Kelsy realized that she had entered a quiet space, following Vivian.
The surrounding sounds faded, leaving only a warm hush.
It was a space where nothing could be heard except Vivian’s breathing. When her cane tapped the floor, she felt the softness of a carpet beneath it, and the chair she sat on, guided lightly by the handmaid, had a luxurious texture.
Tension rose within Kelsy.
Perhaps this was Vivian’s study.
Being blind, Kelsy’s senses were heightened. She could tell without seeing that Vivian had sat down in a chair about five steps away.
Kelsy expected questions to start flying the moment Vivian sat down, but unexpectedly, Vivian remained silent. Focusing harder, Kelsy could even hear the slightly coarse breaths that suggested Vivian might be angry.
Was it because of the strange conversation she had had with Kyle Allen earlier?
Could she really be this angry over the conversation Kelsy didn’t fully understand?
Unable to grasp anything, Kelsy ultimately remained silent. They sat quietly for an uncomfortable and lengthy time.
Had she come to the wrong place? Just as Kelsy began to regret her decision, Vivian finally spoke.
“Madam?”
Vivian was asking for confirmation.
Kelsy nodded. “…Yes.”
“How did you lose your sight? Or were you born this way?”
“Seven years ago, I ate something bad…”
“During the war?”
“Yes. Hungry and with nothing to eat, I mistakenly ate some poisonous mushrooms.”
“…”
After another moment of silence, Vivian asked, “How old are you?”
“Seventeen. My name is Kelsy.”
“Alright. What talent do you have that brought you to me?”
“I’m good at math, and my mother often praised my skills at commerce. Whether it will help or not, I promise to give my all.”
As Vivian judged her, Kelsy was also forming an impression of the mysterious woman. Since she couldn’t see her, Kelsy had to rely solely on Vivian’s tone and voice to understand her.
From what Kelsy could deduce, Vivian seemed quite dignified and strong-willed, which wasn’t surprising given that she was the last heir of the Rondore family.
Kelsy had noticed that Vivian’s voice trembled slightly during her earlier conversation with Kyle, but that was understandable considering their enmity.
Another impression that struck Kelsy was that there was a certain ambition and drive in Vivian’s voice—a desire to grow and move forward. Perhaps it wasn’t just the tone of her voice but the situation itself. The speech Vivian had given that day had left a lasting impression on Kelsy. The decision to overlook one’s background if they held the right abilities wasn’t something made lightly. It showed that Vivian had firm goals.
And where there was a dreamer, there was an aura of magnetism. Kelsy felt herself increasingly drawn to this woman as they continued to talk.
Casual conversation followed.
Vivian asked endlessly about family, past experiences, and how Kelsy lived now. Every question, Kelsy answered sincerely.
“…By the way, how do you plan to read the household accounts if you’re blind?”
“A bit embarrassing, but if you could help me find a person who’d assist me…”
“Wouldn’t hiring someone with sight be better?”
“Having sight doesn’t necessarily make one competent, does it? Aren’t you looking for capable people?”
“Can you back up that confidence?”
“…Just give me one chance.”
After a long silence, Vivian asked, “Do you know the situation in Roktana?”
“…Yes.”
“The reason I’m reaching out to commoners and even the poor is because it’s serious. My retainers oppose this decision.”
“…I see.”
“To gain my trust, you’ll need to prove you’re capable. Can you do that?”
Of course, Kelsy wasn’t confident, but she had to bluff for the sake of her siblings. Becoming one of Vivian’s confidants could ensure her family wouldn’t starve. So, she lied.
“Yes.”
Vivian’s deep breath was audible.
With a slightly lethargic, yet interested tone, Vivian asked, “That’s right, isn’t it?”
“…”
“Then, could you suggest a way to alleviate Roktana’s poverty right away?”
Kelsy nodded. Fortunately, she had anticipated this question and prepared an answer.
“Do you know the biggest issue the merchants of Roktana face at the moment?”
“…”
“Transportation. The roads aren’t properly maintained. I’ve heard they weren’t this bad before the war, but now, with the rise of monsters, they’ve become dangerous.”
“But don’t we have regular monster hunts?”
“Yes, but it’s not enough. Wanderer merchants pulling just one carriage can face grave danger if they encounter even one monster. The fear of such incidents is holding back the development of commerce in the city.”
“Then?”
“If… if you permitted it, knights could possibly escort these merchants. Maybe at a cheap price…”
Vivian chuckled softly, and Kelsy realized it was one of mockery.
“Are you asking to use knights like mercenaries?”
Kelsy’s confidence wavered, but she persisted. If her plan was deemed foolish or unworthy of attention, she could simply leave the castle.
“…At a cheap price. Perhaps it would help create debts owed to you by these merchants…”
“Would the knights even want to do that? Even if they did, it could damage their honor…”
“Isn’t the revival of Roktana what everyone’s striving for?”
“…”
Vivian fell silent for a moment, then released another quiet laugh. It was impossible to tell whether something about Kelsy’s idea amused Vivian or if it seemed futile from her perspective.
“…Innocent.”
Vivian finally spoke.
“?”
