I Decided to Kidnap the Male Lead

Chapter 62: And Then There Were None (V)

Dont meet Lord Sheffield.

Yes That was a good enough warning.

Lawrences ability had been proven by his business skills that made the brewery grow this much in three years, and his popularity could be seen from the friendliness shown by the people who worked for him when they interacted with him.

Even having a great amount of consideration fulfilling the outrageous request of Ophelia, whom he met for the first time, without asking why.

In addition, he had a tall height, a solid body, and a likable face.

Wouldnt it be perfect if he loved children too?

As if reading her thoughts, two children jumped out of nowhere and clung to his leg.

Ywung mawster! Cwendy! Cwendy plweeze!

Candy! Candy please!

What is it, did you two leave the youngest somewhere?

Oh!

Lawrence didnt push or scold the clingy kids. Instead, he laughed merrily, taking candy out of his pockets and holding them out.

Is this a secret as always?

Yes!

He pressed his index finger to his lips, and the children smiled brightly, their cheeks bulging with candy.

Ophelia squinted at the dazzlingly refreshing sight.

There was no word that the esteemed son of Sheffield was married, let alone have a child, so those children must be the children of some of the staff.

Still, the children were not afraid of him at all and clung to him.

In the end, all in all, even if he didnt have the position of the next Marquis of Sheffield, Lawrence himself was already complete.

A first-class groom.

Ophelia muttered involuntarily and then nodded.

Thats enough for a first-class groom. He is really a very nice young man.

Of course, what Richard said meant the complete opposite to keep away from Lawrence because he could be a bad man. No, he would have told her to stay farther away from a good man.

However, it was impossible for Ophelia to know Richards true intentions, then or now.

Someone tugged at the hem of her skirt while she stared blankly at the truly heartwarming sight.

Yes?

Looking down, she made eye contact with a kid.

Odyo.

Follow?

Odyo! Ollo!

The childs eyes were shining brightly as he shouted an incomprehensible word.

Uh, um Ollo Follow?

Ophelia couldnt help but look away from the childs face, which swelled with expectations.

Yes, yes.

Smiling gently and stroking the childs head, Ophelia glanced at Lawrence, hoping for help.

But perhaps her speak with her eyes only worked for Richard, as Lawerence just looked at her and the child with a troubled expression.

Hey, Im asking for help. What are you looking at?

Tta-aaa.

Ophelia lifted the child up as the child tugged the hem of her skirt and whined.

For a moment, she was surprised by the heavier weight than she thought, and before she knew it, two more children appeared next to her.

They were the kids who surrounded Lawrence and ate candy.

The tallest of them thrust something at the child in Ophelias arms.

When Ophelia saw the candy in the childs hand, she knew what the child wanted.

The child grinned happily as he held the candy, and Ophelia smiled as well, hugging the child.

It must have been candy.

Sorry.

The tall kid who handed him the candy bent over her.

Please forgive him. The youngest is still immature, clinging to a precious person recklessly

What, its okay. Hes so happy that even I feel good.

Since she was dealing with children, she consciously whispered in a sweeter voice and smiled kindly.

At that, unlike when the children ran up to Lawrence and clung to him, they only wiggled their fingers with shy faces.

Ophelia, leaving the youngest in the care of the older child, gave an almost saintly smile and waved her hand at the children who huddled together.

The smile that remained for a while even after the children were gone disappeared in an instant when Lawrences voice was heard.

Excuse me, Aide.

He seemed to be watching her as she dismissed the childrens apology, as though he didnt know why she let it go.

I already told the children that it was okay. If the lord apologizes again, I will feel embarrassed, so dont worry.

There was black dirt on her skirt and shoulders, but she didnt seem to care.

Somehow, inadvertently, Lawrence wore not a polite smile, but a twirling grin like Catherines.

He had wondered how Ophelia managed to coax and take advantage of his naive little sister into obtaining the absurd position of a person of destiny.

She didnt seem so cunning or mean.

Even though it was their first meeting and the time they spent together was not long, the things she said towards him were plain sincere.

