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Kelsy realized she had quietly entered a secluded space following Vivian.

The sounds around them had quieted, and a warm atmosphere enveloped the area.

In this space, there was nothing to be heard except for Vivian’s breathing.

As Kelsy tested the floor with her staff, she felt the soft carpet beneath her, and the chair she sat on, guided lightly by a maid, felt luxurious to the touch.

Kelsy felt a wave of tension rise within her.

She must have entered Vivian’s office.

Not being able to see, Kelsy’s senses became all the more acute.

Even without sight, she could tell that Vivian had seated herself about five steps away.

She expected the questions to come flying at her the moment she sat down, but surprisingly, Vivian maintained her silence.

As she focused more intently, she could hear what sounded like rough, angry breaths emanating from her.

Was it due to that strange conversation with Kyle Allen earlier?

Had that incomprehensible talk made Vivian this furious?

With no answers in sight, Kelsy ultimately chose to remain silent.

They sat in the uncomfortable silence for a long time.

Just as Kelsy began to wonder if she should regret coming here, Vivian finally spoke up.

“You’re blind, aren’t you?”

She asked as if confirming something.

Kelsy nodded.

“…Yes.”

“How did this happen? Or were you born like this?”

“Seven years ago, I… ate the wrong food…”

“When the war broke out?”

“Yes. I was so hungry and out of food that I accidentally ate a mushroom.”

…

After another brief silence, Vivian asked.

“How old are you?”

“Seventeen. My name is Kelsy.”

“I see. What talent do you have to seek me out?”

“I’m good at calculations. Also, my mother often says I have a knack for business. I don’t know if I can be of help, but I will do my best.”

As Vivian assessed Kelsy, Kelsy too was getting a sense of who Vivian was.

In the end, the blind Kelsy had no choice but to gauge Vivian through her tone and voice.

From her observations, a few impressions of Vivian formed in her mind.

One was that, as expected, she felt incredibly noble and strong.

She was, after all, the last remaining heir of the Rondore family.

Though her voice had trembled slightly during the earlier conversation with Kyle, Kelsy figured it was because he was her enemy, and that was understandable.

There was a longing in Vivian’s voice that Kelsy could sense, a desire to grow, to advance.

Perhaps it was that feeling that emerged from Vivian’s speech that day, not just her voice.

She claimed to look beyond one’s background if they had abilities. That could never be a light promise.

Kelsy felt that Vivian had a firm goal.

And people who dream have a certain pull about them.

The more they talked, the more Kelsy found herself drawn to this Vivian.

…

A casual conversation ensued.

Information about family. Information about the past. How they were currently living, and so on…

Vivian shot endless questions Kelsy’s way, and Kelsy responded each time with utmost sincerity.

“…But how would a blind person look over the accounts?”

“It’s a troubling story, but if you could find someone to help me…”

“Wouldn’t it be better to hire someone who can see?”

“Just because someone can see doesn’t mean they’re capable. Aren’t you looking for capable people, Lady Vivian?”

“You seem quite confident. Can you back that up?”

“…Just give me one chance.”

After another long silence, Vivian asked.

“You know the situation in Roktana, right?”

“…Yes.”

“The reason I’m reaching out to commoners and the downtrodden is that I understand the severity. My retinue resents this choice of mine.”

“…Yes.”

“In order for you to dispel any doubts I have about my choice, you’ll need to prove yourself capable. Can you do that?”

Kelsy obviously lacked confidence.

But she had to muster some bravado for the sake of her younger siblings.

If she became a retainer to Vivian, the lord of Roktana and head of the Rondore family, at the very least her family wouldn’t starve.

Thus, she told a lie.

“Yes.”

Kelsy heard Vivian take a deep breath.

In a somewhat languid or inquisitive tone, she asked.

“Alright. So, can you propose policies to alleviate the poverty in Roktana right now?”

Kelsy nodded.

Having anticipated that question, she had a prepared answer ready.

“Do you know what’s been hardest for Roktana’s merchants lately?”

“…Go on.”

“The lack of transportation. The roads to other towns aren’t well-maintained. I heard it used to be fine, but after the war, we haven’t been able to fix the roads overrun with monsters.”

