Chapter 72: Leash – 4

Elena didn’t visit Vivian until a month after the assassination incident.

“It’s been a while, Vivian.”

Vivian, who was sitting at her desk, handling the piled-up work late into the night, wasn’t surprised by Elena’s visit.

For some reason, she had a feeling that Elena would come tonight.

Perhaps, after spending so many years together, they were connected in some way, and Vivian had an intuition about it.

“I’m lacking.”

As soon as Elena’s voice reached her, Vivian didn’t even turn her head but spoke.

It was something she had wanted to say the moment she met Elena.

“Lacking in what?”

“In what you do for me. Compared to what I do for you, what you’ve done for me is far from enough.”

Surprised by the sudden claim, Elena fell into a long silence.

Then, as if to ease the atmosphere, she spoke softly.

“I promised to teach you how to become a witch, not to do things for you.”

“If all you had was the power that couldn’t even stop an assassin’s intrusion, I wouldn’t have accepted any of this.”

She had been mistaken.

“…Vivian, it’s because you’re still a probationary witch. Once you make the proper sacrifice and become a full-fledged witch…”

Vivian interrupted Elena, turning to look at her.

‘Click.’

A beautiful witch sat perched by the window.

“It won’t do. I can’t wait any longer. I’m risking my life and fighting as a witch, but I can’t watch my master hide in the safety of darkness, merely observing.”

Vivian warned Elena, who remained silent.

“You’re in this with me now. We’ll either die together or live together… it’s one or the other. From now on, if I can’t use my power because I am not a proper witch, then you’ll have to use your power for me. You’ll have to use magic for me.”

It wasn’t just because Vivian had a vague sense of what the witch’s sacrifice meant.

It wasn’t out of fear that she might need to sacrifice Kailo, either.

Kailo wouldn’t be the sacrifice.

Something else would be.

But the word sacrifice was clearly weighing heavily on Vivian.

“…Master, I knew it already, but you’re really selfish.”

“Isn’t it strange that I, a probationary witch, am fighting more than a full-fledged witch? You must have felt the pressure I’ve reduced by the Las Order.”

“And what have you done for me? When assassins came after me, did you stay by my side? Did you at least warn me? After the chaos calmed down, you’re only now slowly coming to find me, aren’t you?”

For the first time, a look of displeasure crossed Elena’s face.

It was a look that Vivian had never expected from the mature witch.

“…Vivian, slowly coming to find you?”

“If my words have hurt you, I’m sorry. But I no longer have anything to hold back. I’m risking my life to fight. What does a verbal spat mean?”

However, despite Vivian’s words, she couldn’t bring out the feelings she had hoped to see from Elena.

Though Elena’s face expressed displeasure, she still seemed calm and collected.

It seemed as if she had concluded that Vivian wouldn’t take any action, given the current situation with the reduced pressure from the Las Order.

But Vivian wanted to show Elena that this was a mistake.

“If you won’t help me from now on, I have other options. You might not know this, but Kailo Alan became a witch hunter on the Las Order’s orders.”

As soon as the words came out, Elena’s eyes widened, as if she understood what Vivian meant.

“…Vivian!”

“I’ll give Kailo Alan the witch-hunting mission. Who knows, I might even offer some advice.”

Vivian’s gaze swept over Elena’s body.

“…Blonde hair, tall, beautiful, with large breasts. Maybe I’ll tell him that.”

Elena and Vivian locked eyes for a while.

But Vivian had no intention of backing down.

Yes, she admitted that her ability to detect lies had been helpful.

Thanks to it, she had been able to stop Kailo from leaving and had even compiled the kill list.

It was a small ability, but it had brought about many changes.

…but it wasn’t enough yet.

She had only dealt with one treasury official; many retainers and knights remained.

To fully take control of Rondor, this was not enough.

The political struggle had begun, and the attacks from hidden enemies would only intensify.

At this rate, even an adult couldn’t hold on.

Besides, Vivian wasn’t willing to sacrifice her most precious thing just for this.

She didn’t know what exactly that precious thing was, but she could never sacrifice it just for this.

After a long silent stare, Elena finally sighed.

“…Alright, I understand how you feel. From now on, I’ll help you.”

“You should.”

“You don’t need to keep pressing me about the political struggle. Since you’ve already dealt with the kill list.”

“…I see.”

Elena raised one finger.

“One.”

There was a profound determination in those words.

“…The one person you want me to kill, I’ll kill them. That’s the price of my life. Anything beyond that, I won’t do.”

“…Make sure you choose wisely, Vivian. I can’t take any more. No matter what you pressure me with, I won’t do anything more.”

