PBUY Chapter 15

15

Ronald turned the car into a very narrow alleyway.

"If we keep going this way, we'll end up circling around to Newdane Harbor. But since you can see the sea, it feels rather pleasant, doesn't it?"

As they carefully weaved through the cramped alleyways, just as Ronald said, a few seagulls could be seen flying in the sky.

Near the harbor, large ships were unloading their cargo.

"Wow!"

Nellie blinked rapidly, gazing out the window.

"This is my first time coming to Newdane Harbor. It's also my first time seeing the ocean!"

Ronald slowed down a little.

"Take your time and enjoy the view."

Once they passed the ships unloading cargo, across the street came into view a row of large and small cafés, restaurants, and hotels.

"From here on, it's the expensive part of town."

"My dream is to open a café in this neighborhood someday."

"That's a fine dream." 

Ronald praised.

"I still have to save up a lot, but someday I'll definitely open my own shop here."

"Good. Then I'll come visit. Promise you'll let me know?"

"…Yes, I will."

But both Nellie and Stanley knew that such a promise would never be fulfilled. It was only spoken as a hopeful thought.

Sensing the mood sink, Ronald began humming a song.

"Farewell, traveler, farewell. You head to Navata, and I to Malife. Farewell, traveler, farewell, farewell, until we meet again..."

The word "farewell" kept repeating throughout the song.

Once they passed Newdane Harbor, a quiet residential area appeared. After driving past that for a while, the familiar neighborhood of Fitz Street came into sight.

So this really was goodbye to Stanley.

Only then did Nellie feel the reality of parting with him.

He had been the very first friend she made after arriving in Newdane….

Why did goodbyes always come so quickly?

"Stanley, I want to see you off. Can't we go to the train station first?"

"Nellie-Jelly, you'll end up being late."

Stanley tried to dissuade her.

"No, it's fine. We still have plenty of time. Ronald, let's head to the train station."

If it was goodbye, she wanted to do it properly. Stanley had been her first friend in Newdane, and they had made many memories together. She wanted to finish things on the right note.

"Stanley, let's say our farewells at the train station."

Ronald turned the steering wheel again, and the familiar streets of Fitz Street grew more and more distant.

Stanley gave a slightly troubled smile and covered his face.

"That guy… looks like he's getting emotional now." 

Ronald said, amused, glancing at Stanley.

When they turned toward the train station, they ended up caught right in the middle of Newdane's traffic jam.

By the time they finally arrived at the station, someone ran up and grabbed Stanley's shoulder.

"Stanley Jackson! Why are you only just getting here?"

"Huh? Bill! What about work, did you come all the way out here just to see me off?"

Bill, the one who had run up, seemed to be a coworker of Stanley's. Without hesitation, he grabbed Stanley's shoulder and said gravely,

"Your dismissal was unjust. Come back and work with us again!"

"What are you talking about?"

"We're on strike right now. As of this morning, all work has been stopped."

"Even so, I've already…."

Stanley trailed off, looking troubled.

"Are you really going to just return home like this? After being fired for getting injured?"

Stanley's expression grew complicated.

"……"

Nellie, watching him hesitate, turned to the man called Bill and asked.

"Then does that mean Stanley doesn't have to go back home, and he can work again?"

"Of course."

"But even though he's hurt right now and can't work?"

"He'll be able to return to work once he's recovered."

At Bill's words, Nellie urged Stanley on.

"Stanley, it's such a waste to leave like this. Didn't you say you needed to earn money here in Newdane so your younger siblings could study?"

Bill, with a determined expression, held out his hand to Stanley.

"We're going to demand that Boss Richardson reinstate everyone who's been fired, and that he raise our wages too. Join us, Stanley."

"……"

"What are you hesitating for, Stanley? Let's go right now!"

Ronald pulled lightly on his shoulder.

"This… is this really happening?"

Stanley gave a laugh that sounded as if he could hardly believe it. He looked overjoyed.

"Let's go back right away, Stanley! Hurry!"

"Wait, Nellie-Belly-Jelly. You need to get to work too. Aren't you already really late? Bill, go on ahead. I'll be there soon! I need to drop her off first. Ronald!"

Quickly, Stanley and Nellie got back into Ronald's taxi.

"Here we go!" 

Ronald's voice was filled with excitement.

***

The taxi weaved its way through the congested traffic and finally arrived at 331 Fitz Street.

When Nellie unlocked the door and stepped inside, Chester greeted her with a low voice.

"Why are you so late? And who are these people?"

Chester's eyes flicked toward Ronald and Stanley, who were standing behind her.

"They are…" 

Nellie began to answer, but Stanley cut in.

"We're Nellie's older brothers."

"…That's the first I've heard of it. Miss McKay, did you have brothers?"

"No."

"Then what are they?"

Chester frowned, glaring at Stanley and Ronald with displeasure.

