122. Not the Usual Escort
Avril pointed to the guide map inside the ship.
“This ship doesn’t have any 3rd class cabins. Normally, there would be many 2nd and 3rd Class cabins below the deck, yet there are none for 3rd Class. Meanwhile, the 2nd Class cabins are unnaturally wide.”
“Is that so? While the Victoria might be a means of transportation for ordinary people, I’ve heard that its purposes are more recreational for the wealthy. The former duke seems to have had some connections with it.”
“I see. If that’s the case, then it isn’t strange for there not to be any 3rd Class cabins nor for 2nd Class cabins to be abnormally large.”
“Indeed… But we better investigate this just in case. After all, we never know. Let someone else go to the 2nd Class cabin area on the first basement floor.”
Dylan was quick on the uptake, accepting Avril’s opinion that there might be a special place where people could hide. Then, he asked out of curiosity.
“Where did you learn about the typical size of a cabin?”
“Yesterday, out of sheer excitement, I read all the books about the structure of a luxury cruise ships! From how ships are built to how engines operate! It was very interesting!”
Avril answered with sparkling eyes, and Dylan seemed dejected. Then, he quickly instructed Grace.
“Grace, next time, please give Avril a romance novel with a theme of cruise travel. If possible, I would like one without a villainess in it.”
“???”
Avril tilted her head to the side as she watched Grace respond, “Understood, Master.”
All of the sudden, Dylan’s face approached from diagonally above.
Her heart skipped a beat due to the proximity, but then she noticed that Dylan looked somewhat sullen.
“…Even though it’s our honeymoon, this ship’s structure is all you have on your mind.”
“Ah! I-I’m sorry…!”
Avril panicked and apologized, and Dylan withdrew his sullen expression, reverting to his usual duke-like expression.
“You’ll be by my side at the welcome party. Today, we’ll be pretending to be Viscount Brough and his wife on their honeymoon. As of now, there’ll be a change of plans. I’ve decided to watch Avril in action.”
“…?”
Until recently, he was saying things like, “Your safety is more important.” And “I hope you enjoy the cruise.” But she wondered what that meant.
Of course, I’ll do my best to do the job asked of His Highness Lawrence!
—Soon, the answer to her question would become clear.
***
Avril was startled as she descended the grand staircase leading to the main dining room.
“Lord Dylan, this is the first time I’ve seen such a lavish and magnificent ship…! No, this is my first time on a ship, so that may not be the correct expression. Regardless, I’m so excited!”
The Victoria’s main dining room was constructed in the style of a five-story atrium. The ceiling was extremely high, and it felt so spacious, she almost couldn’t believe she was in a ship.
A standing party was being held in the main dining room. Amidst the livery chatter, orchestral music echoed through the atrium as many lights illuminated the venue.
At the sight of Avril giddily looking all over the place, Dylan smiled softly.
“Avril, your hand, please.”
“? Yes?”
Avril was supposed to be holding onto Dylan’s arm, but for some reason, that arm suddenly vanished. Instead, Dylan held out his other hand, and she took it.
Instantly, she felt a hand around her waist.
“…Hya!?”
Dylan chuckled in amusement at Avril’s yelped.
“Avril is suitable for the role of an innocent wife.”
“…!?”
Before she knew it, Dylan had changed from the usual, formal escort position of giving his arm to Avril, to the casual escort position chosen by close friends. He had wrapped his arm around her waist.
Of course, it was a first for Avril.
Is Lord Dylan teasing me…!? He thinks I’m not used to this sort of thing!
That was certainly true, but as she was asked to play the role of a newlywed wife on their honeymoon, she was willing to accept it.
Moreover, when Avril worried that they might not look like a married couple on their honeymoon when they boarded the ship, Dylan said, “Just be yourself, you’ll naturally fit into the role.”
I wonder if this way of escorting is one of them…
If so, she had to respond.
It’s okay, I’ve played the role of a villainess at least once! I should use that experience here!
She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t nervous because they were closer than usual. However, the moment she made up her mind, she recklessly took a step in the opposite direction of Dylan’s.
As a result, she inadvertently fell into his arms, and Avril screamed inwardly.
Hyaa—!?
Read a month’s worth of chapters ahead on patreon for only$3~
***T/N: Avril: Act like you’re married, act like you’re married… Wait, I AM married…
Please also consider donating to my ko-fi! It’ll greatly support me in action, no matter the amount!
https://ko-fi.com/antoinettevanessa
Have a Japanese story or the likes (Drama CD, etc.) you’d like to read? Want it to be translated? I’m open for commission!
https://www.fiverr.com/s2/aaab08c14d
Did you like what you read? Was it the worst thing ever? Tell us, please. Let the world know how you feel~