One person was enough.

Eliminating someone without even lifting a finger was certainly a tremendous power.

The first thought that crossed her mind was… Jade Alan.

Kailo Alan’s father.

The legendary undefeated knight of the Eastern Kingdom who killed his father and older brother.

The one who was responsible for leaving her to carry the weight of the Rondor family alone.

The reason Kailo felt guilty towards her.

It was all because of that undefeated knight.

Not long ago, she might have said Jade Alan’s name without hesitation.

However, now, a strange hesitation kept her from doing so.

The turmoil when Kailo lost his mother was still vivid in her mind.

How badly he had wanted to return to his homeland.

…If Jade Alan were to suddenly die, what would happen to Kailo?

Might the Eastern Kingdom officially request the Delrum Kingdom to send a successor for their loyal knight family?

It had been nearly four years since the war ended, and the damage to Delrum from the war was gradually being restored.

Rumors were even circulating that the royal families of the Eastern Kingdom and Delrum were growing closer.

They say the princess of the Eastern Kingdom, who was once taken as a hostage, was now having discussions about peace with a prince from the Delrum Kingdom.

In these four years, with things not as bad as they were back then, such proposals might not be out of reach.

Vivian’s contemplation didn’t last long.

She had no intention of loosening Kailo’s leash.

She wasn’t about to hand Kailo over in exchange for the lives of his family.

If she did, it wouldn’t bring her family back.

In the first place, for Jade Alan, Kailo staying in Loctana would be a greater agony than his death.

Vivian believed that would be the more satisfying revenge.

Also, she needed to wait until Kailo’s siblings were old enough.

By then, his siblings would receive successor training on Kailo’s behalf, while Kailo’s return remained uncertain.

…If that could happen, the Alan family might no longer need Kailo.

Kailo might have to live under the Rondor Castle for the rest of his life.

Vivian couldn’t help but suppress a cold smile.

…That sounded good.

To own Kailo for life.

Maybe Kailo would even like it.

He had feelings for her, after all.

He liked her.

If she gradually gave him actions he would enjoy, wouldn’t he be satisfied?

For now, it was just a kiss on the cheek… but over time, it could turn into deeper embraces, real kisses, touching all over his body… or even more.

Vivian sighed and cleared her thoughts.

She then spoke to Elena.

“Alright, Master. But that aside, please continue to teach me witchcraft regularly.”

“I told you, Vivian, those spells can only be used once you become a full-fledged witch-“

“I’ll decide that myself. Please just pass on the knowledge. It would be even better if it’s a spell I can use right now.”

“Sigh…”

Elena let out a weary laugh.

“How do I have such a reckless disciple?”

After some thought, Elena suggested to Vivian.

“…I’ll teach you how to create listening artifacts. They will be useful for understanding your enemies’ plans. I don’t know if you’ll be able to use them, though. Even if you can, you’ll only be able to use them for a limited time.”

“Listening artifacts?”

“The sounds that artifact hears, you’ll also hear. Is that alright?”

It was intriguing, but Vivian didn’t doubt it.

She had used many strange magical powers by now, so she was quite accustomed to them.

Suddenly, a thought came to Vivian, and she asked.

“Could that artifact be jewelry? A necklace or bracelet, for example?”

Elena tilted her head, as if the idea wasn’t the best.

“It’s possible, but it won’t be very effective. It’s better to place the artifact in a room. If it’s jewelry, it’ll only allow you to eavesdrop on the one person wearing it.”

“-That’s enough.”

Vivian whispered.

She had been wanting to hold onto Kailo’s leash even tighter.

When he showed hatred towards her, her heart would ache with a sharp twinge.

“…If it’s only one person, that’s enough.”

***

“What’s this?”

I asked as I looked at the necklace Vivian handed me.

A cold atmosphere hung between us.

We would take care of each other during meals, but our gazes were hostile.

In such a situation, Vivian suddenly offered a gift.

“Don’t you know?”

“How could I not? Why are you giving me this all of a sudden?”

“…It’s a leash.”

I frowned, and Vivian answered with a sneer.

“…It’s a joke. A gift.”

“A gift?”

Vivian elegantly moved her utensils and spoke while eating.

“…Even I feel gratitude sometimes.”

Had she gotten heatstroke?

But if anyone were to get heatstroke, it wouldn’t be Vivian, living in the southern lands; it would be me.

I slowly lifted and stared at the necklace Vivian had handed me.

Strangely, there was a small pendant with the Alan family crest engraved on it.

Seeing the crest made my heart ache.

