“Uuugh…!” “Don’t touch Charlotte! I’ll bite you!”

Headache incoming.
I had merely intended to invest in a couple of kids who might someday become the protagonist’s allies, yet here I am, feeling like a single father to two daughters.
One of them is flinching and crying at the slightest touch, while the other snarls at me like a feral animal.
I’ve never even been married, and this is the trial I face?

“Stop crying. You’re not making a pretty sight.” “Waaahhh!” “….”

Usually, that stops people.
Is it this face? That must be it.
I’m starting to feel genuinely frustrated and even a little angry.

“Sylvia.” “Yes, young master?” “Take care of… what’s her name again?” “Yulia.” “Right. Keep an eye on Yulia. I need to have a private talk.”

Sylvia appeared from behind a bookshelf, glaring at me with suspicion.
What now? I’m not going to do anything strange.
As I scowled at her, she sighed in exasperation, but nodded.

“Yes, go ahead.”

Despite her words, she never stopped glaring.
What, has she been deceived her whole life?
Clicking my tongue, I grabbed Charlotte by the collar and lifted her up.
She was so light, I could easily carry her with one hand.
This one could use a good meal or two.

“If you hurt Charlotte, I’ll make you regret it!” “…”

Yulia struggled in Sylvia’s grip, shouting threats.
What exactly is their relationship, anyway? Are they just fellow orphans?
It seems like more than that, but maybe I’ve been paying too little attention.

Maybe I should look into their backgrounds.
Knowing a bit about their past might make it easier to improve our relationships going forward.
And it might not hurt to hire an informant to check on the protagonist's whereabouts, too.

Actually, no need for that.
I’ve just thought of a more effective way to control the protagonist.
But I’ll save that idea for later…

“Uuugh…” “Are you planning to stop crying any time soon?”

Charlotte kept sobbing even after we’d left the library and were alone.
With a sigh, I knelt down to her level, waiting for her to get herself together.
Despite my silent encouragement, she continued to sniffle, avoiding my gaze.

What is her deal, anyway?
Kids’ emotions are notoriously difficult to understand, but isn’t 13 old enough to be a bit more mature?
You’d think they’d be more resilient by now.

“Oh no!” “We got caught! Let’s run!”

Just as I felt a presence, I turned to see a couple of maids quickly fleeing down the corridor, their heels clacking away.
Then, as I turned back to Charlotte…

Sniff.

“You stopped just a second ago.” She resumed her sobbing immediately.

So that’s how it is.
She was faking it. She might look innocent, but she’s actually rather cunning.
Now that I know, I can see the subtle clues in her act.
But who would’ve guessed?

“Why are you crying, anyway? Am I that scary?” “…”

She shook her head.
Right, we’re playing 20 questions now, are we?
I bit back my frustration.
At least she wasn’t like Yulia, who openly showed her hatred.

“Is it the clothes? You don’t like them?”

She shook her head again.

“Are you afraid of Sylvia? She is a bit intimidating.”

Another shake.

“Do you hate studying?”

She almost nodded but caught herself, then shook her head again in a hurry.
I was losing my patience.
I took a deep breath to calm myself, and Charlotte flinched.

“Are you crying because I grabbed your wrist without warning?” “No! It’s not that…”

Finally, she spoke.
It was like a weight had lifted.
Now, maybe she’d actually explain herself.

“I’m just… I don’t think I can be of any use to you. I’m sorry…” “What do you mean by that?” “I… think Yulia is the one you’d want. She could grow into someone great, someone capable of making a lot of money… but I’ll probably be useless…”

“Why do you say that?” “I’ve never been able to finish a book. I’m slow to learn, I forget things easily, I’m clueless, and I’m… I’m stupid, and…”

“Enough. I don’t want to hear it.” Sniff.

I’d thought she was a carefree, happy-go-lucky type.
And here she is, with this nonsense weighing her down.
Meanwhile, I’m stuck in this miserable body, trying to survive despite my limitations.
She’s wallowing in insecurities despite being in a body brimming with potential.

