught between confusion and surprise probably because my voice had come out louder than I intended.
The maid just informed me about the work I'll be doing for Lady Beatrice. I had asked about it earlier when she offered me the job, back when we were at the station, but her explanation wasn't very clear. She only mentioned being intrigued by my talent, though I have no idea what talent she's referring to.
Nevertheless, I was employed, and my work was something that I wish I had in the real world too, it was too simple for a job too.
I just had to follow Lady Beatrice around as her personal attendant, but I didn't have to do much, just be her companion.
I was suspicious at first, but no matter how much I thought about it, it didn't change anything. Was it safe? No, but I could risk my safety for now, I decided.
The fact that the mission was still ongoing told me that Jackie had been caught, and the scroll was now with the government. But what about Ash?
This morning, I had sent him the telegram. Though it was impossible to trace it back to me specifically, they could gather details about my appearance, despite the veil hiding my face, like my height and build. They'd also know I was in the next town. Still, it would take effort to find me. With the scroll already in their possession, would they go after me with full force? No. They also needed to track down Mr. Meagirous. For now, hiding under a noble's protection seemed like a much safer risk.
I was taken to the changing room by the maid; a space bathed in morning light that filled every corner. The architect and interior designer had clearly crafted the room with care. Standing before the mirror, the maid brought out a corset, a black skirt, a white shirt, and a long black coat. It was the same hybrid attire Lady Beatrice wore, coupled with black gloves and boots, I would be cosplaying her.
The maid helped me dress and, at last, handed me the gloves and boots, which I had anticipated.
Before leaving, she mentioned she was needed elsewhere and instructed me to head to the hotel balcony, where Lady Beatrice was waiting. Not for me, of course there had likely been a meeting she had just finished, and now she was probably taking a break, enjoying the view of the city from the balcony.
---
The sunlight illuminated the balcony, adorned with flowers and lush vegetation. A transparent dome covered it, spotless and free from smog, perhaps the hotel had staff dedicated to cleaning it whenever dust settled.
A lady dressed in hybrid clothing with a boyish charm sat on a nearby bench, gazing out at the cityscape.
Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her, and her lips curved into a smile.
"Did you know? A petite woman has stolen the Scroll of Karitori from the Museum of Sneved?"
Without turning her head towards the guest, she spoke before the guest could respond.
"How did you manage to steal it?"
I was startled but maintained a calm face.
I didn't expect that. Sure, after coming into this body, I had questions about how this poor woman managed to accomplish such a feat. But when her memories lapsed in my mind, I realized she hadn't done anything. She was merely told by the actual infiltrator to deliver it.
I raised my voice but spoke softly, ensuring only the person before me could hear. I didn't want others to know or let things spread, and it seemed Lady Beatrice shared the same thought.
"I didn't steal it. I was just told to deliver it, and even then, I failed. The scroll is already in the government's hands."
She nodded with firm composure, her emotions hidden from my view. She rested her chin on one hand, adopting a contemplative look.
Moments passed, the silence growing heavier and heavier.
Finally, she broke it. "What are you going to do now?"
Her question struck the wound I was trying to heal. I had never had a solid plan. I was just trying to survive and let opportunities come my way. I had always been like that. If not, maybe I would have lived a decent life in the real world.
I said firmly, "I will wait until Mr. Meagirous makes his move. Until then, I'll stay hidden."
She chuckled at my words but quickly regained her composure. "You're quite lucky... Anyway, I thought you were interesting, but maybe I was wrong. So why should I help you?"
"Don't. I have plans of my own," I replied, holding my head high.
"What plans?" she asked, frowning as she saw through my bluff, clearly annoyed by my obvious attempt to deceive her.
"Run to another town, maybe find another noble to leech on. Why should I tell you?" Yet, I pressed on.
She didn't say anything for a while. Moments passed in heavy silence, suffocating and making me anxious. These dramatic pauses she often took were unbearable.
Finally, she sighed, her hand returning to rest on the bench. She looked at me and gestured for me to sit beside her. I did so without hesitation, I had neither the reason nor the inclination to refuse. This woman knew my secret, seemed intrigued enough not to expose or blackmail me, but why hadn't she? Or was it only a matter of time?
Her once melodious and sweet voice now felt like it was laced with poison, a slow and insidious death, like poisoned honey she had been brewing.
"So be it. Work for me until the day that opportunity comes, and when it does, tell me before you leave. Do we have a deal?"
She extended her hand, palm open and bare, having already removed her black gloves.