Chapter 62: Two Cracks – 4

Kelsie could tell she had followed Vivian into a quiet space.

The surrounding sounds had faded, and a comforting warmth filled the air.

It was a space where nothing could be heard except Vivian’s breathing.

When Kelsie tapped the floor with her cane, she felt the softness of the carpet.

The chair she was guided to by the maid also had a luxurious texture.

Kelsie felt her tension rising.

She was probably in Vivian’s office.

Unable to see, Kelsie had heightened senses.

Even without looking, she could sense that Vivian was seated in a chair about five steps away from her.

She thought that questions would start flying the moment Vivian sat down… but unexpectedly, Vivian remained silent.

As Kelsie focused her hearing more intently, she felt as though she could hear a slightly rough breath, as if Vivian was angry.

Was it because of the strange conversation earlier with Kailo Alan?

***

Surrounded by silence, Kelsie sat uncomfortably for what felt like an eternity.

Just as she started to regret coming here, thinking she might have made a mistake, Vivian finally spoke.

“You’re blind, right?”

She asked, as if seeking confirmation.

Kelsie nodded.

“…Yes.”

“Was it from birth? Or did something happen?”

“Seven years ago, I ate something bad…”

“During the war?”

“Yes. We were starving and had nothing to eat, so I picked the wrong mushrooms.”

After another moment of silence, Vivian asked.

“How old are you?”

“I’m 17. My name is Kelsie.”

“Alright. So, what talent brought you to me?”

“I’m good with numbers. My mother often said I’m also skilled in business. I don’t know if it will be of any use, but I’ll dedicate myself fully.”

While Vivian seemed to be assessing her, Kelsie was also trying to learn more about Vivian.

Being unable to see, Kelsie could only sense impressions from Vivian’s tone and way of speaking.

From what she could tell, a few things stood out about Vivian.

First, just as she had expected, Vivian seemed extremely dignified and strong.

It made sense, considering she was the last remaining legitimate heir of Rondor.

Her voice had trembled slightly earlier during her conversation with Kailo, but Kelsie assumed it was because he was her sworn enemy.

Second, she felt a certain yearning in Vivian’s voice—an intense drive to grow and move forward.

Perhaps it wasn’t just the voice but the situation itself that gave her that impression.

It could have been something derived from the speech Vivian had delivered that day.

She had said she wouldn’t discriminate against anyone with ability, regardless of their background—a decision that couldn’t be made with mere half-hearted resolve.

Vivian clearly had a strong goal.

And those who dream possess a gravitational pull.

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

***

Their conversation continued with trivial topics.

Questions about Kelsie’s family, her past, and how she was currently living poured out.

Vivian asked endlessly, and Kelsie answered sincerely every time.

“…But, how would a blind person even read account books?”

“I know it’s asking a lot, but if you could assign someone to help me…”

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

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

“You’re confident, but can you back it up?”

“…Please, just give me one chance.”

After a long silence, Vivian asked.

“You understand the situation in Loctana, don’t you?”

“…Yes.”

“The reason I’m reaching out even to commoners is because of this urgency. My vassals are opposing my decision to involve ordinary people.”

“…I understand.”

“Because of that, you’ll need to prove your abilities enough to dispel their doubts about my choice. Can you do it?”

Of course, Kelsie wasn’t confident.

But for the sake of her younger siblings, she had to feign confidence.

If she could become a close aide to Vivian, the lord of Loctana and head of Rondor, at least her family wouldn’t starve.

So she lied.

“Yes.”

She heard Vivian take a deep breath.

In a slightly languid yet interested tone, Vivian asked.

“Alright. Is that so?”

“Then, can you propose a policy right now that would help alleviate Loctana’s poverty, even just a little?”

Kelsey nodded.

She had anticipated this question and prepared an answer.

“Do you know what has been troubling Loctana’s merchants the most recently?”

“…Tell me.”

“The lack of proper transportation infrastructure. The roads to other cities aren’t well-maintained. I’ve heard they used to be fine, but after the war, monsters began infesting the routes, and the roads couldn’t be properly restored.”

“If it’s monsters, we’ve been conducting regular subjugations.”

“I know, but it’s not enough. For merchants wandering around with just one cart, encountering even one monster can be disastrous. If you listen to the concerns in the city, you’ll see how much this fear is stifling commerce.”

“And?”

“If you’d permit it, Vivian, I think knights should protect these merchants. They could offer their protection at a low cost…”

Vivian let out a faint chuckle.

Kelsie realized it was a mocking laugh.

“You want to use knights like mercenaries?”

Kelsie’s confidence wavered, but she stood firm in her argument.

If Vivian deemed her suggestion foolish and unworthy of consideration, she would simply leave this castle.

“…At a low cost. It could create a sense of debt among the merchants toward you, Vivian…”

“Would they want to? No matter how you spin it, it’s not exactly a knight’s duty…”

“Aren’t we all united in our desire to revive Loctana?”

Vivian remained silent for a moment before letting out another soft laugh.

Kelsie couldn’t tell what was so amusing or if her proposal seemed absurd to Vivian.

She simply didn’t know.

