The Secret Code of Monsters.

Chapter 27 Eastern Angel
"What did you come for? Oh... fresh rose petals?"

"I want some mint."

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Chloe."

The ladies and ladies were whispering, fanning themselves, frowning and chuckling from time to time.

The fragrance from their bodies masked the unpleasant smell of herbs in the herbal medicine shop, and these upper-class people who rarely appeared in the East District also attracted many passers-by to stop and look.

Lady Cherry Chloe wore a very delicate red and yellow checkered skirt, which made her waist look very slim.
A misty little cape (mantle) was draped over puffed-up mutton sleeves, and her hair was piled high in a crimson beanie;

There were gems hanging on her ears and chest, and she wore a pair of soft cloth-soled shoes on her feet.

"You are so exquisite today."

said the ladies around her.

"It's just my walking clothes. I asked the servants not to dress so formally. After all, we are going to the East End - but there is no more casual and cheap clothes at home."

Cherry-Chloe chuckled and glanced at the ladies around her, while others generously gave her praise, praising her so much that she squinted her eyes like a cat.

I have to say that even without looking at her clothes and accessories, Ms. Cherry-Chloe is absolutely worthy of praise.

She is indeed beautiful.

The slender eyebrows and charming eyes, the charm of a mature woman whenever she smiles; the swaying figure, the straight back that is always straight when she talks and laughs, the swaying slender arms that never dazzle the eyes -

Roland thought Rose should learn from her.

"Your rose petals, ma'am."

Fresh rose petals were wrapped, tied with string, and handed to the maid.

"Oh…"

Cherry-Chloe shielded her face with her folding fan and turned to the other ladies and muttered, "He's really attractive, isn't he?"

The orioles and swallows in their best attire whispered to each other.

East Side Angels.

This is Mr. Roland Collins's recent nickname.

Loud and clear.

I don't know which kind-hearted person spread the news.

From that day on, the number of ladies and young ladies coming to the pharmacy suddenly increased.

Unlike the neighbors, they usually had to take a carriage from the West District to the crooked alleys in the East District, and then, holding parasols and fanning themselves with exquisite satin fans, supported and served by servants, they would choose from the shelves...

It took half the morning.

It's mainly about admiring someone.

The shoemaker sometimes teased Roland, saying that he had never expected there to be traffic jams on this street.

"He really is like an angel."

"Those eyes are so pitiful. They are so hollow and yet they are as bright and charming as gems..."

"Are you...um, ready?"

"I brought holy water from the church. I will sprinkle it on you before I leave. This child is so beautiful, so she probably won't have any serious infectious diseases... But Cherry, be careful. You shouldn't get so close."

As if afraid that Roland couldn't hear them, the ladies looked in his direction as they talked.

It's like seeing some new and exotic animal.

Roland stood at the counter and bowed to the woman in front of him: "Mrs. Chloe."

"He remembers my name! Look, he actually remembers it!"

Thump, thump, thump.

The boy's charming smile caused this group of over-lusty human-shaped powder puffs to gasp.

Many servants took out 'Lady Resuscitators': small bottles of smelling salts and put them to their noses.

There are no gentlemen here to hold them up.

Cherry-Chloe covered her mouth with her hands, her eyes as blue as the clear sky reflected a face rarely seen in the world.

Roland tilted his head and pointed at his ears. His soft tone was particularly obvious among the chaotic exclamations and whispers: "I can't see, so I have to rely more on my ears." Thus, there was an extra layer of pity in his appreciation.

"Why should Roland Collins go to the theatre?"

"He can also make money with his face in the drugstore."

Roland quietly squeezed the counter and took a deep breath.

In short.

Although the total sales volume these days is not very large, it is simple - how much can flower petals and mint leaves be worth, and how much effort would it take?
"If you ask me, why do you want to be an executive? Just stay here and be my clerk."

Old Collins came out from the back room only after the ladies left.

Carrying a half-full bottle of wine.

He calculated that if the store maintained this for a month, it could earn as much as half a year's worth of money: this kid was good at making money, and if he kept him around for a few years, the two of them would be able to rent a house in a good street.

As for Roland not coming home all night a few days ago...

Too lazy to talk about him.

Isn't this obvious?

"...I warned you not to get involved with those black crows." He slumped down in his chair, not even looking at Roland who was grinding the medicine: "They are all walking on the edge of a knife. Do you think that one night..."

He glanced at Roland secretly.

"...Or maybe a few nights will allow you to charm her? Boy, I've seen it before. Those people have no emotions! They are all cold-blooded monsters..." The old man looked towards the door and the window again and lowered his voice: "...I heard that they can also use magic, using frog legs and toad skin..."

At this point, his eyes flickered:

"Did you see her perform any magic?"

This is what you want to ask.

Roland kept his mouth shut and shook his head: "No, uncle. The lady just told me to take the test in two weeks and I can register only if I pass it..."

Not getting the answer he wanted, Pushu Collins visibly deflated.

He grabbed the bottle and gulped down a few mouthfuls, then wiped his mouth and slammed the bottle on the table.

"Anyway, I can't do without salary."

Roland: "Don't worry, the lady is a good person."

"I'm worried about you?" Old Collins opened his mouth wide, his face seemed full of disbelief: "Me? I'm worried about you? Open your eyes, blind boy, I'm worried--"

Roland hummed to show that he was listening: "Yes, what are you worried about?"

"I'm worried—"

"Worry…"

He twisted his mouth, stuck in his shell for a long time, and yelled angrily: "Why don't you grind your herbs properly?! I don't think you can stay here for long!"

"It's so funny."

Roland lowered his head and shook his shoulders as he pushed the medicine mill inch by inch.

"…If you see any magic, come back and learn how to use it for me."

He mumbled for a long time and mentioned another thing. "Also, I have already told William about what you asked me to prepare for you... Bring me a bottle of wine when you go to visit my little princess..."

"Uncle, Alice is only ten years old."

"I didn't say anything about giving her wine to drink," old Collins retorted, "it's time for him to have a taste of the feeling of being drunk. There's not much business, but he pretends to be busy every day. I think it's better for him to knock on windows than to tinker with that bit of iron and leather all day long."

"I'll pass on your message." Roland put down the medicine grinder and wiped his hands. "You have to give me money to buy wine."

"What?! I give you food and drink, and I still have to--"

"Yes, and you have to take care of my living expenses."

Roland raised his head with an innocent look on his face: "Uncle, you are so kind to me."

The old drunkard had been drunk since noon, and it was not known whether it was due to being coaxed or the alcohol, but his wrinkled face was red.

He turned away and muttered, "So your last name is Collins..."

(End of this chapter)