The Story of How I Pretended To Be A Boy and Ended Up Being Loved By A Mafia Boss - Chapter 6

It had been three days since my mother disappeared.

I was still working as usual—shining shoes during the day and helping as a busboy at night to earn money.

I had to keep working… or I felt like the fear would crush me.

But every night, when I went home and lay down to sleep, I thought of my mother and couldn’t stop my tears.

Will I never see her again?

Will I have to live alone like this from now on?

Even when we had no money and life was hard, it wasn’t painful if I was with my mother.

I was always happy when we cuddled together under the blanket to sleep.

I wiped my tears quickly.

I knew it—I couldn’t just wait around and do nothing.

I’ll go to the count’s mansion again.

Maybe if I go secretly at night, I can get inside.

****

The next day, I bought a black shirt and pants from a boutique in the South District, so I could blend into the darkness.

Right!
I have to tell the manager I can’t work today.

Before heading to the mansion, I stopped by the shop.

“Oh? Anis, you look stylish today.”

The manager with messy hair greeted me as I entered before opening time.

“I’m sorry, Manager. I have something to do today, so I can’t work.”

“Oh, you came all the way here just to say that?”

“Yes.”

“Ha ha! You’re basically a day worker, so you don’t have to tell me every time you take a break.”

“Oh… really?”

“So? Where are you going dressed like that? A date?”

“No! It’s not like that. I just have somewhere to go…”

“I see. Will you be here tomorrow?”

“Yes! I’ll work tomorrow!”

“Alright then, see you tomorrow.”

Is every job this relaxed…?

But now I can look for my mother without worrying!

I couldn’t remember the way very well, but after I found that bakery, I walked straight to the count’s mansion without getting lost.

It looks like there’s no back gate…

There was another mansion behind it, so the front gate seemed to be the only entrance.

I waited until there were no people around and tried to climb over the fence at the far end.

But the fence was too tall, and there was nowhere to step. I couldn’t lift my body with just my arms.

“Hah… hah…”

It seemed impossible to climb the fence, and I was about to give up when—

“Hey! You there! What are you doing?!”

I knew that voice. It was the servant from last time!

I ran as fast as I could.

“Hey! Stop!!”

I heard the gate open, and the servant started chasing me.

I can’t get caught!

I ran through the neighborhood, turning corners to try and lose him. But in the end, he grabbed the back of my collar and pushed me to the ground.

“Let go!”

“You! You’re that kid from before, aren’t you?!”

He threw away my hat and grabbed both of my hands behind my back. It hurt.

Just then, a carriage passed by.

I thought it would just go past, but suddenly the horse neighed and stopped.

The door creaked open, and a man stepped out. He was clearly a noble.

He looked down at us from the carriage step and tilted his head.

“You’re doing something dangerous in a place like this.”

“P-Please forgive us. This girl tried to break into our master’s mansion. She’s a thief!”

“That’s not true! The Count is hiding my mother, isn’t he?!”

“Hey! Don’t make up lies!”

The servant pulled me up by my collar and started walking, still holding my hands.

Then the noble raised his hand.

“Wait. I’ll take care of this girl.”

“Huh…? What do you mean…?”

“She stood in front of my carriage, so I will be the one to punish her.”

“I-I see…”

“Yes… So you can leave.”

“If you say so… alright.”

The servant bowed and left.

I looked down, rubbing my sore arms, when the noble stepped down from the carriage.

“Come here. Let’s talk inside the carriage.”

“….”

“It’s okay. I won’t hurt you. Get in.”

“…Okay.”

I picked up my hat from the ground and got into the carriage. It was bright inside because of the lamp.

I wasn’t sure if I was allowed to sit on such a beautiful seat, but he noticed my hesitation and pointed to the seat across from him.

As soon as I sat down and looked at him, I gasped.

His blond hair reached his chest and sparkled in the light. His blue eyes were so clear, it felt like they would pull me in.

He was more beautiful than anyone I had ever seen, even in the North District.

Then he spoke.

“Where were you born?”

Why is he asking that? I wondered. But it wasn’t a secret.

“I heard I was born in the East District.”

The East District of Nailden is known for its factories. Many workers live there in apartments and housing complexes.

My mother and father met there and got married.

“East District…”

He looked a little confused.

What is he trying to find out?

“So, where do you live now?”

“In the West District.”

“…I see.”

“Um… can I go home now?”

“Yes, of course. It’s late. I’ll take you home in this carriage.”

“No, I’ll walk.”

When I stood up, he grabbed my arm.

“Wait. Do you know how far it is from here? You should accept help when someone offers it.”

Even if he says that…

“It’s really okay. I’ll just take you home and nothing more, I promise.”

“….”

I quietly sat down again, and he told the coachman to head for the West District.

He’s a kind person…

That’s how I was safely brought home by a noble I didn’t even know.