“…Naïve.”

Vivian finally said.

“Pardon?”

“Only the poor want to lead the revival of Loctana. Because they think their lives will improve. You won’t find that kind of desire in this castle. Everyone here is just… trying to grab even the last scraps of bread. The knights are the same. They’re desperate to protect their so-called honor, which doesn’t even exist.”

Kelsie couldn’t bring herself to respond.

Did that mean Vivian thought the same way?

Was everything she said about wishing for Loctana’s revival a lie?

But soon, Vivian chuckled softly and said,

“…But it wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

“Pardon?”

“The justification is good, and we could weaken the knights’ power while we’re at it.”

The sharpness in Vivian’s voice, though not intentional, began to carry a faint sense of menace.

Kelsie felt that things were slowly working in her favor.

“I’ll think about it some more.”

Vivian said.

Kelsie stood up, bowed deeply, and then sat back down.

“Th-Then… I…”

She felt like she might have a chance, but Vivian remained silent.

Unable to see Vivian’s expression, Kelsie felt a little frustrated.

She wondered what kind of person Vivian was and how she viewed her.

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

Vivian asked quietly.

The lofty tone she’d used earlier was faint now.

Vivian’s voice sounded cautious, almost as if it had softened and become more youthful.

“…What do you think of Kailo Alan?”

A sudden question.

Kelsie thought of Kailo Alan, who had once groped her, taken her staff, and yet kindly helped her up.

Though blind and sensitive, Kelsie could see things others couldn’t.

Her first impression of Kailo Alan had been terrible, but beneath that…

Kelsie closed her eyes tightly.

She knew all too well which noble family was responsible for her father’s death.

“…I don’t know about Lord Kailo, but I hate the Alan family.”

Kelsie said.

Vivian let out a satisfied sigh.

It seemed she’d made the right choice.

“…A maid will show you to your room. For now, you’ll live with the maids.”

At those words, Kelsie sprang to her feet and shouted,

“Th-Thank you!”

***

Two days had passed since Kelsie arrived.

Nearly five days had gone by without Vivian eating.

In the meantime, I had secretly asked Valon to somehow get Vivian to eat.

But Valon would always grumble, saying Vivian wouldn’t listen no matter what he said.

If all this was Vivian’s way of irritating me, she was succeeding brilliantly.

The situation, which required constant attention, couldn’t have been more bothersome.

On top of that, the notes I’d been receiving were wearing on my nerves.

An assassin?

That meant a direct attack was coming.

The invisible scheming was intensifying by the day.

I didn’t want to protect Vivian, yet the thought that she might actually be killed gnawed at me.

So, I resumed patrolling, carrying my greatsword.

It was pointless to sit by the river all day with the sword in hand.

It was time to let my mother go and regain my focus.

Of course, I still couldn’t stand the sight of Vivian and hadn’t approached her due to my tangled emotions.

Vivian always had several members of the punishment unit escorting her.

What used to be my position was now filled by at least three guards.

Whenever Vivian appeared, I could sense her presence first.

And whenever I sensed her presence, I found myself instinctively hiding and watching her.

Was she looking for me, or was she simply restless in the castle?

She wandered the castle excessively, and I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

Seeing her red hair flutter as she turned her head, a mix of emotions always arose.

Sometimes it was hatred.

Sometimes it was anger.

But other emotions were definitely there, too.

My negative feelings toward her only grew stronger, yet, for some reason, she seemed to become more beautiful by the day.

When you hate someone, they’re supposed to look ugly, and when you like them, they’re supposed to look pretty.

But Vivian constantly renewed her beauty, piercing through my hatred.

Spending time apart made me realize just how much she had grown out of her girlishness and into adulthood.

Her figure had become strikingly feminine.

“…Hah.”

Then, from a distance, Vivian let out a sigh and lowered her head.

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

I watched her secretly from behind a wall.

Vivian bit her lip as if frustrated.

Her furrowed brow conveyed sadness, anger, and utter confusion.

Part of me wanted to approach her, but I stayed back, wondering if she might cry.

Her guards and maids seemed at a loss, not knowing why she was acting this way.

They could only stand still in the tense silence.

“Frowning like that will become a habit.”

Breaking the silence, someone walked toward Vivian.

It was her mentor, Lady Linne.

“And habits lead to wrinkles. We can’t have wrinkles on such a beautiful face, can we?”

Lady Linne gently held Vivian’s face and smoothed out her furrowed brow with her thumb.

Her actions carried a maternal warmth.

But even under her touch, Vivian didn’t ease her expression.

“…Not now, Master.”

Vivian brushed off Lady Linne’s hand and replied.

It seemed she had grown, no longer the girl who meekly endured everything from Lady Linne.

Lady Linne didn’t push further on the matter.

“Understood. But I can’t overlook you skipping lessons anymore.”

“How many bridal lessons have you missed now?”

Her words left me stunned.

…Bridal lessons?

The unexpected term sent a heavy feeling surging from deep within me.

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

About worldly knowledge, relationships, and the like.

I had thought it was simply a process of shedding her naivety and learning about reality.

But were those lessons all bridal training?