“The only ones truly striving for the revival of Roktana are the poor. They believe it will improve their lives. In this castle, there’s no such thing. Everyone here is just scrambling for another bite of bread. Knights are no different. They’re obsessed with preserving the honor that no longer exists.”
“…”
Kelsy couldn’t respond. Did Vivian share similar thoughts? Had her previous talk about reviving Roktana been mere pretense?
However, moments later, Vivian chuckled and said,
“…It’s not a bad idea.”
“?”
“The idea of a cause is good, and this could also reduce the power of the knights somewhat…”
Kyle didn’t understand the reason behind Vivian’s desire to reduce the knights’ influence, but there was a sense of goodwill in her voice now. Kelsy could feel things going her way.
“I’ll think about it some more.”
Vivian said it.
Kelsy stood up, bowed deeply, and then sat back down.
“Then… I….”
Vivian remained quiet, giving no hint of expression. Her face was invisible, leaving Kelsy wondering what kind of person she was and how she regarded her.
“…Before I give you this opportunity, one more thing.”
Vivian spoke quietly. The noble bearing Kelsy had felt earlier was now faint. There was a cautious and uncertain tone.
“…What do you think of Kyle Allen?”
An out-of-the-blue question.
Kelsy recalled how Kyle had poked at her body, snatched her cane, and then kindly helped her up. Her heightened sensitivity allowed her to perceive things others couldn’t.
Her first impression of Kyle Allen was far from favorable, but beneath that…
Kelsy abruptly closed her eyes. She knew too well which family had caused her father’s death.
“…I don’t know much about Kyle, but I detest the Allen family.”
Kelsy said it.
Vivian seemed to exhale contentedly.
It appeared to be the right answer.
“…A maid will guide you to your room. Stay with the maids for now.”
Kelsy stood up immediately upon hearing those words.
“Thank you!”
Vivian’s extended hand of reconciliation kept floating in his mind.
Her situation—being on the brink of starvation—had become strangely worrying.
Two days had passed since Kelsy arrived.
And the days of not eating were nearing the fifth.
All the while, I had secretly urged Balron to make Vivian eat, but every time Balron told me she ignored it completely.
If this was Vivian’s way of deliberately aggravating me, it was working well.
Handling each situation was annoyingly exhausting.
On top of that, the content of the note kept making me irritable.
An assassin? This was practically a direct attack.
I could feel the invisible power struggle intensifying day by day.
Even though I didn’t want to protect Vivian, I couldn’t think of a reason not to. A chilling unease settled over me—what if she really was going to be killed?
So, I started patrolling again with my two-handed sword.
Standing by the river all day with my sword might not mean much, but it’s time to pull myself together. I’ve already seen my mother off.
Of course, Vivian was still disgusting to look at, and I couldn’t define my mixed feelings toward her, so I didn’t approach her. Despite this, Vivian was always surrounded by at least three members of the Punishment Unit.
When Vivian appeared, I could sense her presence first.
And whenever I sensed it, I found myself unconsciously hiding and secretly keeping an eye on her.
Whether she was looking for me or just feeling stifled by the castle, she kept wandering around it, frequently catching my attention.
Her red hair swaying as she turned her head caused a mix of emotions to rise in me: sometimes disdain, sometimes hatred, and sometimes something else entirely.
As her negative perception grew day by day, so did her growing beauty. It wasn’t normal—I was supposed to think she was ugly if I disliked her; beautiful if I liked her.
Yet Vivian kept renewing her beauty effortlessly, breaking through my disdain.
Perhaps I didn’t realize it because I was always close to her, but now, with some distance, it became clear how womanly her hips and chest had become.
“…”
Sighing in the distance, Vivian finally lowered her head.
It was a fragile posture, as if she might crumble at any moment.
I hid against a wall and secretly observed her.
Vivian was biting her lips in apparent irritation.
Her furrowed brow was filled with sadness and anger, and chaos.
I wanted to approach her but cautiously watched to see if she might cry.
Her followers from the Punishment Unit and maids were at a loss. It was natural since they didn’t know why she was behaving this way.
They waited silently under the tense atmosphere.
“Frowning will become a habit.”
At that moment, someone approached her and broke the silence.
It was Vivian’s teacher, Lady Linne.
“And once it becomes a habit, wrinkles will appear. And we can’t let wrinkles mar such a beautiful face, can we?”
Lady Linne gently held Vivian’s face, smoothing out the wrinkles with her thumb in a maternal gesture.
But Vivian’s expression didn’t soften, even under her teacher’s touch.
“…Not now, teacher.”
Vivian pushed her hand away and responded. It was progress in standing up to her teacher who used to discipline her in the past.
Lady Linne didn’t push the matter further.
“I understand. But I won’t tolerate you missing any more sessions.”
“…”
“How many times have you skipped your sessions with the bridesmaids?”
The question stunned me.
…Session with bridesmaids?
The sudden mention sent a heavy surge of emotions from the depths of my chest.
I knew that Vivian had been learning something unusual from Lady Linne.
I knew she was acquiring knowledge about… the relationships between a husband and wife.
I thought it was simply part of her education into reality, shedding her innocence.
