Chapter 39 - What Do You Mean, Sister?

[Translator - Peptobismol][Proofreader - Demon God]

Chapter 39 - What Do You Mean, Sister?

"No... Bullying... That can't be..."

"Educators often find it hard to detect bullying. Yuri testified to it directly in a letter. Are you saying Yuri is lying?"

"Yes. That's probably it. Yuri has already subdued her seniors and now controls them like subordinates. No one can touch her at school..."

"...What?"

I was momentarily stunned by the Headmaster's response.

What was he talking about?

Yuri wasn't being bullied?

"Explain this in more detail."

"The seniors were the ones who initially provoked her. However, Yuri's response was excessive."

"So you're saying the seniors tried to bully a junior, and Yuri beat them up in self-defense?"

"That is correct, though it sounds somewhat crude."

"...."

Hmm, I see.

So Yuri...

Instead of studying at school, she was beating up her seniors?

"I knew it! I had a feeling something was off! Yuri isn't the type to get bullied!"

"...Pardon?"

Well done, Yuri.

She's the protagonist for a reason.

Even though I took Sylvia, the mentor, and Julia, the Spirit Master companion, and even Charlotte, the Magic Knight companion, the protagonist must be strong.

Of course, that's how it should be.

From the tone of her letters, it seemed like she was beaten down and depressed, but it was all an act to get my attention.

What a relief.

If Yuri had actually been getting beaten up, I might have had to add more names to my list for the festival of blood.

One person on that list, me, is more than enough.

"Is there anything else noteworthy about Yuri?"

"Well... She seems to be quite ambitious. She's taking more courses than the maximum allowed and seems to be aiming for a double major. Besides her main major in Magical Arts, she's taking almost all the courses that Combat Magic students take. And even in pop quizzes, her grades are excellent."

"..."

As expected, she's interested in combat.

My temples started to throb.

I enrolled her in Magical Arts to steer her away from combat.

I even made her scholarship contingent on maintaining good grades in her major.

Yet this protagonist is excelling in both majors.

Annoying brat.

'But maybe it's a good thing.'

Instead of being bullied, she's turning her seniors into her subordinates.

Her grades are excellent, and she's living cheerfully...

For some reason, I felt a bit satisfied.

It's certain that she'll come to get me someday.

But she's still a kid.

It's better for her to grow strong, fueled by her anger towards me, rather than turning to the dark side.

That's more befitting of a protagonist.

A righteous path.

"Well then, take care."

"Leaving already?"

"Yes. Do you have any business with me?"

"No, it's just... Did you come all this way just to confirm if Yuri was being bullied?"

"Yes. Is there a problem?"

"...No, there isn't."

Since the bullying turned out to be untrue, my business here is done.

If it had been true...

Hmm. I don't know what I would have done.

I might have foamed at the mouth and demanded that the seniors be brought before me.

'Clever brat.'

This time, Yuri got me.

If I hadn't responded to her letters from the start, it wouldn't matter.

But I wrote back in a panic, so ignoring her from now on is impossible.

Replies, huh...

She seems to write letters almost every day. Do I have to reply to every single one...?

Just thinking about it is tiring.

Despite appearances, Yuri has a girlish side, making it difficult to respond.

She likes frilly hats and dolls, of all things.

Cut it out, you brat.

Even if she acts tough outside, she shows her true colors to her sponsor.

'With the money I sent, she should be able to buy whatever she wants.'

I sent her a million larks, so she should be able to buy whatever she wants and live comfortably.

I'll tell her to limit her letters to once a week from now on.

'Let's leave before we run into each other again.'

I'm afraid of running into Yuri again.

I was about to head back to the carriage when I heard a familiar voice from behind, freezing me in my tracks.

"Aslan Vermont... Sir!"

"..."

Yuri... shouldn't you be in class right now...?

I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and turned around with a composed expression. Sᴇaʀch* Thᴇ Nʘvᴇl(F)ire.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

But Yuri's demeanor was different from when I saw her in the library.

