Chapter 76

Chapter 76

Surviving Winter (9)

Theres a saying that to see the true nature of a person, you should give them power. Tanya had lived her life agreeing with that saying hundreds of times over.

Until Arwen Rothtaylor, the eldest daughter, was the heir to the family, the Rothtaylor mansion was always a place of peace.

Everybody at the mansion watched for Arwens lead since she was the next head of the family, but she remained neither arrogant nor intimidated.

She lost none of her noble elegance, seemingly unshaken by the minuscule amount of power she held in her hands, focusing only on honing herself. In her, one could see the essence of grace that isnt swayed by trivial power.

Under the overwhelming brilliance of Arwen, who seemed perfect in every way, lived Ed Rothtaylor who was only the second child in the mansion. Up till that point, he seemed to be nothing out of the ordinary.

But after the death of Arwen Rothtaylor, Ed, as the heir, reigned over the Rothtaylor mansion. The kind of person he turned out to bea tyrant who, with that little bit of successors power, acted as if the whole world belonged to him This was the real Ed Rothtaylor that Tanya saw.

How despairing it was that a man who could be so corrupted by a smidgen of power was the heir responsible for the family. She could not just let it be.

Thats why Tanya had to bring Ed down.

To assert her will, she had to prevent Ed from becoming the head of the family by any means necessary.

Should she kill him?

If solving everything with a single dagger stab was possible, she wouldnt have agonized this much. The weight of the title heir to the Rothtaylor family was immense.

Plunging a dagger into Eds chest would guarantee Tanyas own demise as wella fact clear to anyone, and besides, Tanya was then just a young girl who had only begun to awaken to her magical powers.

It was too much to expect such a young girl with freshly held dagger to boldly stab or to slyly plot someones death without anyone knowing. Such expectations were unreasonable.

In the end, there was only one path set before Tanya.

Lurking in the dark shadows, she clenched her teeth, training herself, waiting for the right time.

She spent nights studying, diligently practicing etiquette and honing her magic, patiently enduring until dawn broke.

Ed did not lay a finger on Tanya, his sibling who shared his blood.

But what kind of life was that for Tanya, who had to spend her years under the thumb of such a pitiable man?

She bit back her anger and played the role of the compliant sister.

She persisted amidst the suffering people of the mansion, sympathizing with their pleas but living as a powerless being unable to resolve their problems.

She often spoke of her noble lineage, but never did she raise her voice in assertion.

Puff

At the end of a long day, Tanya, buried in her bed in Ophelius Halls private room, took a deep breath.

So many things had happened in just one day. The number of things unknown was just as vast.

Yet, there were still more tasks ahead.

She had lived half her life under the oppressive rule of a brother akin to a despot.

What value had she found in her life, refining herself as the possible next head of the family, some may ask?

Quietly to herself, Tanya would reply:

I survived, pretending to be dead.

She had no doubt that her opportunity would come.

With Ed expelled, all that was left was to prove herself.

To Tanya, the upcoming student council president election felt like an opportunity of a lifetime.

But before that I must do well on the class allocation exams The assembly is three days from now, at the entrance of Mount Orun Hmmm, I need to prepare

Her words trailed off as she quickly succumbed to sleep, overwhelmed by fatigue.

It was a deep slumber she hadnt experienced in a long time.

*

Please introduce me to a man.

For head maid Belle, her connections outside Ophelius Hall were very valuable.

Most of them were people she had known since her days as a senior maid, so they were comfortable to deal with, and for Belle, who rarely ventured outside Ophelius Hall, they were important sources of external information.

Among them, Anis, Yenikas closest friend, was one of the welcome visitors who often sought her out. Their visits were mostly to exchange opinions on Yenikas love life.

As Belle was Yenikas maid during her time at Ophelius Hall, she knew her well, and with her keen eyesight, she could quickly understand the essence of interpersonal relationships.

Belle had hoped to hear of some progress between Yenika and Ed when Anis visited this time.

As curious as any human could be, Belle was all ears, ready to listen, especially since Anis had come to her so actively seeking adviceit must have been something significant

If possible, someone good-looking, tall, and talented would be nice.

With casual determination, Anis spoke as if Yenika didnt even matter to her.

So sudden, what do you mean?

Belle, youve been working in Ophelius Hall for a long time, so you must know many outstanding male students without lovers, right?

I cannot reveal personal details about the students

Its okay. Just introduce me to a nice guy, thats all.

It was early morning in the rose garden of Ophelius Hall.

Belle was there, tidying up the rose branches that had grown onto the walkways, to prevent the new students from getting pricked by the thorns.

Anis looked peculiarly tired, as if she had lost sleep, but that wasnt unusual.

She was always burdened with multiple responsibilities, juggling various scholarship duties with her academic work, and solely managing Professor Claires research room as the head assistant.