But these were bridesmaids sessions, she was saying?
…Was Vivian learning to wag her tail for other men?
Was she studying how to be loved by other men and form relationships with them?
“…”
I clenched my teeth without realizing it.
The idea of her being so strict with me but easily preparing herself for others made a burning sensation spread from my chest.
I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Vivian. I waited for her response.
After hearing Lady Linne’s words, Vivian replied.
“…Understood.”
“But you surely know how complex the situation is. But you’ve also decided to find a good husband, haven’t you?”
“…Yes.”
“Have you loosened up your hips yet?”
“…”
Strangely, Vivian nodded easily at the question, her attitude exacerbating my anger.
I couldn’t understand why her willingness to accept it made me so angry.
Vivian was led away by Lady Linne.
I leaned against the wall and suppressed my emotions, but my clenched fists wouldn’t relax.
“…I won’t protect you anymore. I’ve realized how foolish this choice was.”
Vivian absentmindedly recalled Kyle’s words.
It was already deep into the night, yet she remained lost in her thoughts.
Thinking back to Kyle’s eyes when he delivered that message made her chest ache unbearably.
He had shown her hatred more than once, but this time it felt especially painful.
Of course it was a natural choice for Kyle. She would have done the same if the roles were reversed—denying him entry to his mother’s grave.
However, Vivian realized she had no other choice.
His fiery eyes questioning her return, his resolve radiating from the simple statement: If I leave, I won’t come back.
Somehow, she felt a pang of betrayal.
The idea of his departure, of being left alone in this place—some part of her deep down couldn’t accept it.
Rationally, Vivian knew she had no right to feel betrayed.
They were enemies after all.
Betrayal is an emotion reserved for those you trust.
Of course, she trusted Kyle, but there’s a difference between trust and reliance.
It was in this situation that she realized something new.
Perhaps she wasn’t merely trusting him but trusting in him, forming these complicated feelings toward someone who caused her pain.
Even just a few days ago, this seemed to be the case.
She herself didn’t know why, but she had to ask Kelsy how she felt about Kyle.
She couldn’t have endured without knowing.
Kelsy couldn’t see her or others’ appearances, but Kyle’s vision was fine. Undoubtedly Kelsy’s beauty didn’t go unnoticed by him.
Had Kyle been swayed by it? Whatever the reason, his behavior toward Kelsy was anything but normal.
What was it? Why was she so curious, and why was she so angry at whatever reason Kyle had?
“…”
Fortunately, Kelsy hated Kyle.
Though, in Roktana, finding someone who didn’t hate the Allen family might be harder.
Anyway, Vivian had told Kyle multiple times not to protect her.
She had said it just recently.
“I clearly said it. If you’re expecting something from me, don’t do it in the first place. You said it too. You’re doing this for your own satisfaction. I’m telling you… don’t expect me to be grateful…!”
Kyle had merely followed that advice.
“…I won’t protect you anymore. I’ve realized how foolish this choice was.”
But with his choice… Vivian felt herself weakening.
She was aware of her vulnerability, which felt shamefully powerless.
It was like going mad bit by bit.
It was difficult to define this suffocating, irritable feeling in just one word, causing her mind to spin endlessly.
If she didn’t need to care about anyone’s opinions, if there was no need to judge what Kyle thought of her…
She would have forcibly seated the sightless Kyle Allen beside her and wanted to eat something together at the very least.
It didn’t matter if they didn’t talk or if he didn’t eat.
She just wanted to have him sit there quietly beside her.
The more suffocated she felt, the more Kyle Allen annoyed her.
The more his irritation grew, the more she wanted to torment him until he submitted.
Until he confessed he was wrong, and until he vowed to obey her.
At the thought of him, her urge to destroy him grew.
She wanted to crush him until he broke, bite him until she sliced him apart.
She wanted to grab his hair and prevent him from looking away from her.
And she wanted to touch that increasingly adult body of his…
“…”
Vivian closed her eyes tightly and rested her head on the desk, shaking off these strange thoughts.
Actually, there was no need to torment Kyle any further.
She had already inflicted enough pain on him.
No matter what he said, he wouldn’t be able to leave this Rondore Castle. That was the most important point.
Vivian took a deep breath and stood up.
…Even though she had thought of all that, she lacked the courage to act on it.
Right now, she wanted to mend her fractured relationship with Kyle even just a little.
Would he be happy if she gave him some bread as a gift? He always reached for the bread first during meals.
“Balron, are you around?”
Vivian asked toward the door.
…No reply came.
“Is there no one outside?”
…Still, there was no reply.
As this strange silence stretched on, a sudden realization brought her fear.
“…Be careful at night,” Kyle’s voice echoed.
The one who carried his warning would no longer protect her. Her blood ran cold at the thought.
Vivian rushed to the door, checking if it was locked again.
She pressed her ear against it, focusing on any sounds outside.
“…”
There was no sound at all.
Had she been overly paranoid?
Relaxing slightly, Vivian walked toward the bed.
-Click…
At that moment, the doorknob began to turn.
“Ah…”
Vivian’s heart sank like a rock.
…
