[R1999] Short Stories' Collection

Sotheby & Forget Me Not: Mister! Tell me more about how this world operates! (6)

Mirror, mirror on the wall (4) - end

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"Lady Sotheby, I don't see any name tag on this mirror."

After arranging all of his lady's presents, the butler found a plain oval-shaped mirror that was half-covered by a purple velvet cloth, lying in a wooden box alone.

"Oh, it was something the shopkeeper accidentally added to my package." 

The little lady was still busy thinking which ribbons were suitable for which present boxes, so she didn't really pay attention to the item in his hands.

"I will ask someone to give it back tomorrow... Oh! I found the right ones!"

She happily waved a red polka dot ribbon and began to tie it to the box.

"I see, then please let me take care of this mirror before we send it back to its owner."

His voice once again sounded a little strange, which was somewhat similar to when he talked about gorgons. This made Sotheby temporarily paused her current work to take a close look at him.

"Mister Lawrence, did you find something interesting but not tell me?"

She gave him a suspicious look, yet above all in those eyes, her excited curiosity.

"Well, I suppose it's a yes." 

The young man nodded before her "Aha!" expression.

"Still, I have a feeling that you are also secretly hiding a very important thing..."

His next words immediately made her eyes change to other directions but him.

"...from me?"

"Nothing at all!" 

Sotheby quickly replied, her fingers got tightened on the skirt.

"Oh, I- I just remember it's time for dinner! I heard from Mr. Langleys that today we would have a really really special menu haha..."

It was so easy to figure out an awkward smile from her, so was her hidden intention.

At times like this, the butler always found it amusing in teasing his little lady. To him, it was like leaving a drop of water on a flower, then watching its petals slightly shake. Nothing seemed special about this act, yet he couldn't take his eyes off it until the end.

"If so, I think I should come to the dining room as soon as possible then."

Holding the closed wooden box in his hands, the butler greeted her with a smile and left the room before her tense look.