Besides, her attitude was the same towards the children, who clung to her with their grubby hands.

Isnt there a saying that if you want to see someones true character, look at how they treat the weak?

Besides, instead of trying to impress him, she was desperate to keep her distance beyond a certain point.

At this, it was clear that she wasnt targeting Sheffield and approaching Catherine.

Well, it might be possible for her to hide her intentions so well and then stab them in the back.

It was something to keep an eye on until then.

Okay. Then lets go see the wine for real.

The two eventually entered the wine cellar.

Taking her first glass, Ophelia let out a light sigh after taking a sip.

This is good.

This is the one Im most proud of, Im glad you liked it. How about something a bit darker next?

Just like that, Ophelia drank another cup. She nodded to herself.

Great. Well worth the investment. At this rate, the secret fund will steadily increase.

The moment Ophelia was about to drink her third glass of wine happily, envisioning the savory profits that would come in every quarter.

Stop.

A familiar voice came from the top of her head, and at the same time her hands became empty.

Ophelia, who had lost her glass without her realization, widened her eyes, and Lawrence, who was a certain distance away from her, also widened his eyes.

Even if you dont drink a few glasses, youll get drunk right away if you drink while smiling.

At the low whispering voice, Ophelia turned her head.

She almost called Richard reflexively, but she shut her mouth tight.

This is not a place where its just the two of us.

I cant call out his name.

As she opened her mouth again, Lawrence moved towards Ophelia. Well, to be exact, he moved to Richard.

I see Your Highness.

Ophelia waved at Richard and pursed her lips as Lawrence approached her in an instant.

She was doing her best to tell Richard that this was not her fault, but Lawrence couldnt help but look at her as if he was seeing something very strange.

As soon as His Highness the Crown Prince appeared, she trembled and waved her arms, unable to speak.

Could it be that she is afraid of His Highness even though she is an aide?

I heard shes a new recruit, but she must be the one who serves His Highness at the closest.

Lawrences eyebrows dropped in a sudden sense of sympathy and gave her a slight nod.

Of course, Ophelia, having no way of knowing what he was thinking, was shocked.

What kind of expression is that? Why are you nodding your head? What? Why are you coming closer!

The panic in her face was more pronounced than before, while Richard smiled and pressed her head.

Its okay. Im here.

Although Ophelia was greatly relieved by his answer, she paused.

Why was she being so fidgety like a woman caught cheating? However, that thought was just there, and Lawrences voice that soon followed distracted her.

I apologize, Your Highness, but may I know why youre here?

Yes. Why is Richard here?

Of course.

Making eye contact with Ophelia, Richard shut his mouth at the feelings that were about to spill out without his knowledge.

I came to see you.

Any other reason was just a justification.

I cant stand not seeing you right now, Ophelia.

I, you

Of course?

Without taking his eyes off Ophelia, who tilted her head, Richard brought out the untruthful justification.

The locust swarm problem.

A swarm of locusts?

Yes. The third.

Just by looking into Richards eyes, Ophelia knew that the third he meant was not just about a swarm of locusts.

As her face hardened noticeably, Lawrence replied, not hiding his doubt.

If its locusts, there are some found here too, but since its an annual, it should pass soon.

Even here?

Yes. Weve been seeing locusts for a few days now, but we got rid of them before they did any major damage. Were well prepared for any threat.

Lawrence didnt miss the opportunity and emphasized the brewerys merits, but they all bounced off Ophelias ears.

As brewery investment or secret funds were not important right now.

The third. Earthquakes, floods and locusts.

Huh? What?

It seemed like something very unpleasant came to mind.

Ophelia tilted her head even more, feeling as if she had forgotten her words and was cut off.

Earthquakes, floods, locusts. Where had she seen this combination?

Ame: I was half-expecting Catherine to pop up in all her magnificent jewel-filled glory, but plot called.

Dea: We have all gathered here today to witness Richards jealousy concern for the brewery, Ophelias denial regarding her feelings for Richard totally acceptable thought process and Lawrences obliviousness to the whole thing haha