“Silvia. We have a problem.”

“...What’s the problem this time?”

“I need to hire a 15-year-old child at Vermont Security. By the way, they’re an orphan.”

“That’s not allowed.”

“...”

A firm response. Silvia pushed her glasses up and glared at me. In the nice office at the training ground, holding a pen made Silvia look every bit the professional manager.

Who was that strange woman who used to walk around with a fork in her hair?

“Employees must be adults only. Wasn’t that your requirement, Master?”

“That’s true, but... the situation has changed. Although they’re a child, they’re basically a college student. Smart and strong.”

“In that case, it’s even more unacceptable. A child with significant personal power is difficult to control and has a high likelihood of causing accidents. That’s based on experience, so please don’t take it lightly.”

Silvia spoke seriously.

“Are you talking about yourself?”

“...Regardless, it’s not going to happen. I’m already busy training the staff; I can’t take on the responsibility of caring for a child.”

“Let’s give it a try. They’re someone who has figured out mana manipulation on their own.”

“Is that really true?”

Only then did Silvia begin to show interest.

Mana manipulation. Silvia, Yulia, and even Charlotte are all using it through the super-duper sword, so it might not seem like a big deal. However, it’s one of the crucial skills that determine a mage’s talent.

Among mages, there are many who cannot manipulate mana and instead rely on magic circles or magic tools. The ability to use magic with only one’s own body is a tremendous blessing.

Those who have managed to grasp mana manipulation on their own are considered to possess overwhelming talent.

The reality of mana manipulation is that without learning the techniques, one must go through numerous trials and errors to achieve it. Accomplishing that at a young age is evidence of possessing an immense amount of mana.

“I see now. Master’s intentions...!”

“...?”

“You weren’t trying to make me act as a babysitter! You intended for me to train a child with a unique amount of mana and mana affinity, one who has realized mana manipulation on their own, and even a parentless orphan...! You meant to raise a loyal human weapon who fights only for the Vermont family!”

“No...”

“I’m the idiot who can’t generate mana. Charlotte can unleash swordmaster-level power when using the super-duper sword, but she’s still a bit unstable. And Yulia is in a non-combat position. Therefore, to create a spear and shield for the Vermont family that will fight at the front lines and risk death...!”

“...”

[The Evil God, 'Cali', claps and admires!]

Silvia looked astounded, as if she had heard a fragment of the Demon King’s plan for humanity's extinction. This girl must be doing this on purpose.

What kind of human weapon? I saw Aslan Vermont getting schooled for trying that sort of thing, so why would I do the same? Yulia, born a protagonist, would never be swayed. Even if someone tried to corrupt her, it wouldn’t work.

‘This is absolute. There’s nothing that can be done.’

From beginning to end, she remains the righteous protagonist. The more pain and despair she faces, the more she grows into a monster. In the original story, Aslan Vermont killed just one person and left the mansion while forgiving the employees.

That’s Yulia.

“No. I meant to make you babysit the child.”

“...?”

Silvia tilted her head in confusion. A moment of silence fell in the room. Then, after a brief pause, a chill ran down my spine.

[The Evil God, 'Cali', demands an explanation of what this means.]

“She’s a friend of Charlotte and Yulia.”

“Ah. I understand now. You should have said so earlier.”

[The Evil God, 'Cali', wholeheartedly supports your decision.]

Yeah. I should have said this from the start. I felt a little regret. Cali also quickly switched her stance. As expected, she becomes infinitely more helpful whenever Charlotte and Yulia are involved.

“Ah, I remember. That’s the slave who ran away while being transferred by Lady Irene.”

“That’s right.”

“Then I should inform Charlotte and Yulia about this. It’s been several months since they parted ways; they must miss her terribly.”

“No. For now, it’ll be kept a secret.”

“Why not?”

“Yulia has firmly misunderstood that I’m abusing Charlotte and Yulia. If they meet, I don’t know what kind of chemical reaction might occur. Yulia will be isolated in the Arien training ground for the time being.”

It’s a necessary measure. As a passionate protagonist, misunderstandings that arise won’t easily extinguish. Even if I try to explain to them upon reuniting that Aslan Vermont isn’t such a bad person, Yulia would likely suspect brainwashing. I need to approach this carefully.

“By the way, may I ask what led you to believe Yulia would think that?”

“Remember the academy student I sponsor? That’s her. I figured it out through our letters.”

“Oh. So you’ve been exchanging letters with someone who despises you while hiding your identity?”