It felt like I was facing my roots.

It felt almost unfamiliar because I hadn’t seen it in such a long time.

I traced the Alan family bear emblem with my thumb, and memories flooded back.

Without saying a word, I put on the necklace.

The crest of the Alan family was one thing, but this was Vivian’s gift.

I had no strength to refuse it.

After putting on the necklace, I didn’t feel the need to thank Vivian and continued with my meal.

Time passed.

And with it, various changes began to take place in the castle.

The execution of Brynden and Kelsie’s actions were the starting point.

The peasants of the fief began seeking Vivian, believing she had some special power.

There were more than a few who appeared, offering their undying loyalty.

Among them were young heads of households, or people whose lives had been shattered by the war, wanting to rebuild.

Vivian and I would interrogate them closely to decide whether to accept them, but despite our efforts, the number of people remaining in the castle gradually increased.

Some had come to strengthen the internal affairs of Rondor, and most were soldiers wanting to participate in monster hunting.

Though things were becoming complicated, this wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

It was a good thing that those with pure loyalty were mixing in with the evil, treacherous vassals.

The soldiers who volunteered all joined the Punishment Unit, so Vivian also increased the power of her army.

Together with Kelsie, the number of those managing Rondor’s finances had already exceeded ten.

Additionally, I assigned the task of overseeing the castle to a few particularly zealous soldiers, just as I did with my companions.

Through this, the general atmosphere of the castle became clearer, and we were able to hear more clearly about the various happenings.

Who harbored some dissatisfaction toward Vivian.

Who was leading the strange atmosphere, and so on…

Although the resistance that had once been strong had quieted down as Vivian’s followers increased.

It was now undeniable.

The influence of Rondor Castle was slowly shifting toward Vivian.

Vivian stood on the second floor of the castle, looking down at the courtyard.

I was by her side.

With a somewhat proud expression, Vivian gazed down at the bustling castle, smiling.

Perhaps she, too, felt a sense of pride as she watched the castle change.

From the time when she couldn’t do anything to the position where she was now somewhat acknowledged.

“…It’s nice.”

Vivian murmured.

I could feel it too.

Despite the hatred directed at Vivian, I also felt pride.

Especially, the pride of having safely passed through those difficult years as a boy and girl.

Recently, even Baelor had started avoiding eye contact with me.

Could there be a more certain change?

“It’s just the beginning, Kailo.”

Vivian crossed her arms, staring at the courtyard, and rested her head on my shoulder.

Our grudge was clear, but beyond that… there were also feelings underneath, making this close distance feel natural.

Especially after Vivian learned about my feelings, it seemed like she became even more unabashed.

As if it was only natural for her to touch me, knowing I’d be pleased, she began to extend her physical contact more comfortably.

…The problem was that her thinking was correct.

At that moment, I wanted to kiss Vivian’s forehead, which was resting on my shoulder.

Maybe it was the satisfaction I felt from the change in the courtyard.

“I’m going to rebuild Rondor now.”

Vivian lightly brushed her hair against me.

It felt like an instinctive action.

Her floral scent was sinking into my body.

“Stay close and watch, Kailo. I’ll establish a position you can’t ignore.”

Vivian smiled seductively.

She too had now become completely an adult.

Three years, four years… was that really such a long time?

The childlike image she had when we first met was now gone.

Vivian was tall for a woman.

Her beauty only deepened her allure.

Her red hair flowed like silk, and her body was as smooth as her hair.

Now, no matter what she wore, it looked good on her.

Her firm and flawless long legs.

…It was almost natural that I felt desire for her.

She had an aura so regal that it could intimidate anyone.

Her eyes were sharp, and when she was expressionless, she looked quite cold.

When the soldiers who had just joined the punishment unit said that Vivian was scarier than they had expected, their feelings were probably not wrong.

However, having spent a long time with her, I knew.

…She was originally a crybaby who often shed tears.

She was easily frightened and had a very feminine side.

The fact that I was the only one who knew this made Vivian feel more personal to me.

…It was a strange illusion, but it felt like she was my person.

“Vivian-nim.”

At that moment, I heard a voice, and Vivian hurriedly removed her head from my shoulder.

When I turned around, Lady Linne was standing there.

“The dance teacher is here. Let’s go.”

“Okay, I’ll go.”

I tilted my head at the mention of a dance teacher.

“…Dance?”

Had Vivian been learning to dance?

Vivian seemed to understand my confusion and smiled lightly before answering.

“I have to establish my position and step out now.”

“…Step out?”

Vivian said.

“Into society.”