“But we have been regularly hunting them?”

“Yes, I know, but it’s not enough. A merchant with a single cart runs a huge risk if they encounter monsters even once. If you hear the stories in town, you’ll understand how much that fear stifles the business growth.”

“And so?”

“If you, Lady Vivian, would allow it… I think having knights protect these merchants might be great. It would be nice if they could receive assistance from the knights at a low cost…”

Vivian chuckled. Kelsy realized it was a scoff.

“You want me to let knights work as mercenaries?”

Kelsy’s confidence wavered, but she stood her ground.

After all, if they deemed her idea foolish, she could just leave the castle.

“…It would be at a low cost. That way, Lady Vivian, you could also create some debt with the merchants…”

“Would they even want that? I mean, it’s hard to think of knights working as mercenaries…”

“Isn’t everyone united anyway in wanting to lead Roktana to prosperity?”

…

Vivian paused, then let out another quiet laugh.

What could possibly be so funny? Was her suggestion so pathetic in her eyes? Kelsy couldn’t figure it out.

“…How naive.”

Vivian eventually said.

“Excuse me?”

“The only ones wanting to lead Roktana to prosperity are the impoverished. It’s because they think their lives will improve. You won’t find such sentiments in this castle. Everyone just wants to scrape by, even the knights. They are eager to protect a nonexistent honor.”

…

Kelsy couldn’t find words. Did Vivian share the same thoughts after all?

Had her claims about wanting to bring prosperity to Roktana been all a lie?

But soon enough, Vivian chuckled again.

“…But it’s not a bad idea.”

“Excuse me?”

“The justification is good, and it could also reduce the power of the knight order…”

The reason to lessen the knight order’s power was not something Kelsy anticipated, but there was a warmth in Vivian’s voice that began to shine through.

Kelsy felt that things were gradually going in her favor.

“I’ll think more about this.”

Vivian remarked.

Kelsy stood up, bowed her head deeply, and then sat back down.

“So, then… I…”

“…”

Given the atmosphere, it seemed she would be granted a chance, but Vivian remained silent.

It was a bit frustrating not being able to see her expression.

What did she look like, and how did she view Kelsy?

…

“…Before I give you a chance, one thing.”

Vivian quietly asked.

This question lacked the noble demeanor that had felt so strong before.

Somewhat hesitantly, and with a sense of innocence, Vivian asked.

“…What do you think of Kyle Allen?”

Such a sudden question.

Kelsy recalled Kyle Allen, the one who had taken her staff, the one who had gently helped her…

Being blind, she could sense things beyond the sight of others.

Her first impression of Kyle was undeniably poor, but beneath that…

Kelsy shut her eyes tight.

She knew far too well which family had caused her father’s death.

“…I don’t hate Kyle, but I detest the Allen family.”

Kelsy said.

Kelsy could hear Vivian let out a satisfied sigh.

It seemed she had made the right choice.

“…A maid will guide you to your room. For a while, you’ll live with the maids.”

Kelsy shot up from her seat and exclaimed.

“Thank you!”

****

The peace offering Vivian had extended kept circling in Kelsy’s mind.

Even her situation of having gone hungry strangely worried her.

Two days since Kelsy arrived.

Now, nearly five days had passed without a meal.

During that time, she had secretly asked Balron to somehow get food to Vivian.

But Balron had scolded her, saying that if Vivian didn’t even listen to him, what was he supposed to do?

If all this was Vivian’s way of getting on her nerves, she was doing an excellent job.

Every situation demanding careful attention was becoming a huge nuisance.

On top of that, the note’s contents only served to make her more sensitive.

Assassins, huh?

That practically meant a direct threat at this point.

Kelsy could feel that the unseen struggle was escalating day by day.

She didn’t want to protect Vivian, yet couldn’t find a reason not to… the unsettling notion that Vivian could really be murdered bound her tight.

She began patrolling again, wielding her two-handed sword.

Just sitting all day by the river with her two-handed sword was pretty pointless.

It was time she said goodbye to her mother and got a grip on herself.