Instead of burning with anger, she seemed somewhat calm.

She was trying to smile, but it looked forced, just a twitch at the corner of her mouth.

What is she up to...?

"Ah, hello! It's an honor to meet you. I've heard a lot about you, Lord Aslan. I heard you recently completed a direct road to the capital."

"...Who are you?"

"I was too flustered earlier to introduce myself. I am Yuri Brussels. I know it's presumptuous, but I admire you greatly and wish to serve you."

"You want to serve me?"

"I heard a rumor that you are establishing a security company. Although I'm a student of Magical Arts, I consider myself quite capable. If you hire me, you won't regret it."

"..."

She bowed her head politely.

Then she looked up at me with fierce eyes, staring straight into mine.

Oh no.

Yuri has started making a move on me.

***

'Yuri, my foot.'

Was the name Yuri the best she could come up with?

It's too similar to Julia.

[TL/N: They’re names are written similarly in Korean.]

I lay in the carriage, my head throbbing as if it were about to burst.

'This kid is too bold.'

I never imagined she'd approach me so directly.

I acted nonchalant and ignored her like any haughty noble would, but Yuri won't stop trying to get close to Aslan.

Her intentions are clear.

It's reconnaissance.

Scouting the enemy's territory before launching an attack is basic strategy.

To check on Julia and Charlotte's conditions and plan an attack on Vermont...

'Wait. Maybe I can turn this crisis into an opportunity by showing that Julia and Charlotte are doing well?'

For a moment, I thought of a way to turn the crisis into an opportunity.

'But Julia, who became a necromancer, and Charlotte, a dark knight, wielding a demonic sword... And that weird brown familiar...'

No, that's not right.

It doesn't seem right at all.

My headache returned, and I dismissed the idea immediately.

Maybe once the two of them are in a more convincing state.

But for now, they look like minions modified by a villain.

Showing them to Yuri now might get me killed on the spot.

If Charlotte or Julia tried to explain, "It's a misunderstanding, Yuri! He's actually a good person!" it would be the worst.

Yuri would think I brainwashed them and go berserk.

'I need more time...'

Suddenly revealing, "Here are Charlotte and Julia, whom you've been longing to save," is too risky.

I need to be gradual.

I have to minimize the chance of Yuri losing control.

'Maybe hiring her isn't such a bad idea.'

From that perspective, it might not be a bad idea to hire Yuri at Vermont Security and bind her with a contract.

But this kid is causing trouble by wanting to work instead of focusing on her studies, even though I sent her money for that.

Annoying brat.

"Young Master!"

"Ugh! What is it now?"

The carriage suddenly stopped roughly.

Peeking out of the curtain, I saw a carriage blocking the road.

The emblem... It was the Vermont family crest.

The moment a red heel stepped out of the carriage, a shiver ran down my spine.

"Damn it! Reverse! Reverse!"

"How can we reverse here?"

"Just take the carriage back to the mansion! I'll walk from here!"

As I hurriedly got out of the carriage, a whoosh of air brushed past my eyes, and a soft hand gripped my neck.

"....!?"

Sharp nails dug into my neck, lifting me off the ground and throwing me back into the carriage.

"Ugh!"

"Aslan. My cute little brother. Why are you still so carefree?"

"Ah, help me!"

"Shut up. Are you trying to air our dirty laundry in public? What are you planning to do?"

Irene Vermont stormed in, slamming the door with a furious expression.

I'm screwed.

She's in full rage mode.

I'm going to die here! I'm done for!

I closed my eyes, preparing for the end.

Irene grabbed my collar and shouted desperately.

"What are you going to do? Answer me, Aslan! The Empress is scheduled to visit tomorrow! You have a plan, right? Tell me you have a plan! Hurry!"

"...What?"

What do you mean, sister?

[Translator - Peptobismol]

[Proofreader - Demon God]