The Story of How I Pretended To Be A Boy and Ended Up Being Loved By A Mafia Boss - Chapter 11

When I arrived at the villa, Duke Fury’s carriage was parked in front of the mansion.

So, this really was the place.

I told the men I brought with me to wait outside and rang the doorbell.

To my surprise, the duke himself opened the door, looking startled.

“Why are you here?”

“There’s something I need to confirm.”

“Something to confirm?”

I peeked into the entrance hall—and there she was.

Anis, just as I remembered her.

“Huh?? Ryu-san!!”

Anis noticed me and came running over with a big smile on her face.

“Why are you here!?”

“You’re safe, huh… You disappeared so suddenly; I was worried.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t contact you… But how did you even find this place?? ” Anis innocently asked.

I’d come all the way here, but I hadn’t really thought of an excuse.

“Actually, I know Duke Fury.”

“Huh?? Do Ray-san and Ryu-san know each other?? ”

Ray?

“Yeah. We met through work a long time ago…”

The duke gave a slightly awkward smile.

What kind of relationship do those two have?

Did they know each other from way back?

“Duke Fury, may I speak with you outside for a moment?”

“Ah, of course. Let’s do that.”

The duke and I got into my carriage, which was parked a little way off.

As soon as we sat facing each other, the duke wasted no time.

“So, you know Anis?”

(That’s my line), Ryu thought.

“We’ve known each other for about five years. But why do you know, Anis? ”

“I… know her mother.”

Do you know her?

Count Royden said they were old friends.

“So, you brought them here? ”

“Yes. I wanted to help them in any way I could. I asked them to manage this villa.”

So he hired Anis’s mother…

To go this far—don’t tell me the duke is involved with her.

“It’s not the kind of relationship you’re imagining.”

Heh.

So he read my mind.

“Even so, she’s someone important to me.”

“If Anis is safe, then I won’t question your relationship.”

“I see. You two seem to be good friends.

“Friends,” huh… Looks like the duke doesn’t know Anis is a girl.

If she wants to keep that a secret, I’d better leave it alone.

“Would it be alright if I came by to check on Anis from time to time?”

“Of course. I’m sure he’d be happy.”

“Thank you.”

As I prepared to leave and let the duke off the carriage, Anis came running up to me.

“Ryu-san, are you leaving already??”

“I just wanted to make sure you were safe.”

“I see… Will you come again?”

“Yeah. If I’ve got time.”

Don’t give me that abandoned kitten face…

We can see each other anytime.

I reached out from the window and patted Anis’s head. She smiled happily.

 “Hehe. See you again, Ryu-san.”