Bad woman, am I pretending to be bad?

"Ahem, good morning, Miss Watson. What brings you here so early?"

Melina eased the tension with a light cough, patted her cheek, and tried to calm herself down.

"Ok?"

Her voice trembled, as if she were being questioned; Charlotte lowered her eyelashes, and her tone immediately became troubled.

"That's because Miss Melina only told me her address yesterday. Even though I really want to see her again, I can't just sneak over a lady's wall in the middle of the night, can I?"

"While it's not entirely impossible, after all, Miss Melina did it too, and friends should always be understanding of each other..."

The more she spoke, the softer the girl's voice became, until finally it turned into a completely aggrieved murmur.

"Miss Watson, I didn't mean that!"

Melina waved her hands repeatedly, eager to explain, but then she saw Charlotte raise her eyebrows and eyes, bright and beautiful, her eyes sparkling.

"Pfft, I didn't mean that, it was just a joke~"

For such a lively parrot, sometimes revealing a little of her true nature can actually lead to better progress.

As for which are the truths and which are jokes... well, that's a lady's little secret, so please don't try to guess.

We can't guess it anyway, can we?

Melina relaxed, but looking at Charlotte's figure, those words from earlier came back to mind once again.

Even if it was a joke, it meant that after only half a day apart, Watson was already thinking about meeting him again, as a friend...

A small thrill rose in her heart. The figure in front of her was so dazzling. Her profound and elegant words when she spoke of those ideas at the tea party, and the way she left Leona speechless with just a few words, who could not feel longing and admiration?

Even though she was an extraordinary person, it was precisely because she had witnessed darkness and achieved a leap in social class that Melina knew the value of this beauty.

Without letting the silence continue, Charlotte raised her voice and asked.

"Speaking of which, Miss Melina, what made you decide to climb over the wall?"

Looking somewhat complicatedly at the courtyard and the closed gate behind her, Miss Parrot's lively demeanor faded considerably.

"...Actually, just now, I had a fight with my father. He blamed me for not being able to reach an agreement with Ms. Leona, which put the family in a difficult situation. I just retorted, and he blamed me for everything that had happened before."

“But it’s obvious to everyone that Count Bathory is going to crush the entire Tingen again. Unless we offer up our property, we can’t escape this fate. However, my father still carries a sliver of hope. He believes he is special, just like he once stood out from countless people.”

A gentle breeze ruffled her hair, causing the mistletoe wreath to sway softly, its tender green leaves fluttering in the breeze.

“The Earl Shore family was hanged and their bodies displayed in public. Ms. Kercia disappeared into an unknown street. People who were once in the same situation as us are gradually passing away. Being safe for a while means nothing.”

“My father hated my words and refused to face the truth. He changed, became a stranger, and became no different from those arrogant nobles who distanced themselves from the people.”

Holding the frame of the glasses by the side of her eyes, her slender fingers, wrapped in white gauze, exerted considerable force, even twisting the fabric into several wrinkles.

"Because of these words, he even flew into a rage, and I had no intention of arguing with him, so I just planned to take my leave for the time being. However, as he watched me leave, he scolded me, saying that if I walked out of this door, I should never acknowledge this home again."

"So, as you can see, Miss Watson, I gave up on going out the front door and instead chose to climb over the wall."

With her neck slightly raised and her frankness undisguised, it was clear that Melina was quite confident in her decision and was waiting for the girl's approval, like a green parrot chirping as it hopped onto a branch.

Choosing to climb over the wall instead of using the main gate is indeed a rather unusual approach.

Perhaps Charlotte should also say, "An interesting woman?"

Having grown accustomed to the appearance of peacocks and nightingales, this composure mixed with playfulness, and intellect mixed with liveliness, is truly refreshing.

“Miss Melina is certainly adaptable. However, I’m a little curious, who are the O’Shaw family?”

Not ignoring the mention in the former's words, Charlotte, while praising him, also opportunely changed the subject and asked another question.

"They were also my father's former business partners, and were put on the gallows because of the port workers' riot, selling bootlegging, and controlling market prices. To be honest, the charges are too suspicious. It's a pity that I haven't met Charlotte Earl yet. I heard she's one of the most beautiful women in all of Tingen."

It is a sigh of regret.

No, although I appreciate your praise, you have already seen it, just from a different perspective.

She handed the wide-brimmed hat back to the other person, and only then did Miss Parrot notice the flower wreath covering her head.

"Hey, is this mistletoe? It's only December, and it's already blooming."

