A Snake’s Life Ch 82

Chapter 82

 

“Leaving already?”

 

Despite the lovely evening at the restaurant, Zerpell abruptly rose the moment the Duke arrived. A familiar pattern. He’d ruffle my hair, say *”I’ll be back,”* and vanish—only returning when the moon peeked over the horizon after sunset.

 

“Be good. I won’t be long.”

 

See? The same script. Puffing my cheeks in protest never worked, but today was different. My pout was a performance—a stepping stone to the answer I wanted.

 

“Tch… You say you’ll be early, but you’ll come back late again, won’t you?”

 

I squinted at him, gauging his reaction. Zerpell only smiled helplessly. He couldn’t deny it. I needed to stoke his guilt further. Slumping my shoulders, I turned away.

 

“Forget gifts… I just want to spend time with you. We barely see each other lately.”

 

A sidelong glance confirmed his uneasy smile. *Almost there.*

 

“We’re supposed to be lovers, but we have *less* time together than strangers do?”

 

“I want to be with you too.”

 

He patted my head. I knew his busyness stemmed from the Marquis, but if I stated my real request outright, he’d refuse outright. So I huffed, cheeks ballooned, and swatted his hand away.

 

“Fine! I’ll entertain myself. Come back whenever!”

 

I jerked my face aside. His brow furrowed as he grabbed my chin, forcing our eyes to meet. Before I could react, his lips brushed mine—brief but deliberate.

 

“No goodbye kiss?”

 

“Y-You just took one!”

 

I stumbled back, hand clapped over my mouth. Heat flooded my face. His laugh was infuriatingly smug.

 

“When you act cute like this… you always want something.”

 

“Tch.”

 

He’d seen right through me. That laughing voice mocked me. I coughed theatrically.

 

“So… will you let me?”

 

I peered up through my lashes. *This benefits you too, you know.*

 

“Speak.”

 

His amused sigh was permission enough. I clung to his arm, whining.

 

“Let me go outside the palace! Just for a little while. I’ll come right back.”

 

His eyebrows twitched. *Knew it.* Displeasure flickered across his face. I cranked up the puppy eyes.

 

“Alone, it’s too—”

 

I smacked a hand over his mouth. His eyes widened. Though he’d been going out more lately, it was always *with him*.

 

“I’ll take Paul and Wol! I *swear* I won’t wander off. And if there’s trouble, I can handle it—remember the rain I summoned? No thug stands a chance.”

 

“Shu—”

 

“Don’t you trust me??”

 

I glared, daring him to object. He exhaled heavily, then forced a wry smile.

 

“You’ll be careful?”

 

“Of course!”

 

I poked his furrowed brow. *Stop worrying.* Today’s mission: his gift. Having him along would ruin the surprise. Mission accomplished, I skipped out—even smiling at Duke Bert, who flinched at the uncharacteristic warmth.

 

“Paul! Wol! With me.”

 

They snapped to attention before Zerpell.

 

“Guard Shuiren well today. Ian, prepare a carriage—soft seats for her motion sickness. Budget isn’t an issue. If she wants anything—”

 

“Okay, okay! Shouldn’t you go? The Duke’s waiting.”

 

I cut off his fussing. Clicking his tongue, he shot the Duke a glance before cupping my face. His lips pressed to my forehead.

 

“Be safe.”

 

“I will!”

 

I waved until he disappeared, then sprinted to my room to grab my gem pouch. It bulged satisfyingly. Sure, converting them to cash was risky, but overthinking wouldn’t help.

 

*I already know what to get him. It’s pricey, but…*

 

From the window, I watched his carriage glide away. Time to move.

 

“Alright, let’s go—fast!”

 

Ian intercepted us. “Which carriage should I prepare? The royal emblem—”

 

“No! Just a normal one!”

 

That gaudy thing would cause a scene. After a pause, Ian vanished, returning with three shabby hooded cloaks. Familiar ones—enchanted for anonymity.

 

“Wear this. No one will recognize you.”

 

“I know. Used it before.”

 

He handed cloaks to us all, then passed Wol a money pouch. Peeking inside, Wol gaped at the heap of gold coins. *That’s… a lot of pocket money.*

 

“This should cover most purchases. For larger transactions, use this.”

 

He offered a blank slip of paper.

 

“A check? It’s empty.”

 

“It’s valid.”

 

A *blank check*? With the royal seal at the bottom? I’d never use it, but the pouch alone was generous.

 

The carriage Ian summoned looked plain—a relief after glaring at gilded ones lately. But when the door opened, the interior defied expectations. Plush, spacious, *familiar*.

 

“How…?”

 

“For covert outings. No one suspects this.”

 

Identical to Zerpell’s luxury ride. I slumped into the seats, drowsy already. The breeze lulled me to sleep.

 

“—Wake up.”

 

A stranger’s voice yanked me from dreams. A nondescript man stared.

 

“Who—?”

 

“Ah… It’s Wol.”

 

Right—the hoods. Magic blurred their faces. Paul’s was already up.

 

“Put yours on. Even your name could give you away.”

 

I scrambled up, slapped my cheeks awake, and yanked the hood tight.

 

“Any destination in mind?”

 

“First, exchange these gems.” I jiggled the pouch. “They’re not high-grade, but… I want to buy his gift with *my* money.”

 

Wol inspected the contents, then winced. Paul stifled a laugh. My gems, though pretty, paled beside noble standards.

 

“I know a place,” Wol said after a pause. “Let’s go.”