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Rather than feeling joy or relief at the news, Vivian felt as if her heart sank.

There was only one worry weighing heavily on her chest.

…Kyle?

Even back in her mother’s time, they had prevented Kyle from leaving. The resulting differences in their relationship still had their lingering effects.

When they stopped him from going then, Kyle started demanding compensation, which led to a significant increase in physical contact.

Perhaps their feelings of love and hate for each other had deepened as well.

What would happen now?

Vivian was already afraid, knowing that a confrontation with Kyle was on the horizon.

With her eyes closed briefly, she could clearly see it.

Just imagining Kyle leaving caused her breath to hitch.

Therefore, allowing him to leave was simply out of the question.

Even though she knew that if she permitted it, Kyle could return home, Vivian had no intention of giving that simple permission.

…If she let him go, Kyle wouldn’t come back.

If he would return, she could allow him anything.

But would he return? With as much hatred as love?

The Allen Family losing their head? Kyle’s siblings left all alone? The chaos that would ensue in that land?

None of that was Vivian’s concern.

It was only a few years ago she wished for them to flounder in endless pain.

Furthermore, Vivian was already a survivor who had endured that pain.

With the suffering the Allen Family inflicted upon the Rondore Family, why should the Rondore Family show any leniency to the Allen Family?

Only she could take the place of the family head, at a mere 13 years old.

Her siblings in the Allen Family could simply take the head’s position.

From their perspective, shouldn’t they consider Kyle as a non-entity?

If she were to release Kyle to match their chaos, that could hardly be called a hostage situation. It was merely extended child care.

“…”

With such selfish thoughts, Vivian rationalized her choice.

Yeah, you did that to me too. I didn’t defeat the Invincible Knight. He fell apart on his own. Why should I have sympathy for that? You should feel the pain yourselves.

This was the only way she could stiffen her resolve.

This was the only way she felt she could endure the forthcoming clash with Kyle.

And as she steeled herself, one sincere thought whispered within her.

As much as the Allen Family needed Kyle… Vivian needed Kyle as well.

He had woven himself into her life to the point where separating from him was impossible.

“…Hah.”

Vivian pressed her forehead and sighed.

It had been several days since the cold war with Kyle.

She already missed their routine conversations.

It felt like she was addicted, craving a deeper connection with him.

…Out of the blue, she wanted to kiss him right now.

She felt that would calm the anxiety bubbling within her.

“Where is Kyle?”

In the face of Vivian’s silence, Lady Linne finally spoke up after a long pause.

“He’s probably still in the city. Hunting witches, I assume.”

“…It can’t be something he’s hiding, right?”

“…”

“…Don’t look at me like that, Master. I know it sounds ridiculous.”

Vivian sealed a letter to Count Korod with wax and handed it to Lady Linne.

“Send this to Count Korod.”

Ultimately, it would all be resolved when Kyle came back.

****

The news had spread.

Word of my father’s collapse echoed through the castle, creating quite a stir.

Those who caught sight of my face awkwardly fell silent, focusing on their own throats.

Silence filled the path I walked.

But perhaps it was anticipated; I wasn’t shocked.

Of course, my heart was heavy. Yet it was more bearable than during my mother’s time.

Maybe it was because I had already laid out plans for what awaited after.

Honestly, I could even predict Vivian’s reaction.

After putting down my gear and washing up, I headed to Vivian’s room.

-Squeak.

Without even bothering to knock, I pushed open her door.

Vivian quietly looked up at me as if it was only natural.

“…No.”

That was her first line.

Not a bit off from my expectations.

“I can’t be bothered with the affairs of your family—”

“-Shut up, just.”

I silenced Vivian, who was starting to list her reasons.

There was no need to listen to annoying, unpleasant discussions.

“I have no intention of asking for you to let me go.”

I was destined to remain here anyway.

I had unfinished business in this land.

Only after ensuring Vivian’s safety, discovering who had attempted to assassinate her, and eliminating them would I leave.

But that wasn’t happening just yet.

Knowing she could die, I couldn’t allow myself the lightness of leaving her.

Of course, this heart of mine was also a curse… but this was one thing I had to endure. Even cursed, I knew I would lose sleep if I left and she died.

My father would surely hang on until then.

Vivian froze at my answer.

She blinked and fidgeted for a moment.

“…Really?”

Then she whispered the question.

“Yeah.”

Vivian’s shoulders slackened with a sigh.

It felt like she was releasing the tension she had been readying for a fight.

Understanding the intent behind my words, she smiled indulgently.

Then she asked me,

“…What changed?”

“Change, what change? I won’t let you go, after all… I just don’t want to fight.”

“That’s true but…”

I plopped down on Vivian’s bed and sighed.

My father would understand.

He wouldn’t be someone to sulk over my choice.

In fact, he might blame himself for the trouble he caused me.

Yet it was now time for me to become independent from my father.

While I was a bit anxious losing the backing of my father, he had protected me through my growth.

Now it was time for me to take care of myself.

Vivian stared at me in disbelief and chuckled softly.

Seeing her smile, I asked,

“You’re that happy I’m not leaving?”

“…I just feel like you’re starting to listen.”

She stopped hiding her laughter and beamed brightly.

It was a stunning smile, as if threatening to blind me.

“…Good boy. Come here, Kyle.”

She praised my choice in a tone she usually never used, seemingly thrilled with it.

Ignoring her words, I lay back on the bed, and Vivian took a step closer.

Then, without hesitation, she pressed her lips against mine.

Her kiss had more of an intention to tease me rather than any affection.

She seemed to understand my feelings and wanted to drive me insane.

I closed my eyes tightly yet accepted her kiss.

Thinking of Vivian’s triumphant self, my head heated up, and on a whim, I squeezed her rear.