“You’re way too young to be spouting such nonsense. What a waste of time. Stop sulking over pointless things. Don’t ever say you’re worthless in front of me again. I’ll make sure you pull your weight, so leave that worry to me. Got it?” “Yes…” “Let’s head back. And clean your face a bit. You look like I made you cry or something.” “Waaah!” “No! Why? Why now?” “I don’t know! Waaah!”

I wiped her face with my sleeve, but this only triggered a fresh wave of tears.
And this time, I could tell it was genuine.
I thought she was dense, but she’s just a crybaby.

“Wow. Look, the notorious young master is at his wit’s end.” “Shh, quiet! He’ll hear us.” “But it’s so thrilling!”

The maids gathered around the edges of the room, hiding in the corners and peeking through windows, stifling their laughter.
Is this really Aslan Vermont?
Was this man, seemingly transformed overnight, really the same wretch they’d known?

If someone unfamiliar had witnessed this, they’d never believe he was the same person.
There was only one possible explanation.
It was obvious.

Ever since Charlotte and Yulia arrived, Aslan had been acting differently.
“Love changes people,” they say. Who would’ve thought it could apply to the young master?”

The Aslan they knew would’ve treated those kids like test subjects, without a shred of compassion.
But now he’s taking care of them, even going as far as managing their diet and exercise routines.
It’s as if he’s training them to be aristocrats, preparing them to become noblewomen.

“Oh, what now? This mansion is finally coming to life with romance!” “Yes, and we should treat those children like they’ll be the young master’s brides someday.” “I wonder, though—who does he like better?” “Maybe… both?” “Perhaps he’s waiting until they grow up, and then he’ll choose the one who becomes the most elegant lady!” “That would be so grand!”

Their hushed whispers carried down the hall and right into my ears.
Looks like I’ll need to have a talk with them soon.
With that thought, I took Charlotte by her small hand and led her back to the library.

“You made Charlotte cry again, didn’t you!?” Sniff. “What did you do to her this time!?” “Focus on your studies. Sylvia, you’re up. Let’s switch.” “Excuse me?”

She growled like a guard dog ready to pounce, holding Yulia by the collar.
Her questioning gaze seemed to ask if I was sure I could handle things.
I nodded, and Sylvia released her hold.
Yulia flopped forward, grumbling in frustration.

“Charlotte says she can’t read a book in one sitting, that she’s slow to learn, forgetful, clueless, and more. She thinks she’s worthless.” “How could you say that to her!?” “She’s the one who said it.” “That’s no excuse…!” “That’s why I’ve decided she’ll study something else. Sylvia, can you teach her?” “Let me guess. You want me to teach her how to ‘please a man,’ you scoundrel?” “No. I want you to teach her swordsmanship.”

Finally, Sylvia fell silent, glaring at me with suspicion.
Her expression seemed to say she thought I was too vile to even understand what I was suggesting.

“Unfortunately, I’m not much of a teacher. Only the gifted can keep up with my instruction.” “Just say you don’t feel like it.” “Fine, that too.” “Just give it a try. She might have hidden talents you don’t know about.” “Many children who are distracted and can’t focus on studying tend to have talent in martial arts. Fine. I’ll give it a shot. Come, Charlotte. We need to find a wooden sword.” “Where are they?” “Don’t ask me.”

With that, Charlotte and Sylvia left the room together.
The library returned to silence, just me and Yulia.
The guard dog from earlier had vanished, replaced by a quiet figure deep in concentration.
When I returned to my seat, she picked up a book and mumbled something without looking up.

“This book… I need the companion volume.” “….”

How can she talk like that without turning around?
That attitude of hers will be a long-term project to fix.
I sighed and pointed at the bookshelf.

“It’s somewhere over there. Go find it yourself.” “…”

Shuffling over, she kept her head low, quietly passing by.
As she reached the shelves, she stopped, clutching her skirt, visibly trembling.

“What’s the matter?” “Um… I… I’m sorry. I misunderstood you…”

Without waiting for a reply, Yulia disappeared between the bookshelves, leaving me there.
That brat…

[Yulia’s Affinity increased by 2.]