Clunk, clunk.

Yuria’s steps, as she dragged her suitcase, seemed to slam into the ground with each step, reflecting her mood. It was unclear whether it was the discomfort of the skirt she wasn’t used to wearing or the fact that she had been forced to go to the Vermont mansion, but Yuria was clearly frustrated.

‘I didn’t expect the dark man to have this childish side...’

She never imagined she would be given a command to stay at the Vermont mansion during the vacation. After a little protest, she never thought that the order would not only remain but become even stricter. This had to be the dark man acting out, right? It had to be.

She had always seen the dark man’s gentle side, and now she was taken aback by this sudden change.

‘The letter... Did I write it too rudely...?'

She couldn’t shake the lingering feeling about the letter she had sent. Saying she wouldn’t send any letters during the vacation... Was that too much?

‘Hmm, no. It’s the dark man who started this.’

Just as she was about to soften, Yuria shook her head vigorously, steeling herself once more. This was all the dark man’s fault for being stubborn first. So, a letter boycott was the least she could do, right?

Although she felt a little guilty for going too far, she had no intention of retracting her declaration not to send any letters.

‘Why did it have to be the Vermont mansion...?’

As the bumpy carriage entered the highway, Yuria rested her chin on the window sill and suddenly realized how often the dark man and Aslan Vermont were involved in each other’s lives.

Well, of course, they were close friends, so it made sense.

The fact that she had been ordered to stay at the Vermont mansion during the vacation likely had something to do with their friendship, and it seemed that the dark man trusted Aslan Vermont enough to leave her in his care...

‘The dark man doesn’t know how devious Aslan Vermont is...’

Aslan Vermont was definitely not someone to trust. Sure, he seemed loyal, brave, and strong-willed on the outside, but honestly, he definitely seemed to like her...

The dark man had no idea about that, of course.

If he had known, he never would have sent her to the Vermont mansion.

‘But... in a way, maybe this is a good thing...’

It was frustrating to feel forced into this, but when she thought about it, it wasn’t all bad. At least at the Vermont mansion, she would have a chance to learn more about Charlotte and Yulia’s situations.

Until now, every time she had met Charlotte and Yulia, it was always in the presence of Aslan Vermont. Perhaps there were things that had to be hidden because he was around. If she stayed at the mansion, she would get to meet Charlotte and Yulia without Aslan being there!

This was the perfect opportunity to uncover the last of Aslan Vermont’s true nature!

Since she was already going, Yuria decided to leave her annoyance behind. If she didn’t send any letters during the vacation, the dark man would surely think he went too far...

Just as she was thinking that, the carriage stopped. Outside the window, the massive, grotesque spirit that was a hallmark—or rather, a disgrace—of the Vermont mansion filled her view.

"Ah, good day... From today, I’ll be staying at the Vermont mansion for the vacation period... I look forward to your care, Count..."
"Yes. I heard from your sponsor. Come on in."

The moment Yuria stepped out of the carriage, carrying her suitcase, she was greeted by Count Vermont. The subtle smile on his face made her feel uncomfortable for reasons she couldn’t quite place.

Oh, so he was just one of those people who always looked unpleasant, no matter what. It took her no time to realize that.

"By the way, what did you hear from your sponsor?"
"He said you’ve been causing trouble, so I was asked to keep an eye on you. Especially regarding the Imperial Guard fieldwork. It’s a place full of rough, young, hot-headed punks with no real skills, and he specifically asked me to make sure you stay far away from them."

"...?"

Really?

While the explanation sounded plausible, something about it felt slightly off. The dark man would never oppose the fieldwork for such a trivial reason.

Was the dark man jealous that she might get too friendly with the guards? That was the impression this gave.

But the dark man wasn’t the petty type...

Well, maybe it was just Aslan Vermont’s petty personality rubbing off on him, making him see everything in the same light.

"Since he’s my employee, I’ve accepted the request. You can consider this mansion your home. Feel free to stay as long as you follow the mansion’s rules."
"Rules? What kind of rules...?"
"The rules that were set by the two who’ve been here before you. If I let you be an exception, it might cause them to feel left out. First, every morning, we start with three laps around the yard. And secondly—there’s no allowance. You’ll have to earn your own money. Food and shelter are provided, but any other expenses are on you."

"Ah! But I already receive an allowance from my sponsor..."
"During the vacation, it will be sent to this address. I’ll hold onto it until you leave the mansion. Of course, with interest."

"..."

So, he was confiscating her allowance?

What right did he have to take the money the dark man had been giving her?

It hadn’t even been five minutes since she entered the mansion, and Yuria was already feeling extremely frustrated.

"What other restrictions are there?"
"None. You’re free to do as you like. Your room is in the basement, so unpack your things. I’ll be heading to the academic conference now."
"Sylvia."
"Yes, master. I’ll accompany you."
"Ah...?"

Just as Count Vermont quickly put on his coat and left, Yuria was left standing by herself in front of the mansion gate, with only her suitcase by her side.

So... she had expected this moment to come when Count Vermont would leave, leaving Charlotte and Yulia behind in the mansion. But she never imagined it would happen this quickly.

She had thought that Count Vermont, being wary of her, would never leave the mansion unguarded...

'Anyway, this works out!'

Even though there might be some ulterior motive, it was still a good outcome.

Now, she could investigate more thoroughly how Charlotte and Yulia lived in the mansion!

"···!"

Just then, Yuria felt a strange, tense energy in the air.

Her animal instincts screamed a warning. She could feel a chill run down her spine.

Without thinking, her hand moved automatically. Quickly, she reached into her suitcase and pulled out a mask, placing it over her face.

Then, as she turned around—

"Ah, so close. I almost got to see your face."

"Wow, you’re fast!"

Sure enough, she spotted Charlotte and Yulia peeking from behind the door.

Phew. She almost got caught.

Yuria sighed in relief, brushing off her nonexistent chest.

"Are we really going to stay with you for the entire vacation!? Is that really happening, Yuria? Oh, wait! Yulia?"

"Hehehe! Come on! I begged to get closer to Yulia, and now it’s finally happening!"

"Ah...!?"

Suddenly, Charlotte and Yulia rushed over and quickly closed the distance.

Had Charlotte and Yulia always been this eager to make friends?

Of course, Yuria had seen them a lot, but she remembered them always keeping their distance and being cold when they wore masks...

This unexpected, enthusiastic welcome made Yuria feel quite perplexed.

'Has their personality really changed that much since coming here?'

Yulia, who used to be completely introverted and never approached others, was now the one making the first move, even without a mask.

Could it be that living at the mansion had brightened Charlotte and Yulia’s personalities?

She had come to uncover the truth behind Aslan Vermont’s last mask, but for some reason, it felt like she might end up seeing him again.

'Maybe it’s okay to ask now...'

Originally, Yuria had planned to wait until the very end of vacation, but in the current atmosphere, it didn’t seem like it would cause a problem.

With Aslan Vermont not around, now seemed like the perfect time...

Taking a deep breath, Yuria closed her eyes and just blurted it out.

"Hey! I’ve got a question!"

"Huh? What is it?"

"Anything, go ahead!"

"I heard a rumor that Count Vermont is raising you two to eventually marry you... is that true?"

"···."

She blurted it out!

She said it!

For a moment, silence filled the room.

Yuria slowly opened her eyes.

"Heh, huh? Is that... is that really..."

"It’s true!"

"It’s not true..."

"···?"

The answers were all over the place?

Once again, Yuria was faced with an unexpected situation, and her headache intensified.