Ollie's POV
"Hmph! He's pretty, I'll give him that."
"Hm? What's wrong, Ollie?"
Miss Elena looked up from her pudding, tilting her head when she noticed me glaring around the shop with narrowed eyes.
"It's nothing, Miss!" I quickly straightened and forced a smile. "More importantly, tomorrow's the big day."
Tomorrow.
The day Miss Elena enters the academy.
"I'm so worried," I muttered before I could stop myself.
"Hehe. Don't worry, Ollie. I'll be just fine!"
She puffed out her chest with confidence, her bright smile practically glowing.
I bit back the words sitting on my tongue.
That's not what I'm worried about.
What should I do with our innocent Miss?
She's thrilled just to be leaving the stifling Viscount estate, and I can't blame her. But I know the truth. At home, everyone—from the Viscount down to the kitchen maids—has protected her with one heart. Out there, in the academy, she'll have no such shield.
And the men…
My eyes narrowed at the memory of earlier.
That strange white-haired man. I clearly saw him staring at Miss in a daze before bolting out of the shop.
It's obvious.
He's fallen for her.
Well… I'll admit he was fairly good-looking. But that's not enough for my Miss.
She deserves someone exceptional. Someone who seems like he's stepped right out of a romance novel. Capable. Handsome. Someone who understands love, who would devote himself to her and her alone.
Nobles might be allowed to take multiple wives, but… I pray Miss never has to endure the sadness that comes with that.
Because Miss Elena is truly good.
She's never once raised her voice, not even at a mere servant like me. She's an angel who gives happiness wherever she goes.
She deserves a love as pure and wholehearted as the kindness she shows others.
I clenched my fists and straightened my back.
"Just trust me, Miss! I'll make sure you stay safe."
Miss Elena blinked in surprise, then giggled softly. "Hmm? Hehe. Alright, Ollie!"
Her laughter was as bright as the golden hair that framed her face.
And in that moment, I silently swore to myself—I will do whatever it takes to make sure my mistress finds the happiness she deserves.
*****
Before coming to the capital, I had a whole list of things I wanted to see and do.
But maybe it's because I caught a glimpse of Elena earlier…
Today, I just don't feel like it anymore.
Yeah. Those things can wait.
For now, I'll just take it easy and rest.
I was about to head toward the inn Berno had reserved for me when—
Thud.
"Ow…!"
A small body bumped into me out of nowhere and tumbled to the ground.
"I'm sorry!"
"It's okay. Are you hurt anywhere?"
A boy, probably no older than an elementary schooler, scrambled to his feet, bowing his head over and over as he apologized.
With a generous heart, I reached out and helped him up.
"I should've been watching where I was going… I'm really sorry."
"Don't worry about it. These things happen."
Despite how I might look, I'm endlessly kind to the weak. A little accident like this? I can overlook it easily.
The boy's face was still flushed as I brushed the dust off his clothes.
"Thank you!"
He gave me a quick bow and dashed off, his small figure disappearing into the crowd.
"So energetic," I muttered, a faint smile tugging at my lips.
Watching him run off, I felt a quiet warmth in my chest.
Even though this world was originally just a webtoon to me, everyone here is undeniably… alive.
They're not mere characters on a page—they all have their own lives, their own souls. I've felt that more and more with each passing day.
After the boy vanished from sight, I adjusted my bag and continued toward the inn.
Before long, I arrived at the place Berno had mentioned.
"That'll be ten gold coins per night," the innkeeper said as soon as I approached the counter.
"Right. I have a reservation under Berno's name."
The innkeeper flipped through a ledger and nodded. "Ah, yes, we have the reservation. But no payment has been made yet."
I froze.
Wait a second.
Did that bastard Berno seriously make a reservation… without paying in advance?
He's surprisingly insensitive.
From the time I spent training with Berno, I can tell he's a good guy overall—honest, dependable when it matters.
But… how should I put it?
He's a little oblivious.
At times like this, he really should've just paid in advance.
Seriously.
Already planning to give Berno a proper scolding later, I reached into my pocket to pull out the coins.
But—
My fingers met nothing but fabric.
Empty.
I froze.
…Huh?
I patted my other pocket. Checked the inside of my jacket. Nothing.
My wallet was gone.
A sharp jolt of panic shot through me, but almost immediately my thoughts started racing.
Just now.
That boy who ran into me.
My missing wallet.
No way…
Could it be…?
I clenched my fist, a bitter laugh escaping my throat.
"So that's how it is, huh?"
My jaw tightened as I replayed the scene in my head.
That kid.
The nervous apology.
The constant bowing.
The way his small hands fidgeted as I dusted off his clothes.
It all lined up too perfectly.
A classic pickpocket move.
"Tch… I really let my guard down."
I gritted my teeth and forced myself to stay calm. Panicking wouldn't bring the wallet back. I had a rough idea of how these things worked.
If he was a professional, he'd be heading for a crowded street where it would be easy to disappear.
And if he was just a rookie… he'd be close by, looking for a quick escape route.
Either way, I had to move now.
I bolted out of the inn, my eyes sweeping the bustling avenue.