Of course, she still loathed Vivian and couldn’t articulate her complicated feelings, so she kept her distance from her.

Vivian always walked around accompanied by a few members of the Punishment Unit.

The spot that had originally been hers was now occupied by at least three guards.

Whenever Vivian appeared, she could sense it beforehand.

And when she felt that presence, Kelsy instinctively hid herself and kept an eye on Vivian.

Whether Vivian was seeking her out or simply feeling cooped up, she often roamed the castle far too freely for Kelsy’s comfort.

Seeing her red hair swish as she turned her head this way and that evoked various emotions within Kelsy.

Sometimes, it was disdain, sometimes hatred, yet alongside that, she undeniably felt something more.

Yet, why did her negative feelings seem to deepen while, paradoxically, she felt Vivian becoming more beautiful over time?

It was supposed to be normal, where if you disliked someone, they’d appear less attractive, and if you liked them, they’d look pretty.

Vivian continually broke through the beauty barrier that Kelsy thought she’d set.

It was something she hadn’t realized while always being so close, but now that distance was opening her eyes.

She was shedding her girlhood, growing into a woman.

The shifts in her hips and bosom were undeniably feminine.

“…Hah.”

Vivian sighed from across the way and hung her head.

She looked so fragile, as if she might crumble at any moment.

Kelsy secretly gazed at her, leaning against a wall.

Vivian seemed irritated, biting her lip.

The tension in her forehead suggested she was both sad and angry—confusion incarnate.

Kelsy felt torn between wanting to approach her and worrying about whether she might cry.

The members of the Punishment Unit and the maid accompanying her were at a loss, as they could only stand in silence, not knowing why she behaved this way.

All remained standing in tense silence.

“Frowning like that will become a habit.”

At that moment, someone broke the silence and walked over to Vivian.

It was Lady Linne, Vivian’s mentor.

“And when that habit forms, you’ll get wrinkles. We can’t have those on such a beautiful face, can we?”

Lady Linne gently held Vivian’s face, smoothing out the frown lines with her thumb.

It seemed to carry a motherly affection.

But despite Linne’s touch, Vivian couldn’t seem to shake off her expression.

“…Not now, Master.”

Vivian brushed off Lady Linne’s hand as if to show her growth from the days she had just taken orders from her.

Lady Linne chose not to press her on the same topic.

“Understood. However, I can no longer overlook you skipping classes.”

“…”

“How many bridal lessons have you missed already?”

The mention of “bridal lessons” made Kelsy’s head whirl.

…Bridal lessons?

A sudden pang of heavy emotion surged from deep within her heart.

She knew Vivian had been learning strange things from Lady Linne.

She was aware it was about chastity, and relationships.

But she thought it was merely a process of learning about reality, shedding her former ignorance.

Yet could it be that all these lessons had been about bridal training?

…Had Vivian been spending time learning how to wag her tail at other men?

Was she learning how to be loved by other men and how to build relationships?

…

Kelsy found herself gritting her teeth without realizing it.

The very same Vivian who was so strict with her was now ready to flaunt herself to other men?

A fiery rage spread through her heart.

She couldn’t tear her gaze away from Vivian, waiting to see her reaction.

Hearing Lady Linne’s words, Vivian replied.

“…I understand.”

“I know it’s a complicated situation. But… you did promise to find a good husband, right?”

“…Yes.”

“Have you loosened your hips at all?”

“…”

Vivian nodded as if genuinely taken aback by that remark.

Her demeanor only stoked Kelsy’s fury.

Why did this effortless acceptance of such things make Kelsy feel so enraged?

Vivian was led away by Lady Linne’s hand.

Kelsy leaned back against the wall, stifling her emotions.

Her tightly clenched fist refused to loosen.

****

‘…I won’t protect you anymore. I finally understand how foolish my choice was.’

Vivian was absentmindedly recalling those words.

Before she knew it, it was deep into the night, yet she found herself lost in thought.

The memory of Kyle’s eyes as he delivered those words made her heart ache unbearably.

This wasn’t the first time he had shown her his hatred.

But bizarrely, it felt harder this time around.

Of course, his choice was entirely natural. How could it have been any other way?