But ignoring Chester's sharp gaze, Stanley draped an arm around Nellie's shoulder and cheerfully declared.

"Us? Well, we're not her real brothers, but we're close enough to be like brothers."

"Exactly, exactly." 

Ronald agreed with a nod.

Stanley and Ronald both put their arms around Nellie's shoulders, acting overly familiar. Ronald had only learned her name for the first time today, yet he seemed to have already decided to join the circle of "brothers."

"……"

Chester ignored Stanley's words and spoke directly to Nellie instead, his tone carrying a trace of disapproval.

"You're late today, Miss McKay."

"…What?"

Nellie, startled, quickly glanced at the clock. But it was still five minutes before the official starting time.

"It's still five minutes before work starts, Mr. Coleman."

"You've always arrived an hour early."

"That was because I chose to come in early on my own. But according to the contract, working hours begin at nine o'clock, Mr. Coleman."

"……"

"The working hours are written clearly in the employment contract given by Mrs. James. So this does not count as being late."

Nellie's crisp reply left Chester at a loss for words. Seeing his expression, Stanley called out to her cheerfully.

"Nellie-Dellie-Belly-Jelly! Then I'll see you at home!"

"Yes. Ronald, Stanley, goodbye!"

Nellie waved until the car carrying Ronald and Stanley grew smaller and disappeared from sight. Once they were no longer visible, she turned back to Chester and greeted him again.

"Good morning, Mr. Coleman."

"……"

But Chester, wearing a sullen expression, gave no reply.

So he's in a foul mood again.

Still, she didn't ask, "Why are you upset?" Sometimes the best thing to do was just let it pass. Years of experience had taught her that much.

Nellie carried on as if nothing were wrong, heading into the kitchen to begin preparing breakfast as usual.

She started right away, making pancakes and brewing coffee. After placing the pancakes on the stove, she sliced up some grapefruit and set it neatly on a plate.

She flipped the pancakes at the right moment and poured syrup generously over them.

It turned out to be a hearty breakfast for more than two people. Of course, Nellie herself had already eaten earlier.

"Please have breakfast, Mr. Coleman!"

When she called him, Chester walked slowly over to the dining table. She deliberately spoke to him in a bright, cheerful voice.

"You're up early today, Mr. Coleman."

"It's because you came later than usual, Miss McKay."

"Yes, that's true, in a way. And where's George?"

"You'll see when you go check on her."

His reply was curt and sharp.

"All right. Then I'll go see her after breakfast."

Nellie's calm reply seemed to ignite Chester even more, and his expression hardened further. He poked at his pancakes absentmindedly, cutting them into many small pieces.

"Mr. Coleman, are you trying to make a puzzle out of your pancakes?"

As if only then realizing what he was doing, Chester looked down at his plate and sighed.

"…I don't have much of an appetite."

He pushed the plate away, as though he truly had lost his taste for food.

"The way you cooked these pancakes… it doesn't suit me."

"…What?"

Nellie blinked in confusion. What kind of nonsense is this…?

"They're soggy."

It wasn't steak, yet he was critiquing the doneness of pancakes!

Chester, so unlike himself, was grumbling like a child. He usually didn't eat much, but he had never been picky about food.

And besides, Nellie McKay, the all-around capable caretaker, would never make soggy pancakes.

Nellie cut off a large bite and tasted it herself.

As she chewed, the pancake was perfectly cooked, sweet and fluffy.

Isn't it just that your appetite's off? It tastes perfectly fine to me.

But if she said that, he would surely lash out.

"……"

No, this just meant Chester was in a foul mood. Best to stay calm.

"Then would you like some more coffee instead? I bought this blend just yesterday, it has such a lovely aroma."

"Miss McKay."

"Yes?"

At last, it seemed Chester was done with childish complaints and intended to speak properly.

Nellie quietly set down her fork and waited for him.

"Those people earlier… are you very close with them?"

"Yes. Somehow, it just turned out that way."

"Since when have you known them?"

"Since I first came to the city, so, a little over a month now."

"Then why is it that to them, you use their first names, but with me it's always 'Mr. Coleman'?"

"…Pardon?"

"They've known you for just as long as I have. So why do they get called by name, while I'm addressed only by my surname?"

"Well… because you're Mr. Coleman, of course?"

"Do they not have surnames?"

"No, that's not it. You're my employer, Mr. Coleman. How could I possibly address someone of your position so casually?"

Chester's handsome face was twisted with frustration.

"You've spoken freely to me however you pleased until now, but here, you suddenly draw the line."

"What do you mean by that?"

"You told me I was the first man you'd ever given a key to. You told me we should get married…."

♡♡♡
Hi~ If you enjoy the translation and would like to support me or access advanced chapters of this novel, feel free to visit my ko-fi by clicking here~. Advanced chapters available:
𝟭𝟲-𝟭𝟳 [New, Oct 25]
♡♡♡