“That man has left the inn’s premises.”
Perhaps it was because we had entered the inn that the targeted man had lowered his guard.
I wondered what he would do from here.
“The person from earlier is probably the culprit, right?”
“I believe so, yes. If he’s not the culprit, there’s no need for him to be wary of us like that.”
If Giselle was right, and he wasn’t the culprit, he would just leave quietly. You don’t need to be on the lookout for the obvious tailing.
Was he perhaps trying to provoke us into thinking he is the culprit?
“That’s surely not it.”
“What are you talking about?”
“No, it’s nothing. Rather than that, what do we do now?”
Now that he’s off guard, I think it’s time for us to start following him.
Giselle showed a thoughtful gesture.
“Let’s not go after him right away.”
“Is he going to be on guard again?”
“That too, but I don’t think he’s going to commit the crime at this time.”
I looked at the clock and saw that it was just past 2pm.
In the alleyway used as the scene of the crime, there are many bars and other stores that stay open late. The traffic at this time is still not small. In other words, it’s impossible for the culprit to commit the crime. In the first place, according to the information that Giselle gathered, the crime was committed at midnight. It might not be a good idea to move now.
“Giselle, is the culprit only that man?”
“That’s the tricky question. I believe that something like that could be done by a single person, but…”
“Right.”
But it’s important to keep an open mind.
It’s too dangerous to let our guard down, thinking he’s alone.
“We will now soon. Rather than that, I have something I’d like to ask you too.”
“What is it?”
“Are you planning on working somewhere? You can’t!”
She grabbed me by both shoulders and asked me vigorously. And before I could answer, she disallowed me from doing so.
The bloodshot eyes of Giselle gave me a strange sense of fear.
“I may have money now, but I will run out eventually. I have to start earning some more before that…”
“I will earn the money!”
Perhaps in Giselle’s mind, I’m still a naive young noble lady. This is why she wants to take care of me and worries about me.
I’m not a naive young noble lady anymore, though.
“I think you should be earning money for yourself.”
Giselle looked frustrated as I replied in a dumbfounded manner. I’m not sure what to make of it. She must have realized that if she pressed me any further, I’d push her away.
“You should at least work somewhere I can keep my eyes on you.”
“I’m not a useless child anymore.”
“At least let me worry about you.”
I’m glad she’s worried about me, but I can’t allow her to restrict my actions, no matter how much I love her.
“I will decide my workplace by myself.”
“Let me know when you decide then. I will work there with you.”
I was told with a good smile.
I don’t like to be restricted in my actions, and it will be hard to work in the same place as it would make me feel monitored.
“I will tell you where I work, so stop thinking about working at the same place.”
“Ehh…”
“If you do, you are out.”
“Can’t be helped then. I will watch over you in secret.”
No matter how hard I try, Giselle had no intention of leaving my side.
“That’s fine.” I replied with resignation.