-Thwack!

Vivian jumped back, shocked, pushing my hand away.

I felt a small sense of victory and straightened up from the bed.

“Soft, huh.”

“…Wanna die?”

Vivian threatened. But I pretended not to hear and started to wipe my mouth as I attempted to leave the room.

“…Oh, right.”

Just as I was about to leave, a thought popped into my head, and I said to Vivian,

“I captured a witch in the city.”

Vivian stiffened and recoiled at my words.

“…A witch?”

I nodded my head.

“I plan to execute her tomorrow. Just stamp this seal for me.”

Vivian seemed utterly shocked at the mention of a witch.

After hesitating, she asked,

“H-how do you know she’s a witch?”

“I found it in the basement of the house I reported. There was a spell circle drawn in blood and various herbs. A voodoo doll with nails stuck in it and documents worshipping demons.”

Without a doubt, she was a witch. The shock of witnessing it with my own eyes was substantial.

I realized just how these cockroaches lived by casting spells on people.

“…You’re going to execute her without a trial?”

“I saw it with my own eyes.”

“…Wouldn’t it be better to execute her during the regular execution day? Why this rush—”

“-Cockroaches like that deserve to die.”

“…”

I understood the confusion Vivian was feeling.

My sudden hatred towards the witch must have felt abrupt to her.

Yet I was currently nurturing a growing animosity towards witches.

The reason I couldn’t leave Vivian even though she might end up with another man, and the reason I couldn’t part from her despite my father’s collapse, was all due to the curse from witches.

Looking back, the witch had ingrained me with feelings I would never have sacrificed for others before, showing just how greatly this curse was affecting my life.

I felt just how abnormal my behavior had become.

So I despised witches.

In the past, I’d understand the feelings of the paladin I met in the Ras cult.

Now, I could see why he was so fanatical about hunting witches.

“…I said it.”

Leaving the stunned Vivian behind, I departed.

Today felt like a day to sharpen my sword a bit more.

****

About 20 days passed.

“I can’t believe you’ve already killed two!”

Elena shouted at Vivian as if scolding her.

“How many more are you going to permit? That’s four…! You should have tightened the leash!”

There was no trace of the usual composure in Elena.

Vivian gradually began to realize just how severe Kyle’s pressure was and how much he loathed witches.

Vivian was equally perplexed. She couldn’t comprehend Kyle’s sudden aggression.

It felt like his rage towards her was escalating, with his frustration directed at the witches instead.

Because of this unexpected connection, Vivian was left without a response.

“…I’ll take measures.”

In the end, Vivian had no choice but to make that slight promise.

In any case, Kyle wouldn’t be frequenting the city much longer anyway.

Count Korod was coming.

I had also heard that Count Korod and his famous “Order of the Eight Knights” would be arriving.

This gathering was intended to manage the rampant merchants from Roktana, and Vivian already felt a headache looming over what kind of discussions would arise.

If things went poorly here, it could lead to significant changes in their relationship.

The boundaries of the constantly disputed territory might shift to suit his convenience, and even the taxes paid for entering the city could change.

It truly felt like she was stepping into the world of adult politics.

This was her first fight with someone outside of her territory, so it was only natural that she felt nervous.

“When Count Korod comes, Kyle will stay by my side. I can assure you that.”

Count Korod’s Eight Knights.

Focusing on strength, Korod arranged eight knights under his name and bestowed upon them great privileges and honors.

All of them had been war veterans, willing to lay down their lives for the Count.

Even now, she could feel their overwhelming presence.

Without Kyle, she might have easily been intimidated by them.

“…The real problem is after that. Don’t let Kyle Allen out into the city anymore…!”

Vivian finally lost her patience against Elena’s insistence.

“Tell him to stay hidden…!”

“What?”

“If Kyle scares you that much, warn everyone to be careful! I can’t argue in court if you stick evidence in Kyle’s face! How am I supposed to protect those idiots drawing spell circles in the basement?”

“…”

“Those witches would have been caught regardless if Kyle was involved or not.”

“…The only fool who walks in with dirty feet after hearing one bit of news is none other than Kyle Allen.”

“Now there’s someone who does walk in with dirty feet, so warn them. I’ll do my best to stop Kyle as much as possible.”

“…Sigh.”

Elena nodded slightly.

“…Yeah, that’s probably for the best.”

“Besides, how many people have I brought into Roktana? I made it easier for them to hide among the crowd. Why is it that only my mistakes are scrutinized while they don’t reflect on their own failings?”

The witch took a long drag from her cigarette and blew out the smoke.

“…I was just flustered. Alright, I understand.”

With that, Elena vanished over the window sill.

Left alone in the room, Vivian stayed still for a while.

Slowly, she crawled over to her bed and lay down.

After the fight, she felt strangely lonely.

Count Korod was coming with his knights, Elena kept getting mad over witches, marriage proposals were coming in from everywhere… and she was curious about what Kyle was doing at this time.

Wouldn’t it be better if Kyle’s room were right next door?

If only they shared a room like this, that would be great too.

Vivian closed her eyes tightly and fiddled with her necklace.

As she poured her power into it, sounds began to flow from the necklace.

Soft, colorful breaths. The sound of Kyle.

With the sound of his breath, Vivian’s unsettled heart began to ease.

Imagining him lying right beside her made her heart feel calm.

Peace returned to her mind.

She recalled Kyle’s promise to stand by her without needing to seek out her father.

…Wasn’t that a promise to always stay by her side?

Just from her imagination, Vivian felt a surge of strength.

“…Good night.”

Vivian whispered to the necklace, gently kissing it.

Sleep, which had eluded her, came rushing in with Kyle’s breath.

 

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