“What is actually……?”
“I’m referring to Miss Farnese. Have you already forgotten?”
Farnese? Was he talking about Miss Laura De Farnese?
No, since that family was deprived of their noble peerage, I couldn’t call her by using that family name anymore. But I couldn’t clearly remember if we really did have that kind of conversation. Oh dear, I think I drank way too much.
The man calmly explained.
“Did I not ask if Miss Farnese was satisfied with her life as a slave? Once I did, you, Sir Giacomo, said that you would personally show her to me.”
“Ah. That’s right. That’s right…… I forgot for a second.”
I still didn’t feel certain while I was responding.
Miss Farnese was a valuable of the highest quality. In order to prevent thieves from stealing her, I had hidden her at the deepest part of my platform. Even if he was my friend, I couldn’t show it to him lightly. I was starting to regret it. How could I have made such an irresponsible promise……
The other party immediately noticed my complexion and spoke.
“I see. It seems you’re actually conflicted to show her to me.”
“No, the truth is.”
“It is fine. Please do not feel any pressure from this. I was merely suggesting this with a light heart. I was just curious as to how you truly handled your slaves, and how your slaves sincerely felt towards you.”
The man smiled bitterly and muttered.
“I am the one who should be apologizing. Due to my curiosity, I had ended up forcing Sir Giacomo into a delicate situation. Let us return to the pub.”
“Ah……”
After seeing the man’s forlorn expression, an indescribable guilt built up in my chest. It was that. The other party had merely requested something of me while thinking of me as a friend. But what was I doing?
In the end, was I not treating him like a stranger? What made me different from those people at the banquet hall who whipped their slaves? I was the worst. If those merchants were the villains, then I was nothing more than a mere hypocrite.
“……No. Please wait. I shall guide you to where Miss Farnese is at.”
“Pardon?”
The man blinked his eyes in surprise.
“Is that truly okay?”
“Of course. There’s no problem if we’re to simply look and come back. Thankfully, Miss Farnese does not sleep at night, so it should be fine to visit now.”
“…… Sir Giacomo. If you feel any difficulty from my request, then you may refuse at any time.”
The man was giving me a worried look.
“It may have only been a few hours since we have met, Sir Giacomo, but I feel a friendship between us. I do not wish to burden a friend.”
I was moved by his consideration. I told him that it was okay, but the man was still being considerate of me and was trying to refuse. What was I possibly hesitating for in front of such a good-natured person!
A smile naturally formed on my lips; the touch of anxiety that remained in my chest had melted away like snow.
“No, it’s fine. I, myself, also want to hear Miss Farnese’s opinion. If anything, I’d like to request for you to come with me. If it’s possible for me to think while in the slaves’ position…… the things that I have been lacking up till now. I wish to discuss this with you.”
“……”
The man’s eyes widened.
Until eventually, he smiled. It was a very soft smile.
“Giacomo. You know how to respect others. That is a precious ability that comes from your heart. It’s not something just anyone can learn. I truly respect you.”
I was at a loss for words from his straightforward compliment.
Although I wasn’t able to say anything and my mouth was hanging agape, the man was simply smiling at me in silence. As if he was telling me that he understood everything about me…… No, it was as if he understood the amount of appreciation that I desired from the world, it was that kind of smile.