If he had stopped her from visiting her mother’s grave, he would likely act the exact same way.

Yet Vivian realized there was no other option for her.

When he asked if she would return, she remembered the fiery glow in his eyes.

It was clear he intended not to come back again if he left.

In all honesty, Vivian felt a twinge of betrayal towards him.

That he wouldn’t come back, leaving her to fend for herself on this land.

…Deep down, she couldn’t accept that.

Logically speaking, it made no sense for Vivian to feel betrayed.

After all, he was her enemy.

Feelings of betrayal were something reserved for those one trusted.

Of course, she believed in Kyle. But there was a distinction between belief and trust.

And this is what led her to gradually become aware of something.

Maybe she didn’t just believe in him; perhaps she had trusted him.

She had been treating a being who brought her pain with such complex emotions.

Just a few days ago, she couldn’t quite understand why she had felt that way, but she had to ask Kelsy how she felt about Kyle.

If she didn’t ask, she wouldn’t be able to endure it.

Kelsy might not notice her own appearance or that of others, but Kyle had perfectly operating eyes. He must have seen Kelsy’s beauty.

Was that what stirred something in him, leading him to acts he ordinarily wouldn’t do, helping Kelsy?

Why was this curiosity burning her up? Why did it enrage her so much?

…

At least it was a relief that Kelsy hated Kyle.

Finding anyone in Roktana who didn’t despise the Allen family was a far greater task.

Regardless of the case, Vivian had consistently warned him not to protect her.

Just the other day, she had said it again.

“I made it clear. If you’re going to expect something, then don’t even bother doing it in the first place. You said it yourself. You’re acting for your own satisfaction. Don’t expect goodwill from me!”

He had merely followed that advice.

“…I won’t protect you anymore. I finally understand how foolish my choice was.”

Yet, because of his choice… Vivian already felt herself growing weaker.

She felt ridiculous and feeble for feeling that way.

Exaggerating it for emphasis, she felt like she was slowly losing her mind.

It was hard to define this suffocating and irritating feeling in a single word, and it twisted her thoughts in confusion.

If there were no one to watch her or judge her, she’d want to forcibly seat Kyle Allen beside her and at least have dinner with him.

She didn’t want to have to talk. She didn’t need to eat dinner.

She simply wanted him there beside her, quietly.

As that irritation grew, her loathing for Kyle Allen intensified.

He became such a nuisance that she yearned to torment him to the extreme.

She wanted to inflict her pain upon him until he begged for mercy.

She wanted to hear him say he’d obey from now on, recognizing his errors.

徨いつつKyle Allenを考えるほど、彼への破壊欲望がわきあがる。

She wanted to hold him tightly until he splintered, to bite into him almost as if she were trying to tear him apart.

She wanted to grab his hair, ensuring he wouldn’t turn away from her.

To touch the more mature body he now possessed…

“…”

Vivian squeezed her eyes shut and collapsed onto the desk.

Shaking off those bizarre thoughts, she realized that there was no need to inflict more suffering upon Kyle.

After all, she was already inflicting enough pain.

No matter what he said, he wouldn’t be able to leave the Rondore Castle. That was the most important thing.

Vivian took a deep breath, rising from her seat.

…She had these thoughts, but she lacked the courage to act on them.

For now, she wanted to mend the fractured relationship with Kyle, even a little.

Would he like it if she brought him some bread? He always picked bread first during meal times.

“Balron, are you there?”

Vivian called out towards the door.

…No response came.

“Is there no one outside?”

…Still, no answers returned.

As the eerie silence stretched on, a sudden realization gripped her with fear.

‘…Be careful at night.’

Kyle’s voice echoed in her mind.

The very person who had delivered that warning was no longer there to protect her. Her blood ran cold.

Vivian hurriedly ran to the door to check if it was locked again.

Then she pressed her ear to the door, straining to listen for any sound.

…

No sound reached her ears.

Was she becoming too paranoid?

Relaxing, Vivian made her way to the bed.

– Creak…

At that moment, the doorknob began to turn.

“…Ah.”

Vivian felt her heart plummet.

…

 

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