Looking closer at the branches and leaves in Charlotte's hair, one can see that mistletoe blooms mostly in early spring, which is quite different from the current climate. This shows that the girl has put in a lot of effort to find this green color.

Miss Watson really cares about her friendship with me. Even though we only met once, she puts herself in such an important position, even to the point of abandoning her ladylike demeanor.

The premeditated plan worked, and the joy it had been nurturing blossomed in Melina's heart.

"Yes, it took me a while to find it. I was surprised when I saw it."

Charlotte nodded in agreement and did not deny it.

"I really like this gift, but Miss Watson, how did you come up with it?"

Melina held the wreath in her hands, her gaze lingering for a moment, a testament to her delight.

“I once heard my mother say that mistletoe symbolizes hope and abundance. This year is almost over, and since we met at the end of December, let’s offer another blessing.”

"Furthermore, this is also related to Miss Melina's identity."

Leaning forward, Charlotte stood on tiptoe and whispered her warm breath into Melina's ear, sending a gentle breath into her heart.

With its mind in turmoil, as the moisture falls on its earlobes and the distance between them diminishes, the little parrot has lost all sense of thought.

Could it be that Miss Watson discovered that I am an extraordinary being? If so, what should she do?

Should we deny it, admit it, or pretend we know nothing and let the girl manipulate us?

Before she could think it over, the words reached her ears, making her heart leap into her throat.

"What do you think, Miss Mistletoe, the great writer of Tingen?"

Chapter Forty-Seven: Wishes Fulfilled

Not as an extraordinary person, but as a writer?

As her eyes gradually regained their sparkle, knowing that this was nothing to worry about, Melina raised her eyebrows and smiled brightly.

Using words to embellish her experiences is not only her interest, but also a skill she has always been proud of.

"I see. So, Miss Watson, when did you discover that?"

With a graceful and generous admission, the little parrot removed the wreath and began to preen the mistletoe leaves, calm and composed.

Of course, it would be even more real if one could ignore the blush rising from her ears.

"Of course, from the very beginning."

Nose to nose, eye to eye, Charlotte looked down unbiasedly through the thin lenses of her glasses and spoke frankly.

"The calluses on your knuckles, from the pressure of the pen, and the pen and paper you always carry indicate that you are used to jotting down notes, all of which are consistent with the identity of an author."

Holding Miss Parrot's slender hand, the girl gently stroked the callus as she spoke, her touch tender and focused.

"in addition--"

With a slight upturn of her lips, forming a faint curve, Charlotte raised her arm and craned her neck, reciting the lines with great expression, just like a leading actress in a play.

"Today I had the pleasure of meeting a beautiful lady. Although she was attending a pedantic aristocratic tea party, she was different from the crowd. She was elegant and refined. Her men's trench coat and trousers could not suppress her charm, but rather accentuated her beauty... Miss Melina, is this praise for me?"

After speaking, she tilted her head slightly, blinked her long, dark eyelashes, and her delicate smile revealed a sweet yet alluring heartbeat.

"I really enjoyed the notes I wrote at the tea party. If you have time, you could actually read them to me in person. Hmm, did you not hear me clearly? Let me repeat them—"

"Well!"

Before she could finish speaking, a hand covered Charlotte's mouth, leaving not even the slightest gap.

When you look again, a shy blush has spread across Melina's face. Her mind is blank, she looks dazed and silly, like a drunken parrot that has collapsed belly up.

"Miss Watson, I admit it, please stop, please stop."

It was a trembling sound, as soft as a mosquito's buzz, almost a plea.

"It's a real honor. The thought that my friend is a great writer makes me want to stand up straight and speak my mind."

Charlotte continued to speak, not only to achieve her goal, but also to gauge Miss Parrot's physical abilities.

The muscles and fascia beneath her clothing were not strong, and were no different from those of an ordinary person. Melina's path should be the kind that focuses more on special abilities. At this distance, I could easily twist her neck and turn it into a valuable and extraordinary property.

Of course, having an idea doesn't mean you'll do it. In social networks, writing incantations, and acquiring information, the value of a living person is far greater than that of an inanimate object.

With a snap of her fingers, Charlotte dispelled the shy atmosphere and took the lead, walking towards the wide road in the distance.

"and many more!"

Suppressing her unease, Melina hurriedly caught up with the girl, walked to her side, and walked alongside her.

“Miss Watson, have you ever been a detective? We’ve only been meeting for a day or two, yet you were able to make such a simplistic deduction based on such a short time.”

