[Trantor - Peptobismol]
[Proofreader - Demon God]
<strong>Chapter 57 - Please Don’t Do This</strong>
The one thing the orphanage, alwayscking in everything, had in abundance: books.
Books were one of the easiest items for the wealthy to donate and take credit for.
Books donated to the orphanage piled up.
Most of them were eventually tossed aside and used as firewood.
But Julia read each and every one before they were burned.
She read whatever came in.
The thought that if she didn’t read them, they would all disappear into ashes made her anxious, so she read without hesitation.
As a result, what Julia gained was an exceptional literacy and vocabry.
She had learned the meaning of most difficult words at a young age.
Even when reading a newspaper, there wasn’t a single word Julia couldn’t understand.
"So, when you read it all, does it say this? ''Count Vermont, has he really fallen formoner ves? Scandal erupts as it’s revealed they are just 13 and 14 years old!''"
"...!"
"What does ''fallen for'' mean? To meet someone’s eyes? Heehee, I don’t get it!"
Charlotte scratched her head,ughing awkwardly.
Julia’s eyes widened in shock.
What, what is this!?
Julia jumped up and shouted.
"This is ridiculous...!"
It’s all nonsense!
Fallen for!?
That’s a term used when it goes both ways!
I’m the one who’s being courted by An unterally!
I’ve never liked this man, not even once...!
The only reason I’m tutoring him is because he wants it!
Even when I sleep by his side, it’s because he wants me to!
I-I mean it!
"Yes, it''s a nonsense rumor. Don’t let it bother you."
The idea that I’m viewing the children as potential partners?
It’s absurd.
At the very least, I have enough patience to wait until they’re fully grown.
An snatched the newspaper away.
"What rumor? What is it? Huh? Exin it! I didn’t understand!"
"Th-This is... they’re saying that there’s something inappropriate going on between An and us..."
"Inappropriate?"
"It means it’s not proper."
"Proper?"
"It’s not... desirable."
"In what way is it not desirable?"
"Th-That, well..."
Julia was at a loss for words.
How was she supposed to exin this?
Charlotte might have been sly and crafty at times, but inside, her mind was a nk te—her innocence undeniable.
"It’s... like saying we’re in a romantic rtionship..."
"I like Mister, though. Doesn’t Mister like me?"
"I do."
"Then it’s not a nonsense rumor, is it?"
"That’s not what I mean... Haah..."
Julia sighed, smacking her forehead.
"Anyway, people are seriously misunderstanding."
"Misunder... standing?"
Charlotte still looked like she didn’t quite get it.
Julia gave up.
No matter how much she exined, it wouldn’t get through.
"But you... you seem happy about something..."
"If I seem happy, it’s probably because I already know who the culprit is. I’m itching to have a serious conversation with them."
Though it was a baseless rumor, it didn’t really bother me much.
What was the motive behind this nder? It was obvious.
Ruining my reputation was one thing, but this was clearly a scheme to obstruct any potential engagement.
''Now that I’ve inherited the title of Count, it wouldn’t be surprising for marriage proposals toe in.''
After the execution of the former Count of Vermont, the Vermont family had beenpletely isted.
Nearly all connections were severed, and there wasn’t a single friendly faction left.
But then Vermont seeded in rebuilding itself, constructing major roads, and strengthening ties with the Empress.
Even more impressive, the Young Master had swiftly inherited the title of Count.
What used to be an insignificant backwater estate had transformed into a wealthy county, closely linked to the royal family.
So it was only natural that noble families would start showing interest in mending rtions with Vermont.
But An didn’t engage in any social activities.
He didn’t make appearances at any official events, nor did he meet with anyone outside of business matters.
The easiest way to approach the reclusive Vermont family?
Marriage proposals.
By offering a political marriage, they could attempt to arrange a meeting.
''Nice try, Irene.''
But would anyone dare propose marriage to someone rumored to be in love with youngmoner ves?
Probably not.
The n had worked—there hadn’t been a single proposal.
''Not that I was nning on getting married, anyway.''
Of course, such a strategy might be effective for someone desperate to form alliances with other noble houses.
But I’m not interested in joining any powerful noble faction.
Nor am I particrly keen on having a noblewoman as a wife.
A nobledy woulde with the usual refinements, wouldn’t she?
A poised and elegantdy? Ugh.
That’s like a well-trained pet under someone else’s care—not appealing at all.
Kids like Charlotte, who have no sense of grace or decorum, or Julia, who tries to act smart but is actually a bit of a klutz, are far more charming.
There’s a certain satisfaction in teaching and training them myself.
It’s in every man’s nature to crave something new and untouched.
''Feel free to keep scheming all you want. I actually prefer the peace and quiet.''
With that, there wouldn’t be any more noisy talk of marriage proposals.
