Chapter 127: Traitor – 3

Vivian visited her old room on the third floor of the Rondor Castle library.

It was the room she used before occupying the master bedroom of Rondor Castle.

The room she used before a great fire demon engulfed the castle once.

…The room Kailo first visited to comfort her while she was crying.

Vivian dismissed the soldiers and maids, saying she needed time, and returned here.

Closing the door, she immersed herself in memories for the first time in a long while.

Her mother and father often visited this room to dote on her.

Living such a busy life, she had forgotten even these small, precious memories.

-Swish.

Vivian ran her finger across the dust settled on the window frame.

Though Rondor Castle had been thoroughly cleaned for hosting guests, this room carried the weight of time.

No one had touched this room.

No one dared handle Vivian’s belongings without her permission.

Neither this room nor Kailo nor the maids attempted to cross that boundary.

They didn’t even ask if they should clean this room.

They acted only when ordered, never questioning her.

In a way, this also showcased the power Vivian wielded over Rondor Castle.

She had grown comfortable with everyone fearing her.

It was better to be feared by all than to be ignored while trying to be loved.

Moreover, for the task ahead, it was best if this place remained untouched by others.

Vivian moved a desk in front of the door.

The door could still open, but not fully.

A person could enter or exit, but what happened inside would not be visible.

She then took out the note Elena had given her from her pocket.

It listed the patterns of spells and the necessary materials.

Fortunately, gathering the materials hadn’t been difficult.

Perhaps the witch’s own offering was the most critical ingredient, rendering the others less significant.

Vivian placed the materials she had secretly collected in a corner of the room.

She knew well what it meant to become a full-fledged witch.

The borrowed power that had kept her alive so far now demanded its price.

Taking a deep breath, Vivian opened the window.

Then she hung the Rondor emblem outside.

It was the symbol she had used the first time she met Elena.

Elena had told her to hang a cloth like this by the window to leave a sign if she ever decided to become a witch.

If Elena saw it, she would understand Vivian’s signal.

This was the room prepared for the ritual, the secluded space for her transformation.

Afterward, Vivian cautiously left the room.

She locked the door with a prepared padlock and carefully kept the key.

Then she returned to where she had left the maids and soldiers behind.

“Valon.”

Ahe said.

“Yes.”

Valon replied.

She gestured behind her and instructed,

“From now on, no one is allowed into this area. Important documents will be kept here.”

The corner of the third floor of the Rondor Castle library, containing at least five rooms, was now completely restricted.

Though rarely touched before, it would now be utterly off-limits.

“Yes, I will station guards.”

Valon answered without question.

He simply obeyed Vivian’s orders.

There was no one left in this castle to test the Duchess of Rondor’s power.

One visitor, however, came to see Vivian that day.

When she saw the unwelcome guest passing through the castle gates, Vivian quietly sighed.

It was the Las Order.

They had come, cutting through the thick snowfield.

A year ago, they had waged war with help of Robert Rondor and were driven out of the territory.

Various reasons had been used to expel them—blaming their tyranny and claiming that supporting them during the war was a burden.

Although the verbal disputes with the Las Order went back and forth, ignoring the Lady of Loctana was not an option.

The Las Order had to grit their teeth and relinquish the land.

Yet here they were again.

Vivian could not predict their reason for returning.

“We greet the Sun of Rondor.”

Said Bishop Baristan, leader of the Loctana branch.

A man in his mid-40s with a stocky build.

Behind him stood Leopold, a holy knight of the Las Order who had once crossed swords with Kailo.

Without returning their greeting, Vivian asked.

“What brings you back? I made it clear there’s no place for the Las Order on this land.”

“The war is over, is it not? We came to propose our return, now that our presence should no longer be a burden.”

Baristan replied.

The difference in status between the little girl who used to speak with the bishop and the current ruler of Loctana was stark.

Vivian, who had once been dismissed by everyone, now commanded respect as Loctana’s sovereign.

“I have no intention of accepting. Leave.”

Vivian said.

Surprisingly, the bishop shrugged lightly.

“Well, I expected this outcome.”

Did they truly travel all this way through the snow to make a proposal they knew would be rejected?

Of course not.

Vivian waited for the bishop to continue speaking, and as expected, he opened his mouth.

“It is the Lady’s decision to provide the foundation for our order. On that matter, we will not argue. However…”

“…However?”

“The witch must be identified and executed. Even as the lord, this is not something you can refuse. Surely you understand that?”

“…I have no intention of refusing. I agree. Witches must be executed.”

“Do you now?”

Bishop Barristan asked.

“Then, where is our witch hunter, who was staying in Loctana?”

“Pardon?”

The bishop elaborated for Vivian, who did not understand.

“Kailo Alan. I’m asking where he has gone.”

Vivian’s gaze sharpened.

“One reason we left Loctana without much resistance was his presence. A man who uncovered several witches in just a few months. We believed it would be fine as long as he was there. Even if you didn’t trust the order, our goals were aligned.”

“But I hear that Kailo Alan hasn’t been seen recently. Witch hunts have stalled, and he isn’t patrolling. Even if you don’t trust the order, he’s a witch hunter empowered by us. His safety is something we guarantee.”