"Back in the Duchy of Plantagenet, I did undergo similar professional training as required by my profession."

It was perfectly reasonable to lie, since no one knew about Watson's past anyway, and the girl could fill in the gaps by making things up on her own.

Upon hearing this, Melina slightly opened her eyes, seemingly muttering to herself, and the previous topic gradually drifted away.

"Sharp-witted, intelligent, of noble birth yet compassionate towards the poor, slender yet exceptionally dashing—truly a character worthy of inspiration. I think I already have material for my next novel."

"Would it be convenient for you to tell me about it?"

Knowing that the praise was directed at her, Charlotte became genuinely interested. The power of words is not weak; they can be a mirror of the world, and their power to shape the world is even greater than the sound of gunfire.

Miss Parrot is a well-known writer; if we could borrow a few points from her, it could also shift the balance of power in society.

“Yes, what I saw and heard at the tea party, the argument with my father, and the things you described, Miss Watson, have given me a lot to think about. I want to write a short story, set in Tingen, with you and me as the characters, about a commoner who rises to nobility and a nobleman who returns to the masses.”

"I want more people to know about the hardships of ordinary people's lives and to see the injustices in today's society. I want to use the influence of words to make some changes, no matter how insignificant they may be."

As the rosy glow faded, the chestnut-haired girl nodded slightly, clenched her fist, and her eyes revealed determination.

However, Charlotte deliberately refrained from affirming this at this moment, offering a sharp critique from the reader's perspective.

"This kind of subject matter doesn't seem to be very appealing. Amid the hardships and exhaustion of life, most people prefer simple and straightforward stories."

“It doesn’t matter. The eyes of others are like a mirror. Maybe the story I want to write won’t attract them. Maybe my expectations are as thin as a thread, only able to provide a glimmer of hope for those who are stuck in the quagmire.”

A gentle breeze rustled the flower branches, highlighting those amber eyes and those delicate, focused features.

"But this faint light may one day save some lives, change Tingen, and change many more."

Having said all she needed to say, Melina immediately lowered her voice, pouted, and let out a couple of soft hums, expressing her dissatisfaction like a mouse turning on its face.

"Besides, I don't need those arrogant big shots to agree with my writing. They like beautiful poems, so let them be. Anyway, I'm writing happily and I'll just ignore any dissenting voices. I submitted the first draft to the publisher last night."

"Miss Melina, it is truly commendable that you have such a heart to show compassion for the people and offer your modest assistance."

Charlotte, generous with her praise as if grooming a little parrot, spoke up at just the right moment, taking advantage of Charlotte's moment of resentment to speak slowly and say what she truly wanted to say.

It was clear that even if she didn't say it, Melina's increasingly brisk steps expressed her inner enjoyment.

Now that Miss Parrot's goodwill has been won over, she should be able to legitimately state her own demands.

then--

"Well, actually, Miss Melina, I have some worries."

Charlotte's voice, tinged with melancholy, subtly interjects sighs during casual conversation to draw the attention of the chestnut-haired girl.

"Miss Watson, what happened?"

"Perhaps it was because I upset Ms. Leona yesterday, but on my way back to the hotel, I occasionally felt someone following me, which was quite bothersome. After all, I know very little about Tingen; I initially just considered it a tourist destination, and apart from you, Melina, I don't know anyone here."

She immediately distanced herself from the two sparrows, lowered her head, and became increasingly weak, as if she were all alone and helpless, and could only place her hopes on the person in front of her.

Looking at the girl's slightly furrowed brows and noticing her slender figure, Melina moved her lips as if she wanted to say something.

She was happy that Watson considered her a friend, and even more pleased that he regarded her as a special person.

Miss Josephine possessed no spiritual qualities, nor did she bear any trace of any extraordinary object. Count Bathory, backed by the Royalists, wielded immense power. If he were to lay a hand on a helpless, vulnerable woman, the outcome would be...

Without thinking further, Miss Parrot took out a stack of small pieces of paper strung together with pins from the inner pocket of her clothes and pressed them into Charlotte's palm.

"This is?"

It's a feigned incomprehension.

"The baptismal paper from the priest may not be of much use, but it might put your mind at ease, Miss Watson. Consider it my return gift and blessing."

While inwardly enjoying herself, Charlotte remained outwardly composed. She wiped the corner of her eye, revealing a red mark from rubbing, which also conveyed genuine gratitude.

Plan pass~