An turned away, feeling more relieved than anything.
Being ndered as a man who likes children and dragged through the mud? None of that bothers me in the slightest.
That kind of thing only troubles people who feel guilty.
I only have pure affection for the children and genuinely want to see them grow up well.
I have nothing to be ashamed of.
"You two don’t need to worry about any of this. Charlotte, focus on mastering your Super Strong Sword. And Julia, keep practicing your necromancy."
"Yes!"
"Mm..."
An turned and walked away, seemingly busy as he chatted with Sylvia, heading off somewhere else.
Left alone, Julia and Charlotte’s eyes met.
"So, what does it mean? Come on, exin it."
"Ah! Um! It’s saying that there’s a rumor going around that An wants to marry us!"
"What? But that’s true."
"No, it’s saying we’re in a rtionship where it wouldn’t be strange for us to get married right now."
"Aha...!"
Only then did Charlotte finally understand, pping her hands in realization.
Why didn’t Julia just exin it like that from the beginning?
Maybe she was too embarrassed to say it in front of An?
Such a prude. What a girl.
Charlotte pouted in mild frustration.
"Well, Mister does treat us more like pets than kids, doesn’t he? I mean, even our food bowls are dog dishes."
"That’s just An’s weird taste."
"Aha!"
Mister likes treating us like dogs. I’ll have to remember that!
Charlotte made sure to store that fact in her mind.
And then promptly forgot about it 10 minutester.
"But who could’ve spread this rumor?"
"Hmph. Probably someone who hates An. He has a lot of enemies."
"Enemies? Doesn’t everyone like Mister?"
"Hah, you shouldn’t think the world works the way you do..."
"I don’t think that! But really, I bet everyone likes him! The people in Arient do, the cksmiths do, even the vigers..."
Wait? Is that true? Julia’s eyes flickered with doubt.
An’s reputation was supposed to be awful.
But thinking about it now, just as Charlotte said, she couldn’t think of anyone who really hated An.
Everyone benefited from him.
They all looked up to him.
Was I the only one who disliked An?
Just because of past prejudice...?
Doesn’t that make me seem really petty?
I hate that!
I absolutely hate that...!
"Wh-Who do you think it could be? The one who spread the rumor. An seems to know, but I’m curious."
Hmmm.
Julia squirmed, clearly ufortable, and hurriedly changed the subject.
"Oh! I know!"
"Huh? Who?"
"Hehe. Mister always says that if you don’t know who the culprit is, the person who stands to gain the most is usually the one!"
"The person who gains the most? Who’s that...?"
"Isn’t it obvious! Heh-heh!"
Striking a confident pose, hands on her hips, Charlotte smirked.
Julia began to feel a glimmer of hope.
Charlotte, despite how she acts, does have a sharp side!
"It’s Mister!"
"Huh!?"
What is she saying?
"Mister’s trying to marry one of us in the future, right?"
"Yeah, but that’s exactly why he wouldn’t spread a rumor like that."
"It’s the opposite! With this rumor out, who in the world would want to marry Mister? He’s already ruined! We’re the only ones left to marry him!"
"Aah...!"
Finally grasping Charlotte’s meaning, Julia’s mouth slowly opened in astonishment.
Her exnation might have been a bit clumsy, but it was oddly convincing!
There’s even that old fairytale where a rumor about the princess marrying the vige idiot forced her to marry him in the end.
An must’vee up with a simr trick!
"He’s already covered all his bases!"
"Why would...?"
"..."
Ignoring Charlotte’s confusion, Julia ground her teeth.
An, you terrifying man!
To think you’d go so far as to spread rumors just to make us your wives...!
It sent shivers down her spine.
.
.
.
‘It’s about time for another letter, isn’t it?’
Sneaking a nce.
I found a ck envelope in the mailbox and my heart began to race.
On the back, in neat handwriting, were the words "To the *Dark Mister."
[TL/N: “Mr. ck” will be changed to “Dark Mister”]
As expected, it was a letter from Yuri.
At first, exchanging letters with that brat of a protagonist had been an annoying chore.
But now, it’s be one of the highlights of my life.
Maybe I had been too harsh on him, simply because he’s destined to kill me.
After reading his unguarded and honest letters, I’vee to see he’s quite the charming kid.
''He really is just a child.''
Before he’s a noble and righteous hero, he’s just a little boy.
The one writing these letters is just an adorable child who genuinely admires his sponsor.
That thought alone made me look forward to his letters.
"Now then, what’s it about today...?"
With excitement, I tore open the envelope and unfolded the letter, only to freeze on the spot.
The first sentence was outrageous.
- Mister. I’ve decided to enlist.
Ah, damn it.
Please don’t do this.
[Trantor - Peptobismol]
[Proofreader - Demon God]