The bishop pressed further.

“So, where is he? Where is Kailo Alan?”

“…He’s bedridden due to illness.”

“Are you certain? I must ask because… this Loctana is becoming far too comfortable for witches. It’s hard to shake that suspicion. Our order has lost its footing, our remaining witch hunters have disappeared…”

Vivian let out a deep sigh.

She didn’t want to overthink.

She spoke.

“…He is bedridden. And before he is your witch hunter… Kailo belongs to me. He is my prisoner. I decide what he prioritizes.”

“But—”

“If you’re so concerned, appoint more witch hunters as you see fit. I won’t stop you from doing that. But don’t ask about Kailo’s whereabouts, and don’t try to bring the order back here. It’s starting to sour my mood.”

The bishop bowed, conceding to Vivian for now.

But she could feel that his doubts remained.

His suspicions were now creeping toward Vivian herself.

She could sense their strange stares directed at her.

…But even so, she could not hand over Kailo.

Not now.

She was still suspicious of him herself.

***

Vivian waited for the bishop to continue speaking, and as expected, he opened his mouth.

“It is the lord’s decision to provide the foundation for our order. On that matter, we will not argue. However…”

“…However?”

“The witch must be identified and executed. Even as the lord, this is not something you can refuse. Surely you understand that?”

“…I have no intention of refusing. I agree. Witches must be executed.”

“Do you now?”
Bishop Barristan asked.
“Then, where is our witch hunter, who was staying in Roktana?”

“Pardon?”
The bishop elaborated for Vivian, who did not understand.
“Kailo Allen. I’m asking where he has gone.”

Vivian’s gaze sharpened.

“One reason we left Roktana without much resistance was his presence. A man who uncovered several witches in just a few months. We believed it would be fine as long as he was there. Even if you didn’t trust the order, our goals were aligned.”

“But I hear that Kailo Allen hasn’t been seen recently. Witch hunts have stalled, and he isn’t patrolling. Even if you don’t trust the order, he’s a witch hunter empowered by us. His safety is something we guarantee.”

The bishop pressed further.
“So, where is he? Where is Kailo Allen?”

“…He’s bedridden due to illness.”

“Are you certain? I must ask because… this Roktana is becoming far too comfortable for witches. It’s hard to shake that suspicion. Our order has lost its footing, our remaining witch hunters have disappeared…”

Vivian let out a deep sigh. She didn’t want to overthink.

She spoke.
“…He is bedridden. And before he is your witch hunter… Kailo belongs to me. He is my prisoner. I decide what he prioritizes.”

“But—”

“If you’re so concerned, appoint more witch hunters as you see fit. I won’t stop you from doing that. But don’t ask about Kailo’s whereabouts, and don’t try to bring the order back here. It’s starting to sour my mood.”

The bishop bowed, conceding to Vivian for now.

But she could feel that his doubts remained. His suspicions were now creeping toward Vivian herself.

She could sense their strange stares directed at her.

…But even so, she could not hand over Kailo. Not now.

She was still suspicious of him herself.

That afternoon, Vivian had to handle unexpected requests from various noble families.

It felt like some sort of special day.

Princess Reina, representing several families, approached her with a plea.

“Pardon?”

“I apologize, Duchess. But could we perhaps stay a few more days? The heavy snow makes it burdensome to start our journey home.”

“It won’t work. I’ve heard that Kailo’s illness is contagious… The princess might catch it too. A precious body like yours, which must bear the child to lead this kingdom in the future, shouldn’t be harmed, don’t you think?”

A refusal.

It was a sneer, telling her to stop caring about Kailo and just focus on having children.

Reina couldn’t reply in the end, only smiling.

Vivian smirked back and walked away.

***

I lay on the bed, holding Vivian in my arms once again today.

We didn’t share any passionate kisses.

We just stayed there silently, feeling each other’s warmth.

There were no conversations, no eye contact.

Today, it was truly just like this.

Looking at Vivian nestled in my arms, I could sense that she had a complicated day.

It felt like she was deep in thought, contemplating something with her small head.

Then, she would sigh, bury her face into my chest, and hug me tightly.

“…Is it true?”

Out of nowhere, Vivian whispered and asked.

“What is?”

“…Is it true that you’ve given up?”

“…That you’ve truly decided to stay by my side?”

I sighed and closed my eyes.

Then, I told her a lie.

“I said it’s true.”

Vivian burrowed her face deeper into my chest and whispered.

“…I want to believe it, but I’m so scared.”

“…Scared that you’re lying. Scared that if I let you go, you’ll run away.”

“Will you keep me locked up forever?”

“…If I trust wrongly, it’ll be the blow that pierces through me.”

Each time she revealed her inner thoughts, her fragile and anxious emotions seemed to seep into me.

Whenever she showed her sincerity, I felt as though I held her heart in my hands.

And holding her fragile truth, I trembled.

Breaking it was something I found so incredibly hard to do.

Seeking relief from her unease, she asked,

“If you’re sincere, then tell me.”

“…Tell you what? You won’t believe me no matter what I say.”