…Had Vivian been spending her time preparing to win over other men?

Learning how to gain their favor and build relationships with them?

Unknowingly, I clenched my teeth.

The woman who had been so strict with me was readily opening herself up for other men.

An inexplicable fire spread from my chest.

I couldn’t take my eyes off her, waiting for her reaction.

Vivian, who had been listening to Lady Linne, finally answered.

“…Understood.”

“I understand very well that the situation is complicated. But… you decided to have a good husband, didn’t you?”

“…Yes.”

“Have you relaxed your hips a bit?”

Vivian nodded so easily at those words that it left me speechless.

Her attitude only added to my anger.

I couldn’t understand why her willingness to accept that so readily was so infuriating.

Vivian disappeared, led away by Lady Linne.

Leaning against the wall, I suppressed my emotions.

My clenched fists refused to relax.

***

‘…I won’t protect you anymore. Now I realize just how foolish that choice was.’

Vivian, in a daze, recalled those words.

Even though it was already deep into the night, she remained in that stupor.

Thinking of the look in Kailo’s eyes as he delivered those words made her chest ache unbearably.

It wasn’t the first time he had shown hatred toward her.

But strangely, this time, it felt especially painful.

It was an inevitable choice for Kailo.

Of course, he couldn’t do otherwise.

He couldn’t even visit his mother’s grave, so she would have done the same in his position.

Yet, Vivian knew there was no other option for her.

When she asked if he would return, his eyes had glowed red.

His resolve to never come back if he left was clear.

To be honest, Vivian felt a tinge of betrayal.

That he would leave and never return.

That he would leave her alone in this land.

…Deep down, she found it hard to accept.

Logically, Vivian wasn’t in a position to feel betrayed by him.

They were enemies, foes.

Betrayal is a feeling reserved for those you trust.

Of course, she did trust Kailo.

But trust and reliance were different things.

And so, in this situation, she started to realize little by little.

Perhaps she hadn’t simply trusted him but had come to rely on him.

She was treating someone she wanted to hurt with such complex emotions.

Even a few days ago, this was true.

Vivian didn’t know why, but she had to ask Kelsie what she thought of Kailo.

She couldn’t endure it without asking.

Kelsie couldn’t see her own appearance or anyone else’s, but Kailo had perfectly good eyes.

He must have noticed Kelsie’s beauty.

Had he been shaken by it, or what?

He even went out of his way to assist Kelsie, something he normally wouldn’t do.

Why?

Why was she so curious about that reason, and why was she so angry regardless of what it was?

The only relief was that Kelsie hated Kailo.

Well, it would be harder to find someone in Loctana who didn’t hate the Alan family.

Whatever it was, Vivian had told Kailo countless times not to protect her.

She even said it recently.

“I told you clearly. Don’t hope for anything… Don’t expect kindness from me…!”

Kailo had only followed that advice.

He had stopped because she had told him not to.

If he had been doing it for his own satisfaction,

‘…I won’t protect you anymore. Now I realize just how foolish that choice was.’

But because of that choice… Vivian already felt herself growing weaker.

She found herself pathetic for being so fragile.

Exaggerating a little, it felt like she was slowly going mad.

The frustration and irritation were so overwhelming they couldn’t be defined in a single word, making her head spin.

If she didn’t have to consider anyone’s judgment or worry about what Kailo thought of her…

She’d want to force that insufferable Kailo Alan to sit next to her and simply eat a meal together.

It didn’t even have to be a conversation or a meal.

She just wanted to have him sit by her side and stay there quietly.

As her frustration grew, she found herself hating Kailo Alan.

He irritated and annoyed her so much that she wanted to torment him to death.

She wanted to make him suffer until he surrendered.

She wanted to hear him admit his wrongs and promise to obey her in the future.

The more she thought of him, the stronger her desire for destruction became.

She wanted to crush him in her arms, bite into him like cutting him apart.

She wanted to grab his hair, making it impossible for him to look away from her.

To touch his matured body…

Vivian squeezed her eyes shut and slumped over her desk.

Shaking off these strange thoughts, she realized she didn’t even need to torment Kailo further.

She was already causing him enough pain.

No matter what he said, he wouldn’t be able to leave Rondor Castle.

That was what mattered most.

Vivian took a deep breath and stood up.

…Even though she had such thoughts, she didn’t have the courage to act on them.

For now, she just wanted to mend her broken relationship with Kailo, even slightly.

Would he like bread as a gift?

He always reached for bread first at meals.

“Valon, are you there?”

Vivian asked toward the door.

…No response.

“Is no one outside?”

…Again, no response.

The strange silence that followed filled her with a sudden sense of fear.

‘…Be careful at night.’

Kailo’s voice echoed in her mind.

The one who had given that warning no longer protected her.

The thought chilled her even further.

Vivian hurried to the door and checked to see if it was locked.

Pressing her ear against it, she focused on the sounds outside.

There was nothing to be heard.

Was she being overly paranoid?

Relaxing slightly, Vivian turned back toward her bed.

-Creak.

At that moment, the doorknob began to turn.

“…Ah.”

Vivian felt her heart drop.