“That’s right.”

“Master... I apologize if this sounds rude, but it feels rather sinister...”

“...”

If it’s going to sound rude, then don’t say it at all! I seriously considered reprimanding Silvia for a moment. Meanwhile, Silvia’s expression grew more and more puzzled as she stroked her chin.

“If I’m understanding correctly, it appears that the student named Yulia Brussels harbors a deep hatred for you and has chosen to enlist in Vermont Security to seek revenge.”

“Exactly.”

“Then what is your reason for bringing her in? Why would you keep a knife that could stab you at any moment close to your side?”

[The Evil God, 'Cali', nods vigorously and demands an explanation.]

It seemed both Silvia and Cali were curious. There’s a fairly simple reason for this.

“Silvia, why did you choose to stay by my side instead of tearing off your brand?”

“Didn’t you say it yourself? If you suspect something, you should watch closely. So I decided to stick by your side to keep an eye on things. I figured it would help me feel reassured if you were in my line of sight.”

“Same reason. I want to keep Yulia in my sight so that I can feel at ease.”

“Ah...!”

If Yulia is in the military, I wouldn’t know what kind of nonsense she’s up to. I wouldn’t be able to tell how she might deviate from her path.

But if I bring her into Vermont Security? I’d be able to know what skills she’s honing, allowing me to respond accordingly. If she seems to be going off track, I can correct her through Silvia.

While this plan appears flawless on the surface, there is a critical flaw: if she truly wants to come after me, she could take the direct route and reach the mansion in no time.

“Uh!? But how can I tear off the brand...?!”

“Anyway, I’m counting on you to take care of Yulia.”

I hurriedly left the office, leaving Silvia, who seemed to have realized something, behind. Now, Vermont Security was entirely entrusted to Silvia. I figured everything would work out somehow.

.

.

.

On the Vermont Highway.

Inside a carriage racing down the road named after the family that built it, Yulia was biting her lip with a serious expression.

‘To catch a tiger, one must enter its den...’

In the moment she decided to enlist, she received an offer from her benefactor. It was an offer to join Vermont Security. The person running the security company was Silvia, a friend of her benefactor.

Coincidentally, the owner of that security company is Aslan Vermont. Ironically, Yulia was about to gain strength under the very person she had been wanting revenge against.

‘Will Aslan Vermont recognize me?’

Yulia shook her head. Aslan had never seen her face. She ran away before arriving at the Vermont mansion. When they had met at the academy before, it was clear he hadn’t recognized her.

Aslan would remember her as Yuria Brussels. Having suddenly confessed how much she respected him, he might hold a favorable view of her? That would be nice. To stab the heart of an enemy, she first needed to win his favor.

“Please take me to the Vermont mansion. Not too close, just near a spot where I can see the mansion well.”

Yulia called the coachman and changed her destination. While the Vermont Security headquarters was in the Arien Territory, she felt the urge to scout the Vermont mansion now that she had come this far. If possible, she wanted to confirm whether Charlotte and Yulia were safe...

‘But can I confirm anything?’

Could it be that Aslan Vermont has locked Charlotte and Yulia in a prison where not even a single ray of light penetrates? Is he feeding them from a dog bowl, degrading their dignity? Could it be that he’s torturing them by not allowing them to sleep properly...?

With a flurry of thoughts racing through her mind, anxiety grew stronger.

“We’ve arrived. Should we get any closer?”

“No. This will do.”

The carriage stopped at a spot where the mansion’s garden was clearly visible. Yulia stared blankly at the empty garden for a moment, then fell into a deep gloom.

Could it be that she wouldn’t be able to see? Aslan is keeping them hidden.

Just as she swallowed hard, thud, thud! Suddenly, the ground began to rumble, growing louder.

“What the...?!”

A massive shape appeared behind the mansion.

A monster! An ugly, brown monster! Is Vermont Mansion guarded by such a creature?!

With its immense form towering over the mansion, Yulia felt her body freeze with terror.

“Ah! Ahhh...!”

But what was even more shocking was the small figures atop the monster.

Recognizing Charlotte and Yulia’s faces, despair washed over Yulia.

‘To think they would be placed on top of a monster so they couldn’t escape! Aslan Vermont, you despicable villain...!’

She thought it was only a story in fairy tales to confine hostages atop a tower. She never expected someone would actually do that!

Yulia cried tears of frustration and silently sharpened her blades of revenge.