NoveLight ™
Whatever was lacking in the orphanage, there was one thing that was relatively abundant: books. Books were among the easiest items for wealthy donors to show off their generosity with. As a result, the orphanage had a growing collection of donated books.
Most of them were usually left untouched and eventually burned for firewood. However, Yulia read every single book that came in before they could be turned into kindling. She read anything and everything. The thought that if she didn’t read them, they would all turn to ash made her anxious, so she read eagerly.
As a result, Yulia developed excellent literacy and vocabulary skills. She had figured out the meanings of most difficult words in her childhood, and there were no words in the newspapers that Yulia couldn’t understand.
“So, when you read it all, it becomes: ‘Did Count Vermont really fall for a common slave? It’s reported that they are aged 13 and 14, causing a stir!’”
“...!”
“What does it mean to ‘fall for’? To make eye contact? Hehe, I don’t get it!”
Charlotte scratched her head, laughing awkwardly, and Yulia’s eyes widened. What is this!? Yulia stood up abruptly and shouted.
“This is nonsense...!”
It’s all baseless rumors! The idea of falling for someone is supposed to be mutual! I’m only being pursued unilaterally by Aslan!
I have never liked this man...! I’m only giving private lessons because he wants me to. Even when I sleep, it’s only because he wants me there that I reluctantly sleep next to him!
It’s true!
“Right. It’s a nonsensical rumor. Don’t pay it any mind.”
The idea that I see a child as a romantic interest? That’s ridiculous. At least I have the patience to wait until we’re grown.
Aslan snatched the newspaper away.
“What rumor? What rumor is it? Huh? Explain it to me! I don’t understand!”
“T-This is... It’s saying that Aslan and we have an inappropriate relationship...”
“Inappropriate?”
“It means it’s not wholesome.”
“Not wholesome?”
“It means it’s undesirable.”
“How is it undesirable?”
“W-Well...”
Yulia stumbled over her words. How should I explain this? Charlotte, who usually appeared clever and sly, was acting like a blank slate, and her innocence was undeniable.
“It’s... It’s talking about a relationship where you like each other...”
“But I like the uncle! Doesn’t he like me?”
“He does.”
“Then it’s not a rumor!”
“No, that’s not... Ugh...”
Yulia slapped her forehead and sighed.
“Anyway, people are seriously misunderstanding things.”
“Oh, really?”
“Misunderstanding...”
Charlotte still looked clueless. Yulia found herself ready to give up. No amount of explanation seemed to make a difference.
“But you... You look like you’re having fun...”
“If I look like I’m having fun, it’s because I already know who the culprit is. I’m just dying to have a serious conversation with that culprit right now.”
It’s clearly a baseless rumor, but it’s also true that Aslan doesn’t find it particularly unpleasant. What could this scheme be for? It’s obvious. Besides tarnishing my reputation, it’s likely a plot to interfere with the engagement.
‘Since I’ve succeeded in inheriting the title of Count, it wouldn’t be strange for marriage proposals to start coming in soon.’
After the previous Count Vermont’s demise, Vermont had become completely isolated. Almost all exchanges had ceased, and no pro-Vermont factions remained. Yet during that time, Vermont succeeded in reconstruction, building major roads and showcasing a friendship with the Emperor.
Even the minor lord suddenly inherited the title of Count. A small, inconsequential border territory had risen to become a wealthy noble family close to the Imperial family. So it was only natural for the aristocracy to take an interest in improving relations with Vermont.
However, Aslan didn’t engage in social activities at all. He didn’t show his face at any official gatherings and avoided meetings except for business-related matters.
The easiest way to contact the secluded Vermont was through marriage. Proposing arranged marriages and seeking to meet was the way to go.
‘You’ve thought this through, Irene.’
But could you really propose to someone who’s rumored to have fallen for a child, a common slave? It would be difficult. In fact, no one has approached with marriage proposals yet.
‘But I have no intention of getting married!’
Of course, that strategy would only be effective for someone desperate to interact with other nobles. I have no interest in joining a powerful noble faction, nor am I particularly keen on acquiring a noble wife.
Noble women would all be fundamentally educated. A dignified lady overflowing with grace and refinement? Ugh. That sounds like a well-trained pet dog, and I find it quite off-putting.
A charm like Charlotte’s? What is that? Is it something to eat? Or having so little refinement that she doesn’t even get it? Kids like Yulia, who try to appear smart but are actually clumsy, are far more attractive.
There’s a certain satisfaction in personally teaching and raising them.
After all, it’s a man’s instinct to be drawn to something untouched by others.
‘If they’re going to keep an eye on me, they can do so freely. I’m rather glad it’s quiet.’