“Tell me about our future. What do you think it will look like?”

I stayed silent for a moment.

The truth that came to mind was singular.

I would leave her and return to the cold north.

I would never see her face again.\

I would always long for her, staring blankly in the direction of Loctana.

And on the days I heard news about her, I would undoubtedly ache.

I would marry someone other than Vivian, and she would accept a man other than me.

The deep, tangled emotions between us would become a mere memory.

Whenever I thought of them, they would always hurt, and perhaps I would even regret them.

It would be a feeling that lingered until the day I died.

If I ever had a child, that child would remind me of Vivian.

Whenever the child cried, I would think of her.

Seeing the child clutching their knees, trembling with fear, or even getting angry, I would recall the 13-year-old Vivian.

If Vivian and I had a child together, I would forever imagine what that would have been like.

I believe Vivian would think the same.

She might resent me but still miss me.

She would probably cry a lot and feel a lot of pain.

But as she missed me, she would eventually accept my decision.

She would let me go and find her own new happiness and life.

And my selfish desire would hope that she would continue to long for me.

“…Kailo?”

Vivian called me again.

I erased the grim thoughts from my mind.

Once again, I had to give her the answer she wanted to hear.

I whispered my dream.

“…You and I will get married.”

“And when you’re ready, we’ll have children too.”

“…How many do you want?”

“Four. I like it when it’s lively.”

Vivian nodded as if she liked the answer.

Her stiff expression gradually softened.

“I hope their hair and eye color are red, like yours.”

“That way, I can think of you every time I see them. Especially the firstborn.”

“I want the eldest to be able to take care of their younger siblings.”

“I’ll teach that son everything. And you’ll…”

“Yeah.”

Sometimes, we…

“Then, the kids fall asleep, and we go for a walk at night, reminiscing about old memories. Sometimes, we even dance under the moonlight. If that’s what you want…”

We’ll build memories that belong only to us.

We’ll stack up the moments that are ours alone.

“When we’re together, we can even drink the wine we said we’d only have on special occasions, remember?”

Vivian slowly smiled.

Her anxiety gradually melted away at my lie.

“…And.”

“And, Vivian.”

“…I’m listening.”

I cupped Vivian’s cheek as I spoke.

“…We will live a life filled with peace, sharing love while reminiscing about our cherished memories. We’ll tear down the walls we built out of hardship and live truthfully, loving deeply. And when we’ve grown old, sent the children off into their own lives, we’ll pass away together on the same day.”

Vivian, who had been smiling, slowly looked up at me.

Then, she asked.

“…Kailo, are you crying?”

“…What?”

I touched the corner of my eye for a moment.

It wasn’t exactly tears, but there was a bit of moisture.

I mumbled an excuse.

“…Why would I cry? I’m talking about a happy future.”

Vivian gently stroked my hair.

I could read the concern in her eyes.

I clenched my teeth.

As if searching for a way to apologize, I said,

“…Vivian, even though you said we can’t have children right now.”

I slowly moved my hand, placing it between Vivian’s legs.

Lifting her garment, I touched her most private place.

“…Ah!”

Vivian gasped in surprise.

Within that gasp was a deep and instant desire that ignited.

“Isn’t this something we can do as much as we want?”

I said.

“Ka-Kailo…”

The doubt she had shown earlier was nowhere to be found.

It felt like she was truly trying to trust me now.

Unable to face that, I finally pressed my lips to hers.

At least in that moment, I could close my eyes.

I gently moved my fingers.

I could feel her body tightly, desperately holding onto me.

Even with just one finger, it was overwhelming.

Vivian continued to gasp and moan against my kiss.

“Kailo… ah…!”

“You don’t even know how much I’m holding back, do you? Open your legs more.”

“Ah…! Ahh…!”

“…Do you still not trust me?”

Vivian’s toes curled.

She clung to me desperately, resting her head on my shoulder.

Her moans echoed directly into my ear, her breath warm against my face.

“Ka… Kailo… ngh!”

Vivian, lost in pleasure, drooled.

Her half-lidded eyes had been hazy for a while now.

Her adorable reactions unknowingly made me relax.

“…Tell me you love me.”

And so, I made a request I shouldn’t have.

Amid pleasing her, I uttered words that could spark another argument.

“…Tell me I’m the most precious to you.”

If I heard the answer I wanted, perhaps I truly might yield to her.

Her lascivious appearance was shaking me again.

Trembling in ecstasy, Vivian looked up at me with eyes full of desire.

If there were demons in old books, like succubi, they would probably look like this.

Vivian didn’t answer.

She tightly shut her lips and shook her head, tears forming in her eyes.

My last bit of hesitation vanished as well.

Although expected, frustration drove me to move my fingers more intensely.

The lewd sounds filled the room.

The wet flesh being pressed together echoed loudly.

The louder it became, the more Vivian’s body writhed in my arms.

“Ah…!”

Instead of answering, Vivian hugged my neck again and kissed me, closing her eyes.

Her mouth blocked my words, her gaze averted as if escaping.

It was the same expression she wore when I lied earlier.

In the end, I closed my eyes as well.

And continued the kiss with her.