[AFYC] Chapter 61

He glanced at the clock.

“Well, this should be enough.”

“....”

He pulled out a book, one that he had no real interest in, and began flipping through it idly.

“....”

To make his presence known, he even cleared his throat.

“Ahem.”

There was no response.

Despite the thinness of the door, the reason he couldn’t bring himself to open it was because of Oscar’s reply to his question about whether it was acceptable to start with physical intimacy.

“As long as there are no side effects.”

Additionally, it was best to begin with a seemingly accidental encounter.

However, as time passed, Abel's expression grew increasingly sour. By the time his patience had completely worn thin, the entire world seemed to have turned a shade of red. Unable to bear it any longer, he was about to knock on the door when Barbara entered.

She had brought dinner with her, and upon seeing his state, she chuckled.

“You’re practically half-undressed, and yet I feel like I’m the first one to see you like this. Sorry about that.”

“Please, spare me the remarks. We’re all just working here.”

“Mind your manners.”

Then, as if to mock all of Abel’s patient waiting, Barbara knocked lightly on Seo Ah’s door.

“Miss, I’ve brought dinner. I’m coming in.”

The door opened, and Abel, unable to contain himself, peeked over Barbara’s shoulder to get a glimpse of the room. As soon as he saw inside, Barbara stifled a laugh, and Abel bit back a sigh.

All that time he’d spent waiting, imagining her emerging with her clothes undone, felt utterly foolish now.

The girl, whom he had assumed was quietly hiding away, was instead curled up on the bed, fast asleep. It was as if she believed this place to be safe and welcoming, despite having no real reason to think so.

Completely unaware that she had exhausted Abel Sting’s patience, Seo Ah didn’t wake until the next day.

A strange bird’s chirping pulled her from her slumber, and she groggily realised that she hadn’t just taken a nap but had slept through the entire night. She paled.

What was I thinking?

She remembered falling asleep while watching the sunlight, but now the pale light of dawn was turning the world a bluish hue.

She had slept through the night without even realising it, missing the transition from night to dawn.

Moreover, she hadn’t noticed when someone had come into her room. On the table was a note left by Barbara, indicating that she had brought dinner, and that Seo Ah should pull the cord if she woke up hungry.

The clock showed 6 a.m.

Hurriedly, she unpacked her things and went to the bathroom to wash. Today, instead of a dress, she chose a blouse and skirt. She carefully buttoned the blouse up to her neck and smoothed out the wrinkles in her skirt. As she was braiding her hair and tying it with a ribbon, she heard a presence outside.

Knock, knock.

“May I come in?”

It was Barbara who entered.

“You’re awake.”

She was carrying a tray of food.

Seeing her manage the rather heavy tray with one hand, Seo Ah quickly moved to assist, but Barbara had already placed it on the table before Seo Ah could reach her. On the tray was a steaming bowl of soup, a crisp-looking loaf of bread, some fruit, and a cup of tea.

“Please enjoy your meal. Leave the dishes when you’re done, and I’ll come by to collect them later. His Excellency mentioned that you have a weekly allowance. Since the amount is quite substantial, it would be inconvenient to deliver it to you every week. I was thinking of keeping your funds in a safe in my office and replenishing it weekly. How does that sound?”

“Yes, that would be fine.”

“If you need money, just let me know, and I’ll give you as much as you need.”

“Thank you. I’ll do that.”

“Is there anything else you’d like to ask?”

“Um...”

Seo Ah thought carefully about what she needed to do and responded calmly.

“While riding in the carriage, I noticed that the city seemed quite beautiful. I’d like to visit a place where many people gather... perhaps a market. Could you recommend somewhere to go?”

Her heart pounded as she asked, worried that Barbara might refuse.