With that, I wouldn’t have to deal with any noise about engagement or anything. Aslan felt a sense of relief as he turned away. Being slandered as a pedophile and being the subject of gossip? I couldn’t care less about that.
Only those who feel guilty or ashamed would be concerned. I simply like children and wish for them to grow up well. There’s no reason for me to feel ashamed or guilty.
“You guys don’t need to worry. Charlotte, you focus on training with the super-duper sword, and Yulia, you concentrate on your necromancy training.”
“Yes!”
“Okay...”
Aslan turned away casually. It seemed he had a busy schedule, talking with Sylvia and heading somewhere else. Yulia and Charlotte exchanged glances, now left alone.
“So what does it mean? Can you explain it to me?”
“Ah! It’s that! The rumor that Aslan sees us as potential marriage partners!”
“What? That’s true.”
“No, it’s not that. It’s just that it’s turned into a rumor that our relationship wouldn’t be strange even if we got married right now.”
“Aha...!”
Charlotte finally grasped the meaning and clapped her hands. They should have explained it this way from the start. Was it too embarrassing to say it in front of Aslan? Such pretentiousness. The little brat pouted in dissatisfaction.
“Then again, Uncle treats us like kids. No, more like... Just raising a dog? Our food bowls are dog bowls.”
“That’s just because Aslan’s tastes are a bit twisted.”
“Aha!”
So Aslan treats us like dogs? I’ll remember that! Charlotte firmly decided to keep that in mind, though she forgot it within ten minutes.
“But who spread this rumor, anyway?”
“Hmph. It must be someone who dislikes Aslan. Aslan has a lot of enemies.”
“Enemies? Doesn’t everyone like Uncle?”
“Don’t assume everyone is like you...”
“I don’t think so! But everyone really does like him, right? Even people from the Arien side and the blacksmiths and the townsfolk...”
Huh? Is that so? Yulia’s pupils shook. Clearly, Aslan’s reputation had been terrible. But as Charlotte reflected, it didn’t seem there were many people who genuinely hated Aslan.
Everyone had benefitted from Aslan. People looked up to him. Am I the only one who dislikes him? Is it just because of past prejudices...?
Then I must look like a really petty person. I don’t want that! I absolutely don’t want that...!
“W-Who could it really be? Who spread such nonsense? It seems like Aslan knows. I’m curious.”
Ugh. Yulia couldn’t hide her discomfort and hurriedly changed the subject.
“Ah! I know!”
“Huh? Who?”
Hehe. Uncle said that when you don’t know who the culprit is, you usually pick the person who stands to gain the most from it, and that person is typically the culprit!”
“The person who stands to gain? Who could that be...?”
“Who else! It’s obvious! Hehe!”
Charlotte struck a pose, placing her hands on her hips with confidence, and Yulia felt a spark of anticipation. Despite her seemingly carefree demeanor, Charlotte had some sharpness to her!
“It’s Uncle!”
“What!? What do you mean?”
“Uncle is trying to make one of us his wife later, right?”
“Right. So there’s no reason to spread such rumors.”
“On the contrary! If such rumors spread, who in the world would want to marry Uncle? He’s already out of the marriage game! The only ones left to marry him are us!”
“Ahhh...!”
Only then did Yulia understand what Charlotte meant, her mouth gradually falling open. The explanation was a bit all over the place, but it made a surprising amount of sense!
There was a story in old fairy tales about a princess who had to marry the town fool because of rumors that she would. Aslan must have devised a similar tactic!
“He’s set a trap in advance!”
“Why would he hit a trap...? What?”
“...”
Ignoring Charlotte, who was perplexed, Yulia gritted her teeth. Aslan, this terrifying man! To think he would even engage in such a propaganda campaign to make us his wives...!
It made me feel sick.
.
.
.
‘Is it time for another letter to arrive?’
Gently. I began to feel my heart race when I spotted a black envelope in the mailbox. Written on the back in neat handwriting was, “To the dark uncle.”
It was indeed a letter from Yulia.
At first, exchanging letters with the protagonist was incredibly annoying. But now, it had become one of the joys of my life. Was I too biased against him because he was destined to kill me?
As I read his letters, which honestly revealed his thoughts, I came to realize he was quite a charming little guy.
‘After all, kids are kids.’
Before he was a noble and righteous hero, he was just a little kid. The one who wrote this letter is just a cute little boy who genuinely admires his benefactor.
Thinking like this, I’ve reached the point where I look forward to his letters.
“Alright. What does it say today...?”
Swish. Unable to hold back, I tore open the envelope and unfolded the letter, freezing in place. The first sentence was shocking.
Please don’t say that.