An average person with ordinary organizational skills and time management couldnt handle such workload.

But, Miss Anis, you surprise me. I wouldnt have thought youd be concerned with matters of love.

I have every right to experience love. Even if hes a bit annoying, I still want someone tall, someone who you can tell is well-bred at first glance.

Youre not the type to meet men so carelessly, are you? Or, do you even have any experience in love?

I, I apologize. I didnt mean anything by it.

And Next week I have to proctor the class assignments with Ed I dont know how Ill face him

After speaking, Anis lowers her head, lost for words.

Belle sighs deeply, rests her chin on her hand, and falls into contemplation.

In a corner of the rose garden, where sparrows chirp in the morning sunlight, silence passes by for a long time.

It may not be as grave as you think. It could even have a positive effect?

At last, Belle offers an unexpected conclusion.

Pardon?

If you think about Miss Yenika she cannot remain forever like an unblemished canvas.

Belle ponders until she finds a way to wrap up the conversation without hurting anyone. Theres one person who might become an even bigger headache, but for now, theres no helping it. Belle mentally sends a deep prayer of apology to Ed.

You know as well as I do, Miss Anis, that Miss Yenika is always kind and sincere to others. While that is surely a good thing people sometimes break down much more easily than expected if they dont dispel negative emotions.

Belle sits down next to Anis and slowly continues.

Perhaps, it could be a good opportunity for Miss Yenika. To become angry, to speak up about dislikes, to grumble. It might be difficult at first, but releasing emotions in such a manner can be surprisingly helpful.

Really?

Moreover, jealousy is one of the emotions that best stimulates such responses. Since Miss Yenika is truly altruistic, she likely has little experience harboring deep jealousy towards others. And becoming confused by such feelings could certainly weaken her heart. She will struggle quite a bit.

Isnt that exactly what Anis was concerned about? Before Anis could point out that nothing has been resolved, Belle beats her to the punch.

Wasnt the problem initially that Miss Yenika was too perfect?

Anis is speechless once more at Belles poignant words.

Now, follow my lead. Protectiveness.

Reminded of a past conversation with Claire Anis is suddenly at a loss for words.

Belle already knew.

Where else would Yenika go when her heart became troubled?

Belle quietly sits there, gently patting Anis back.

She comforts as if to say theres no need for guilt.

*

Whats this, when did you arrive?

I had just placed the magic engineering supplies near the entrance of the library, covering them with a tarp to keep the snow off.

The time to prepare materials for warehouse construction was drawing near.

Practice in magic engineering skills was on track, but I shouldnt get lazy with training.

Especially since I felt we needed to expand the internal space of the cabin.

Most magic engineering training would happen at the library, but it would be convenient to perform simple chores or processes at the cabin.

Im considering punching out one side of the wall for storage space and maybe another side for a living space. I contemplate whether that would be too much work Ill have to find a balance with the holiday schedule.

Returning to camp, thinking about the production schedule, it was quite chilly. Just wearing a blanket over my shoulder, I approached the blazing bonfire where Yenika was sitting, hugging her knees.

She didnt have her usual lively aura, and her expression looked downcast.

Cold. Want a cup of tea?

Upon my offer, she nods quietly, resting her chin on her knees.

The usually chatty Yenika was silent, holding something heavy in mind.

I fill the last herb into the cup, dry the leaves, take two cups, and sit down beside Yenika, handing her one.

She takes the large mug carefully with her small hands.

Quietly sipping the tea, we sit side by side in front of the fire.

Snow again. Seems like its coming every two days now.

Soft snowflakes fall, settling atop the already accumulated snow.

Evergreen trees retain their colors even in winter, but against this blanket of white, they have no choice.

All around, the world is draped in white, making the sharp brightness of the fire even more noticeable.

Glancing at Yenika, shes still holding her knees, watching a few tea leaves float in her cup.

Such a disheartened Yenika is rare.

She knows too well how discomforting it is for others when shes not her cheerful self.

If youre troubled, you can talk about it.

At this, Yenika suddenly lifts her head, looks at me but then stops speaking.

Instead, she says with particularly sad eyes,

Im sorry. I cant talk about it.

Then no need to force it.

What is often forgotten is that even Yenika has her limits.

Her downcast gaze and hunched posture likened her to a small cornered animal eliciting an inexplicable protective instinct.

I casually wrap my arm around her other shoulder and gently pat it. Sharing the warmth of the thick blanket.

I worried she would flinch and pull away, but instead, Yenika lifts her head like a mole peeking out and tries to speak again before falling silent, her energy visibly drained.

Finally, Yenika buries her head on my shoulder.

We sit in silence watching the fire for a while.

Winter persists.

The cold harsh enough to make a single blanket and fire barely bearable.

But spring is approaching, step by step.